What kind of church is MissionGathering?

We're a Progressive, Inclusive Christian Community — which is a fancy way of saying we're a church of hopeful misfits doing our honest best to follow Jesus in the modern world.

Our Pastor begins every sermon with a reminder that "sermons at MissionGathering are meant to start discussions — not end them." We take the Christian tradition seriously and hold it with open hands. We believe Truth is bigger than any single tradition, so we bring our questions, our doubts, and our hunger for justice to the table — and we wrestle with them together seeking to live as an alternative community of justice.

We believe God made us different for a reason. That means we don't just tolerate diversity — we celebrate it. Whoever you are, wherever you've been, whatever you've been told about yourself: you are not just welcome here. You are affirmed. You belong.

What can I expect if I attend a worship service?

We gather at 10am-ish on Sundays — that "ish" is intentional. Come as you are, right on time or a few minutes late. You won't be judged either way.

A service runs about 90 minutes and moves something like this:

• Our Welcome Statement — because naming who's in the room matters

• Contemporary Worship Songs (lyrics on screen — no hymnal required)

• Readings chosen to crack open the imagination

• A Kids' Time — because children belong in the sacred, too

• Pass the Peace — a few minutes to turn to your neighbor and actually connect

• A Time of Prayer — honest, open, unhurried

• A 30-minute Sermon designed to spark conversation, not settle it

• Open Table Communion — all are invited, no exceptions, no credentials required

• A word of blessing spoken over the whole congregation, and then you're sent back into the world

Our communion table is open to everyone — regardless of religious background, denomination, or doubt. If you're hungry, there's a place for you here.

What do I wear?

We are an extremely casual church! Most Sundays our pastor wears jeans. Come as you are—dress as you like!

Where do I park?

MissionGathering is located on La Mesa Boulevard, and has plenty of convenient parking both in front of the church and behind the church. There are many parking spaces that are labeled “30 minute parking” or “1 hour parking,” but those rules are specific to midweek parking. Park wherever you’d like! 

Is there something for my kids? 

Yes! MissionGathering has a kids ministry called MG Kids. There will be a check in stand immediately to the right of the door when you walk in. You can learn more about MG Kids here. 

What’s the best way to get to MissionGathering when using public transportation? 

There is public transportation that will take you to the crossroads of Mart Square (Glen Street & La Mesa Blvd) through MTS. 

There are two bus stops right by us. Stop #11477 is in front of the auto shop directly across from MissionGathering, and stop #10331 is in front of the apartment complex next to MissionGathering.