Jesse Stern

Ministry Brewed Locally

Pastor Jesse Stern serves two congregations in very different Colorado communities, and he’s working hard to meet the gospel needs of both. He calls it ministry brewed locally.

He describes Boulder as “heavily spiritual, but decreasingly religious.” His goal, then, is developing relationships—meaningful and repeated—and then “using those connections to connect hearts to Jesus.” Two ways the congregation initiates relationships: a community garden and a drop-in center for kids. “Think: a McDonald’s play-place or a dog-park for children,” he says.

At Our Savior-Longmont, where Jesse is vacancy pastor, they’re working on a concept they call “Boomers & Beyond.” Noting that other Longmont churches focus on youth and young families, Our Savior reaches out to “the venerable generations who have age-experience on their side,” he says. Each session of Boomers & Beyond includes a Bible class and then a presentation by a local with professional, practical advice or a story and wisdom to share.

“Different communities,” Pastor Stern says of Boulder and Longmont, “different spirits, different styles, different dynamics . . . but the same powerful Word and wonderfully patient people.

“In a non-creepy way, people fascinate me,” he continues. “Their histories and habits, their personalities and professions, their cultures and communities. It’s a stunning thing to lean in to these wonderful communities and listen to what’s on the heart, and listen for opportunities to lay the good news on hearts, hearts that so desperately need to hear what the Friend of Sinners has done for the world, for them. So it’s about people . . . and something brewed locally.”

Because he cares about people, Jesse invites you to text or call him to talk about your own journey. (Yes, he asked us to print his phone number: 720.315.0910.) And he encourages you not to be afraid to talk to others too—your peers, your pastors and teachers, your family, and especially “the One who knows his plans for you.”

And an important closing note: “It’s totally ok if you go to MLC and then decide to serve the Savior in another vocation,” Jesse says. “Please, please, please don’t feel ministry-guilty if that’s what you decide to do!”