What is Sojourn? Is it geocaching? Is it a church? Is it a cult? Is it an adventure tribe? The term “Sojourn” conjures up images of a group on a journey together. This is precisely what our preferred future is. We are an imperfect group of disciples engaging in the lives of non-disciples as we strive to live in a way that glorifies and enjoys God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). We are radically committed to ways and worship of Jesus Christ, and thus, are His followers. It is all about Christ. (For info about our beliefs, look here.)

For some of you, this is your first exposure to Sojourn. Should everyone check us out? Some should. Some should not. For sure, read the Frequently Asked Questions. My advice is to also check out the Sojourn Blogs to find out more about us an what other Sojourners are blogging about. If you resonate with what we stand for, or even what we fall for, come and walk with us. You might find your spiritual journey with Christ is furthered by our community.

So what is the backstory of Sojourn?

A few years I heard that America was one of the only nations in which Christianity was in decline - the popluation growth was outweighing the number of new Christians. I thought, “No way!”

The statistics were true. In fact, let me take you to Metro Huntsville’s data from the 2000 census. In that study only 45% of people claimed to have a religious preference. This included all religions and cults. Right here in the “Bible Belt” was a Southern Seattle.

Further national polls revealed that very few Christians invited anyone to church/worship with them. But, get this, a large percentage of those who actually WERE invited were already members of another Christian church.

I was infuriated! Stinking Christians! It appeared that nobody was reaching out to non-disciples. And then I looked at my calendar… @#*&!! I was a part of the problem. I spent so much time with Christians. So much time doing the mechanics of pastoring and ministry. These are good, but I was not living life like Christ did.

He engaged His culture, engaged non-disciples, invited them into His journey, invited them into His community and He spiritually invited them into His life.

I realized that I was not following Christ’s example. I realized that I must first start walking the way of a missional disciple and disciple others to do the same.

So here we are. The dream of Sojourn is to see be an imperfect group of disciples, together engaging the lives of pre-disciples as we live to glorify and enjoy God. We have been invited to join God’s mission. This is what it means to be a missional disciple and a missional church.

Rethink Church,

–
David Thew
Sojourn Founding Pastor