Envisioning a Vibrant Future: The Call for Community and Commitment

On Foundation Sunday, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the future of humanity rather than just the church's immediate goals. They advocate for a significant role in shifting the human narrative towards what is good, beautiful, and true.

The speaker reflects on the concept of existence, pondering how many ideas and innovations that could exist are still in the realm of non-existence. They illustrate this with examples like the iPhone and flat-screen televisions, which were once non-existent but are now integral to daily life.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about discovering Blockbuster in Los Angeles 35 years ago, reminiscing about the excitement of renting movies and the belief that such a service would always be available. They express sadness over the disappearance of once-popular entities like Blockbuster and the Southwest Conference in college football.

The speaker contemplates the impermanence of nations, suggesting that despite a long history, there is no guarantee of continued existence. They draw parallels with historical empires such as the Roman, Egyptian, and Greek empires, which once thrived but are now mere stories, raising questions about the future of current nations.

The speaker posits that many ideas that could significantly impact the world remain unrealized. They suggest that some individuals may have brilliant ideas that haunt them, as they struggle to bring these concepts into existence, highlighting the potential for innovation that remains untapped.

The speaker reflects on the nature of creativity, emphasizing that in Los Angeles, everyone has ideas akin to screenwriting. However, the true measure of success lies not in intelligence or talent, but in an intangible ingredient called love. This love fuels the transformation of abstract ideas into passionate creations, consuming individuals to the point where the idea becomes part of their identity.

The speaker shares a deeply personal connection to Mosaic, stating that it is not merely an idea he conceived, but rather an idea that consumed him. This passion for Mosaic demanded creation, highlighting the profound love he has for this project and its significance in his life.

Referencing Luke 14:28-33, the speaker discusses Jesus' parables about the cost of building a tower and preparing for war, drawing parallels to the personal sacrifices required to follow Him. The speaker interprets these teachings as a call to measure the commitment necessary to become the person God intended, emphasizing that building one's life, like constructing a tower, requires careful consideration and a willingness to pay a price.

The speaker elaborates on the broader implications of Jesus' message, noting that His mission was to unite individuals within a dynamic community known as the Church. He stresses that the Church's transformation from an idea to a reality also demands love and sacrifice, paralleling the personal commitment required of disciples. The speaker underscores that true discipleship involves matching the level of love and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus.

In discussing the foundation for the future, the speaker asserts that one can only build a future if they genuinely love what they are creating. He emphasizes the necessity of being overwhelmed by love to understand the depth of commitment required in building something meaningful, particularly in the context of Los Angeles, which he describes as an anemic city in need of vibrant, love-driven initiatives.

The speaker reflects on the experience of visiting world-class cities like Paris, London, New York, and Tokyo, expressing a sense of awe and admiration for their vibrancy. In contrast, upon arriving in Los Angeles, he feels a lack of the same urban excitement, suggesting that something essential is missing in the city's design. He notes that many of the tallest buildings in downtown LA remain empty due to issues like corruption and poor planning, highlighting a disconnect between the city's potential and its current state.

The speaker draws a parallel between empty skyscrapers and individuals, suggesting that wealth or fame does not equate to vitality. He shares a personal anecdote about renovating his house, which had suffered from neglect and decay, emphasizing that a house left empty deteriorates faster. This observation leads him to ponder the fate of empty church buildings worldwide, which serve as reminders of once-thriving communities that have since become irrelevant, tracing this decline back to Jerusalem.

The speaker expresses a deep emotional response to visiting old church buildings, contrasting his feelings with those of his wife, Kim, who appreciates their art and architecture. He feels a sense of loss and emptiness in these spaces, perceiving them as tombs of past vitality rather than places of current life. This sentiment underscores a broader theme of spiritual and emotional trauma associated with the decline of religious institutions.

The speaker reflects on the historical context of political parties, mentioning the Federalists and the Whigs, to illustrate a broader principle: nothing continues to exist if it is not alive. He poses a critical question to the audience about what they will build together, emphasizing the importance of creating a vibrant future. This inquiry serves as a call to action, urging individuals to consider the significance of their contributions to community and faith.

Recalling a retreat he attended 30 years ago in the Ojai Valley with prominent Hollywood producers, including Oprah's producer, the speaker reflects on the warmth and intimacy of the gathering. He was invited as a speaker during the retreat, which took place shortly after he and Kim began forming Mosaic, a community that started gaining recognition. This experience highlights the challenges and opportunities of discussing the importance of church and community in a contemporary context.

During a conversation, the speaker reflects on a comment made about Mosaic, a church community, emphasizing that its small size is appreciated. The speaker challenges the notion that larger churches are detrimental, comparing it to how one would never suggest that organizations like UNICEF or Habitat for Humanity should remain small. This highlights a belief that the church's impact is undervalued, suggesting that many view it merely as a service for Christians rather than a force for good in the world.

The speaker expresses a deep connection to Los Angeles, despite its challenges such as homelessness and violence. They convey that their commitment to Mosaic makes LA the most viable city for them, indicating that the community they have built is unique and irreplaceable. This attachment underscores the importance of the church community in their life, suggesting that it fulfills a long-held dream of belonging to a meaningful community.

The speaker argues that while there are many churches globally, there is a significant need for unique ones that offer different experiences, akin to the difference between McDonald's and In-N-Out Burger. They assert that the world is in desperate need of churches that provide a genuine and healthy spiritual experience, emphasizing that their church is unlike any other they have encountered during their travels.

The speaker notes that many churches tend to attract similar types of people, often conservative and traditional. They highlight the rarity of churches that aim to reach out to those who typically would not attend. The speaker advocates for a church that communicates the message of Jesus in a relatable and human way, stripping away the hyper-spirituality that can alienate potential members. This approach aims to create an inclusive environment that resonates with a broader audience.

The speaker reflects on the nature of Christianity, suggesting that 90% of it is neurotic, which is acceptable as everyone has their own neuroses. He emphasizes the importance of having a space to process fundamental questions about faith, such as the existence of God, the identity of Jesus, and the teachings of the Bible, which are essential for living a meaningful life.

The speaker discusses the challenge of balancing life's responsibilities with the desire to build something meaningful. He notes that while paying bills is a necessary part of life, it can drain the meaning from one's existence. He warns against waiting to create something significant until all financial obligations are met, as this could lead to a life devoid of accomplishments.

The speaker advocates for tithing, suggesting that investing 10% of one's income in eternal matters is a brilliant concept from God. He illustrates this with an example of earning $5,000, where tithing would amount to $500. He challenges the notion that one must be wealthier to be generous, arguing that generosity can be practiced at any income level, and emphasizes the shift from being a consumer to an investor in the community.

The speaker recounts a personal anecdote from seven years ago when he decided to buy a Tesla, despite his accountant's disapproval. He reflects on the financial implications of that decision, considering how much he could have gained if he had invested the same amount in Tesla stock instead. He humorously notes that his Tesla often requires repairs, highlighting the irony of his choice.

The speaker expresses his belief in green technology and ethical consumerism, arguing that purchasing a Tesla was not just a personal choice but a moral responsibility to support environmentally friendly products. He believes that by buying such products, he contributes to lowering their prices, making them accessible to more people. He recalls a conversation with his accountant, who suggested waiting for others to take the initiative, contrasting their perspectives on individual responsibility.

The speaker reflects on a missed opportunity, realizing that a choice to consume rather than invest cost him approximately $5 million. He expresses a sense of regret not for enjoying his choices but for not making the choice to invest, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from being a consumer to an investor. He encourages the audience to join him in building a better future rather than merely paying bills.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about committing to lead a church for 15 years without prior discussion with his spouse, Kim. This commitment, initially made spontaneously, has now extended to 30 years. He reflects on the true cost of such commitments, noting that it is not just financial but involves time and life itself. He emphasizes that while money can be regained, time lost cannot be reclaimed.

The speaker asserts that true breakthroughs in life are linked to breakthroughs in giving. He argues that if one struggles to release financial resources, they will also struggle to give their life fully to God. He introduces a parable about a king preparing for war, stressing the importance of measuring the costs before engaging in significant commitments, whether in battle or in life.

Reflecting on his past experiences, the speaker recalls studying strategic factors that contribute to church growth over 35 years ago while living in Dallas. He notes that certain locations, like Orange, were identified as promising for establishing new churches due to specific growth factors, highlighting the importance of strategic planning in leadership.

The speaker discusses the phenomenon of church growth in various locations, such as Orange County and San Diego, where the presence of a strong Christian community, effective worship, quality Bible teaching, and amenities like air conditioning contribute to filling churches. He reflects on his experience of being invited to speak at churches with substantial budgets, noting a staggering $180 million budget over a century, which highlights the contrast with his own church's financial situation when they started in a challenging environment.

The speaker emphasizes the need for churches to prove the relevance of Jesus in various global cities, including Mexico City, New York, London, and Tokyo. He believes that the way their community has developed over 30 years can unlock potential in these cities, urging the audience to aspire for more rather than settle for less. He expresses a personal commitment, alongside his partner Kim, to invest significantly in this mission, suggesting that their efforts are unique and necessary.

The speaker addresses the disparity in financial contributions between conservatives and liberals, noting that while conservatives are known for their generosity, recent fundraising efforts by the Democratic Party have shown that liberals also have the capacity to give. He challenges the audience, particularly those who identify as liberal, to recognize the urgent need for financial support in addressing the loneliness and hopelessness in the world, suggesting that he may not have effectively communicated the significance of their mission.

The speaker shares his personal journey of faith, contrasting his experience of growing up disconnected from God with those who have always been part of a church community. He expresses a deep understanding of the loneliness and hopelessness that exists without faith, asserting that he is a 'proof of concept' for the transformative power of Jesus in changing lives. His conviction stems from his own life experiences, reinforcing the urgency and importance of their mission to reach others with the message of hope.

The speaker emphasizes the possibility of waking up with hope and love, suggesting that a transformative shift can occur within every individual. This shift is crucial for humanity, regardless of political or cultural affiliations, as the world needs the best version of each person.

Mosaic is involved in various humanitarian projects globally, including building schools, digging wells, and constructing houses. The speaker highlights that no other organization embodies the mission of bringing the transformative message of Jesus to the world, which they see as their unique responsibility.

The speaker presents a significant financial request, stating that Mosaic requires a $7 million budget annually in Los Angeles to sustain its operations. They encourage the community to move from being mere customers to investors, emphasizing the importance of commitment to building a future rather than just covering expenses.

The speaker outlines an ambitious fundraising goal of $12 million over five years, detailing specific allocations: $1 million for significant locations in the U.S. like New York, $1 million for Latin America including Mexico City, $1 million for European cities such as London and Paris, and $1 million for Asia, focusing on Japan and Hong Kong. Additionally, they seek $1 million for humanitarian efforts through Mosaic Global to support ongoing projects like those in Malawi.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collective tithing, inviting not just the local community of South Pasadena and Hollywood, but everyone globally who finds spiritual vitality in Mosaic to invest in the church. The goal is to build a $12 million budget over the next five years, laying a foundation for future generations to take leadership roles.

Addressing potential guests, the speaker acknowledges the common perception that churches focus on money. He candidly discusses the need for sacrificial and generous giving, urging attendees to move beyond being mere consumers of Mosaic's offerings to becoming active investors in its mission. He references Jesus' teaching that true discipleship requires giving up everything, highlighting that this encompasses not just material possessions but one's entire being.

The speaker invites those who have not yet opened their lives to Jesus to consider doing so, explaining that the discussion about giving stems from a desire for others to experience the forgiveness and freedom that Jesus offers. He encourages a simple prayer of commitment, 'Jesus, I give you my life,' as a starting point for faith.

In a moment of prayer, the speaker expresses gratitude for the many individuals who have found faith through the Mosaic community, acknowledging the positive impact on marriages, families, and futures. He believes that God has a significant vision for humanity that requires sacrificial and generous giving, and he prays for the community to begin laying the foundation for a promising future.

The speaker concludes by encouraging attendees to reflect on their giving, suggesting that many may already know what they are called to contribute. He emphasizes the importance of this moment as a step towards building a lasting legacy for the future.

The speaker encourages the audience to respond to the prompt they feel in their hearts regarding giving, suggesting that even if they cannot give the full amount, they should contribute something meaningful. This act of giving is framed as a response to hearing God's voice, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about being inspired to give $5 million, expressing a desire to figure out how to make that possible, and challenges the audience to think about their contributions for the upcoming year and 2025 to support global projects.

The speaker expresses gratitude for being part of a movement led by P. Sherwin, who exemplifies generosity and a free-spirited approach to giving. The speaker highlights the importance of taking risks in giving and invites the audience to participate in a moment of collective giving as an act of faith. Specific instructions for giving are provided, including options to donate through mosaic.org, using QR codes, gift boxes at exits, and matching gifts from employers, particularly those at companies like Disney. The speaker encourages exploring various methods of giving, including stocks and cryptocurrency, to contribute to building the foundation.