17 THC Highlights of 2017
2017 has come and gone. This past week I was reflecting upon everything that transpired in 2017. Sometimes it feels like we don't do much as a church, but when I saw this chart below… I quickly felt differently.
BUSY. BUSY. BUSY.
Understand, that’s just my preaching schedule. That’s just the things that take place on Sundays. That doesn’t take into account all the things that take place outside of the Sunday service.
I decided to take some time and really think about all that took place this past year. During that process, I thought of 17 highlights from this past year. It wasn’t hard to pick 17, it was hard to pick which 17. I could have easily selected 30.
If you are a member of THC, take some time to praise God for His unwavering faithfulness to us as a church as we continue to strive to be:
“A gospel-centered community changing the city with the love of Christ for the glory of God”
1. Family Church Vision Cast – January
I decided to take some time and really think about all that took place this past year. During that process, I thought of 17 highlights from this past year. It wasn’t hard to pick 17, it was hard to pick which 17. I could have easily selected 30.
If you are a member of THC, take some time to praise God for His unwavering faithfulness to us as a church as we continue to strive to be:
“A gospel-centered community changing the city with the love of Christ for the glory of God”
1. Family Church Vision Cast – January
We kicked off 2017, with the announcement of going in a new direction as a church through the implementation of “Family Church” – our church’s primary strategy for achieving its mission.
We kicked off with a sermon series laying out the vision, model, and strategy of Family Church.
We had all sorts of people share with us about this model of church: Shepherds from New Life Fellowship came, Lynette Shin (Pastor’s wife) came, Youth Pastors: Phil & Hanna talked about the impact of FC in the youth, Chris & Adinai shared about experiencing FC in Kyrgyzstan. We had Q&A’s, lots of sermon illustrations (sorry James for literally bashing your head with a Bible), and testimonies about God saving the lost and making disciples through this model of church.
We kicked off with a sermon series laying out the vision, model, and strategy of Family Church.
We had all sorts of people share with us about this model of church: Shepherds from New Life Fellowship came, Lynette Shin (Pastor’s wife) came, Youth Pastors: Phil & Hanna talked about the impact of FC in the youth, Chris & Adinai shared about experiencing FC in Kyrgyzstan. We had Q&A’s, lots of sermon illustrations (sorry James for literally bashing your head with a Bible), and testimonies about God saving the lost and making disciples through this model of church.
THESE ARE SHEPHERDS FROM NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP (HOUSTON, TEXAS) THAT SACRIFICED THEIR VACATION TIME TO SHARE WITH US.
2. “Family on Mission” Retreat – January
We ended January with a bang. We had our first All-Church retreat in Big Bear. There was some crazy snow too! The theme of the retreat was “Family on Mission” and instead of a typical retreat structure with lots of preaching/teaching, we gave a weekend sample of what Family Church could be like. Everyone was assigned into different “FC’s” for the weekend and experienced sharing in this new structure.
My favorite moment of the retreat came on the last day when we had an open mic. I had challenged you, THC, to come up and give an encouragement in the form of a prayer, Scripture reading, or exhortation.
A little it of context... I want to go back to several months prior to the retreat. We had an after-church taco night at the Pelayos. After eating very spicy salsa, we had a time of worship around the fire in their backyard and I gave a similar challenge to the group and let’s just say there was lots of crickets.
Back to the last day of the retreat. I thought that a similar “cricket” outcome would transpire but to my surprise… every single retreat attendee came up and shared. You encouraged one another. Prayed for one another. Talked about what you learned and expressed excitement for the implementation of Family Church.
This was a tangible moment of growth that God allowed me to experience and to remind me that HE IS growing & maturing our church.
We ended January with a bang. We had our first All-Church retreat in Big Bear. There was some crazy snow too! The theme of the retreat was “Family on Mission” and instead of a typical retreat structure with lots of preaching/teaching, we gave a weekend sample of what Family Church could be like. Everyone was assigned into different “FC’s” for the weekend and experienced sharing in this new structure.
My favorite moment of the retreat came on the last day when we had an open mic. I had challenged you, THC, to come up and give an encouragement in the form of a prayer, Scripture reading, or exhortation.
A little it of context... I want to go back to several months prior to the retreat. We had an after-church taco night at the Pelayos. After eating very spicy salsa, we had a time of worship around the fire in their backyard and I gave a similar challenge to the group and let’s just say there was lots of crickets.
Back to the last day of the retreat. I thought that a similar “cricket” outcome would transpire but to my surprise… every single retreat attendee came up and shared. You encouraged one another. Prayed for one another. Talked about what you learned and expressed excitement for the implementation of Family Church.
This was a tangible moment of growth that God allowed me to experience and to remind me that HE IS growing & maturing our church.
THANKS FOR THE PRETTY WRITING JOAN LIM!
JAMES KO SHARING AN ENCOURAGING WORD TO THE THC FAM-BAM!
3. Shepherd’s Training – February
The week after the "FOM" retreat, all the Shepherds began training in the FC model. We began to meet in one another’s homes and learn, primarily, through modeling what Family Church is in practice not just principle. The trainings included helping John & Janice move into their new apartment, learning from Pastor Paul who did Family Church at his previous pastorate, learning how to “share” and be vulnerable with one another while encouraging one another. This was an important bonding and unifying time for the Shepherds to learn about the FC model well enough to lead on their own.
The week after the "FOM" retreat, all the Shepherds began training in the FC model. We began to meet in one another’s homes and learn, primarily, through modeling what Family Church is in practice not just principle. The trainings included helping John & Janice move into their new apartment, learning from Pastor Paul who did Family Church at his previous pastorate, learning how to “share” and be vulnerable with one another while encouraging one another. This was an important bonding and unifying time for the Shepherds to learn about the FC model well enough to lead on their own.
PASTOR PAUL LEE FROM MIRACLELAND BAPTIST CHURCH TRAINING THC SHEPHERDS.
A RECENT PHOTO OF ALL THE CURRENT SHEPHERDS OF THE HOME CHURCH.
4. Church Membership Begins – February
2017 marked the first time that Church Membership began at this church. Our church never had a formal church membership process. We had five series of classes for people to learn about what it means to formally join and commit to The Home Church.
This year, 45 of you signed the THC Church Member’s Covenant, and that was super encouraging to see such a strong amount of people agree to make The Home Church the place they want to commit to.
Reflecting on that encourages me for the future. So many of you are willing to invest your time, talents, and treasures here at THC.
2017 marked the first time that Church Membership began at this church. Our church never had a formal church membership process. We had five series of classes for people to learn about what it means to formally join and commit to The Home Church.
This year, 45 of you signed the THC Church Member’s Covenant, and that was super encouraging to see such a strong amount of people agree to make The Home Church the place they want to commit to.
Reflecting on that encourages me for the future. So many of you are willing to invest your time, talents, and treasures here at THC.
JUST COMPLETED MEMBERSHIP CLASSES AND SIGNED THE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT.
NEW MEMBERS AGREEING TO THEIR COVENANT BEFORE THE CONGREGATION.
5. THC Receives Denominational Funding – March
After one long year of assessments and trainings, and meetings with our SBC Regional Catalyst, Jimmie Davidson, our church was recognized by the Southern Baptized Convention to receive denominational funding.
It’s not easy to be recognized by the denomination in this capacity. This is a testament to the denomination seeing great Kingdom potential in our church.
Recently, the denomination has expressed a strong interest in what our church is trying to do through the implementation of Family Church and has even asked me to give presentations to Pastors and Church Planters within the denomination.
After one long year of assessments and trainings, and meetings with our SBC Regional Catalyst, Jimmie Davidson, our church was recognized by the Southern Baptized Convention to receive denominational funding.
It’s not easy to be recognized by the denomination in this capacity. This is a testament to the denomination seeing great Kingdom potential in our church.
Recently, the denomination has expressed a strong interest in what our church is trying to do through the implementation of Family Church and has even asked me to give presentations to Pastors and Church Planters within the denomination.
JIMMIE DAVIDSON CAME AND GUEST SPOKE AT THE HOME CHURCH AND BROUGHT HIS CORE TEAM WITH HIM. IF YOU RECALL, HE IS PLANTING A CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN LA.
6. Pastors House Church Seminar at New Life Fellowship – March
In March, I flew out to Houston to learn from the Mother Church of the House Church model. All in all, I was blown away by what I saw. I saw the fruits of a church that committed 20 years to reaching the lost and making disciples through the House Church model (what we call Family Church).
I had never seen a church filled with predominately 20 and 30 year olds so committed to the Great Commission. It was like seeing the 21st Century Book of Acts Church. I talked to so many members who were recent converts and all of them had similar testimonies. It was their experience through “House Church” that proved to be a key component to them becoming a Christian. I couldn’t sleep for a week after this conference because I was so excited about what God could do through, The Home Church :)
This conference was important because it further confirmed and solidified in my mind that we were going in the right direction as a church. Looking forward to all the future fruit that is reaped for the Kingdom of Jesus.
In March, I flew out to Houston to learn from the Mother Church of the House Church model. All in all, I was blown away by what I saw. I saw the fruits of a church that committed 20 years to reaching the lost and making disciples through the House Church model (what we call Family Church).
I had never seen a church filled with predominately 20 and 30 year olds so committed to the Great Commission. It was like seeing the 21st Century Book of Acts Church. I talked to so many members who were recent converts and all of them had similar testimonies. It was their experience through “House Church” that proved to be a key component to them becoming a Christian. I couldn’t sleep for a week after this conference because I was so excited about what God could do through, The Home Church :)
This conference was important because it further confirmed and solidified in my mind that we were going in the right direction as a church. Looking forward to all the future fruit that is reaped for the Kingdom of Jesus.
70+ HOUSE CHURCHES AFTER 20 YEARS OF REACHING OUT TO VIPS AND MAKING DISCIPLES THROUGH HOUSE CHURCHES.
7. Night of Worship w/RHCCC – March
We joined with Rowland Heights Christian Community Church for a combined night of worship and prayer for the city of Rowland Heights, and the collective Church presence here, to the 50,000 precious souls here in RH.
Check out this cool article that was written about our churches coming together:
http://www.christianitydaily.com/articles/8897/20170308/two-rowland-heights-churches-hold-hands-prayer-jesus-brought-together.htm
We believe that God has called us to this city. This night of worship and prayer served as a reminder of that calling.
We continue to meet with fellow Rowland Heights Pastors monthly to encourage one another, pray for our churches, and pray for the lost here in Rowland Heights.
We joined with Rowland Heights Christian Community Church for a combined night of worship and prayer for the city of Rowland Heights, and the collective Church presence here, to the 50,000 precious souls here in RH.
Check out this cool article that was written about our churches coming together:
http://www.christianitydaily.com/articles/8897/20170308/two-rowland-heights-churches-hold-hands-prayer-jesus-brought-together.htm
We believe that God has called us to this city. This night of worship and prayer served as a reminder of that calling.
We continue to meet with fellow Rowland Heights Pastors monthly to encourage one another, pray for our churches, and pray for the lost here in Rowland Heights.
THE HOME CHURCH & ROWLAND HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH WORSHIPPING AND PRAYING TOGETHER FOR ONE ANOTHER AND FOR THE 50,000 SOULS IN ROWLAND HEIGHTS.
8. Family Church Officially Launches! – April
After several months of preaching, a retreat, testimonies, and Shepherd-training the big moment came on Palm Sunday where we had Family Church signups. I didn’t know what to expect. Below, is a Facebook post I wrote shortly after seeing the response from you, the congregation:
“Hey guys, I’m just going to tell you...
I'm overwhelmed right now! With joy! I'm blown away! You guys just destroyed my expectations!
So, I was expecting something like 25-30 people to sign up for Family Church yesterday. I remember thinking, "Even if 20 people sign up for Family Church that would be good. Because with the 10 Shepherds that means 30 people total starting out. That's good!"
I wanted everyone to be part of FC, but knowing that this is quite the commitment I had mostly tethered expectations.
Would you believe if I told you that 44 officially signed up yesterday (that's not counting the 10 Shepherds we already have in place), 13 people want to commit but have questions (many in this group will end up amongst the committed I'm sure), and we had ppl missing yesterday at church. Which means the number will go up a little more.
Whoa.
Was not expecting that!
Yesterday was such a powerful reminder from God to me that you guys are so down! When I said, months ago, that our church has so much potential, I meant that! And you guys proved it yesterday!”
Yeah, it was an epic moment of the year.
After several months of preaching, a retreat, testimonies, and Shepherd-training the big moment came on Palm Sunday where we had Family Church signups. I didn’t know what to expect. Below, is a Facebook post I wrote shortly after seeing the response from you, the congregation:
“Hey guys, I’m just going to tell you...
I'm overwhelmed right now! With joy! I'm blown away! You guys just destroyed my expectations!
So, I was expecting something like 25-30 people to sign up for Family Church yesterday. I remember thinking, "Even if 20 people sign up for Family Church that would be good. Because with the 10 Shepherds that means 30 people total starting out. That's good!"
I wanted everyone to be part of FC, but knowing that this is quite the commitment I had mostly tethered expectations.
Would you believe if I told you that 44 officially signed up yesterday (that's not counting the 10 Shepherds we already have in place), 13 people want to commit but have questions (many in this group will end up amongst the committed I'm sure), and we had ppl missing yesterday at church. Which means the number will go up a little more.
Whoa.
Was not expecting that!
Yesterday was such a powerful reminder from God to me that you guys are so down! When I said, months ago, that our church has so much potential, I meant that! And you guys proved it yesterday!”
Yeah, it was an epic moment of the year.
FC SIGNUP SHEET. WE HAD TO ADD A 6TH FAMILY CHURCH BECAUSE THE RESPONSE WAS GREATER THAN ANTICIPATED.
9. Missions Send Off – June
This year we sent a team to Mexico for a medical brigade, led by Jinsol Hyun. It was a blessing to see so many of you who are either in the medical field or studying for the medical field, use your collective skills and education for the Kingdom.
Hanna Kim led a team of eight to Kazakhstan for an English Camp that facilitated opportunities for Christians and non-Christians to meet.
Both of these mission trips successfully accomplished their mission objectives.
Jemini Park went on missions to Malaysia. Jane Park went on missions to S. Korea.
What was really cool was that we were able to commission all of these short-term missionaries on the same day at THC.
This year we sent a team to Mexico for a medical brigade, led by Jinsol Hyun. It was a blessing to see so many of you who are either in the medical field or studying for the medical field, use your collective skills and education for the Kingdom.
Hanna Kim led a team of eight to Kazakhstan for an English Camp that facilitated opportunities for Christians and non-Christians to meet.
Both of these mission trips successfully accomplished their mission objectives.
Jemini Park went on missions to Malaysia. Jane Park went on missions to S. Korea.
What was really cool was that we were able to commission all of these short-term missionaries on the same day at THC.
REPRESENTING JESUS WHEREVER HE SENDS US.
KAZAKHSTAN TEAM PUTTING ON "THE EXCHANGE" ENGLISH CAMP.
10. Oscar’s Testimony – August
In 2017, we had 16 testimonies shared at THC. All of these stories of God’s wonderful working in our lives were awesome. But there is one I would like to highlight: Oscar Banos. The reason? Because Oscar came to Christ through the love of our church, was baptized in our church, and is one of the fruits of our prayers and sacrifices as a church.
Oscar encouraged us to reach out to more non-Christians and share the same love with them as we shared with him. It was a powerful moment for our church in 2017. It’s a reminder of being a church that reaches the other “Oscars” out there.
In 2017, we had 16 testimonies shared at THC. All of these stories of God’s wonderful working in our lives were awesome. But there is one I would like to highlight: Oscar Banos. The reason? Because Oscar came to Christ through the love of our church, was baptized in our church, and is one of the fruits of our prayers and sacrifices as a church.
Oscar encouraged us to reach out to more non-Christians and share the same love with them as we shared with him. It was a powerful moment for our church in 2017. It’s a reminder of being a church that reaches the other “Oscars” out there.
11. Gaby & Marco Receive Christ at A.S.K. Meetings – August & October
This year we saw both Gaby and Marco make professions of faith. Both Gaby & Marco came to Christ through the love they experienced from their Family Church’s. Both were baptized in early December as well. In their baptism testimonies, they shared the impact of their Family Churches and Shepherds and their decisions to receive Christ into their life and follow Him.
Let’s continue to love and encourage them in their new faith in Jesus. We are the church. Church isn’t like a family. Church is family. We are a family on a mission for the Kingdom of Jesus to reach the lost.
This year we saw both Gaby and Marco make professions of faith. Both Gaby & Marco came to Christ through the love they experienced from their Family Church’s. Both were baptized in early December as well. In their baptism testimonies, they shared the impact of their Family Churches and Shepherds and their decisions to receive Christ into their life and follow Him.
Let’s continue to love and encourage them in their new faith in Jesus. We are the church. Church isn’t like a family. Church is family. We are a family on a mission for the Kingdom of Jesus to reach the lost.
12. House Church Seminar for Lay Leaders – October
In October, we sent nine members to learn more about the Family Church model. Training the next wave of Shepherds is important for the health and growth of THC. Members returned encouraged and further equipped to serve and lead in their current and/or future Family Churches.
In October, we sent nine members to learn more about the Family Church model. Training the next wave of Shepherds is important for the health and growth of THC. Members returned encouraged and further equipped to serve and lead in their current and/or future Family Churches.
13. “Light the Heights” Halloween Outreach – October
The S. Korean Family Church led by Papa Mitch & Delia (now the “Ethiopia FC”) used their home and made it “Up-themed”. They used this as an opportunity to spread the love of Christ to their Rowland Heights neighbors! Many of you donated candy and came to serve for the night. This was a great reminder of being a church that’s “on mission” to our city/community.
The S. Korean Family Church led by Papa Mitch & Delia (now the “Ethiopia FC”) used their home and made it “Up-themed”. They used this as an opportunity to spread the love of Christ to their Rowland Heights neighbors! Many of you donated candy and came to serve for the night. This was a great reminder of being a church that’s “on mission” to our city/community.
JOHN AND STEVEN IN CHARGE OF ONE OF THE GAME STATIONS.
14. First Official Intern Shepherd – Kelly Kao – December
Kelly Kao from the Malaysia FC became the first trained Intern Shepherd. There will be several more Intern Shepherds trained soon.
An Intern Shepherd is someone who is recognized by their current Shepherds/FC as the next Shepherd for the Family Church once they multiply.
Training the next wave of Shepherds is essential for the continual growth of our church through the Family Church model. Exciting!
Kelly Kao from the Malaysia FC became the first trained Intern Shepherd. There will be several more Intern Shepherds trained soon.
An Intern Shepherd is someone who is recognized by their current Shepherds/FC as the next Shepherd for the Family Church once they multiply.
Training the next wave of Shepherds is essential for the continual growth of our church through the Family Church model. Exciting!
15. Christmas & New Year’s Services – December
In the last few weeks we had services at our mother church and celebrated together as a church family. Family Churches served The Home Church with food and activities. There was lots of laughter and flying marshmallows – I still don’t know who was throwing those ;)
In the last few weeks we had services at our mother church and celebrated together as a church family. Family Churches served The Home Church with food and activities. There was lots of laughter and flying marshmallows – I still don’t know who was throwing those ;)
EXCITED MUCH?
A CHURCH THAT PLAYS AND PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER.
16. Baptisms! –
We had four “New Church Member & Baptism Celebrations” in 2017. We celebrated new church member commitments and celebrated baptisms.
In 2017, we saw the following baptized:
- Oscar Banos
- John Ko
- Kevin Park
- Heidi Park
- Kelly Kao
- James Ko
- Joan Lim
- Megan Yi
- Jessica Hong
- Marco Camareno
- Gaby Flores
- Kristin Choi
Baptisms represent Kingdom-allegiance. Baptisms represent Gospel-fruit. Baptisms represent commitment to Christ and His church!
In total, we saw 12 of you get baptized this year at THC. All glory to God!
We had four “New Church Member & Baptism Celebrations” in 2017. We celebrated new church member commitments and celebrated baptisms.
In 2017, we saw the following baptized:
- Oscar Banos
- John Ko
- Kevin Park
- Heidi Park
- Kelly Kao
- James Ko
- Joan Lim
- Megan Yi
- Jessica Hong
- Marco Camareno
- Gaby Flores
- Kristin Choi
Baptisms represent Kingdom-allegiance. Baptisms represent Gospel-fruit. Baptisms represent commitment to Christ and His church!
In total, we saw 12 of you get baptized this year at THC. All glory to God!
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17. Slow, But Sure Unifying of THC –
THIS YEAR WE GOT CLOSER TO ONE ANOTHER.
You know… this last one isn’t a singular highlight. This last one represents the slow, but steady growth of our church that we experienced this year. There were so many things that the Holy Spirit did at THC this year that didn’t make the above entries. They aren’t singular events. They aren’t always observable. Many of these kinds of moments were rather “ordinary” and “natural”.
But understand. God was working supernaturally through the natural day-to-day encounters with one another this year. We are closer to one another this year. We are more open to one another this year. We have a greater sense of how we will accomplish our church's mission this year.
We are becoming one.
When I first came to The Home Church, I was the 5th Pastor in 5 years of this church. That’s a lot of change, right?!
I am committed to seeing God grow this church for the long haul. I am so grateful for what God has done in 2017 and look forward to what He will do in 2018 as we stay faithful to what He has called us to.
Enjoy these final pictures. They are snapshots of God’s grace, working in and through The Home Church. Love you guys!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” – Ephesians 3:20
- Pastor Mitchell Perez
But understand. God was working supernaturally through the natural day-to-day encounters with one another this year. We are closer to one another this year. We are more open to one another this year. We have a greater sense of how we will accomplish our church's mission this year.
We are becoming one.
When I first came to The Home Church, I was the 5th Pastor in 5 years of this church. That’s a lot of change, right?!
I am committed to seeing God grow this church for the long haul. I am so grateful for what God has done in 2017 and look forward to what He will do in 2018 as we stay faithful to what He has called us to.
Enjoy these final pictures. They are snapshots of God’s grace, working in and through The Home Church. Love you guys!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” – Ephesians 3:20
- Pastor Mitchell Perez
ARIELLA PRESENTING A GIFT TO OUR DEAR FLO.
OUR TALLEST BAPTISM THIS YEAR.
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