New Expression of Light Church in Downtown San Diego

How did this new expression of Light Church come about?

Earlier this year Benji and Jen were invited to consider this option by one of the regional pastors of our denomination. What was previously Soul Church had undergone a series of transitions and was without a Pastor for 9 months. Because of relationship with the previous pastors of Soul Church, a lot of prayer, and seeing what and specifically how God has been moving through Light Encinitas, the invitation was extended.

That began a longer discernment process of many conversations, a lot of time spent in prayer, and meetings with our council and staff. There was a general consensus and some specific confirming moments that brought this decision about. Our heart is for San Diego as it is in Heaven. We are excited to have a local expression of Light in Downtown to be a part of God’s Kingdom along with many other churches in that area.

What will the church be called?

Light Downtown

What will change in Encinitas?

The staff, community, culture, and mission in Encinitas will not be changing. In order to launch Light Downtown, we are hiring two new roles to head up and lead this community as well as the staff that is currently there. One of the biggest components to accepting this offer to extend Light to Downtown was that Encinitas wouldn’t be affected. We continue to see how God is moving and working through our Light community in Encinitas and we believe He wants to do even more.

Is this a new location or a new church?

Light Downtown will be a new location, or the language we are using is “expression”. The values, mission, culture, and name will all be the same as what you would expect at a Light Church. But there will be unique things about Downtown as well as Encinitas. We believe strongly in being in the city and for the city. So there will be aspects of the Downtown expression that reaches into and makes sense as an expression in and for Downtown.

What might this look like for Benji & Jen?

Benji and Jen are the Lead Pastors over both Light Downtown and Light Encinitas. Their role will be to lead, pastor, carry culture, and cast vision for both Light expressions in partnership with the locations teams. Light Downtown will have a primary Teaching Pastor and team leader that is not Benji. So while both Benji and Jen will be leading and involved in Downtown they will primarily be planted in Light Encinitas.

I definitely want to be a part of this new expression in downtown - what can I do?

We would love for you to let us know by signing up for our Interest Meeting in Downtown happening August 17th at 6:30pm. That sign up and info is available on our website. Getting on this list will also place you on our interest list where you will receive updates as they come.

We will be launching Light Downtown September 17th and we would love to have you be a part!