A church planter must not fall in love with the four corners of his church. If a church planter’s goal is to fill the place with people then he misses the whole point. You can have a large church that is not making a noise in the community. You can have a Sunday congregation, a nice worship program, the latest tech to spice up your church services, but if your church is not impacting the city something is wrong.
God has called us to be salt and light. We bring God’s flavor to our neighborhood. The name of Jesus must be fragrant and famous.
Let me tell you why you are here. “You’re here to be salt seasoning that brings out the God flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” (MAtthew 5:13, The Message Bible)
Here’s another way to put it: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
OUR VISION IS NOT JUST TO BUILD A GREAT CHURCH BUT A GREAT CITY
Why San Juan?
- Although not officially known, the tiny city of San Juan could also be called the “Town of Philippine Presidents.” Of the last nine presidents since the Philippines became a Republic in 1946, four of them were official residents of San Juan when they assumed the reins of national office. The four are/were the Macapagals, pere et fille, Diosdado Sr. (1961-1965) and the incumbent, his daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2010), Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986) and Joseph Estrada (1998, until his ouster in 2001’s EDSA II). In addition, the second President of the 3rd Republic, Elpidio Quirino (1948-1953), lived here as well.
- Population is 120,000, of which 27% are under 14— Very young city
- Very diverse city – melting pot of Filipinos, Spanish, Chinese and Muslims
- Haven for young entrepreneurs– almost every starting entrepreneur starts out in Greenhills.
In terms of reaching the next generation of leaders, San Juan is the place.