Continuing my search to find a San Francisco Bay Area church, I've heard much about Wellspring Covenant. Wellspring is part of the Sovereign Grace Ministries "denomination," emphasizing grace as a thematic part in its mission.
Wellspring has its Sunday Celebration service at 1:30 p.m. and is led by Pastor Sam Shin. I've heard a lot of those who attend used to come from Korean Central Presbyterian Church of San Francisco (KCPC), and many who don't want to drive all the way to Daly City now call this young church their home.
On my recent visit to Wellspring that may be of interest to those of us looking for a new church home, or just to visit...
1. Wellspring is theologically a fusion of Presbyterian, Baptist and its own emphasis on grace as paramount: the church makes much to note that it is not any specific denomination, nor does it have any major disagreements with other mainstream Christian Protestant denominations. As I am Presbyterian, I did a lot of research on their affiliation with the Sovereign Grace Ministries denomination. Minor things to note is that they don't believe in infant baptism, which I disagree with. Wellspring is a fusion of Presbyterian and Baptist, but reminiscent of the theological style of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. It's important to note by discussing with them in my visit that the most keymark difference is that they believe that Wellspring emphasizes being saved by grace. In their view, it is not anything new or radically different--but they emphasize it to their congregants that they must exercise every day. Unlike the Baptists, Sovereign Grace does not emphasize the extreme sinfulness of man as much (although of course, they recognize it)--so overall, this church really is a fusion of those two denominations. I believe it is important to be theologically informed before you visit a church to see if it is consistent with your views. For more about Wellspring's affiliation, check out http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/About/FAQ.aspx.
2. Friendliness of congregation: in general, people are very friendly, although all ask whether I came by being referred to by another Sovereign Grace Ministries affiliate church. They all come up to you and greet you, but at times it seems to be a free for all with myriad of children and infants scattered around room. Wellspring's demographic is 98% young Asian American (mostly Korean American) families, with many having small children and infants who can definitely be heard during Sunday service. Wellspring's congregation appears to be made up mostly of those under two and learning how to walk, rather than those already knowing how to walk. =D On average, this church averages around 90-120 per Sunday.
3. Who Wellspring may appeal most to: this is a recommended church for those of you who are recently married or in a serious relationship, and this church has a great potential for growth. However, as a young single, I felt rather out of place and didn't spot many in my 20s-30s peers who are single in the congregation. They have an active Homegroups ministry, Men's and Women's ministries which are located around the SF Bay Area.
4. Pastor Sam Shin can be described as very dynamic and friendly: although Pastor Sam doesn't have the "panache" that other megachurch pastors may have. Nevertheless, I have the impression that he definitely has a genuine heart for ministry. His message as always, emphasizing grace above all else, reflects a sincere soul searching for truth.
5. Yelp Three Stars for Wellspring!: Wellspring is a comfortable and casual church (most come to church in shorts and strollers), and open to all. But to be comfortable here, Wellspring may be the home for you if you agree with their doctrinal emphasis on daily grace and if you fit within the young married with children and babies demographic. However, if you are single--it's still worth checking out since there aren't that many Asian American churches in the East Bay. read more
