An epic mission in the Mission District
By Joe Conway
The road from Monroe, La., to the Mission District in San Francisco isn’t as long as you might think for church planter Ben Pilgreen. The North American Mission Board church planting evangelist is right at home serving as lead pastor to an eclectic congregation which meets in the shadow of the Bay Bridge.
Pilgreen saw his God-given vision become reality when Epic Church launched two blocks from Mission Street in the heart of San Francisco’s fine arts community. Pilgreen moved to the bay area in May 2010 after several years of helping churches connect their members with God’s mission for their lives, most recently as teaching pastor at Second Baptist Church, Springfield, Mo. Following are his observations on planting Epic Church.
What does someone from another part of the country need to understand to be effective in ministry in San Francisco?
One of the things that people need to understand is that there are many ways to do church. They need to make sure they’re locked into leading a biblical church and not a church based on tradition or the area of the country where they’re from. They need to understand that what they think are “absolutes” may actually have no biblical merit.
What are some of the unique cultural challenges to church planting in San Francisco?
In one aspect, people are people. Eighty percent or more of the people attending Epic are movers and shakers in a variety of industries. They are creating the future in technology, fashion, business, finance and science. You have to be able to speak into the world they operate in. Most people in San Francisco don’t go to church and don’t think there’s any reason to go to church. Many San Franciscans have a negative view of the church because of past experiences or because of what they read.
What is one of the most challenging aspects you face in your efforts, and how can people most effectively pray for you?
It is very difficult to find a long-term facility that can work for a church in this city. We have just recently kicked off our small groups system. We’ve seen great response and people are getting connected to Epic. It is an incredibly expensive city to live in and do ministry in, thus finances can always be a challenge. Pray for God’s wisdom and provision.
Epic Church launched in February 13, 2011 and presently meets at The W Hotel.
Pilgreen says, “We want to be a church that makes a positive difference in people’s lives. Regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey, we welcome them at Epic Church. We are a Christian church that desires to live life as Jesus intended for us to live. We believe that we all have a part to play in what God is doing in the world.”
Epic uses small groups, engagement events, media and relevant ministry to reach the community.
“It is a great desire of Epic Church to be for and serve the city of San Francisco,” says Pilgreen. “Service is a part of our DNA at Epic. We are actively involved in “being Jesus” to our city. We are involved in strategic partnerships with several key organizations to help meet the needs of the people here. It is our goal to serve San Francisco in a way that will impact both those who attend and who do not attend our church.”
Epic has a strong media presence on Facebook and Twitter (@EpicChurchSF). The church’s website is also available in a mobile format at
www.epicsf.com. Follow Ben on Twitter @benpilgreen.
ON MISSION • Summer 2011 31
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