Derrick Miller on Co-Vocational Calling, Merging with a 100-Year-Old Church, and Leading Through Change

In today’s episode, Derrick Miller invites us into the story of Makers Church in San Diego and the co-vocational calling that’s shaped his life as both pastor and firefighter. Derrick shares how a surprising “church marriage” with a 100-year-old congregation, neighborhood change, and a multi-million-dollar building renovation have forced him and his team to slow down, listen carefully to the Spirit, and rethink what sustainable leadership actually looks like. Along the way, he offers a lived picture of priesthood-of-all-believers, where every follower of Jesus is sent into their workplace, street, and city as a full participant in God’s mission.

In this conversation Jason and Derrick talk about:

• The origin story of Makers Church and how Derrick’s firefighter calling shaped their co-vocational model,
• How a young church plant “married” a 100-year-old congregation, and inherited a spiritual legacy, not just a building,
• How neighbourhood change and selling church-owned homes opened the door for new mission and a major renovation,
• The shift from pastor-led decisions to communal discernment, elder leadership, and governance that reflects real church life,
• Why co-vocational ministry is about more than budgets and how it reframes staffing, power, and how we view congregants as sent ones,
• Practical ways pastors can affirm everyday work as mission and equip people to live as the church where they live, work, and play.

Derrick offers a hopeful and grounded vision for pastors wrestling with limited resources, changing neighbourhoods, and questions about what’s next for their church. Whether you’re leading in a rented gym, renovating a century-old sanctuary, or simply tired of feeling like everything depends on you, may this conversation expand your imagination, ease some pressure, and help you see your people, and their everyday work, as central to the kingdom story God is writing in your city.

Show Notes

• ⁠Makers Church – San Diego, CA⁠ 
• ⁠Lead Pastor Fellowship Application⁠
• ⁠Emerging Leaders Lab Application⁠

Partners

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