Meeting People Where They Are — Like Jesus Did
This past Sunday at Watsonville Church of the Nazarene (WatsNaz), Pastor Ryan continued our series How to Tell People About Jesus with a message from Luke 19:1–10—the story of Zacchaeus.
It’s a familiar story for many of us, but as Pastor Ryan pointed out, it’s far more than a children’s song about “a wee little man.” It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus meets people right where they are—without judgment, without preconditions, and with an invitation that changes lives forever.
Zacchaeus was a wealthy, corrupt tax collector—someone everyone in Jericho avoided. But when Jesus passed through town, He didn’t just wave from a distance. He stopped, looked up into the tree where Zacchaeus had climbed, and said: “I must stay at your house today.”
In that moment, Jesus risked His reputation with the religious crowd. He was criticized for spending time with “a sinner.” But He didn’t start with judgment—He started with relationship. And that relationship transformed Zacchaeus’s life from the inside out.
Pastor Ryan challenged us to see that this is exactly what Jesus calls us to do as His followers. If we’re going to be a community church in Watsonville that truly makes a difference, we can’t just wait for people to walk through our doors. We have to take the hope of Jesus to where people already are—whether that’s in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, or coffee shops.
At WatsNaz, our mission is clear:
We build Christ-centered communities where people walk with Jesus, serve with others, and live the hope of heaven in everyday life.
And our vision keeps us moving forward:
We envision WatsNaz as a trusted spiritual home and a beacon of hope in Watsonville—known for raising up leaders, restoring lives, and embodying heaven on earth.
Pastor Ryan shared how this mission is already in motion:
A support group for families with children who have special needs.
An upcoming ALPHA Course at Cabrillo College to create a safe space for students to explore faith.
Ongoing “Fill the Fridge” projects at local schools to bless teachers and staff.
These aren’t just events—they’re intentional ways we’re stepping into people’s lives, meeting them where they are, and creating space for God to work.
Pastor Ryan closed with a challenge for all of us:
Don’t wait for the “right moment” to share God’s love—make space for it. Invite someone to coffee, check in with an old friend, ask a neighbor how they’re really doing—and truly listen. Sometimes, one simple act of presence is all it takes for someone to encounter Jesus.
If you’re looking for a family-focused church in Watsonville that loves God, loves people, and is committed to making heaven visible here on earth, we’d love for you to join us at Watsonville Church of the Nazarene. Worship with us Sundays at 10:00 AM, or connect with us online to see how you can be part of this mission.
At WatsNaz, we’re not just waiting for people to come to us—we’re going to them. Because that’s exactly what Jesus did.
And remember: at WatsNaz, we’re not just a crowd—we’re a Family on Mission. Come be part of it.