Seek and You Will Find
Yi Jiang
Congregation Member
May 31, 2025
Many years ago, I told a good church friend that I wanted to find a more open-minded church—and I half-joked, “Better left-leaning.” She, a longtime seeker who had visited many churches, said, “You’re dreaming.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, I suggested to my newly moved-in European neighbor, who had attended a Catholic boarding school that prepares students for the priesthood, to find a church community. I casually added, “...a progressive one.” He smiled confidently, “Believe me. All churches are conservative.”
I Wasn’t Dreaming - I Found Westhope
But now, amazingly, I’ve found Westhope, a passionate, open-minded, and progressive church that truly follows Jesus’ teachings. I’m very proud of myself for not giving up. Though honestly, I almost did.
The Start of My Journey
I’m a Chinese American. I was baptized in a Chinese evangelical church while I was a foreign graduate student. At that time, the church made me feel welcome. Christianity had once worn a glowing halo in the books I read about Western society. I longed to be part of it. But over time, I realized my church had a set of rigid beliefs that couldn’t be questioned.
At first, I thought it was just that particular church’s style. Without any prior theological or denominational knowledge, I began trying new churches. I lost friends every move. I secretly wondered if I was just too picky—or even not a good person.
Learning About a Church
Surely, I also learned a lot along the way. I figured out how to tell a church’s character by reading its statement on its website. I continued my impulsive search for churches, but only online, with little hope, for years. Still, I longed for a place where the spirit felt real —genuine, unforced, and quietly alive.
Yes, why not use “spiritual center” as the keyword? I felt excited and also slightly guilty as if I were betraying Jesus. That day, I found the Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley. From there, I discovered Westhope!
Discovering Westhope
I was thrilled when I read the Westhope website. Everything looked promising to me. I noticed the book that Westhope’s book club chose was “Table for Two” by Amor Towles — not a religious book. This small discovery was the final nudge.
When I first walked in Westhope — during the pandemic — I was immediately captivated by its contemplative music. For that beautiful moment alone, I knew I’d return.
Later, I joined Westhope’s Bible study. It was unlike any I’d experienced. Pastor Erik welcomed questions and shared his perspectives that encouraged us non-literal readings of the Bible. For the first time, I knew I had found the kind of church I’d always been looking for.
Do I Belong Here?
Still, one question remained: Do I belong here? At the time, I was the only person who spoke broken English.
Now, three years have passed, and I know the answer: yes, I do. I’ve never felt alienated — because the people at Westhope truly follow Jesus, opening their arms to immigrants and standing up for their rights.
I’m proud to be part of Westhope. And now, I’m ready to welcome you — especially if you, like me, are not a native English speaker.