Pastor John Bales, Community Reformed Church, Escondido:

The greater purpose of the Community Reformed Church is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We are called to magnify the manifold perfections of the One, True God through the proclamation of His Word, the Holy Scriptures. It is through the proclamation of the gospel, God’s good news, along with the working of His Holy Spirit that a person can come to know Him and enjoy Him. Although this should be the purpose of every Christian church, we live in an age of much confusion regarding the church’s purpose.

Having said this, every church is different and therefore those churches which seek to glorify God will do so in ways which are unique to its context. We are not intentionally trying to become a mega church. Rather, our intention is to be spiritually alive, mature and reproductive in ministry. The two large oak trees at the entrance of the church are symbolic of our desire to be fruitful, drawing upon the life of Jesus Christ, bearing fruit in people’s lives and in the multiplication of churches. We seek to glorify God by providing biblical preaching in a reverent, classic style of worship. We also believe that God will be honored as we authentically love each other. Our church feels a special calling to leave a legacy for the next generation.

Pastor Richard Burkey, Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa:

Christ Lutheran Church exists to develop dynamic disciples for Christ through the five purposes Rick Warren highlights in The Purpose Driven Church:

In membership, we gather together and become a part of God’s family through small group ministry meeting in homes and serving in our community.

In maturity, we grow in our relationship with God to become more Christ-like. Study of God’s Word in Bible classes, small groups, and individual devotions results in practical application in prayer, generosity and service.

In ministry, we give ourselves through using our spiritual gifts and talents. God has shaped Christ Lutheran Church to build families through a pre-school through 8th grade school, youth ministry from middle school through college age, and generational events like sock hops and over 230 participants at La Mesa’s Pick Up the Park Day.

In mission, we go and tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Working with Global Mission Fellowship, we’ve gone to Cuba, Paraguay, Russia, and next year Ethiopia. Working with Mission India, we’ve planted over 20 churches in India. Working with Yugo, we work to connect youth in Mexico to Jesus. Through relationships God provides, we seek to be contagious, connecting people to Jesus.

In magnification, we seek to live a life of worship that brings the glory to God. Worship in our sanctuary and gym as well as the occasional service on Mount Helix and in Harry Griffen Park celebrates the purpose God has for our lives.