Students passing by Serna Plaza Sunday night would never guess from the rock ‘n’ roll music, humor and laughter that the crowd of 150 people were there for a church service. Flood, a community based ministry, is redefining church with a rejuvenated approach.

Sunday’s service was especially significant because of the baptism ceremony in which three people received the sacrament. Flood was established at Sacramento State July 11, but its official kick-off was Sept 5.

A few years ago, Flood, an affiliate of North American Baptist, started a ministry in San Diego. Its vision was to find a location in California where there is a large demographic of college students and young professionals.

The faithful all have different reasons for attending the service. To some it gives a sense of community and fellowship.

The ministry offers a new perspective to people who have been reluctant to go to church in the past.

“Flood is not restricted to four walls, it’s trying to change the idea of church people have had for so long,” lead pastor Sean Randall said.

At Flood, worshiping God is not limited to the traditional ways.

“Stories and prayers can be communicated in so different ways — through music, painting, dance, throughout different arts,” worship pastor Ryan Walton said.

The pastor preaches using real life experiences, and during the service, the Flood rock band plays alternative music, a method that appeals to its younger audience.

“Our largest demographic is 18 to 30 years of age,” Randall said. Randall said that targeting youth is a way of trying to develop and deploy Christians who will go out and carry the word of Christ. Most importantly, Flood is trying to make a difference by positively impacting students’ lives.

“Flood wants to create active followers of Christ,” Randall said.

The ministry’s community groups assigns students to volunteer at facilities such as children’s hospital or convalescence homes, giving them an opportunity to apply the doctrine they learn at the ministry in real life.

One of Flood’s focuses now is helping Uganda, the politically divided African country. In direct partnership with the African Bible College, the ministry is planning to use its resources to build schools, send workers and teachers to bring hope to children soldiers in Africa.

“We want to be an open door,” Randall said.

One of the numerous factors that distinguish Flood from other religious groups is its unique way of conceptualizing church in such a manner that attracts people from diverse walks of life. No matter what their background is, anyone is welcomed at Flood.