Calling all moms.
Join us at Hart Park every Tuesday afternoon, 3-5pm. The kids play while we enjoy time together. Guests are welcome. Check Facebook for updates.
Another season of Theology on Tap began last Wednesday.
We announced last Sunday that Lucas Enge will begin serving as our first-ever Pastoral Resident, effective immediately. To which the congregation stood in spontaneous applause :)
Here's some of what Lucas shared...
Our lives have been transformed.
This is what happens when you are immersed into a gospel saturated, grace loving church. I love Jesus. I love the gospel. I love his Word. I love the church. And I love Orange.
I also know you love me, my wife, and our daughters far more than we deserve. Through you, God has poured out his love on us. You’ve been generous, you’ve befriended us, and your joy in Christ has affected us.
We are in a good place.
God has allowed me to serve along side numerous pastors over the past decade. Yet, I simply can't imagine a better pair of men to learn from. If there is even the slightest possibility that God may have a plan for me to become a pastor at any point in the future, there is no other church I would rather serve, and no two men I would rather learn to serve with.
I expect this new season will teach me again how small I am and how big God is. There will be blessings and their will be challenges. So please pray for me. Thank you for being patient with me. I’m so grateful you’ve allowed me to serve and I want to serve for your good and God’s glory.
Where do pastors come from?
We desire to train men for pastoral ministry. We believe we're called to do this. It's not unique to us, every church must do it. It is a local church mandate.
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV)
This past Sunday we introduced a new initiative at Sovereign Grace Church...our Pastoral Residency Program. In short, this new effort fills the gap between our Internship Program and an individual's ordination. With internships, we explore character and gifting. We give people the time and opportunity to gain experience and be tested.
Why Pastoral Residents?
A Pastoral Resident is a man we believe is called to be a pastor. He appears to have the character and gifting and now we are asking "When and where?" So we invite him into the life of the pastoral team. He's not a pastor yet (i.e. ordained), but we anticipate he will be soon. There are no guarantees and we might even conclude the he is called to pastor another church...even outside our denomination.
What do Pastoral Residents do?
The job descriptions of each Pastoral Resident will vary and their responsibilities will be determined by a number of factors: particular strengths and weaknesses, the level of their existing relationship with the congregation, maturity, anticipated calling, etc.
How can you help?
Be assured that we will work hard to respect the office of pastor. You don't need to wonder what role each resident plays in your life and the life of the church. We'll define their responsibilities and keep you informed. And as always, your help and affirmation is very important.
Encourage our residents like you would any other brother. Personally thank them for serving and do you best to help them bear good fruit. Contact your pastor and ask questions or express concerns. Pray for everyone involved.
The summer is over and it's time to get to busy. Here are a few opportunities this Fall that you need to register for ASAP.
Newcomers Class
The Starting Point Class is a great place to get to know us better. Twice a year, our pastors lead a series of 5 discussions covering everything from our theological distinctives to our ministry philosophies. Every church member is required to take the course, but there is no pressure to join the church after doing so. The next class begins September 14, 2014.
Learn more, ask questions, and register here.
Men's Group
Theology on Tap is our once-a-month theological discussion designed to challenge men to think, learn, listen, and speak with grace and love. We want to be men who know what we believe and why we believe it...and to do all this all in the context of the local church.
Learn more and register ASAP. The next meeting is September 10, 2014.
Preachers Club
The Preachers Club is a once-a-month workshop designed to equip church members to proclaim the Word of God. Granted some may preach the gospel better, but nobody preaches a better gospel. Interested? We use Bryan Chapell's Christ-Centered Preaching as our textbook.
Theology on Tap
Join us for our once-a-month theological discussion designed to challenge men to think, learn, listen, and speak with grace and love. We want to be men who know what we believe and why we believe it...and to do all this all in the context of the local church.
Learn more and register ASAP. The next meeting is September 10, 2014.
Interested in learning more about Sovereign Grace?
The Starting Point Class is a great place to get to know us better. Twice a year, our pastors lead a series of 5 discussions covering everything from our theological distinctives to our ministry philosophies. Every church member is required to take the course, but there is no pressure to join the church after doing so.
The next class begins September 14, 2014.
Learn more, ask questions, and register here.
God is prospering your ministry to one another and it's time to grow. Two of our existing groups are reconfiguring into three. We want to make room for new people to enjoy the same blessings of community that we have in the past.
The Davis Group, Fridays in Irvine
The Adam Group, Fridays in North Orange
The Turbedsky Group, Fridays in North Santa Ana
Thank you for making our small groups one of the best parts of being Sovereign Grace. Your love for one another lends credibility to the gospel. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)