Presence Over Preaching — Jason Lomelino on Love, Burgers, and Discipleship in Isla Vista

What if the first thing someone needs from you isn’t a sermon—but a hamburger?

In this episode, Elliot sits down with Jason Lomelino, pastor of Isla Vista Church and founder of Jesus Burgers, a grassroots ministry in the heart of one of America’s wildest college towns. From handing out burgers on Del Playa to offering spiritual blessing and prayer to anyone who stops by, Jason’s life is a testament to presence before persuasion, and love before judgment.

Together, they explore:

• Why relational ministry is more powerful than religious performance

• How Jesus Burgers went from a backyard grill to a global movement

• The role of hospitality in healing spiritual wounds

• What discipleship looks like when it’s life-on-life, not top-down

• How to hear God’s voice and practice a non-anxious presence in a chaotic world

• Why Gen Z might be more open to Jesus than we think

This episode is real, inspiring, and full of stories that remind us that God shows up where people show up with love.

Jason Lomelino is the Lead Pastor of Isla Vista Church in Isla Vista, CA, and the founder of Jesus Burgers, a ministry that’s been serving love—and free hamburgers—to college students every weekend for over 20 years. He’s passionate about presence-based discipleship, community living, and helping people walk in the fullness of who God created them to be.

Jason is also the founder of Mission Isla Vista and co-leads the creative collective Isla Vista Worship, which has impacted listeners across the globe. He and his wife Holly have seven kids and are deeply rooted in their local neighborhood.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Live Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. 

As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

This conversation is raw, hopeful, and incredibly practical for anyone who’s tired of faking it and ready for a more honest walk with Jesus.

Let’s All Live Faith First!!!

🔗 Connect with Jason Lomelino

🌐 Website: jasonlomelino.com

📘 Books: Books by Jason Lomelino

🎧 Worship: Isla Vista Worship

📷 Instagram: @jasonlomelino

📘 Church: islavistachurch.org

📽️ Ministry: Mission Isla Vista

Connect with Live Faith First

🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst