by Jennifer A. Miskov, Ph.D.

When in transition and on the journey to discover your new church family, it is important to choose a healthy revival community that is full of Jesus, gives room for the Holy Spirit to move, gathers around the very presence of God, and feels like family to you. You want to be planted somewhere that you are received as the gift that you are. It is also important to play your part and serve the body of Christ, breaking off consumer Christianity. Sometimes God will hide you from being seen by leadership because it’s either not your time or it’s not your fit. It is important to invite the Holy Spirit into your process to direct you to your new spiritual family in this season.

We all are the church and that can come in lots of different shapes and sizes (1 Peter 2:5). Ultimately, the kingdom of God is all about family, however that might look in our day.

Connecting together regularly with the wider Body of Christ and also meeting with our tribe within a tribe are significant keys to our maturity. Once you do find the church community that is a fit, greater growth happens when asking God to highlight a tribe within a tribe. These can then gather outside of the weekly celebration meeting to go deeper together. Some might share a passion for evangelism and want to hit the streets together. Others might be interested in going deeper in the Word or in the Spirit together. Others might want to learn how to step out in the prophetic or healing. Still others may want to simply cultivate a safe place to be family together gathered around God’s presence. The structure itself is not what is most important. The regular meeting together around God’s presence in a smaller more intimate community within a community is what accelerates growth.

It is important to have people in our lives that we can be vulnerable with. We usually find these people we can go deeper with in smaller groups. Cultivating family is essential for growth. This connecting heart to heart is in alignment with and obedience to the Word of God (Hebrews 10:23-25, James 5:16, 1 John 1:7). Connection is key however that might look in this season.

When I was leading Destiny House, where at one point we had up to 21 people living in intentional community (which is too big by the way), we had a Monday night family time where we shared a meal and connected just with each other. Then we also had an open Friday morning worship and ministry time where all were welcome to join. There, we gathered around God’s presence and ministered together as a family. We also went to church on Sundays. I know three meetings a week is not realistic for many in other life situations, but we were all in a season of full-time ministry training, so it worked well for us.

Similar to the rhythm described in the Book of Acts who met together daily (Acts 2:46-47, 5:42) I believe that elements of the rhythm we had at Destiny House can be adapted and integrated into our lives. In addition to regularly going to church, a smaller group can meet once a week or a few times a month to connect at a heart level. Or maybe home groups might meet consistently each week and once a month all meet together for a larger corporate gathering. Maybe some will share a similar rhythm as we did in Destiny House. The structure is not what is important here, the heart and consistency of regularly meeting together is. Connection is crucial because the keys of our destiny are found in intimacy with God and in being deeply connected with our tribe. So however it looks to get connected and go deeper with our tribe, whatever rhythm of life that looks like, it’s important to dive in. I think some of the key questions for us all to ask ourselves are:  

Who am I running with in this season?

Where am I showing up regularly to know and be known together?

If you don’t yet know the answers to these questions, I encourage you to ask God who He is highlighting for you to build with during this season. Then wait on Him and listen to what He says. Once several are highlighted, take some risks to initiate times to connect and grow deeper together and see where God takes it from there.

 In this hour, I believe it is crucial that we find our tribe and then dive in wholeheartedly to run together after the things of God. There is a Billion Soul Harvest on its way. God is shifting and aligning people with their tribe in this season so that they can grow into maturity to help steward and carry this massive revival.

Be encouraged, in this season, you are a perfect fit somewhere, but not everywhere. You are a unique shape. There is a community out there that has a “you” shaped hole. Don’t get discouraged if you try to fit somewhere and it doesn’t quite feel right. Rejection is redirection to somewhere better. God is in charge and over it all. It may take a little time to explore several communities before you find your people to run with. And once you find each other, it may take some time to build those relationships. This investment of time and heart is well worth the effort though because when you do find your tribe, you find your destiny. Keep going and don’t give up, you might just be one more risk away from finding your spiritual family to run with in this season.

You are an important part to what God is getting ready to release over our generation in this end time harvest. You will only be able to step into the fullest measure of your God-given destiny when you are rooted in the family of God (Ephesians 3:20). On this journey of discovery, I pray that you have grace to embark with fresh hope. I declare acceleration over you as you seek Jesus first above all things and take risks to find and grow deeper with the tribe God highlights to you in this season. Blessing you with divine appointments in finding the kindred spirits you were born to run with for such a time as this.

**To learn more about our rhythm of doing life together at Destiny House, see the Walking on Water E-course that goes into great depth with several sessions exclusively about our story and community life there.

Destiny House Ministry Trip Report: San Francisco and Livermore

On July 19, 2014 some of the Destiny House family loaded up in the van and headed out on our 1st ever Destiny House family ministry trip. The trip was marked by God encountering us every time as we simply made time and space to wait on Him (Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 40:31). It was the first of many more trips to come of blessing cities. We first met our hosts Chuck and Kenny, when they discovered Destiny House after Kenny was woken up by the Lord at 2 a.m. They later found us and attended one of our Friday morning worship sessions in early May 2014. They were touched and invited us to come and bless their city. Elisa, who lives at Destiny House, jumped on this opportunity and volunteered to coordinate this ministry trip which was such a gift. Our first stop was in Oakland at the Home of Peace to get filled up and soak in the glory there.

Home of Peace in Oakland, CA. This is the 1st ever healing home on the West Coast, founded by Carrie Judd Montgomery.

Our Destiny House family with William Booth inside the Home of Peace. Jenny, James, Nick, Lukus, Michael, Simona, and Elisa.

San Francisco, CA

Destiny in the City

On Sunday morning, we had the honor to minister at Revive Church in Miraloma. After a powerful time of worship, I had the opportunity highlight the destiny of San Francisco. By sharing about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge and my Miracle Flight to UK, I was able to encourage the saints to step into the impossible. Since we can’t step into the fullness of our destinies without God and the body of Christ, we did a prophetic act of holding hands and taking one step towards the impossibilities we felt God leading us to. Then Destiny House family members James and Jenny came and led the ministry time along with the others. They had the privilege of honoring Jake, one of the lead pastors by speaking words of life and destiny over him. Our Destiny House family ministered beautifully alongside the saints in San Francisco at the Miraloma campus.

Revive Miraloma campus in San Francisco

Preaching barefoot in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Jenny and James ministering with lead pastor Jake.

Waiting on God with Hip Hop Dancers

We went from there to Revive Sunset in another part of town. This meeting was marked by the Holy Spirit invading the room and us simply waiting on the Lord for about 25 minutes together. It was powerful simply being in the presence of God together and allowing Him to minister to hearts, minds, spirits. God was releasing downloads and strategies from heaven. He was loving people powerfully as we waited on Him. After calling out the destiny of the city, we had the opportunity to minister to those we saw the Holy Spirit touching. I was immediately drawn to several young women hip hop dancers who use their craft to glorify God. I believe that day, He deposited powerful downloads of new dance moves that will release hope, freedom, and set the captives free. There were tears of freedom and healing released in the room. Our team had some powerful prophetic words released to the community there. Our time in San Francisco was such a gift. The work that the saints are doing in that city by being present and shining for His glory is incredible. We were honored to be a small part of what God is doing there.

Livermore, CA

Hope Restored

On Monday, after worshiping and soaking at the Home of Peace, we set off to partner with God in Livermore, California. With a beautiful ministry called Psalm 84, we got to spend time with the homeless of the city. In the service before the dinner, Elisa played anointed worship while Lukus went up to share some prophetic words. He pointed out one woman wearing a green shirt and start prophesying into her destiny. When he did this, the Holy Spirit fell upon her and she started to cry. I responded to what the Spirit was doing and went to pray for her. She shared her whole story with me. She was in her 50s and after a series of bad circumstances in her life, she found herself jobless and then homeless. She was very discouraged and hopeless when I first encountered her. I prayed for Vera and shared with her that many times right before one of our biggest breakthroughs, we have one of our biggest struggles. I encouraged her not to give up because I felt that hope and breakthrough was just around the corner. As I continued to spend time with her that evening and encourage her not simply to try and get by, but to dream again and to go after what really makes her heart come alive, God began to do a new work. Her countenance completely changed. Hope was infused in her. So much so that she shared with me that several people told her that she should write a book. Of course I found an extra copy of my book Silver to Gold and sowed it into her life. When I was about to leave, she was already on page 4. I love how God used the community at Psalm 84 to host the event, Elisa to lead worship which softened Vera’s heart, Lukus to speak a prophetic word over her, and me to follow up and instill hope. The body working together is a beautiful thing. I believe that what God did in Vera that day will act as a turning point for the rest of her life. Praise God for releasing hope to the hopeless!

Overflow Catches One by Surprise

One of my favorite stories of the trip happened at this same homeless outreach. When several of the team were connecting with some of the leaders there and praying blessings over them, one young man on his bike was standing nearby. A few of us noticed that the Holy Spirit was doing something in him so Simona, Crystal, and I pulled ourselves away from the group and went to see what was going on. There was such an overflow from when we were praying for a leader, that this young man on his bike got hit with the presence and glory of God for the first time in his life. He was fighting holding back tears. He didn’t know what was happening to him because he never felt that way before. For the first time in his life he said he was able to drop his barriers and defenses and feel God's love. He struggled to receive this love because he felt unworthy but Simona encouraged him to let God love him. We got to pray for him and explain a little of what was going on. When he left, we saw him walk outside the gate and lay down on his back in the grass, looking up to heaven and continuing to soak in the glory. I love that as we simply love each other, there is an overflow of God’s presence and glory that leaps upon people nearby.

Shepherd’s Gate: "Healing in my Right Hand!" and Glory

During our trip, we also had the opportunity to visit several locations of Shepherd’s Gate. This is a tenderhearted ministry for women who have been abused and are seeking refuge. During our time with these amazing women, we gathered together in their living room area and worshiped. We all got into God’s presence together just like how we do on Friday mornings at Destiny House. I shared some Scriptures as they were encountering God. Then after several of the Destiny House family released God’s heart, we simply lingered and spent time in His presence together. After blessing and anointing the whole house, we also got to spend time blessing the staff. At our first location with the staff, we played our Destiny House worship CD in the background and invited God’s presence (you can download this CD for free HERE). There too, we simply lingered in God’s presence together, waited on Him, and responded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to bless them.

When we were about to leave, we found out that another lady arrived who wanted prayer for her knee. I noticed that Jocelin, who we had prayed for earlier, had taken her off wrist brace. Her wrist was totally healed! We had her place her healed hand upon the other lady’s knee and then we all placed our hands on hers and prayed together. A few minutes later, when the lady stood up to try out her knee, she discovered that it was healed! Jocelin raised up her healed hand and said, “I have healing power in this hand!” It was beautifully seeing how one who had never experienced healing until that day freely gave what she freely received within moments. Jocelin later sent us a note saying, “I can’t thank you enough for today! My faith has grown so much stronger and I actually know what peace is suppose to feel like finally! I’m glad you were a chapter in my life.” Praise God!

Defeating Armies by Praise in Dublin, CA

On Tuesday night, we had the opportunity to hold a meeting for a variety of different church leaders in a room that overlooked the region. It was a powerful time of worship followed by us waiting on God and lingering in His presence once again. After some of our Destiny House family shared some wonderful testimonies, I released the word from 2 Chronicles 20 about Defeating Armies by Praise. I once again encouraged them to walk towards impossibilities, trusting that God will move the mountains and make a way. We had a wonderful time of ministry.

Psalm 84: Centennial Light and God Holds the Key to Our Destiny

Our last night we had the opportunity to minister at Psalm 84, the group that Chuck and Kenny are a part of. There, we saw the waitress we had met earlier that day come for the first time! Psalm 84 is a beautiful community of Jesus lovers who all have a heart for revival in the city. After a wonderful time of worship, we spent some time lingering in the presence of God together: praying, waiting, singing melodies to God, praying in tongues, listening, and simply being in His presence. God was releasing strategies from heaven and new songs. One of the women got a download of a song during our time waiting on God. When she sang out the song in Spanish over the congregation, God’s presence was magnified. I found out later, that she had never encountered God like that before.

After our time of being in His presence in a tangible and powerful way, I shared briefly about God’s heart for the city of Livermore. The world’s longest light bulb has been housed there for over 100 years. The reason that it has lasted so long is because it doesn’t get turned off and on, it simply remains shining bright. What a powerful picture of hosting the light of God in a city for 100 years. What would happen if just like the light bulb, God’s presence was hosted uninterrupted in one place for 100 years? How far would the circumference of hosting God’s presence and glory overflow just like it did to Steven during our homeless outreach? Could a city be transformed by a community simply being willing to host His presence continually for that period of time? And how many other cities nearby would be affected and receive its overflow? I can only imagine the ripple effects in the city and for eternity that would take place

After sharing about how God Holds the Key to Our Destiny, we did another prophetic act. Everyone gathered together in a large circle and was given a key. Since the keys to our destiny are released in God’s presence and also within members of the body of Christ, we had everyone exchange a key with someone in the room before they left. It was a powerful time as people prayed, prophesied, and encouraged each other during this exchange of “gifts” in the room.

After our final meeting, we loaded up in the “party van” and headed back to Redding, arriving just before 4 a.m. the next morning. The Destiny House family was blessed beyond measure by our hosts who loved, honored, and valued the gift of God that we are. They, along with the saints in the city, lavished love and blessings on us throughout the trip. It was a huge encouragement to see what happens when just one or two people decide they want to bless their city. Chuck, Kenny, and the community there desire to love their whole city well from the poorest of the poor to the most influential. We had the opportunity to minister in a wide range of areas in the city, from the homeless, to women seeking refuge, to church leaders from around the area, to a budding movement of Jesus lovers passionate about city transformation. It says a lot of the destiny of the city when two people invite us simply because they want to bless their city.

Me with our incredible hosts for these cities, Linda and Chuck.

Blessing the City

So, from our house (Destiny House Redding) to yours San Francisco, we bless you with being launched into a greater measure of your God given destiny for such a time as this. As the Golden Gate Bridge shines bright, may you arise as the crown jewel of the city and even the State. May everything you touch turn to gold. May you be a city of enduring hope and a forerunner for stepping into the impossible. May you be a gate for people from all spheres of life to enter in and encounter the living God (Isaiah 62:10). And to Livermore, we bless you from our house to yours. May you shine for generations to come, hosting the presence and the glory of God. May strategies be released from heaven to equip you to become a sustainer of revival in a powerful way that will create momentum for generations to come. May you stand tall as a lighthouse for people from all around to come and find direction, protection, salvation, truth, hope, and abundant life (Matthew 5:14-16). So from our house to yours, from San Francisco to Livermore and everywhere in between, we bless you and call for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your land. May you be flooded with a Tsunami wave of revival sweeping your land. May God grant you wisdom as you knit yourselves together with the body of Christ to become the net needed to receive and disciple the coming harvest. May He send His Spirit in even greater power for Jesus Christ’s sake. Thank you for loving us so well. You are welcome to visit Destiny House anytime. With love, Jen and the Destiny House family.

Kenny, Chuck, Linda and the Destiny family: Elisa, me, Crystal, Nick, Lukus, and Simona sending you blessings!!!

To learn more on similar topics by Jen see

Stepping Into the Impossible: Miracle Flight to England

God Holds the Key to Your Destiny

Defeating Armies by Praise

Revival History in Redding: Re-Digging Wells at Destiny House

Video of Jen sharing at BSSM about Carrie Judd Montgomery's Legacy