Locations Matter

ROB O’NEAL, DIRECTOR OF CHURCH MULTIPLICATION

The CCCC Annual Gathering kicked off this year with a rousing rendition of “California Dreamin’” by the band from the host church, Carlsbad Community Church. The congregation responded enthusiastically, because we all had California on our minds.

For those of us from the East Coast and the Midwest, the trek to Southern California was longer than normal. For those of us from the West Coast, it was a relief to finally stay closer to home. Even coming from a long distance was worth the effort, however, because Southern California is beautiful. Warm days, sunny skies, and cool evenings prove why real estate in that part of the country is so expensive. People simply want to live there.
Having the Annual Gathering in Southern California was also worth it, because we had the opportunity to see things we rarely see. I got to swim in the Pacific Ocean, something I never experienced growing up on the East Coast. Many memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences were within an easy drive.

More importantly, we enjoyed renewing our ties with CCCC churches in Southern California and meeting new friends. The church multiplication movement in Southern California has renewed levels of energy. There are people in the area planting churches on our behalf, there are churches interested in supporting the movement, and there are more people waiting for assessment as they consider starting new churches.

While in Southern California we were also reminded of good things happening in that part of the country. For instance, Plymouth Church in Whittier is one church with two congregations. Dan Pryor is the Lead Pastor of the church and usually leads the English speaking congregation. Jorge Hrebien is pastor of the Spanish speaking congregation. The two congregations share facilities, time, and many projects. They are setting an exciting example in how to do ministry in a multi-lingual context.

Meeting in Southern California strengthened the CCCC. We are going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania next summer. Once again the folks from the West Coast will make the long trek east to join the rest of us for a fantastic Annual Gathering. CCCC churches in Pennsylvania, Western New York, and Ohio will also benefit greatly from being better connected to one another and to the Conference as a whole. We are truly living out our value of Shared Life and Shared Mission through our Annual Gatherings, and it makes a difference.