Joseph & Annie Silipo

SD.Church

• Contact: 13223-1 Black Mountain Rd., Suite 433, San Diego 619-280-2999 www.sd.church
• Membership: 1100
• Pastor: Joseph Silipo
• Age: 62
• Born: Pittsburgh
• Formation: University of Cincinnati, OH
• Years Ordained: 39

San Diego Reader: What’s your favorite subject on which to preach?

Pastor Joseph Silipo: The simplicity of Christianity. John 13:34-35 speaks to that simplicity, which is loving God and loving people. This simplicity gives you a connection with God and a connection with community… There are so many ways of looking at things, but I like the simplicity of how Jesus was able to help the early disciples. They didn’t get caught up in religion, but saw the most important component—a personal relationship with God and with people.

SDR: Why did you become a minister?

PS: Originally, I thought I was going to be a Catholic priest, but I went through my journey and had different experiences. I also had my wild side. But after I got a degree in information systems and did well working in that field, I wanted to do something with my life that would have a long-term effect rather than short-term. Much of the technology I was working with became obsolete pretty quickly. I wanted to make a lasting difference in someone’s life — and that of their extended family. But even back in college, although there wasn’t a specific day — nothing was written in the clouds — I felt called to ministry.

SDR: What’s the mission of your church?

PS: Love God and love people. That’s the short, simple and sweet way to look at our mission. What we try to do — and we’re a work in progress, by the way — is keep our groups on Sunday in the 100-300 range on five church campuses: North-San Marcos, Pomerado, Coastal-San Diego, Mission-San Diego, and South Point-National City. But there are also small groups within those larger groups, 5-15 people. Those smaller groups seek to address the life stages of those involved the best we can. That’s how we unpack it from a functional point of view. We have the best of both worlds with the dynamic worship experience — but you don’t get lost in a sea of a thousand people. That’s why we have smaller groups. Within our five campuses, we can connect more with people within those smaller groups. We ask where we can each serve best — and where we feel needed and where we can give as well.

SDR: Where do you go when you die?

PS: I believe there is an eternity, a heaven and a hell. But do I know what it’s all going to look like? No. But as it says in Ecclesiastes, God is preparing a place of eternity in the hearts of men and women. There’s something about us as people that have a spot reserved by God. I don’t know what that means at the end of the day, but I believe we’re more than just the bear or tiger in the jungle, or the coyote down the street. There’s something beyond this world. What it’s going to be like? As scripture says, no man can understand what God has prepared for those who love him. I trust that, but what it’s going to be, I guess we’ll find out. The Bible is the word of God, and the word will judge us, ultimately. If God wants to make an exception, amen. That’s God’s call, not mine. I’m at peace with those things. That’s God’s business. But those who follow the word of God will be with him for eternity.