The MOVEMENT

Simply stated, I love this place. My sister was living in Oakland when The Movement launched in 2013 and we would go to services together when I was in town visiting (I live in Southern California). Ed’s messages are Bible based, uplifting, funny at times and thoughtfully explain the scripture in a way that makes it easy to understand and relevant to life in the 21^st century. Spencer and Josh gifted pastors too.
Now, a bit about «uplifting». This isn’t one of those prosperity preaching establishments that promises that you’ll never have another bad day as long as you’re a Christian. The Movement’s messages acknowledge the reality of the world we live in and encourage self-​reflection, personal growth and accountability. Being honest with myself can be difficult at times but the messages always leave me feeling hopeful too.
My sister has since moved to the Midwest and I haven’t been back to Oakland in almost a year but I subscribe to the podcast and listen to their messages when I’m at the gym or getting ready for work in the morning. The next best thing!

On Day 1 when I decided to visit theMOVEMENT I was greeted by coffee and sweets, touched by a piercing message, and actually got to talk to Pastor Ed! I thought this is where I belong BUT I still had doubt in my heart and strayed away like many of us do. I guess I just wanted to really experience God for myself. I wanted Him to show himself to me; choose my church home. During my time away (1 year had past) I waited to see if God would lead me to another church but He did not. So, on Easter Sunday morning, 2014, I returned to theMOVEMENT and was greeted by Pastor Ed again. «Asiya!», he said. A whole entire year had gone by and Pastor Ed remembered my name?
Exodus 33:17 And the Lord said to Moses, «I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.»
I felt at that moment overwhelmed by the love of Christ. I will never forget that. It was as if I had never left and God himself, through Pastor Ed, was welcoming me back home, that I had done no wrong! I asked Him to find my church and He did! God has been chasing me for a loooong time. I believed that I could not please God but the ministry at theMOVEMENT teaches that God is a loving God no matter what; a forgiving God. And He is pleased with me! He is pleased with you.
Here’s the message from Easter 2014: