John Markum

Relocating to the South Bay

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So a short, short time ago, in a state far, far away, we began the move of a lifetime. Since the first time I felt God leading me into ministry, I knew this day was coming – the day I would leave the “known”, comfortable, and familiar to take the Gospel to a new place and a new culture.
Now we’re here – and there’s nothing like being in the place you were called to, to do what you were called to do. I’m working hard to establish some routine, take care of basic obligations, and develop some early connections. So far, things are going GREAT! And God has been profoundly working on our behalf already:
1. Our entire Launch Team who has already moved out here has found housing in less than 4 days!
2. Most of them have jobs or solid leads including a second interview.
3. We were able to touch base with a good friend, Phil McGee, who works a lot in the South Bay.
4. We’re already planning and looking forward to our first couple of events to connect with people quickly!

Soon I’ll be posting more about our trip including pictures. In the meantime, on behalf of my family, and the four other adults who have already moved out here (we’re expecting a few more soon!), I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of those who are financially supporting LifeCity Church – you make it possible for us to bring the Gospel to this area. And also to our sending church family, Edgewood – you have all overwhelmed us with your love and appreciation toward us, and we are so blessed to be your church planting team to the South Bay area.
We can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks and months that lie ahead!

Blessings,
Pastor John

Naming a Church: Part 3

NAC3So with a healthy amount of research in hand, and after praying and fasting, and talking to people we trusted, everything came to the point of the entire process that we had been waiting for. There was nothing left but to decide the name of our new church plant and commit to that name, brand, and direction.

Our vision, “so the people of the South Bay will fully experience life in Christ,” had given us clarity in choosing the six names we researched. Continue reading “Naming a Church: Part 3”

Our Big Announcement…

Announcement

This past weekend, my wife and I announced to our church family at Edgewood that this July we will be leaving to launch a new church in the South Bay area of San Jose, CA.

This has been a day that Tiffany and I have been looking forward to with great anticipation for many years. We told our church that when we began in ministry, we knew two things: that God had called me to lead a church one day as the Lead Pastor, and that the church I would lead would not be an existing church, but a church plant. Continue reading “Our Big Announcement…”

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The Premium of Pain