Who Are You Becoming? – Philippians 3:12-21
This past Sunday at Watsonville Church of the Nazarene—affectionately known as WatsNaz—was more than just a regular worship service in Watsonville. It was our monthly Family on Mission Sunday, a special rhythm in the life of our family-friendly church in Watsonville where we gather around tables, share a meal, hear testimonies, pray together, and partake in communion. It’s a day that reflects the heart of our faith community in Watsonville: living out our mission together in both community and calling.
This week’s message from Pastor Ryan was titled “Who Are You Becoming?” and was rooted in Philippians 3:12–21. He began with a powerful story about WWII General James “Jumpin’ Jim” Gavin—the only American general to parachute into combat alongside his troops. Gavin’s leadership wasn’t about commanding from a distance; it was about shared mission, shared suffering, and shared presence. He went where his people went.
Pastor Ryan connected this to a deeper spiritual truth we all live with—whether or not we realize it: we are all being discipled by someone or something. Whether it’s a mentor, a media voice, or cultural norms, we are being formed by the people and influences we follow. For example, the average American adult consumes over 9 hours of cable news per week, while most churchgoers may only spend one hour a week in church. The point? It’s not if we’re being shaped—it’s by whom.
At this Bible-based church in Watsonville, we believe the Christian life isn’t about arriving—it’s about becoming. As Paul puts it in Philippians, it's about pressing on, being sanctified, and cooperating with the Spirit of God to become more like Jesus. That formation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens in community, through intentional discipleship, and by following people who genuinely follow Jesus.
Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we’re called to live that out right now. As a Christian church in Watsonville, we believe that means living out the values of God’s kingdom in everyday places—like grocery stores, job sites, classrooms, and homes. It means showing what it looks like to experience heaven on earth in our community.
After the message, we spent time in table groups reflecting on these truths with three important questions:
Who have you been following lately—intentionally or unintentionally?
What does it look like to live as a citizen of heaven in your workplace, home, or school this week?
Who in your life models Christlike character—and how can you follow their example?
These conversations were honest, powerful, and encouraging—a reminder that growth doesn’t just happen through sermons, but through Spirit-filled community.
Whether you’re searching for a local church near you in Watsonville, a family-focused church in the Monterey Bay area, or just exploring faith, WatsNaz welcomes you. We're a community church in Watsonville with people from Freedom, Corralitos, Pajaro, and across South Santa Cruz County, united in our mission to see heaven on earth in every neighborhood.
If you missed the message—or want to revisit it—you can watch the full sermon below.
And remember: at WatsNaz, we’re not just a crowd—we’re a Family on Mission. Come be part of it.