A word from our Pastor

Since our founding in 2004 God has blessed us with growth in vision, diversity, numbers, leadership, but most importantly, in love. After all, "they will know we are Christians by our love," and thus our love and justice for one another across all kinds of differences becomes a compelling witness, so that the world may believe.

As of the end of 2007 we were 37% Euro-American, 32% Asian American, 20% African American/Immigrant and 10% Latino, and this from a 90% Korean base just 4 years ago - praise God! In addition, our membership grew by 55% in 2007 with close to 250 in worship attendance every Sunday, and our unrestricted offering grew by 38%. We just finished replacing the entire roof and the boiler, and will resurface the parking lot in the summer, and hope to make our building a hospitable space for all.

On a personal note, 2007 has been an amazing year of ministry for me, by far the most fruitful of my life. I believe that that is due in large part to a long sabbatical the year before which gave me time away to critically and prayerfully reflect on the nature of our congregation, and also on my own pastoral leadership. It is a blessing to do ministry that is so meaningful, enjoyable and life-giving.

It has been a real joy to work collaboratively with such a dedicated, sacrificial, thoughtful, intelligent and deeply faithful group of pastors and leaders on our growing staff. The continuous development of these leaders, and especially the interns, will be a crucial factor in the role that Church of All Nations plays in the renewal of the PCUSA, the Twin Cities area, and the broader church in America, especially as we consider seriously the planting of new churches in the future.

As incredible as 2007 was, I have no doubt that 2008 will be "the best ever" an oft-quoted mantra at Church of All Nations. I want to thank each of our dear members for making this the most exciting and loving church I know, and for living into our ethos of being a high-risk, low-anxiety church. May God empower us to advance the ministry of reconciliation, for which we were founded, preparing together for the coming of God’s kingdom as an ecclesial community "called out" of the world, then equipped and discipled to be sent back as a divine gift into the world. Let us be reminded that the world is not dying for one more "evangelist", but for an intimate AND multicultural community that is an evangelical witness to God’s passionate love for all of God’s wonderfully diverse creation.

Who knows what 2008 will bring, but I am more excited and hopeful about our future than I’ve ever been. We are truly blessed beyond measure!