Amplify Church

On Wednesday, Amplify Church of Pittsburgh had a night dedicated to college students and young adults filled with worship, fellowship, and a brief message. The format sounds quite similar to other small group settings that churches around the area have to offer, but the vibe I got from a night at Amplify is unlike any other. One feature that gives Amplify a uniqueness compared to other churches is its location and venue. The church was planted in the heart of the strip district in what used to be a bar/nightclub. The makeup of the church was far from what I was accustomed to growing up, but as the night went on I was convinced that God was present in the room. That night at Amplify, the speaker focused on trusting God’s plan, rather than our own, even if our situation looks bleak. It was a powerful message I definitely connected with as a young adult determined to devoutly follow God’s plan. As I reflected on the night and collected my thoughts, I realized how fitting the setting was for this message. There are people all over the world who, when faced with bleak circumstances, fall much easier to their temptations and head to bars and nightclubs rather than praying for their situation and facing it with a clear heart and mind. I find it so fascinating and uplifting to see a church restore an avenue that can lead to destruction and replace it with avenue for growth, prayer, fellowship, and redemption.  Seeing leaders at Amplify grow this church and reaching out to a new audience that many churches might miss is encouraging to see as one who plans on investing in the city of Pittsburgh for years into the future.