User:Djc wi/3 Degrees Ministries

3 Degrees Ministries, commonly referred to as 3 Degrees, is an evangelical Christian ministry located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 3 Degrees Ministries branches into 2 main departments, Club 3 Degrees, a nationally-recognized Christian music venue, and 3 Degrees Church, a non-denominational church that meets on Sundays and Wednesdays.

History
3 Degrees Ministries was founded in 1989 under the name The New Union. Originally an outreach of Living Word Christian Center, operating rights were given to current senior pastors Steve & Nancy Aleksuk in 1992, who were orginally volunteers at the then-new ministry. The Aleksuks kept The New Union at its original location, until 1994, at which point the Aleksuks purchased, renovated, and occupied the Falldin American Legion Building in Minneapolis.

In 2003, The New Union was renamed to 3 Degrees Ministries and relocated to the Warehouse District of Minneapolis. The move generated attention from Newsweek and Rolling Stone as Club 3 Degrees became the largest nightclub in the Twin Cities.

In 2008, 3 Degrees became its own ministry as Living Word could no longer support the ministry. In addition, 3 Degrees reduced the number of concerts they hosted as the rising number of shows caused conflict with regular church service schedules.

In 2011, 3 Degrees Ministries moved to its current location at the Epic Event Center, across the street from its former location in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis.

Name meaning
According to senior pastor Steve Aleksuk, the name "3 Degrees" demonstrates the three core beliefs of the organization.


 * His presence (Exodus 33:15-16)
 * His goodness (Exodus 33:18-19)
 * The manifestation of His spirit (Exodus 33:7-10)

It is the ministry's goal for people to experience this when they walk through their doors.

Club 3 Degrees
Club 3 Degrees is 3 Degrees Ministries' concert venue most known for its locally-acclaimed and nationally-recognized music tournament, which has been judged by Jim Worthen (VP of Tooth & Nail Records, BEC Recordings, Solid State Records) Many bands that have competed in this tournament have gone on to sign to record labels. Examples include but are not limited to Children 18:3 and Philmont. Club 3 Degrees is regarded as the nation's largest Christian nightclub in the United States.

3 Degrees Church
3 Degrees holds church services at 10:30 on Sunday mornings and at 6:00 on Wednesday evenings. It is pastored by Steve & Nancy Aleksuk. It includes many separate ministries including its Ignite Youth Ministry.