Relational Partnership - Johnny Pederson

I first attended The Village Church on a Sunday in September 2012. There are two particular things that happened that morning that are not only specifically memorable but, proved to foreshadow my future experience at The Village Church. I was fifteen minutes early like most people visiting a new church for the first time. While thumbing through my bulletin, Pastor Matt came over, extended his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Matt. I noticed you’re new and I just wanted to come introduce myself.” It wasn’t until the the end of our short conversation that he mentioned he was the Lead Pastor and if I needed anything at all, I should feel free to contact him. Having previously attended a large church in Orange County I was pleasantly surprised to encounter the teaching pastor so accessibly introducing himself to all the new comers in the room.

After Matt finished preaching, I was tracked down by Juan Ruiz on my way out. Juan and I had met once previously through a close mutual friend but, quite honestly I did not know Juan at all. He proceeded to get my contact information and invite to me coffee later that week just to get to know one another. I left that Sunday feeling like I had a truly unique experience. I ended up having coffee with both Matt and Juan that same week and have been attending The Village Church ever since.

So, this story may seem simple or even borderline uninteresting. That may be the case. However, the casual yet intentional display of relational care I experienced that morning is the reason why I stayed at The Village Church. Good preaching is so important and music can be very attractional, but I cannot tell you anything about what Matt preached on that morning or what songs we sang. What I left with was, at this church the pastors care about the sheep and the community cares about the people around them. After attending The Village Church for over a year that is the message I have faithfully seen lived out time and time again. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has graciously used this to change my life and interactions with believers and non-believers alike.

I love The Village Church, and I love being here with all of you.

Partnered with you,

Johnny Pedersen