Pastors' Blog

At Harbor of Hope, we exist to empower youth to rise and lead through Christ, but we recognize that sometimes the church can seem perfect, and it can be daunting to approach, let alone be involved in the church, as a young person. The fear of failure and challenging the church culture can permeate the subconscious and make us feel frozen, incapable, and often powerless to be active participants in the church family, and for good reason. 

Many have felt the burden or sense of rejection that can leave a permanent mark on one’s faith journey. However, when we, as a church, have a deeper understanding of the gospel, we can recognize and, hopefully, internalize the reality that we are all in need of a Savior. When Christ expresses, “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, ESV), we understand that we are all in need of the physician; naturally painting the picture that the church serves as a hospital, not a gallery for perfected saints. 

This year, we are dedicating our time at Harbor of Hope to take a deeper look at our roots and inner workings as a church. We are asking ourselves the difficult questions of our identity and challenging ourselves to grow closer in unity, vulnerability, and authenticity. Acknowledging that each of us has a pivotal part to play in our church family and supporting each other as we continue to build the Lord’s house together; the same way that the Lord was with His people when they were called to rebuild His temple in Haggai, He will also be with us as we deepen our understanding and intimacy at Harbor of Hope and through the Seventh-day Adventist Church at large.  

In this season, we will be highlighting key themes in the new vision to empower the youth to rise and lead through Christ. Using the “7 Circles for Saints” (SCS) model, adapted from Drew Boa’s 5 Circles of Freedom, this model is designed to help each of us move from brokenness to a purpose-filled identity in Christ. It will help us to identify key areas in which we have trauma or are in pain, and give us a community to empower us to heal and to help others heal, as we navigate into a deeper relationship with Christ. And as we continue in this vision, we want to encourage all those who are looking to empower youth, the future of our church, to consider creating safe spaces for our young ones to feel empowered. 

“And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.” (Haggai 1:14-15, NIV)

*In the images above: Pastor Jonathan Garcia, Youth Director Jharony Gibbs, and Harbor of Hope Church

This past Sabbath afternoon I attended the memorial service for Bruce Wrenn. What impressed me the most was what our co-head elder, Bryan Von Dorpowski had to say about his friend, Bruce. He became noted as one of the very top specialists in marketing. As I listened I started comparing myself to Bruce. I kept asking myself, “What’s your excuse?” Thankfully my life isn’t over yet, so there is time for me to make a difference in my world, even as Bruce made a difference in his world. 

I never knew Bruce from the world of business. However, I knew him as a neighbor. Most every morning Bruce and Jan would come by our house to take their dog Blue for a walk. Sometimes I’d start singing Peter Paul and Mary’s song “I had a dog and his name was Blue.” Usually, we’d all smile. Blue impressed me as having the sweetest spirit of just about any dog I’d ever known. I think he got that from belonging to the Wrenns. 

Years ago around the turn of the century, there was a sheet that was published in Chicago called “The Ram’s Horn”. There were comments in it such as “When a man gets real religion even his horse knows it.” In this case, even their dog knew it. I’ve never been a pet person before, but between my dog Rascal and their dog Blue, it happened. I always looked forward to seeing them coming, knowing I’d get to pet Blue. Again: I think his attitude and conduct came directly from his owners, Bruce and Jan. I don’t suppose that a pet could lead someone into the kingdom, but you never know. If I were to meet someone there who either from Blue or from Rascal found a relationship with Jesus I wouldn’t be surprised.

Our neighborhood has several families with children. One of the girls is taking piano lessons and walks to and from, and in the interests of her safety we let her borrow Rascal to walk along beside her. Would you believe it? He doesn’t even need a leash to stay right beside her. Several of the delivery people who have our neighborhood on their route actually stop to pet Rascal. All of the kids like him—and I do, too. 

Our other pet is a cat who showed up in one of our back window wells one Sabbath afternoon, mewing to get out. I don’t know where he came from or how he ever got in there, but when the word got out that we had a kitten the kids came running. They named him Franklin. On the farm, there are always chores to do. My chores are to take care of Franklin and Rascal. It’s a good responsibility. One of the things we had to do was teach Rascal to stay home. An invisible fence did the trick. I guess I’m not too much different from Rascal in the sense that there are things I need to learn to do as well. 

I want to finish this blog with a question for us all. What kind of people are we? If we have pets, what is our influence on them? And if we have children, are they sweeter for knowing us? One thing I’ve noticed about both Franklin and Rascal: when the world has beaten me up and I come home, they’re really glad to see me—their tails tell me I’m OK. Can it be that pets are one of the ways God develops us? 

As the pastor of Children & Family Discipleship here at Pioneer, I consider discipleship imperative. I have spent much time reading, thinking, and talking about discipleship. So, you can imagine how I felt when I was recently asked what my definition of discipleship is. I fumbled around, attempting to incorporate all the different elements of discipleship. Since that conversation, I have thoughtfully pondered my definition; here it is. Discipleship must include several key components: relationship, transformation, equipping, and evangelism. 

The foundational piece of discipleship must be our relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the foundation on which the entire journey is anchored. This can be found in The Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Here, the Children of Israel are instructed to pass on this relationship to their children. The relationship is the key to everything. This is also found in John 15, where Jesus told His disciples that they bear fruit when they abide in Him and He in them. 

Discipleship must also be transformational. God does not take us from where we are and expect us to remain the same. He took the disciples and said in Matthew 4:19, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It is. The relationship that is transforming is Christ at work in us. 

Equipping is central to true discipleship. Jesus took fishermen, tax collectors, and others and used them to change the world. Jesus can take you, no matter your occupation and or training, up to this point, and He can prepare you for work that will turn this world upside down. In his sermon Sabbath, Mark Finley articulated that “Jesus does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” Do not worry about what you can or cannot accomplish alone, but what God is calling you to do!

Discipleship must be evangelistic. When Jesus, in the Great Commission, sent His disciples out, it was to make more disciples. As modern-day disciples, we have the same task. Until we hear otherwise, we are to keep doing what we have been tasked with. 

So, what is my definition of discipleship? Here it is: discipleship is a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ that equips and sends us to make more disciples. I do not know where you are on your discipleship journey, but I am confident we all have some work to do. I urge you to begin with the relationship and let Christ be the one who bears fruit through you. 

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." – Proverbs 22:6

Have you ever had a moment when a young person looked up to you, watching and listening, taking in your words and actions? Maybe it was over a meal, a campout, or a simple conversation in the church hallway. Those moments matter more than we realize.

Our youth are growing up in a world filled with distractions and pressures that can pull them away from their faith. But the good news? We, as a Pioneer church family, have the privilege—and the responsibility—to walk alongside them, guiding them toward Jesus. Jesus himself placed a high value on children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).

It’s easy to assume that someone else will step in to mentor, teach, or lead, but the reality is that each of us has a role to play. The question is: how will you step in to serve?

Evergreen Pathfinders: Building Character and Faith

If you’ve ever watched a group of kids pitch a tent for the first time or cook their own meal over a fire, you know that Pathfinders is about more than just earning honors. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and most importantly, a deeper connection with God.

Evergreen Pathfinders is a ministry where young people learn practical skills, memorize scripture, serve their communities, and grow into leaders. The friendships they form and the lessons they learn here will shape them for eternity. But none of this happens without leaders who are willing to invest in their journey. We have a great director and leaders but we can always use more help.  

Are you someone who loves the outdoors? Do you have a passion for teaching kids life skills? Or maybe you simply want to encourage and mentor a young person? Evergreen Pathfinders is looking for volunteers to help guide these young hearts. Your presence can make all the difference.

Youth Sabbath School: Laying a Biblical Foundation

Some of the best faith conversations happen in Sabbath School—where young people ask real, deep questions and wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus. Our Youth Sabbath School led by Jean Michel, and our Earliteens led by Brendan and Becca Cross are great places to have these conversations.  

Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This is why our Sabbath Schools are so important. It’s a space where young minds can dig into Scripture, apply biblical truths to their lives, and build a strong foundation of faith.

Right now, we need mentors, and worship leaders for both our Earliteens and Youth Sabbath School classes. Even if you don’t feel like you have all the answers, your willingness to show up, listen, and engage in conversation can plant seeds of faith that will last a lifetime.

Outreach: Reaching Beyond the Church Walls

Young people aren’t just the future of the church—they are the church right now.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when youth step out in service. Whether it’s visiting with the elderly, helping with food drives, or participating in mission trips, these experiences shape their understanding of what it means to love like Jesus.

Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” By involving our youth in outreach, we show them that faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live.

If you have a heart for mission work or community service, would you consider helping organize outreach opportunities for our young people? Your leadership could inspire them to make a lasting impact in the world.

Other Ways to Serve

Maybe teaching isn’t your gift, and camping isn’t your thing. That’s okay—there are so many ways to serve in youth ministry!

•    Worship Ministry – Help lead music!
•    Event Planning – Assist with social gatherings, service projects, or retreats.
•    Mentorship – Build relationships with young people who need a role model.
•    Home and Meals – Open your home for youth events, or provide a meal. 

No matter how big or small the role, your willingness to be involved matters. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Will You Answer the Call?

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2).

Our youth need people who will walk with them, encourage them, and point them to Jesus. Whether you can commit to one hour a week or a season of service, your presence can make an eternal impact.

Will you step up and invest in the spiritual lives of our young people? If so, I’d love to connect with you! Reach out to me, Pastor Lindsey Pratt, at pratt@pmchurch.org, and let’s find the right place for you to serve.

Together we can empower our youth to grow in faith and boldly live for Christ.