What does it mean to make space for people in a transient society? In this episode of the Making Space Podcast, Jessica Gracewski, associate pastor at Reality San Francisco, shares with us about the importance of making space in a culture where people leave often. For context, San Francisco is a city where people typically only stay for a few years at a time and then move away. This can be an extremely difficult context for a church to do ministry, but Pastor Jessica invites us into a conversation about the beauty that is formed in the relationships made in such a short amount of time.
Jay Kim sits down with Jessica and talks about some of the effects that people leaving has had on his ministry and asks Jessica how she has managed these situations. One of the themes that is apparent throughout this episode is that people leave and that is okay. Being in relationships and discipling in today’s culture means that when we embark on this journey, we are opening ourselves up to the pain that could come with it. As pastors and ministry leaders, it is important to continue to keep open the doors, reach the nations, and disciple others despite the grief that comes with people moving out of the city you are in. Often, the blessings that come out of these relationships far outweigh the bouts of grief that follow when someone leaves.
As Jay and Jessica discuss their ministries, Jay mentions that Reality SF located in the heart of the downtown San Francisco. The mission district is a vibrant, colorful community full of people who do not know the love of Christ. This church was able to buy a beautiful building and redesign the inside to fit the context of the surrounding venues. Beautifully crafted spaces, vibrant lights during worship, and a location in the heart of the city continue to shape the ministry of Reality SF. Not only does the heart posture of opening your heart help minister to a transient culture, but so does having a physical space that meets the needs of your congregation and the community you are trying to reach.
To learn more about these concepts from Jay Kim and Jessica Gracewski, listen to the Making Space Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also watch this conversation on Aspen Group’s YouTube channel!
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