John Jay Alvaro is Lead Pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Pasadena. A friend of the Center for Restorative Justice, John Jay opened the door for the Center to move their offices into the church facility. The website puts it this way: “First Baptist Pasadena is a passionate, diverse, quirky, and kind congregation. We know that God loves this world, so we love fiercely, too. Spend some time among us and you will see what we mean.” When Ken and Betsey Newenhuyse visited the church with their friend Ken Fong (who is an active member), they came to appreciate the accuracy of that description. In this conversation held in John Jay’s distinctive office at the church, the two explore John Jay’s experience at Duke Divinity School and how he became the lead pastor. They review his little booklet titled “Ordinary Theology” (The Bible, God, Jesus, Eschatology) and how John Jay led the church to become fully inclusive. The website posts the question: MY STORY AND IDENTITY IS…COMPLEX. WILL THERE BE ROOM FOR ALL OF ME AT THIS CHURCH? Answer - “We are a fully inclusive church, so the simple answer is Yes(!) … Membership/leadership is not contingent on sexuality, gender, race, income, or doctrinal minutia.” Ken prompted John Jay to tell his story - a story we all need to hear. SHOW NOTES
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As far back as I can remember, church was a part of my family’s life. I was baptized as a young boy, when belief was still simple and comforting. I studied architecture and studio art in undergrad, which have been great foundations for how I approach ministry and preaching. I was lucky to have married my best friend, and she still laughs at my stupid jokes after 15 years. Our kids are just the coolest humans I know. We love to be outside, climbing trees and riding scooters/skateboards/bikes/anything-with-wheels. I read way too many books, and buy more books than I have time to read. I love coffee until 3pm, then I hate it. I also love sleep, hence the fickle affection for coffee late in the day. I have found that following Jesus is rarely easy, but it is always good. I will keep my eyes open to the sacred pulsing in the ordinary rhythms of life, and you do the same. I am also always looking for a new surfing friend.
– From the church site
First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Calif., is succeeding by doing everything wrong.
Wrong, at least, by conventional standards of what leads to church growth and health today.
The church has no social media presence, intentionally. Video of Sunday morning worship is not livestreamed and wasn’t even during the pandemic. In-person relationships are prioritized over remote connections even in a city where people drive long distances to work and social events. Sunday morning worship includes a traditional choir and pipe organ as well as sound samples of Scripture reading manipulated to be heard in new ways, along with drums and a band.
What’s happening at First Baptist Church should not work, but it does.
From Baptist News Global
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