Makers Church

Discover Our Story

In 2010, after nearly four years of life-changing service as volunteers at MOSAIC Church in Los Angeles, Pastors Derrick and Laurel Miller responded to the vision and call God had placed on their lives to bring MOSAIC to San Diego where Derrick was working as a fireman. The plan had always been to move back to San Diego after Laurel completed graduate school at USC and neither Derrick nor Laurel could imagine life without this church community...so they decided to bring it with them! In April of 2010, with the leadership and support of Pastors Erwin and Kim McManus, as well as the MOSAIC LA team, Derrick and Laurel launched MOSAIC San Diego.

Makers Church is now being sent as a new church plant from MOSAIC with Derrick and Laurel Miller as it's lead pastors. As a church community, we're incredibly excited for this new season, and eagerly pursue Jesus into the bold future He's calling us into.

Our Manifesto

Our Mission

Our Mission is to MAKE on earth as it is in heaven - to help you live your best life through encountering God, growing your faith, discovering your purpose and making a better world.

Our Values

Generative

Humanity is uniquely designed to be generative. We were each created by our Maker to receive and produce peace, beauty, love, hope and a better future.

Communal

We believe people matter most and life is better lived together. We celebrate our diversity, choosing unity over uniformity and solidarity over division.

Bold

Big dreams require risk, and the choice of faith over fear. We're not afraid to fail, but value wisdom gained from experience, humility and trust.

Unfinished

We believe transformation is a process. We are all works in progress. Our hope is to be constantly remade and renewed by the power of Jesus Christ.

Our Convictions & Beliefs

God: is our MAKER

God is the maker of all things and we are made in His image. Gen 1

Jesus: is our MESSIAH

Jesus is the only hope for a lost and dying world.

Jesus is our message.

The Bible: is our MANUSCRIPT.

The Scriptures are God’s authoritative word to us.

Holy Spirit: is our MEANS

The Holy Spirit lives in every believer in Jesus, guides us into all truth, convicts, corrects, and comforts and empowers us to become the movement of God.

People: are the MOVEMENT

The Church is God’s agent for redemptive change, locally and globally.

Peace: is our MANDATE

Healing - we are both the healed and the healers. We are in the process of healing and joining God in the restoration of all things and all people.

Excellence: is our METHOD

Excellence isn’t what we produce, but it is what we pour out. The product may not be beautiful, but the process of bringing your very best is.

We bring our best to what we create. We are on time, engaged, and prepared. If we’re gonna do it, we do it to the best of our ability.

We believe our “best” should get “better” as we grow.

Serving: is our MISSION

Every Follower is called by God and gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the Body and seek the Lost.

Generosity: is our MEASURE

Generosity is our privilege. We are generous with our time, talent, and treasure.

Honor: is our MODEL

We honor God and each other. We are careful with our words, and patient in our practice. We submit to authority and serve those we lead.

Progress: is our MOMENTUM

We don’t maintain, we multiply.

Making: is our MUST

Our mission is to make disciples who make disciples.

Makers Blog

To Know and Be Known

by Jayna Russel | 7.19.17

I didn’t grow up going to church. At least I should say I didn’t grow up going to church regularly. Being a painfully shy kid, this meant that I was perpetually the new kid, always the odd man out sitting alone at the craft table while the other kids played. As a result, church was a strange experience for me, almost like the proverbial poor kid at Christmas time, peering through the shop windows at all the warmth and magic unfolding before my eyes. On the outside looking in, I couldn’t help but wonder what it might feel like to truly belong.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and I now have a child of my own. She’s a sweet little angel of a kid, with the Hungarian hot-temperedness of her dad and the introverted bookwormy-ness of her mom. Like any parent, I want many things for her. Things like riches, fame, and glory would be nice. Yet what I desire most for her is much more down-to-earth, mainly to be known, valued, and connected to a community that reflects God’s love back to her. I want her to grow and thrive among people who know her name and remind her of her worth, who engage richly in the love and work of God, and urge her on towards her own creative purpose on this earth.

Makers Church is a place where we can do that for each other, where we can know and be known, and where we can reflect God’s love back to one another. We can create a time and a place for engaging in God’s creative work together, and the quality of the community we create will be woven into the fabric of our children’s minds. Our love and respect and kindness will create the inner lining of their souls. And when they embark out into the world on their own, they will never have to doubt that they are known, they are treasured, and they are loved.

When we show up with our daughter on Sunday mornings, this is our hope and our prayer. And this is also our commitment to you and your kids. This is the commitment we make to one another, that we reflect God’s love to one another, and ensure that another generation of amazing kids will live to tell the tale and walk in the footsteps of our Maker.

The Power of Showing Up

by Katie Balla | 7.12.17

Over two years ago, brand new to San Diego and knowing hardly a soul, my husband and I found ourselves intensely craving community and friendships. It was intimidating and terrifying to be starting completely over. We found Makers Church and each week we attended gatherings, put our children in Kid’s Ministry, met a few faces here and there, but still hadn’t really created any real relationships. I remember telling my husband that everyone here seemed to be at their “max” on friendships and that there was no room for us.

In hindsight, I can see now that those were little lies and mistruths trying to take root in our heart—to rob us of the abundant community that was right there in front of us.

Thankfully, we kept pressing on despite that feeling. We got invited to a family picnic that some Makers Church people put together at a local park. Everything inside me told me not to go. It would be so awkward! We wouldn’t know anyone. We would totally look like the weird, new people. We’d have no one to talk to. Who would our kids play with? It’d be much easier to just stay home. - But we knew we had to just go. So we did.

I still remember every feeling from that day years later. We pulled up to a park where every family seemed to know one another except for us. We were clearly ‘the new guys’ and although everyone was gracious and kind, there were many first-time conversations and all that awkward getting-to-know-you stuff. We didn’t leave that day with any instant-BFF's, but looking back now I can say with absolute certainty that we were beginning the foundation layer for friendships.

That year we just continued to show up. When there were events, gatherings, and opportunities to get to know people, we were there. And we went again and again. Relationships blossomed out of our faithfulness and you know what we discovered? Everyone’s friendship tank was not maxed out. In fact, there were many people just like us, a little bit on the fringes, needing that push to go fully all-in with the mess and beauty of sharing life with one another.

Just a few weeks ago we went back to that same park where it all started with many of the same people from two years ago. Except now, many of those friends feel like family. Our kids all love and play like cousins. My toddler sits on the laps of my friends. We feel safe to share the good, bad and ugly of our lives. And that day I left with a massive smile on my face and joy in my heart because of how far God brought us.

Showing up to summer events and church outings was undoubtedly the foundation for the life-giving friendships we now have and continue to make. A little bit of awkward small talk turned into the depth and beauty that we always prayed for.

My encouragement to you today is to just go. I know it can be awkward the first few times—but go. And show up. And then show up again and again because you are worthy to be seen and to know the depth of love an amazing community can bring. It takes some work but it is oh so worth it.

*Join us at a Summer Event this month and start connecting! Build life-giving friendships and dive deeper into a beautiful community. www.makerschurch.org/summer

Making Boundaries to Break Boundaries

Saying "No" to Good, Saying "Yes" to Best

by Marc Wallis | 6.28.17

Many know the story of Martha & Mary, or at least a version of it. It's a tale of two sisters who host Jesus and his followers for a meal.

Martha is busy cooking, cleaning, serving (basically being a good host) while Mary sits listening to Jesus.

Martha complains that Mary isn't pulling her weight and that Jesus should command her sister to help her in the kitchen.

But instead, Jesus gently rebukes Martha and commends Mary.

The typical takeaway is Martha's need for better work / life balance - to be more like Mary who's able to sit and relax and just be with Jesus.

Don't get me wrong - that's super important, but there's a deeper truth we often miss, hidden in the ancient context, that's incredibly powerful for us now...

Two crucial things to know...
1. Scriptures say that Mary... "sat at the Lord’s feet listening." In First Century Israel this was a weighty phrase. Every Jew knew it was reserved specifically to describe a "disciple." An honored student. An apprentice. One who would carry on the work of their Master. "To sit at the feet" of a Rabbi was a mark of honor, and a place, position and power reserved only for chosen followers and leaders-in-training.

2. First Century AD Women were not supposed to "sit at the feet" of Rabbi. Women were not allowed to be anyone's "disciples." In fact, women were not even supposed to be in the same room as men when a Rabbi was teaching.

So if you read Luke 10:38-42 with those two things in mind the narrative takes on a whole new meaning.

Martha isn't mad primarily because she's left alone to do the work - but because her sister is breaking the rules. Mary's not staying within the BOUNDARIES of culture and "good" society. She's not staying in her lane.

When Jesus responds to Martha's complaints he does not reprimand her for working hard or being a dedicated host. Instead he gently corrects her for being "worried and upset." Martha is worried about what people will say, about her sister breaking the rules, about being left out, about so many other things.

But Jesus says... "few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Boom. Mic drop Jesus. Way to focus in on what's really important.

It reminds me of a Steve Jobs' quote that says, "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not it at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas out there. You have to pick carefully...Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things."

Mary demonstrated this fact beautifully. She made healthy boundaries for herself so she could break unhealthy ones. She said NO to letting others’ opinions dictate her actions. NO to letting culture keep her from her Christ. NO to many good things so she could say YES to the best; to sitting at the feet Jesus. YES to pouring all of herself into her goal being a Disciple - to learning from the Master, to experiencing his presence and intimacy so she could grow and develop and do the work that was prepared for her.

In light of this historical context it is utterly fascinating to me, and, frankly, a little scandalous that Jesus did not rebuke Mary for being where she was not “allowed.”

In those days Jesus had the right, and likely the obligation, to correct Mary...to punish her presumptions, to chide her pride (rhyme boom), and make an example of her.

Yet he did none of those things. He did not embarrass, callout, correct, punish or belittle Mary...nor did he remind her that she was in a "man's" place. He didn’t Mansplain and he certainly did not tell her to stay in her lane.

Instead he commended her.

He declared to all present that Mary, the boundary-maker and the boundary-breaker, had chosen what was better, and that that would never be taken from her.

Crazy stuff! Jesus is so compelling to me. Calling him “Progressive” just doesn’t do it justice and misses the point. He goes far beyond the imaginary boundaries we create...and calls us to follow.

I pray that God's Spirit gives us the courage and self-control to create healthy boundaries and say NO...not just to the bad, but to the mediocre - and even the good - so that we can say YES to what is truly important, to what is best - to sitting at the feet of the Master.

UNFINISHED

by Ozioma Enworom | 6.14.17

As a registered nurse working in the Emergency Department, I had the privilege of joining a diverse team from Makers Church as we launched our first medical clinic in Punta Colonet, Mexico. The purpose of this clinic was to gather general information about the people living in the local community so that we can learn how to better serve them in the future. During our time there, we were able to administer a health survey to assess the medical needs and current resources available to the people in the community; perform a basic physical examination; and hand out vitamins and pain medication according to each individual’s needs. We were very fortunate to have team members and translators who spoke Spanish help us communicate with the native people. After the clinic, we were invited to the Mayor of Colonet’s home for a delicious meal. I am so humbled by the hospitality we received throughout our trip and the potential partnership opportunities for Makers Church in the future.

Outside of our time in the clinic, we worked on basic construction projects. The simple act of staining a door or sanding a staircase may seem trivial, but at the end of every day, each repetitive movement helped contribute to building a beautiful foundation for a future children’s day care center. My favorite part of the trip was getting to know the people from our Makers community. Whether it was sharing silly stories on the road, playing with estranged animals, or shrewdly building allies through the mysterious game of Mafia, we were able to connect with each other on a real level. Although the work we have to do as a movement is still unfinished, it is encouraging to see how God is using the Makers community to cross cultural and spiritual borders in order to make on earth as it is in heaven.

THE POSTURE OF OUR HEARTS

by Makers Team | 5.23.17

Last Sunday, Pastor Derrick shared just a preview of what the Bible teaches about generosity related to money. The bottom line is that Jesus is way more concerned with the posture of our hearts than the amount of our financial giving (Matthew 6:21). He wants to increase our righteousness by releasing us from the grips of debt and the worship of money (Matthew 6:24).

Derrick also challenged all of us to test God in how generosity can transform our lives by giving for 90 days. As he said, we’re not testing God so that He will bless us with material things or more money. We are confronting our own control issues and asking God to set us free from all the baggage that the love of money brings.

Pastor Derrick asked us to start giving somewhere, to something worthy. But what he didn’t have time to go into is the idea that the most important entity you can give to is the local church.

Look, we get it – there is a lot of cynicism about giving to any religious organization, let alone a church. Our history isn’t perfect, but the God we serve is. And He has chosen to use the broken and imperfect church to do his greatest work in this world.

Giving somewhere is better than giving nowhere, because giving nowhere will never teach you how to share. - Pastor Derrick

If you haven’t had a chance to check out our Makers’ values, goals, and plans for the future, you can download the PDF here.

We have 26 new recurring givers since we started talking about giving a few weeks ago, resulting in over $6,000 in new gifts per month. Thank you so much to each of you who are supporting our mission with your finances.

So here’s the challenge: ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom about giving financially to a church. (If Makers isn't where you call home, it doesn't have to be here.) Be open to where you feel compelled to give, and then take a step of faith and give for 90 days.

We can’t wait to hear what God does in your life! (Be sure to share your story with us at info@makerschurch.org.)

Setup Recurring Giving

A MOTHER’S KISS

by Gill Sotu | 5.16.17

Shhh... now don't tell nobody
but I HEAR tell that a mama's kiss don't just die after it's left its mark on your skin
No sir, no ma'am...
I ain't no mama,
But I am told that a mother's kiss can exist years after it's initial creation
It becomes pure energy, building invisibly like Super Mario bricks
to help mothers see over the walls we build when we get a bit too much “TEEN-AGY”

A mother's kiss is verbal and nonverbal
it is physical and spiritual
It tattoos itself upon your being
Its ink becomes a part of your bones, your blood
That is why when you are about to step out of the boundaries of your character,
your mother's voice echoes thick inside of you
(I know ya’ll ignore it, but it’s there!)

Mama, we are ETERNALLY bound together
with rope only God can see
And according to you, none of MY MISTAKES can break
We are both BROKEN but you make the pieces come together beautifully
Like puzzles, of crosses, of a Savior,
washing the feet of those who felt like they didn't deserve it
I never deserved it
your dedication
I HATED rubbing your feet when you were tired from spending your time protecting mine,
serving my happiness Mama the cook and the waiter/mama the soldier...

Mama the poet, Mama the judge and jury
Mama the silly, Mama the psychic
Mama the prayer warrior, Mama the quiet
Mama the single parent, Mama the lioness
Mama the life tamer, Mama the entrepreneur
Mama the soft strength through hard times
Mama the big smiles dealing with small people

Mama the love, mama the love,
I am SO HONORED to be awarded recipient of your love

A mother’s kiss means PROTECTION
A mother’s kiss means you are probably crying over something that is ultimately not that important,
but we will both PRETEND that it is
A mother's kiss means you have just MISSED the lesson that is SO IMPORTANT,
but we will both PRETEND you are STILL the BRIGHTEST bulb in the Vegas
Scientists are still trying to discover why a mother’s kiss heals an
injured SPIRIT or SCAB 77X faster than the leading brands

A mother’s kiss means there is SO MUCH I want to tell you
It means I want to INTIMATELY know ALL that you are,
From your DISNEY DREAMS to your BEDROOM BOOGEYMEN
A mother’s kiss means GOD will heal all things I can not
It means that it is not always easy,
but I am giving you over to HIM
I only want THE BEST for you…
I want to be MY BEST for you
My kiss is my magnet, bringing out the best IN YOU

Mama the chocolate thief, Mama the constant cuddler
Mama the baker and the candlestick maker
Mama the homework warden, Mama the fun police
Mama the party starter, Mama the embarrassing dancer
Mama the graceful, Mama the maker of feast from famine
Mama the biological, Mama the chosen
Mama the selfless, Mama the underrated
Mama… MY LOUDEST fan in the audience,
I can hear you over EVERYONE,
And I KNOW I am unabashedly yours

Mama the love, Mama the love,
Today I stand SO HONORED to be awarded recipient of your love

Our Values

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Bold

Unfinished

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