Plus, there was the fun factor-the live band playing catchy pop songs, the stylish and attractive leadership, the infectiously positive energy and the great graphic design. A church that assured me they loved everyone and welcomed anyone. That’s exactly how I felt when I was introduced to C3 Toronto. You know that charming new love interest who sweeps you off your feet with their charisma, compliments and great kisses? They make you feel like their everything, like you’ve finally found where you belong and you don’t ever want to leave? You shout your newfound adoration from the rooftops and spend as much time with them as you can, convinced that this is “the one?” But by my 28th birthday only a few months later, my relationship with my church had ended in heartbreak. After a lifetime of avoiding organized religion-first because of my atheist family, and later because of my queer identity-I put my fears of bigotry and homophobia aside and fell head over heels (literally, into a tank of water) for C3 Toronto. I was baptized on Easter Sunday last year, at the age of 27. Here’s an excerpt from Fashion Magazine, written by a woman who learned the hard way that her gayness wasn’t a good fit: News accounts of congregations similar to San Diego’s often refer to it as a “hipster church.” In many ways it’s the form, rather than substance, that makes congregations like Awaken attractive to younger people. The most famous person espousing this gospel is Joel Osteen, whose San Diego visit in 2016 was actively promoted by the church. The theology of Awaken includes the prosperity gospel (wealth is an indication of God’s blessings). Oh, look it’s ReOpen San Diego’s Amy Reichert (L), who’s also running for County Supervisor, hustling at the Tucker show. There is video footage of a pastor essentially daring the IRS to revoke their tax exempt status. They made their political leanings clear by designating their locations as unofficial drop off points for ballots in the failed attempt to recall Gov. Simone Gold, founder of the anti-vaccine conspiracy group America’s Frontline Doctors. The Awaken Church has stirred controversy with previous guest speakers, including Turning Point USA founder and conservative radio host Charlie Kirk and Dr. Jurgen attended Hillsong College in Sydney and participated in a Hillsong Church plant in New Zealand. The Pastors of C3 Church San Diego are Jurgen & Leanne Matthesius who are originally from Sydney Australia. that have branded themselves as “Awaken,” there does not appear to be any official relationship with the San Diego church, with the exception of a congregation in Salt Lake City. The Awaken Church was closely associated with the Australian C3 church, and while there are congregations around the U.S. And we’re not gonna be bullied.”īased on my research and observations, there was church membership involvement with the unruly disruptions of the County Board of Supervisors meeting during the height of the coronavirus crisis, “You’re picking a fight, and that’s called bullies. There is gonna be political ramifications and you’re picking a fight.,” Hubbard said. In an Instagram post, executive of ministries Matt Hubbard promised to push back against the county. A spokesperson for the church denied that number, saying he was only aware of three cases. Sixty five COVID-19 cases were confirmed in those attending services from November 15-22, and the county asked those who attended in-person services to either get tested or quarantined for 14 days. Most San Diegans probably first heard of the Awaken church, which has campuses in Kearny Mesa, San Marcos and Chula Vista in connection with its defiance of cease-and-desist orders for holding indoor services during the height of the pandemic.
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