Who is the Pastor of Friendship?

Rev. Dr. Justin R. Lester—a dad, husband, preacher, and innovator. I’m here to serve this community with bold love, sound theology, and the kind of leadership that sees the neighborhood as our mission field, not just our location. And yes—I'm tech-savvy, but more than that, I'm people-savvy.

Where are y’all located?

We’re planted in the heart of Vallejo, California, serving not just Vallejo but the whole Bay—Stockton, Fairfield, Oakland, Antioch, and whoever else pulls up hungry for joy, community, and the Word.

What makes Friendship different?

We’re not just “doing church”—we’re building a future that holds onto the roots. That means:

• A church that feels like home but still challenges you to grow

• Sermons that feed your soul and your mind

• A commitment to justice, joy, and Jesus

• An eye toward technology, mental health, and family

• And yes, we really do care about Vallejo kids, seniors, and those often overlooked

What kind of people go to Friendship?

Everybody. For real. From nurses to artists, grandmas to college students, folks who been in church all their lives to folks who thought God forgot their name—we all gather here. What we have in common is we believe God still does new things.

What do y’all believe?

We believe in Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the truth that joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a weapon against despair. We believe the Bible speaks to both the sacred and the everyday. And we believe your questions are welcome here.

What’s the vibe of a Sunday at Friendship?

Come as you are, leave stretched. Expect worship that’s heartfelt, the Word to be relevant, and the music to hit. There’s no performance here—it’s all about authentic worship and transformational community.

What about my kids?

We have ministries designed for babies through teens—led by people who love them, not just babysit them. They’ll learn, play, pray, and grow. They get together every Sunday at 9:00 AM, and Every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 11:00 AM (We don’t believe in junior Holy Ghosts.)

Is this the church that talks about AI and tech?

Yes, that’s us. I believe the church can’t be afraid of the future—we’re the ones who should be shaping it. So we offer:

• AI workshops for churches and creatives

• A tech-enhanced ministry experience

• And practical tools to infuse innovation into everyday faith

What about seniors and longtime members?

We honor those who’ve held the church down. We’re not replacing tradition—we’re redeeming it and expanding it. Seniors are the wisdom and the warmth in this house.

What are y’all doing in the community?

We’re present. From food distribution to a future museum on African American church history... from sex worker outreach to robotics for youth... from health fairs to affordable charging stations—we’re building what Vallejo needs, not just what’s convenient.

What’s up with the renovations?

We’re raising $1.2M to preserve this historic place while expanding the bathrooms, adding HVAC, and updating the doors—because God deserves excellence and so do the people.

How can I give, join, or learn more?

Pull up on a Sunday.
DM us.
Email us.
Text us.
Give online.
And just know: you’re already family.