From a Living Room to a Move of God

A little over two and a half years ago, The Church at Whittier began as a simple home Bible study in Whittier, California. My wife and I opened our home, and every week people would come hungry—not just for food (though those dinners my wife made were legendary, praise God!)—but hungry to know more about Jesus.

Before long, what started as a small gathering turned into something we couldn’t contain. Every Tuesday, new people showed up, bringing food, bringing friends, bringing joy. Our dining room filled up, our living room overflowed, and soon it became clear: God was up to something.

When People Stepped Up to Serve

As we began looking for a place to meet, we found a small building in Pico Rivera. We didn’t have much—no sound system, no ushers, no children’s ministry—but one by one, people stepped up to serve. Someone donated a small sound system. Another volunteered to run it. Someone else started teaching the kids. Our children would set up chairs and tables every week for Bible study. Others arrived early just to help.

It was organic, it was beautiful, and it was the Church being the Church.

We’d share meals, laugh together (and tell some pretty corny jokes, because that’s what Christians do), and through it all, God was knitting together a family. I like to say some of you ladies blessed me with an extra ten pounds from your pastries—thank you for that!

Even without a worship team, God’s presence filled the room. Every act of service, every meal shared, every chair set up was an offering to Him.

Church in the Park

As we grew, God challenged us to walk by faith. Without a Sunday facility, we began holding services in the park.

We set up worship, barbecued food, and shared the Gospel. I like to think the Holy Spirit used the smell of those burgers to draw people in! But truly, what brought people was the love and presence of God that could be felt in every gathering.

Homeless individuals came and found hope. Prodigals returned to the faith. We’d look out and see rows of people—some from the streets—amening and clapping as the Word went forth. God was moving in power, and lives were being transformed right before our eyes.

A New Home in Whittier

Eventually, we outgrew our space in Pico Rivera. We began praying for direction, and the Lord led us to beautiful Whittier—where all things are prettier!

When our small board first toured the building, we were filled with questions: “How will this work?” “Can we really do this?” But as we reached the altar at the front of the sanctuary, we all fell to our knees and began to weep. We knew—God was calling us here.

We organized a prayer tour through the building. As people from TC walked around and prayed, hearts were stirred. People began to sign up to serve, to train, to give. Those who couldn’t physically help prayed and gave financially. Everyone contributed.

Everything you see today—the ministries, the worship, the lives changed—is the result of God’s faithfulness and His people responding to His call.

Keeping It Simple and Serving with Heart

From the beginning, we’ve tried to keep things simple. Because simple is profound. We don’t need to force “deep”—we just follow where God leads, and He takes us deeper.

Through discipleship and genuine hunger for God, we’ve seen transformation after transformation. People who once came to receive are now serving, leading, and pouring into others.

Looking back over the past two years, I can confidently say: The Lord has done a great and mighty work.

To everyone who has prayed, served, given, and believed—thank you. The Church at Whittier is what it is today because of your faith, your obedience, and your love for Jesus.

Let’s give the Lord praise for all He’s done, and for all He’s still doing.

To God be the glory—great things He has done.