Brad Sarian, the lead pastor of Restored Church LA, passionately shares insights from his journey in church planting. He discusses navigating the complexities of leadership and the importance of clear communication in fostering community. Highlighting the need for adaptive youth ministry strategies, he emphasizes personal engagement and mentorship. Sarian also reflects on evolving gender roles within the church, advocating for inclusivity and recognizing women's vital contributions. His experiences underscore the enriching power of community and the love of Jesus.
Brad Sarian emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in navigating the complexities of church planting.
The episode explores the role of core mission values as guiding principles that shape the culture of Restored Church LA.
A significant shift toward mutualism in gender roles illustrates the evolving dynamics of leadership and inclusivity within contemporary churches.
Deep dives
Christian Political Identity
A significant theme explored is the concept of 'exile in Babylon', which serves as a framework for understanding a Christian political identity amidst contemporary political tensions. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible offers guidance not on specific political candidates or parties, but rather on how Christians can perceive themselves within the various 'empires' they inhabit. This perspective suggests that Christians ought to navigate political landscapes with a sense of their own exile, realizing that their ultimate allegiance transcends earthly powers. The exploration invites listeners to reconsider their role in society and the implications of their faith in the public square.
Church Planting Journey
The episode features a conversation with Brad Sarian, who reflects on his journey as the founding pastor of Restored Church LA, which started when he was just 25 years old. Brad shares the essential preparations he undertook prior to the church plant, including learning from experienced leaders in an established church in San Diego. The rich experiences he collected there, including witnessing the challenges and successes of church planting, greatly informed his vision and strategies as he navigated the complexities of establishing a new congregation. The wisdom gained from these formative years underscored the importance of mentorship and community support in the church planting process.
Navigating Challenges in Growth
Brad provides insight into the challenges commonly faced in growing a church, particularly in the first few years. He discusses the bittersweet reality of witnessing team members depart after the initial enthusiasm wanes, shedding light on the emotional toll this takes on church leaders. Brad notes that navigating the growing pains of church life often involves managing expectations and fostering deeper connections within the congregation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building a resilient community that can endure challenges together while striving toward collective mission.
Understanding Church Values
A key aspect of church identity discussed is the establishment of core mission values, which serve as guiding principles for the community. Brad recounts how Restored Church LA focuses on 'gospel, family, dependence, mission, multiplication, and renewal' as foundational values, evolving from earlier learnings in the church planting process. This commitment to articulated values provides clarity in decision-making and helps shape the culture of the church as it grows. The episode highlights how these values can guide a church community's interactions and outreach efforts, fostering a cohesive and purpose-driven environment.
The Role of Women in Leadership
A major turning point discussed in the episode is the shift towards mutualism in gender roles within church leadership, allowing women to hold elder positions. Brad describes the theological journey that led to this change, grappling with various perspectives on gender within ministry. Importantly, he emphasizes the need for a biblical understanding of women's roles that aligns with the mission of the church without compromising scriptural integrity. This development illustrates a broader trend in contemporary churches to embrace inclusivity and cultivate diverse leadership models.
The Importance of Community
The episode underscores the vital role of community in fostering a healthy church environment and encouraging spiritual growth among members. Brad expresses gratitude for the strong sense of family cultivated within Restored LA, as members experience acceptance and genuine relationships. This ethos of community is regarded as a distinguishing aspect of the church, evident in the ways members engage with one another and seek to support each other's spiritual journeys. The focus on genuine connection reflects a desire to embody biblical teachings while addressing the modern challenges faced by congregations today.
Brad Sarian is the lead and founding pastor of Restored Church LA in Los Angeles, CA. He is married to his wife of 13 years, has two children, and a passion to help people experience the love of Jesus so they can enjoy and obey him in all of life. Check out Restored LA here: https://www.restoredla.com
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