faithful gospel presence

We want to become a Faithful Gospel Presence in our community.

We desire to see God re-create a community that is a loving expression of the gospel across racial, socio-economic, status, and ethnic diversity. We want to learn to RECOGNIZE prejudice of all forms at the heart level and want to REPENT from it and RELEARN through the GOSPEL. 

[ 3-Tiered Purpose ]

Sojourn Church has a three-tiered plan for seeing the gospel bring long-term spiritual and social renewal for the glory of God and the good of the city: 1) Church-planting, 2) Residency for Planters/Missionaries, and 3) Local Community Renewal Initiatives. 

1) CHURCH PLANTING: Sojourn Church desires to multiply and launch out disciples to plant several other churches throughout this city, this region of the U.S., and to the ends of the earth. 

2) RESIDENCY PROGRAM: Alongside the church, we are intentionally developing the Sojourn Residency for leaders sensing a call for assessment, equipping, and launching future church plants both near and far. 

3) COMMUNITY GOSPEL RENEWAL: And finally, we want to collaborate with Christian and civil institutions, churches, schools, supporters, and marketplace businesses to mobilize social initiatives in our particular areas for the good of the city. These include community study and research for strategic long-term opportunities of care, business development and job placement, health services, athletic programs, tutoring/mentoring in local schools, and affordable housing development and remodels. (See www.seedtooaks.com —A partner with many Sojourn Network churches)

There is a phenomenal work going on in North Tulsa with a similar vision at Crossover Community Impact (www.crossoverimpact.org) and their partnering churches and institutions. They are many steps ahead of us—but working towards similar goals of seeing gospel renewal at all levels of a community.

BEING “PRESENT” WITH PEOPLE IS A GREAT COST

BEING “PRESENT” WITH PEOPLE IS A MUST

BEING PRESENT WITH PEOPLE: EMBRACING THE GIFT OF CONNECTION IN A WORLD FILLED WITH DISTRACTIONS AND CONSTANT BUSYNESS, THE ART OF BEING PRESENT WITH PEOPLE IS A RARE AND INVALUABLE GIFT. AMID THE RUSH OF OUR LIVES, WE OFTEN FORGET THE BEAUTY AND POWER OF GENUINE HUMAN CONNECTION. HOWEVER, BY INTENTIONALLY SLOWING DOWN AND ENGAGING FULLY WITH THOSE AROUND US, WE CAN EXPERIENCE PROFOUND MOMENTS OF LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, AND EMPATHY.

CURIOSITY OR SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

BEING PRESENT MEANS MORE THAN JUST PHYSICALLY BEING IN THE SAME SPACE AS SOMEONE; IT MEANS ACTIVELY LISTENING, OBSERVING, AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY ENGAGING WITH THEIR THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND EXPERIENCES. IT IS ABOUT CREATING A SAFE AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE WHERE INDIVIDUALS FEEL HEARD, SEEN, AND SUPPORTED.

IN A CULTURE THAT CONSTANTLY PROMOTES MULTITASKING AND VIRTUAL INTERACTIONS, BEING PRESENT IS A REVOLUTIONARY ACT. IT REQUIRES US TO PUT ASIDE OUR DEVICES, SUSPEND JUDGMENT, AND TRULY BE IN THE MOMENT WITH OTHERS. BY DOING SO, WE NOT ONLY DEEPEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS BUT ALSO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF MUTUAL RESPECT, TRUST, AND AUTHENTIC CONNECTION.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

BEING PRESENT WITH PEOPLE ENTAILS RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH PERSON'S STORY. IT ALLOWS US TO STEP INTO THEIR SHOES, TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD THROUGH THEIR EYES, AND TO EMPATHIZE WITH THEIR JOYS AND STRUGGLES. THIS LEVEL OF EMPATHY FOSTERS COMPASSION, KINDNESS, AND A DEEP SENSE OF COMMUNITY THAT ENRICHES BOTH OUR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THOSE WE ENCOUNTER.

“…we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Because you had become so dear to us.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:8

WHETHER IT'S A WARM CONVERSATION WITH A CLOSE FRIEND, A COMPASSIONATE SMILE SHARED WITH A STRANGER, OR A HEARTFELT EXCHANGE WITH A LOVED ONE, BEING PRESENT WITH PEOPLE OPENS THE DOOR TO TRANSFORMATIVE RELATIONSHIPS. IT ENABLES US TO CREATE LASTING MEMORIES, FORGE UNBREAKABLE BONDS, AND FIND SOLACE AND SUPPORT DURING LIFE'S CHALLENGES.

SO, LET US CHALLENGE OURSELVES TODAY TO BE MORE THAN JUST BODIES OCCUPYING SPACE. LET US EMBRACE THE GIFT OF BEING PRESENT WITH PEOPLE, WHOLEHEARTEDLY INVESTING IN THE LIVES AND HEARTS OF THOSE AROUND US. IN DOING SO, WE WILL DISCOVER A DEPTH OF CONNECTION THAT TRANSCENDS THE LIMITATIONS OF TIME AND DISTANCE, NOURISHING OUR SOULS IN WAYS WE NEVER IMAGINED POSSIBLE.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." — John 13:34-35