In this episode, Jason introduces Mission 2030, a new vision for The Oceanside Sanctuary shaped by a year-long process of appreciative inquiry. We begin a new teaching series on our five refined core values, starting with the first and most clear result: Authentic Belonging. Exploring the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, we look at how Jesus prioritized people over rules and how true belonging creates a feedback loop of safety, wholeness, and healing.

Key Takeaways

• The 5 Core Values of Mission 2030: Authentic Belonging, Integrated Spirituality, Sacred Stories, Liberating Love, and Faith in Action.

• Eating as a Political Act: Jesus didn’t just eat with Zacchaeus to be nice; he did it to dismantle the social hierarchy that excluded "sinners" and collaborators.

• People Over Rules: Just as the Sabbath was made for man (and not man for the Sabbath), our religious rules should serve human flourishing, not weaponize differences.

• The Feedback Loop of Faith: Like taking medicine for high blood pressure, we practice belonging because we believe it works—and the result is a community where we no longer have to be afraid of each other.

Memorable Quotes

• "We create an affirming community where everyone can bring their whole selves and know they belong."

• "I am made whole by your difference... I don't have to be afraid of who you are. I can delight in your differences because they create safety for me."

• "Man was not made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for man."

Resources Mentioned

• Scripture: Luke 19:1–10 (NRSV)

• Book: Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang

• (00:00:00) - Welcome to The Collective Table
• (00:00:41) - Our Core Values as a Church
• (00:07:21) - Realizing Authentic Belonging
• (00:15:27) - Jesus' Eating With a Tax Collector
• (00:24:58) - The Right to Speak Out About Religious Hate
• (00:26:58) - Paul on the Right to Love Gay People
• (00:35:26) - Nonjudgment at Sanctuary