There was electricity in the air on May 6 as nearly 200 Southern California young adult Adventists and friends experienced “Genesis,” the newest multicultural contemporary worship service. The afternoon event, held at South Bay Junior Academy, was filled with music, drama and inspiring words. Visitors came from local cities to the Inland Empire. “It was worth the gas and we hope to make this our new home church,” said Grand Terrace residents Marie Barton, 24, and Amy Parker, 22.
L.A. Metro Region Director Gerard Kiemeney invited Iki Taimi to head this church-plant project after meeting with South Bay area youth leaders, youth pastors and local church members who felt the need for a worship service that would meet the needs of today’s younger generation.
Taimi is a La Sierra University graduate who grew up in L.A. County and has a passion for ministry in the Adventist church. He never lost his dream of opening a multicultural young adult church in the L.A. area. He always felt the need of providing a worship environment in which young adults of all walks of life would not feel threatened, inviting enough so they could tell their friends about it and nurturing enough to challenge them to grow in their faith. Chris Mack, 28, a praise leader, described Genesis as a “place where I can enjoy diversity in worship, community, praise and style while still worshiping the same God.”
Genesis’ opening programs consisted of a full band for praise and worship, short video clips, drama and a challenging sermon by Taimi. The pastor challenged young people to a life of strength and courage so that this journey of being a part of the new church would be one with meaning and passion.
Dejan and Darlynne Markovic, a local young couple, said, “This worship experience offers opportunities for very healthy and positive spiritual growth for young people today.”
Following the counsel of Ellen White, Genesis’ contemporary worship style intentionally creates an atmosphere that is inviting even to those who do not know Christ. “Our goal is not to entertain but to communicate gospel truth in different and creative ways so that we can reach as many people as possible," said Taimi. "The devil is not holding back, because he knows the time is short, so why should we?”
Genesis plans for outreach ministry, such as feeding the homeless, involvement with Habitat for Humanity and blood drives. To encourage attendees’ growth in faith, small groups, book clubs, Bible study groups and prayer meetings are planned.
“The great commission demands that we go out to all the nations teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Genesis is committed to this commission within its local reach and challenges all those it encounters to come, live inspired and finish strong,” added Taimi.
