City Folks, Part 1: My Time with Greg Jamison

If you saw him at his local church he would most likely say hello, shake your hand, and ask you your name.  That is what he did with me a couple of months ago at a San Jose sports luncheon.  Not impressed?  Neither was I until they introduced Greg Jamison, President and CEO of Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment.  Though much falls under his leadership, including the San Jose Sharks and the HP Pavilion (the third busiest building in North America), few fall out of his graces.  When I heard him speak the name of Jesus and about his experience as a leader in downtown San Jose, I knew I had to hang out with him.

One of Mr. Jamison’s main missions as the leader of the Sharks and the HP Pavilion (aka the Shark Tank), has always been to become “part of the fabric” of the city.  As a little guppy church planter we have that in common.  During our time this morning I heard him speak of a vision to connect with the surrounding culture for the betterment of its people and the success of his organization.  Though a Stanley cup does not loom large in my future, I sensed a shared vision–to transform San Jose for the glory of God.

He is a President and CEO.  I am a coffee drinker and a church planter.  He raises Hockey championship banners.  I raise up latte mugs and books.  And yet we are both missionaries.  Our God is weaving together a story of his grace and renovation of the bad toward the good, constantly growing his kingdom through common men like me and Greg Jamison.  It is fascinating to think that with the same purpose in mind God has called Greg to lead the San Jose Sharks and me to lead City Church.  All for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God.

Today I realized three things.  One, I need to pray for the leaders of San Jose like Greg Jamison.  Two, God is a genius and unquestionably powerful.  Three, San Jose will be transformed through people, by God.