By Steve Pike, National Director, Church Multiplication Network

For the past few days, I had the privilege of being with 85 participants gathered at Christian Life Center in Long Beach, California as they worked through the BootCamp process in preparation for starting vigorous new communities of faith.

This camp was especially encouraging to me for two reasons.

First, the diversity was incredible. The room full of BootCamp participants looked like a warm up for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. People from a broad spectrum of nations and tribes walked together through the BootCamp questions with a synergy that was contagious. The interplay of the cultural values created an environment where fresh ideas of how the church should look emerged.

Second, the passion and intentionality for creating communities of disciples was powerful. These leaders were not interested in reproducing institutions for the sake of having more institutions. They worked hard to develop plans that anticipate the organic nature of the church- flexible, reproducible structures and systems to serve the purpose of Christ’s mission and core command to His followers- making disciples.

This camp had two “discovery” rooms. The English language room was led by Jim Armpriester and Trinity Jordan. Rocky Alvarez and Larry Gruetzmacher provided facilitation for the Spanish language room. These excellent facilitators were assisted by a group of fine coaches. Southern California District Superintendent Ray Rachels and Church Planting Director/US Missionary Steve Preston along with his team are to be commended for the outstanding manner in which they hosted the camp. Thanks to Pastor Mike Hinojosa and the staff of Christian Life Church for opening their hearts and building to give us a place to meet.

I made three other valuable connections during my brief visit to SoCal. Immediately upon arrival I had the privilege of briefly speaking to a great group of pastors gathered for a Sectional Council meeting. Since the meeting was at Christian Life Center (the venue for the BootCamp) the pastors and future planters got to interact briefly during the lunch meeting. It was inspiring and encouraging.

That evening the SoCal District took us out for dinner in the restaurant aboard the Queen Mary. I sat with SoCal Assistant Superintendent Rich Gerra. Wow! What a great leader. Visionary, anointed and bold. Good days are ahead for SoCal.

Just before jumping on the plane to head home I met with the Executive Presbytery of the Southern Pacific District led by Superintendent Sergio Navarette. I am so encouraged by these visionary brothers. In the last year the Southern Pacific District planted 17 churches and 1 district! And the new district planted 2 churches! These brothers live and breathe multiplication! They expect to plant a bunch of new churches in 2009!

Bottom line- Great things are happening in Southern California!