Common Questions & Answers

Avoid pressure tactics, Christian jargon, and arguments that don’t fit the relationship. Evangelism isn’t controlling outcomes—God saves. Our role is to love, speak truthfully, and be faithful.

Absolutely! We welcome and include every child as part of our Sonrise Kids family. Our team works with parents to understand each child’s unique needs and provide individualized attention so every child can participate fully and joyfully.

No—Christians don’t avoid conflict; we handle it differently. Love tells the truth, seeks peace, and addresses issues with humility.

No. Jesus invites you as you are. He meets you with grace first, then begins the lifelong work of transforming you from the inside out.

Pick the day (or weekly window) that you can keep consistently. The goal is a set-apart rhythm, not a rigid rule.

Food fasting is the most common in Scripture, but you can also fast from other good things (social media, entertainment, etc.)—as long as the purpose is to pursue God more intentionally.

Yes—forgiveness is releasing bitterness and vengeance to God, even if repentance hasn’t happened. Reconciliation is different and may not be possible yet.

No. Jesus invites people to come as they are, not as they think they should be. Change is something God works in us after we come to Him, not a requirement to earn His love. Grace comes first, and transformation follows.

Repentance begins between you and God. While talking with a pastor or trusted believer can be helpful for guidance, prayer, and encouragement, forgiveness comes from God—not from another person.

Not at all. At Sonrise Church, you’ll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to more dressed-up Sunday outfits. We care more about you than what you wear—so come as you are and feel right at home.

No. Forgiveness cancels a personal debt; trust is rebuilt through repentance and consistent change over time.

God speaks primarily through His Word, and the Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply Scripture with wisdom in real situations.

Yes—prayer changes us, and God also uses prayer to accomplish His purposes. We don’t pray to control outcomes; we pray to trust God, seek His will, and bring our needs to Him in faith.

We’d love to have you join our team! There are opportunities to teach, help with crafts and games, or support behind the scenes. Just stop by the Kids Check-In desk or fill out our “Serve in Sonrise Kids” form online—we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Start with the basics: daily Scripture and prayer, weekly worship, honest confession, and intentional obedience in one area where you’ve been compromising. Ask God to make your heart tender, your conscience clean, and your life aligned with His Word.

Worship becomes a lifestyle when you live with surrendered priorities—praying, obeying God’s Word, serving others, practicing generosity, and doing everyday work “for the Lord.”

Start with Scripture. God will never lead you in a way that contradicts His Word. Then pray for wisdom, pay attention to conviction from the Spirit, and seek counsel from mature believers. Ask: What is God inviting me to do? What would faithfulness look like today?

We are so excited that you are ready to take that step of faith! If you’re interested in getting baptized at Sonrise, please fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly!

Start small and be consistent—read Scripture daily, pray simple prayers, and obey in the next right thing. Faith often grows through repeated small steps.

Keep Jesus at the center. Practices don’t earn God’s love—they help you respond to it. Growth is fueled by grace, not guilt.

Good interpretation starts with context: who it was written to, what’s happening in the passage, and how it fits within the whole story of Scripture. Compare Scripture with Scripture, look for the author’s main point, and ask how it points you to Jesus. When in doubt, talk with a pastor or join a group where you can learn together.

How do I know if my faith is real?
Real faith clings to Jesus and keeps moving toward Him. It won’t be perfect, but it shows up in repentance, obedience, and a growing desire to trust God.

The Spirit will never contradict Scripture and often leads through conviction, wisdom, and a growing alignment with God’s Word—confirmed through prayer and godly counsel.

While each persons faith journey is different, we have a number of different next steps and programs for you to consider and pray about.

If the conflict is stuck, repeated, involves serious harm, or you’re unsure what’s true, involve a pastor, counselor, or wise leader to help bring clarity and accountability.

Start with one consistent window each week. Stop → Rest → Delight → Worship.
Stop work and productivity. Rest in ways that restore you. Delight in God’s gifts. Worship through Scripture, prayer, and gratitude.

Ask good questions, listen well, and connect faith to real life. Look for moments of stress, need, gratitude, or curiosity, and offer a simple line like, “Can I tell you what’s helped me?”

Start with what you do know: God is good, wise, and loving. Submit the next clear step from Scripture and ask God for wisdom for the rest.

Prayer and fasting can create space for honesty, clarity, and deeper dependence on God during repentance. Prayer helps us bring what’s hidden into the light, while fasting can quiet distractions and sharpen our awareness of God’s presence and guidance. Neither earns forgiveness, but both can help us listen more closely, realign our hearts, and take meaningful steps toward freedom and renewal.

Your child’s safety is our top priority. Every volunteer and staff member is background-checked and trained, and our secure check-in/check-out system ensures that only authorized adults can pick up your child. We also have a dedicated Safety Team on-site every Sunday.

Start by naming what you’re holding onto. Pray honestly: “Jesus, I trust You—help me surrender.” Then take one clear step of obedience within 48 hours. Submission isn’t a feeling; it’s practiced in action.

Faith grows as you take God at His word. It’s strengthened by Scripture, prayer, remembering what God has done, and stepping into obedience even when you feel nervous or unsure. Over time, trust becomes your reflex.

Forgiveness can be offered even if the other person doesn’t repent. Reconciliation requires repentance, honesty, and time. And in cases of ongoing harm or unsafe behavior, healthy boundaries and outside help are not unloving—they’re wise.

Godliness is Christlike character formed by the gospel and the Spirit—not just moral behavior or self-effort.

Our services typically last about 70 minutes and include worship, teaching, and time for prayer. If you have kids, Sonrise Kids is available during both Sunday services so your whole family can enjoy church in a way that fits their age and stage.

Start small: one meal or one day. As you grow, you can extend the time with wisdom and good preparation.

Long enough to be real—and short enough to be consistent. Start with 5 minutes daily and grow from there. Consistency forms your heart more than occasional intensity.

Jesus calls us to a lifestyle of forgiveness. This doesn’t mean staying in harm’s way—it means keeping our hearts free from bitterness.

Consistency matters more than length. Start with 10–15 minutes a day (or a few times a week) and build from there. A simple rhythm of reading, reflecting, and responding can lead to real growth over time.

Not exactly—reverence is awe and respect for God’s holiness and authority, which leads to worship and obedience, not running away from Him.

No—biblical faith is trust based on who God is and what He has shown and promised, ultimately centered on Jesus.

Forgiveness is releasing the right to retaliate and entrusting justice to God. Reconciliation requires repentance, trust-building, and often time—sometimes it isn’t possible or safe.

It can be a great first step. An invitation isn’t the whole gospel, but it can open a door for someone to hear the gospel, encounter community, and begin exploring Jesus.

No. It is never too late to turn to Jesus. In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a story about a vineyard owner who hires workers at different times throughout the day—some early in the morning, others at the very end. At the end of the day, every worker receives the same reward. Jesus uses this story to show that God’s grace isn’t based on how long you’ve known Him, but on His generosity and mercy. Whether you’re early in life or feel like you’re coming late, God welcomes all who turn to Him.

No. Repentance is part of the ongoing life of following Jesus. Christians of all ages and stages continue to repent as God reveals areas that need healing, growth, or realignment with His truth.

Yes—Sabbath is a wise, biblical rhythm and a gift from God. While Christians may differ on specifics, the need for regular rest, worship, and trust in God remains.

No—submission is trusting God’s leadership so you can become who you were created to be. God’s will leads to freedom, not shrinkage.

1) Pause and pray — Ask God to search your heart and calm your emotions.
2) Own your part — Confess sin quickly and clearly, without excuses.
3) Speak the truth in love — Be honest, specific, and gentle.
4) Listen well — Seek understanding, not ammunition.
5) Forgive as you’ve been forgiven — Release vengeance to God and pursue peace.
6) Seek wise help when needed — Bring in a pastor/leader when conflict is stuck or serious.

Yes! Sonrise Kids is available during both Sunday services for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Kids enjoy a safe, fun, and engaging environment where they learn about Jesus in age-appropriate ways while you experience worship and teaching in the main service.

Singing is one expression of worship, but worship is bigger than music—it’s honoring God with your heart, words, and actions as you surrender your whole life to Him.

When you accept Jesus, your sins are completely forgiven—not partially or temporarily, but fully. The Bible says you are made clean, washed white as snow, and no longer defined by your past. Through Jesus, God removes the weight of sin and restores your relationship with Him.

You also receive the free gift of eternal life. This means you are saved by grace and welcomed into God’s family, with the promise of life with Jesus—both now and forever in heaven. While your life won’t instantly become perfect, your identity, direction, and future are changed. Accepting Jesus is the beginning of a new life, grounded in forgiveness, hope, and the presence of God with you.

Sonrise Kids is designed for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each Sunday and Wednesday, kids experience age-appropriate lessons, games, and worship in a fun and safe environment where they learn how much Jesus loves them.

Submission is hard when you fear losing control, comfort, approval, or certainty. The good news is that God is not harsh—He’s a good Father. You can trust Him even when obedience costs something.

1) Name the hurt (be honest with God).
2) Release the debt (choose forgiveness).
3) Entrust justice to God (Romans 12).
4) Pray blessing (even when you don’t feel it).
5) Take a next step (a conversation, a boundary, or asking for help).

Start small. Choose one meal, one day, or a limited window, and decide ahead of time what you’ll do with that time (pray, read Scripture, journal, worship). Drink water, listen to your body, and keep your focus on seeking God—not just “getting through it.”

Keep showing up. Silence doesn’t mean absence. Pray Scripture, ask God to renew your faith, and invite someone to pray with you. Often God shapes endurance and trust in quieter seasons.

If there is abuse, threats, ongoing manipulation, or unsafe behavior, the next step is not a private conversation—it’s getting help. God’s heart is protection and truth, and seeking support is not a lack of faith; it’s wisdom.

Be honest with God. Confess what you want, what you fear, and where you feel weak. Ask the Spirit for strength, take the next small step, and don’t isolate—obedience often grows through accountability and encouragement.

Sonrise Youth is made up of middle school and high school students. We gather together every Wednesday and Sunday to develop relationships and grow in our faith. You can learn more about Sonrise Youth here.

Repentance means more than feeling sorry—it means turning away from what leads to harm and turning toward God’s way of life. It’s a change of heart and direction, rooted in honesty and trust that God’s way leads to freedom and healing.

Knowing Jesus is more than knowing facts—it’s a relationship marked by trust, repentance, and learning to follow Him day by day.

It means worship that comes from the heart (“spirit”) and aligns with who God truly is and what He has revealed in Scripture (“truth”)—not just emotion or preference.

Submission shows up in small, concrete decisions: forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge, telling the truth instead of managing your image, honoring God with your body, choosing integrity over convenience, practicing generosity, and letting Scripture correct you.

Conflict is often fueled by competing desires, pride, or misunderstanding—but God calls His people to be peacemakers. Biblical peace isn’t the absence of tension; it’s the presence of truth, humility, and love.

Repentance opens the door to renewal and forward movement. As you turn toward God, He offers forgiveness, restoration, and guidance for your next steps—whether that’s accepting Jesus, being baptized, or learning how to follow Him more closely.

Keep it private, keep it humble, and keep it God-focused. Fasting is not about proving holiness—it’s about pursuing Jesus and letting Him reshape your desires.

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse wrong—it acknowledges the wrong and releases your right to repay it. Justice still matters, and God sees fully.

Feelings come and go, but worship is a choice to focus on God’s worth. Start with gratitude, pray honestly, and let truth lead—often the feelings follow faithfulness.

You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to know Jesus and the basics of the gospel. Share what you do know, stay humble, and keep learning.

Start simple: talk to God like a Father who loves you. Use short honest sentences. If you’re stuck, pray the Psalms or the Lord’s Prayer and make the words personal.

That’s normal—especially at first. Use a study Bible, a trusted commentary, or a Bible app with reading plans to help with context. And if you’re stuck, reach out through the form at the bottom of this page—we’d love to help.

Start small and be consistent: Scripture, prayer, worship, confession, and community. Ask God for a soft heart—He delights to meet you as you seek Him.

Don’t hide—bring it into the light. Confess to God, ask for help, involve trusted believers, and take practical steps to remove temptation. Growth often happens through repeated repentance and support.

Struggle does not mean failure. Growth often happens over time, and God’s grace is present even in repeated battles. Repentance is about returning to God again and again, trusting Him to keep shaping your heart and habits.

Doubts don’t disqualify you from faith—they’re often part of the journey. Many people in the Bible came to Jesus with questions, uncertainty, and fear. Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means choosing to trust Jesus with the next step.

That fear is normal. Remember: you’re not responsible for outcomes—God is. Ask the Spirit for courage, take small steps, and trust that love is worth the risk.

That fear is normal. Bring it to God honestly. He’s a good Father, and obedience is always for your ultimate good—even when it’s costly.

Fear is normal. Pray for courage, take the next small step, and remember: God doesn’t just call you—He empowers you. Obedience is often the doorway to peace and clarity.

Own it fully. Confess without excuses, ask forgiveness, and take concrete steps to rebuild trust over time—repentance is more than words.

Start smaller. Even a few hours can be meaningful if it’s protected and intentional. Ask God for wisdom, plan ahead, and consider rotating rhythms as a family.

Get help. Forgiveness can still be pursued, but safety and wise support are essential. Talk with a pastor and a trusted professional to take the right next step.

You can’t control outcomes—only your obedience. Do your part with truth and love, set wise boundaries, and seek counsel if the pattern continues.

Forgiveness is a decision to release resentment and cancel a personal debt—choosing not to repay evil for evil. It isn’t pretending it didn’t happen, minimizing harm, or instantly trusting someone again. Forgiveness is about your heart; trust is rebuilt over time.

The goal isn’t winning—it’s honoring God and pursuing what’s truly good for the other person. Sometimes that leads to reconciliation; sometimes it leads to clear boundaries. In all cases, Jesus calls us to respond with integrity, love and peace.

Use a simple structure: Before Jesus → How I met Jesus → After Jesus. Keep it honest and clear. Focus on what changed because of Jesus, not just what you changed about yourself.

Choose one promise from Scripture and practice trusting it this week. Pray it, write it down, and take one concrete action that matches what you say you believe—then reflect on how God meets you as you obey.

Choose one area where you’ve been hesitating—prayer, forgiveness, confession, generosity, purity, serving, or sharing your faith. Write down one specific action step, pray for the Spirit’s help, do it within 48 hours, and reflect on what God taught you.

Start with prayer and relationship. Ask God to open doors, listen well, and look for moments of curiosity or need. Then share simply: (1) God’s story (the gospel), (2) your story (what Jesus has done in you), and (3) an invitation (a next step).

Evangelism is telling and showing the gospel. We speak the message clearly—Jesus lived, died, and rose again to save sinners—and we live in a way that reflects His love. It’s truth with compassion, offered with patience and respect.

Faith is confident trust in God’s character and promises. It includes belief, but it always moves into action—choosing God’s way because you trust God’s heart.

Fasting is voluntarily setting aside a normal good (often a meal or multiple meals) to pursue God with focused attention. The goal isn’t self-improvement or spiritual bragging—it’s deeper communion with God through prayer, Scripture, and surrender.

Godliness is spiritual maturity that shows up in real life—how you speak, what you love, what you pursue, and how you treat people. It isn’t image management; it’s inner transformation that produces Christlike character.

Reverence (often called the “fear of the Lord”) is not terror—it’s deep respect, awe, and humility before God’s holiness and authority. It’s recognizing God as God, and letting that reality shape your priorities and decisions.

Sabbath isn’t laziness, legalism, or a rule that earns God’s approval. It’s a gift. The goal isn’t “perfect Sabbath,” but faithful rhythms that help you remain with Jesus and live from His peace.

Sabbath is a set-apart time to stop working and turn your attention toward God—resting your body, quieting your mind, and letting your soul breathe. It’s a weekly reminder that you are not defined by output; you are loved, and God is in control.

Spirit-led obedience is responding to God’s Word with faith-filled action, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It’s doing what God says because you trust God’s heart—and relying on the Spirit to give you both the desire and the strength to obey.

Submission is surrendering your will to God’s will—trusting Him as Lord, not just Savior. It means placing your choices, relationships, ambitions, desires, and future under Jesus’ authority and letting His Word lead.

To seek God with focused attention—training your heart to depend on Him and desire Him more than comfort or control.

At Sonrise, worship is energetic, heartfelt, and centered on Jesus. You’ll hear modern worship songs led by a live band that invites everyone to engage—whether you like to sing loud, raise your hands, or simply take it in. It’s a powerful time to connect with God and with others in our East County community.

Our messages are biblical, practical, and relatable. Each sermon is designed to help you apply God’s truth to real life—whether you’re navigating family, work, or personal struggles. You’ll leave encouraged, challenged, and reminded that Jesus changes everything.

Rest, worship, and delight. Turn off work, enjoy God’s gifts, spend time in Scripture and prayer, share a meal, take a walk, nap, and be present with people you love.

Start by reaching out to a pastor—our team would love to listen and help you take a step that fits where you are.

Bring them to God honestly, return to Scripture, and talk with mature believers. Doubt can become a doorway to deeper faith when you keep seeking Jesus.

Replace what you’re abstaining from with prayer, Scripture, worship, and listening. Fasting without seeking God is just skipping something.

What can you expect at Sonrise Church? Love. Acceptance. Encouragement. Relationship. All found and rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We have casual services- so come as you are. If you have any questions during service, one of our service volunteers would be happy to help however they can!

When you pull into the parking lot, our friendly greeters and volunteers will help you find your way around. You can grab a coffee at the Sonrise Café, check in your kids, and head into the worship center. Expect genuine smiles, modern worship, and a message that connects to real life.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” Stay calm, respectful, and curious. Your goal isn’t to win—it’s to love and point them to Jesus.

Come as you are! At Sonrise Church, you’ll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to Sunday best. We care more about people than appearances—so wear whatever makes you comfortable as you worship and connect.

Ask God for help. Forgiveness is often a process, not a moment. The Holy Spirit empowers what we can’t do on our own, and healing usually grows through prayer, time, and community support.

We offer two Sunday morning services at 9:00 AM and 10:40 AM. Each service features the same worship and teaching, so you can choose the time that fits your schedule best.

Our Sunday services are at 9AM & 10:40AM & Wednesday mid-week service at 6:30PM.

Growth often looks like: quicker repentance, softer pride, greater humility, deeper gratitude, increased self-control, stronger love for people, and a growing desire to please God rather than impress others.

Kids enjoy a high-energy mix of Bible stories, songs, and interactive activities designed to help them understand and apply God’s truth. Our goal is for every child to leave knowing more about Jesus—and wanting to come back next week!

Try this: Pray → Read → Reflect → Apply. Ask God for understanding, read a short passage, write down what stands out, and identify one next step of obedience you can practice today.

Accepting Jesus is the beginning, not the end. A next step often includes baptism, learning how to follow Jesus daily, and growing alongside others in community. You don’t have to walk this out alone—there’s support, guidance, and grace for every step ahead.

Choose one area of compromise to bring into the light, repent, and take a concrete step of obedience—then ask a trusted believer to pray with you and encourage you.

Surrender one area you’ve been controlling—time, relationships, money, habits, or a decision—and take one concrete step of obedience within the next 48 hours.

The best time is the time you’ll actually do it. Many people start with mornings, but you can pray throughout the day—before meetings, while driving, during stress, or before bed.

Accepting Jesus is the starting point—turning to Him in faith for salvation. Following Jesus is the ongoing journey of discipleship—learning His ways, obeying His Word, and becoming more like Him.

Conviction is specific and leads you back to Jesus with hope; shame is vague and drives you away. God calls you to repent and receive grace.

Obedience is response to grace; legalism is trying to earn grace. Spirit-led obedience flows from love for Jesus and dependence on the Spirit, not fear-driven performance.

Sonrise Church in Santee is a place where real people find real hope. You’ll experience a friendly, welcoming environment with smiling faces, good coffee, and a sense of belonging from the moment you arrive. Whether you live in Santee, Lakeside, or El Cajon, you’ll find community here that feels like home.

Fasting should be practiced with wisdom and health in mind. If you’re pregnant, have a history of eating disorders, diabetes, medical conditions, or other health concerns, talk with a doctor first—or consider a different kind of fast (social media, entertainment, etc.) while still pursuing the same heart focus.

Sonrise Church is located in the heart of Santee, California, at 8805 Magnolia Avenue—just minutes from Lakeside and El Cajon in East County San Diego. We’re easy to find and have plenty of on-site parking available for guests.

A great place to begin is the Gospel of John (to meet Jesus) or the Gospel of Mark (for a faster overview of His life). Read a small section each day, ask what it shows you about God, and choose one takeaway to apply.

Jesus is the Son of God who came to reveal the Father, live a sinless life, die for our sins, and rise again—so we can be forgiven and brought back to God.

Jesus cares about people who are far from God. Sharing our faith is one of the ways we obey Jesus, love our neighbors, and participate in God’s mission. God uses ordinary people and everyday conversations to draw others to Himself.

Faith is how we live in relationship with God. It steadies you in uncertainty, strengthens you in temptation, and anchors you in suffering. Faith doesn’t remove hardship—it gives you a foundation when hardship comes.

Fasting reveals what rules our appetites and re-centers our desires on Jesus. It strengthens prayer, cultivates humility, and trains us to depend on God’s strength rather than our own. Done rightly, it becomes a practical “no” to the flesh and a faith-filled “yes” to God.

Unforgiveness keeps you stuck—replaying the hurt, feeding bitterness, and shaping your identity around pain. Forgiveness is a gospel response: because God has shown us mercy, we extend mercy. It brings freedom and makes room for peace and restoration.

Silence doesn’t mean absence. God often grows endurance and trust in quiet seasons—keep showing up in prayer, Scripture, and community

Godliness and reverence protect us from shallow faith. They anchor worship, strengthen obedience, and help us resist sin and temptation. They also make our witness credible—because people see integrity, humility, and love that reflect Jesus.

Obedience is where faith becomes real. It protects you from drifting, deepens intimacy with God, and forms Christlike character. It’s also how your life becomes a witness—because people see integrity, repentance, and love that reflect Jesus.

Sabbath exposes hurry and re-centers your life on God’s presence. It builds trust, deepens gratitude, and restores joy. Over time, it becomes resistance against burnout and a practice of worship—declaring that God is enough and His ways lead to life.

Most of our pain and stuckness comes from clinging to control. Submission frees you to live differently because it puts God back in His rightful place. As you surrender, the Spirit reshapes your desires, strengthens obedience, and forms Christlike character that shows up in everyday life.

Worship reshapes what you love most. It trains your heart to treasure Jesus above everything else, strengthens your faith, and forms you into a disciple who lives with joy, humility, and obedience.