From 1 Kings 17:1-16 Elijah is called to be part of something greater. Listen to this story now and meditate on how Elijah was not called because he is perfect but because he is faithful. He believed in God’s project, even if everyone else had abandoned it. And in that belief, Elijah came to understand the God of his ancestors with an even greater …

What does it mean to actively engage in a moral courage to believe and live out a moral imagination? An imagination that call us to God's invitation to abundance—the wild, illogical belief that there's enough for everyone.

A vision bigger than any one dream. A courage that dares to imagine something more for all of us. This episode invites us to stretch beyond what’s right in front of us, to believe in a future where human dignity isn’t a privilege but a shared reality. It’s about dreaming wide, building not just structures—but communities that last.…

What happens when prayer becomes both a cry and a declaration? In 1 Samuel 1–2, Hannah’s personal deliverance becomes more than her story — it becomes a signpost pointing to who God is: the One who remembers the forgotten, lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, and humbles the proud.

In a time when uncertainty can feel overwhelming, how do we practice remembrance that fuels resilience and hope? This sermon explores the power of collective memory, the importance of ritual, and how looking back can actually equip us to step faithfully forward. Listen in as we reflect on what it means to “remember forward” in our own lives and com…

Do you trust in the goodness of God?

We belong — not because of perfection or performance, but because we are cherished. Cherished belonging means we are bound to God and to one another, woven into a garment of grace and love that cannot be unraveled. Even in our brokenness, we are not discarded — we are gathered, mended, and held together by mercy.…

This week’s sermon features a special guest from Open Door Legal, inviting us to reflect on the mandate of government through a Jesus-centered lens. How does faith shape the way we see authority, justice, and responsibility in public life? Join us as we explore what it means to hold government accountable while embodying Christ’s call to mercy, tru…

In our last sermon based off of Howard Thurman's, The Inward Journey, we dive into the wisdom of Ecclesiastes with special guest speaker Amanda Samuel. Together, we explore the call to remember our Creator, the fleeting nature of life, and what it means to seek God with authenticity and depth. Amanda brings fresh perspective and spiritual insight, …

As we continue our series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, we turn toward the longing for peace—in our lives, our communities, and our world. Alongside Thurman’s wisdom, we listen to the voice of poet Pádraig Ó Tuama, who closes one of his poems with a simple but profound refrain about choosing love again and again. In a world fille…

We’re all searching for something to give our lives meaning — but what happens when the “treasures” we chase can’t love us back? In this message, we explore the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the piercing words of Jesus to uncover where true fulfillment is found. Whether you’re chasing success, comfort, or romance, the quest for love points us …

Continuing our series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, we explore the deep human longing to feel complete. We confront the truth that neither wealth nor recognition can satisfy the soul’s deepest needs. Thurman invites us to look inward, discovering that true fulfillment grows from connection, compassion, and a life anchored in God.…

We return to our sermon series inspired by Howard Thurman’s The Inward Journey, turning our attention to Ecclesiastes 4:1-12. Together, we explore how Thurman’s insights call us inward — toward a grounded faith — so we can move outward with courage, resilience, and hope.

This week’s message is a little different — instead of one preacher, you’ll hear from a panel of our high school students fresh from their immersion trip to Memphis. They share stories, moments that moved them, and how walking the streets of history and service shaped their faith. From civil rights landmarks to conversations with local leaders, the…

We are beginning a summer series walking through Ecclesiates and the themes of Howard Thurman's book “The Inward Journey”, which features meditations that address the deepest needs and aspirations of the human spirit. Rev. Joshua Jalandoon invites us to think deeply about what truly matters in our lives.…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches on Luke 14:12-24. "When we follow Jesus’ instructions and go out to the nooks and crannies, cracks and crevices of the neighborhoods and back alleys, we will indeed discover, fearsome, dangerous, and heartbreaking truths about the world. And because of that, we will also find a path to honest lament…to true healing…to c…

Pride is about reclaimed dignity and the gift of God’s good news that we are wholly beloved. It’s a gift that lights us up from the inside out and inspires others to shine just as brightly. Hear from our guest preacher Brandan Robertson (the author of Queer and Christian).

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive a…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from ⁠John 8:1-11 1) Find your sand. Find a way to pause. Take a breath. Count to ten. 2) Examine your stones. Ask yourself: Am I seeking justice or revenge? Am I trying to restore relationship or win a fight? 3) Practice spiritual hospitality with someone you disagree with. In person. 4) Bring your stones to community.…

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive a…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-12

The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan, is a living and breathing organism, birthed out of our passion to share our personal experiences that we hope would be relatable or refreshing to you, as well as our will to offer a more expansive, inclusive a…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Matthew 7:1-12

Rev. Paul Trudeau preaches from Luke 10:25-37

Rev. Dr. Peter Choi preaches from 1 Kings 19:1-9a

Join Rev. Emily McGinley and artist Flamy Grant for a post concert conversation from Queer Arts Featured, the historic storefront that once housed Harvey Milk's Castro Camera

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon and Barbara Lyon preach from Luke 18:15-17

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from John 21:1-19

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from John 20:1-18

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon preaches from Matthew 27:35-45

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon preaches from Luke 19:28-40 and shares the vision for our community. City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Attunement to the Spirit (Holy Imagination)…

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon preaches from⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Judges 4:4-16 and shares the vision for our community. City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Attunement to the Spirit (Holy Imagina…

Join Rev. Emily McGinley and Jason Morrell for a journey into the invitation of the rhythm of Holy Week. We hope you'll consider joining us at any of our Holy Week Worship Services. You can learn more at https://citychurchsf.org/Holy-Week The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocali…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from⁠ Acts 9:1-18 and shares the vision for our community. City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Attunement to the Spirit (Holy Imagination) Sp…

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon preaches from⁠ ⁠Romans 8:22-32 and shares the vision for our community. City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Attunement to the Spirit (Holy Imaginati…

Our guest Jeremy Steele preaches from Exodus 19:7-9. Rev. Jeremy Steele is a pastor and writer. With a loyal following of over 120K on TikTok and a thriving community of 200-300 members in the Discord group (affectionately dubbed 'Not Church’), Steele is a pastor and writer who helps those who are burned, bored, or curious about spirituality explor…

By Rev. Emily McGinley

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from⁠ ⁠⁠Mark 9:2-10 and shares the vision for our community. City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transformative Love Personal: Reflect and re…

In this episode, we wrap up our conversation about the recent Q Christian Fellowship Conference in Atlanta by discussing what it looks like to "queer worship" and how we can faithfully respond to our call to create a wide table for all to encounter God's love. Nigel also shares more about the conference, including music The Many. We hope you've enj…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from⁠ ⁠Romans 16:1-5, 17-23⁠⁠ and shares the vision for our community. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript pdf >⁠⁠⁠⁠ City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transform…

In this episode, we continue a conversation about the recent Q Christian Fellowship Conference in Atlanta. We talk about how the worship that happens at QCF, as well particular songs, impact our own worship here at City Church, by bringing back new language, sounds and expressions. Finally, Nigel shares a story and song from one of the featured art…

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon preaches from⁠ Matthew 6:1-8; 25-34⁠ and shares the vision for our community. ⁠⁠⁠Transcript pdf >⁠⁠⁠ City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transformat…

In this episode, we begin a conversation with Nigel on his experience at the recent Q Christian Fellowship Conference in Atlanta and reflect on how that type of environment can help shape and foster deeper connections and belonging in the space of corporate worship. The City Church San Francisco Worship Podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches fromMatthew 22:34-40and shares the vision for our community. ⁠⁠Transcript pdf >⁠⁠ City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transformative Love Per…

Welcome to the fourth episode of the City Church San Francisco Worship podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan. In this episode, we continue our conversation on what exactly is worship by exploring the transcendent quality and interconnectedness of the gathered body for Sunday and even h…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Acts 17:16-34⁠ and shares the vision for our community. ⁠Transcript pdf >⁠ City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transformative Love Perso…

Welcome to the third episode of the City Church San Francisco Worship podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan. In this episode, we begin a conversation on what exactly is worship? How have we viewed it? How have our views changed? What is actually happening when we gather on a Sunday. Th…

Rev. Emily McGinley preaches from Romans 12:1-18 and shares the vision for our community. Transcript pdf > City Church's vision is to be a Jesus-centered community, attuned to the activity of the Holy Spirit among us, so that we might courageously participate in God’s work of transformative love throughout San Francisco. Transformative Love Persona…

Welcome to the second episode of the City Church San Francisco Worship podcast, hosted by Director of Worship, Jason Morrell, and worship vocalist and seminarian, Nigel Tan. In this episode, we share early, formative worship song and worship service memories, as well as talk about what it's like to revisit CCM classics after a season of deconstruct…