About The Episode
Only four weeks post-launch, Jake and Kaelia open up about the joys and challenges of planting Create Church in an urban setting of San Diego. They share personal stories of faith, resilience, and the community that has rallied around them during both triumphant and painful times. This conversation covers the practicalities of church planting, lessons in leadership, and the importance of community support, making it an insightful listen for church planters and leaders alike.
Welcome to Episode 031 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with today’s guest host, Sean Morgan!
Insights From Jake and Kaelia
- Transitioning to Post-Launch – Jake and Kaelia discuss the shift from the pre-launch, project-oriented phase to the post-launch weekly rhythms of ministry. For them, the regular routine is a refreshing return to familiar territory after months of planning and organizing.
- Support in Times of Loss – The Vaydas recount the emotional journey of losing their son, Kai, during the pre-launch phase. Despite this tragedy, the community and support they received from their sending church, East Lake Church, and their launch team have been instrumental in helping them navigate this difficult season.
- Building a Foundation with Networks – The couple emphasizes the value of being part of networks like Orchard for church support and accountability. Orchard not only helped establish their board but also connected them with experienced mentors and partner churches for guidance and financial backing.
- The Importance of “Daily Bread” Leadership – Instead of getting bogged down by long-term strategic planning, Jake shares advice he received to focus on the “first step,” allowing God to reveal each subsequent step. This approach has helped them avoid burnout and stay attuned to God’s immediate guidance.
- Vision-Driven Delegation – Though church planters are often advised to delegate tasks, Jake stresses that effective delegation requires understanding the systems first. By grasping the nuances of their church’s operational needs, Jake can delegate more effectively while avoiding premature abdication of responsibility.
- Finding Rest and Renewal – The Vaydas share their experiences of structured rest, balancing time with God, personal visioning, and regular time off. They credit these practices with sustaining them through the demands of church planting.
- Creating a Space of Connection – In a time of political and social division, Create Church aims to be a sanctuary for connection. Jake and Kaelia envision a safe space where people can come together amid turbulent times, reflecting the inclusive, restorative nature of the gospel.
Episode Links
Visit Create Church to learn more about Jake and Kaelia’s work in San Diego.
Follow Jake and Kaelia on Instagram for updates: @JakeVayda and @kaekae_janae.
Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who are Jake and Kaelia?
Jake and Kaelia are passionate about creating spaces of connection that help people act on their good intentions. As the lead pastors of Create Church in San Diego’s Arts District, they recently celebrated one of the largest grand openings in urban San Diego’s history. Their fresh approach to Christianity, currently being developed into a curriculum, resonates with a new generation by blending new language with holistic integration. Their vision of connection extends beyond the church through their real estate company, where they craft beautiful spaces for people to gather, grow, and feel at home. When they’re not creating spaces, you’ll find them on long walks, exploring open houses, or relaxing with the latest Dolby movie (reclining seats baby!). Jake and Kaelia both earned degrees from Point Loma University; Jake holds a Master’s in Ministry, while Kaelia earned a Bachelor’s in Christian Studies.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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