Brett Poynter, associate pastor of the Temple City church, is excited about “The Net,” a new interactive ministry thriving in the youth chapel. Fifty individuals attend, some who rarely attended church and some who are members’ friends.

Net participants meet for Bible study and discussion Sabbath morning, followed by a worship service with a team of praise musicians. Poynter presents the message of the hour conversationally. One Sabbath, to illustrate the need for a life-giving connection with Christ, he held up an ear of corn. Poynter, a former horticulturist, pointed out that the life of each kernel of corn is dependent on its connection with an attached strand of corn silk. Without the connection, the kernel shrivels. Small group interaction enabled attendees to discuss a key, sermon-related point.

“A young man who had not been attending church comes regularly with his girlfriend and a co-worker,” Poynter reported. “When the co-worker’s employer asked him to work on Saturdays, his friend shared about the Sabbath with his co-worker, who then asked me to write a letter for his employer so he could continue attending Net services. His employer honored his request.”

Since half the Temple City church family is under age 35, the church is emphasizing ministry to, and involving, young people. Pastor Chris Famisaran recently joined the church staff for part-time children’s ministry. As with The Net, children and youth invite friends to the various meetings and events for their age levels. During the summer, teen and children’s choirs provide choral music for the church.

“About two-thirds of our members are involved in ministry,” said senior Pastor Benjamin Del Pozo. “Omar Diaz, for example, had just been baptized about a year ago when the church needed a leader. Omar volunteered and, under his leadership, the Explorers’ average participation quadrupled.”

“The church should reflect its community,” Del Pozo noted. “Our community is 40 percent Chinese. For that reason, we were able to plant the San Gabriel Chinese Company last year and are committed to Chinese ministry.”

Making weekly potlucks a time for ministry, pastors and elders minister at the luncheon tables, meeting visitors, touching base with members. Pastors and elders also participate in an ongoing visitation program.

Del Pozo affirms his ministry leadership. “The influence of our leaders and our board chair and head elder, Vi Bokermann, who volunteers 35 hours weekly, is vital.”

A welcoming letter Bokermann sends to new members is a discipling tool. “My letter emphasizes the importance of continued spiritual growth for a new member,” she said. “I offer the Discover Bible courses and a spiritual tools list describing our ministries and inviting them to check those in which they’d like to participate. Their answers assist the nominating committee’s work."

“Our Discover Bible School now has 38 active students,” Bokermann added. “Neighbor Ed Lopez walked into a prayer meeting with his Bible and said, ‘I saw the sign out front about your Wednesday evening Bible study, so I’ve come to study.’”

Afterward Bokermann, who directs the church’s Discover ministry, enrolled him, inviting him to visit the Discover class during Sabbath School. Lopez was recently baptized.