Sermons

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, acknowledges that often this unseen Holy Spirit can be claimed when it is likely not a message from the Spirit, or God. Andrew points to the Bible's guidance about how to discern when the message is from the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that when we have a relationship with God, through Christ, and thereby the Holy Spirit, we will recognize the Spirit and God because we know them personally. Andrew also gives us guidelines to measure a moment against to discern if the Spirit is leading the way forward.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us a message about the power of the Holy Spirit and how it can be a gentle wind that cools a brow or a gusting storm that tears mountains apart. We are encouraged to remember that, when we are trusting our faith in God, the Holy Spirit in us can do things much bigger and much more powerful than "little ol' me" might have been capable of on our own, possibly even the "impossible."

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series examining the Holy Spirit. This week we explore the idea of Jesus Christ & God's baptism, which bestows the Holy Spirit into us. Through this demonstration of faith and acceptance of God, Andrew encourages us to see how this symbiosis with God's Holy Spirit empowering us to become a new version of ourselves, a better version of ourselves, through our faith and service to Christ's mission, sharing love and hope.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series exploring the Holy Spirit, this week examining the many roles that it plays in our lives and our faith journey. We are reminded how the Holy Spirit is with us to help encourage and remind us to choose a path which adheres to the morals we aspire for. Additionally, Andrew lays out how, through the Trinity, we are blessed to carry the essence of God & Christ Himself within us because the Holy Spirit is one-in-the-same and lives in us as a comforter and the promise of salvation.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, begins a new sermon series diving into the idea, the existence, the actions of what the scriptures call “The Holy Spirit.” We are introduced to who and what the Holy Spirit is described as in the Bible and the role the spirit plays in relation to Jesus Christ and his teachings. Andrew asks us to consider our knowledge and relationship of and to the Holy Spirit as we prepare to explore where and how the Holy Spirit intersects in our lives.

McKnight Crossings Church youth minister, Nathan Strickland, asks us to consider the numerous debates and conversations that often happen amongst a church congregation as they debate what is and isn't appropriate in a church. Nathan aks us to consider not only the content of these debates, but our motivations for holding to opinions so strongly, as well as whether Christ and God would even want us considering these debates; are they what is truly important? We are challenged to consider how we use our time and on what we place our focus; is it where and how Jesus Christ would focus and spend time?

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series examining the times when Jesus claimed, “I am… “, this week look at when Christ stated, “I am the vine”. Throughout the Old Testament, and into the New Testament, the tending of grapevines is used as metaphor for the care of a healthy person, and a healthy church. Andrew talks us through the process of pruning a vine to encourage the growth of good fruit. We are encouraged to see ourselves as a part of the vine, which is the church, and to trust the gardener, Christ, to prune away those parts that will hinder spiritual growth.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our series examining the “I am… “ statements of Jesus Christ; this week considering Christ's claim of being the way, the truth, and the light. We are encouraged to examine how the path that Jesus leads us down, through his example, is the path towards community and Godly love. We are challenged to have faith in the path Christ leads us down and to share that path with others.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings a Resurrection Sunday message looking into the “I am… “ statements of Jesus Christ, this week exploring when Christ stated “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” through the Easter story and the story of Lazarus. We are challenged to see the inherent and natural inclination towards finality that we have when facing death and how Christ encourages to see how death is nothing more than a pause, and step into the next chapter of existence.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues examining the "I am…" statements of Jesus Christ. This week we are asked to consider Christ's description of himself as the Good Shepherd, a person who cares so deeply for those in his care that he is willing to die to keep them safe. In turn, the sheep know the shepherd, the person they can trust, and Andrew encourages to explore each of our individual relationships with Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who will care for us and in whom we can trust.

McKnight Crossings Church Children & Family Minister, Devin Daniel, continues our series exploring the deep meanings behind the “I Am…” statements of Jesus Christ through which Christ describes himself and identifies as God's messiah. Devin asks us to consider Jesus describing himself as “the bread of life”. We are reminded that this statement is not about what we eat, or how we approach the communion we share. Instead, Devin challenges us to see the symbolism behind “bread of life” challenging us to take Jesus Christ into ourselves, make him a part of us each day, as we strive to draw closer to God.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, asks us to consider Jesus' claim of, “I Am the Gate”, the access to God and the Kingdom of God. Andrew encourages us to consider how a faith in the message of Christ is the path to salvation, and how we might gate-keep against those we don't perceive to be truly faithful. We are challenged to consider the path we are following to be faithful and asked if we are looking toward access through the gate or are we trying to about our own salvation the hard way?

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, begins a new sermon series focusing on the “I Am” statements of Jesus Christ, beginning this week with “I am the light of the world.” We are asked to consider navigating a space in true darkness and the struggles that we experience; how much more so when considering a life lived in “the dark”. Andrew encourages us to remember and know that we have a light to help lead us through the dark, the light of the world; Jesus Christ.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, closes out our sermon series exploring the names of God found in the Bible considering the name “Yahweh”. Also known as “Jehovah”or “Adonai”this name is considered the divine name and so important in some God following cultures that it won't even be said aloud, or written. It is a name that means “I Am”, a statement of existence in all forms and acknowledgment that he is present for us in all times; the God of compassion and mercy.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our series exploring the meanings behind the names given to God throughout the Bible. This week we examine the name “Adonai” meaning “ruler, lord, master” and how it suggests a role that we, as the faithful, should take in regards to God. Andrew reminds us of God's authority and power, along with his love for us as a parent who take lead of our lives at times, but always in an effort to take care of us and help us along our path.

McKnight Crossings Church worship minister, Kaylynn Myers, continues our series examining the names of God found in the Bible. This week we explore the name “El Roi”, the God who Sees, through the story of Hagar becoming pregnant with Ishmael and ultimately running away to end an abusive situation that followed the pregnancy. Kaylynn leads us through the story where God's Angel finds Hagar and assures her that, despite the message of the people who oversee much of her life, she is significant and meaningful. We are reminded that God sees us, God sees the larger picture, and that we can trust that God has a plan we may not see but He does, regardless of whether our moments are those of hardship or joy; God knows us and sees the path ahead and we can trust Him.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series exploring the names used to describe God throughout the Bible, this week examining “Yahweh Jireh”, The Lord will provide. Examining the story of Abraham nearly sacrificing his only son, Isaac on an altar, we are shown that God will provide to those who are faithful. Andrew challenges us to find the moments in our lives where we have chosen faith & trust that God will take care of us, and how we might prepare ourselves to have faith in the moments of hardship ahead; God will Provide.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, continues our series examining the many names of God that we find in the Bible, this week exploring Yahweh Shalom. Through the story of Gideon we are reminded that God is the Lord of Peace, even in the midst of a storm, metaphorical or real. Andrew encourages us to embrace the hope of God's peace, and the promise that we can have it today if we will embrace it.

McKnight Crossings Church Lead Minister, Andrew Owens, continues our sermon series examining the names used for God in the Bible. This week we explore the name “El Shaddai”, God almighty and the all sufficient. Looking into the story of Abraham, Andrew asks us to see how El Shaddai will take care of us, even when it doesn't look likely or even possible. We are challenged to trust God when faced with hardship and no clear way to the other side of that moment; God, El Shaddai, will be sufficient and might to handle it.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, begins a new sermon series by asking us “What is in a name?”. Andrew introduces us to the numerous names of God and lays out how, over this series, we will learn about names He has been known as, what they have meant, and how they help us relate with who God is. We begin with “Elohim”, translated to “Mighty Creator” and are encouraged to see the scale and might of a being that created us and all we experience with a single statement. We are encouraged to put our faith in this God who can do all things.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Chaplain Patrick Prodger, brings us a message focused through the Christmas story as the holiday season draws to a close. Patrick shares his early experience and growth in the church, his journey through leaving his first home church, and the anchor he has found in the moment of Christ's birth through all of the chapters of his faith journey. Patrick acknowledges that at times the story of Christianity doesn't match the life we see lived by those who call themselves Christians. We are encouraged to find hope in the story of Christmas, of Christ, and the community of believers who act from true love, as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ, a story that started where we focus on Christmas day.

McKnight Crossings Church Family & Children's Minister, Devin Daniel, asks us to consider the pace of the life we lead and how we so often forget to truly rest and take time to simply be quiet. Devin challenges us to reconsider how God wants us to live life, versus how we actually do live. We are asked, when do you rest, truly rest, and what do we allow to distract us instead of allowing ourselves to rest naturally. We are reminded that God asks us to take true moments of rest to recharge and be His intended version, our best version, of ourselves and reconnect with ourselves, God, and our community.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us a Christmas Eve evening message asking us to consider Jesus' birth through his eyes, through Christ's eyes. We are challenged to consider what Christ sacrificed simply by being born into this world as a human. Andrew asks us to find hope and peace in the midst of turmoil during this season, the peace of a quiet moment that started with a birth of love and hope.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us the advent story from the perspective of Mary & Joseph, Jesus Christ's parents. Andrew asks us to consider the reality of our own experiences with pregnancy, compared to the sanitized & beautiful story often shared during the Christmas sesason. We are then asked to think about the scandal that would have surrounded this story in our current time, let alone during the ancient history of Biblical times. We are encouraged to see the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderful of each moment God gives us opportunities to be HIs servant, and to embrace the faith it takes to do so; God will make it beautiful and world changing.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us the advent story from the perspective of the shepherds in the field; a group of people often overlooked and looked down on. Andrew asks us to see how God's plan started by including the “less-than' and minorities, not the predominant and powerful people of our societies. Andrew reminds us of the hope for every person that the birth of Jesus, the Christ, represented and continues to represent for us all.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us the story of the men who saw a star and sought out the newly born, Jesus. Andrew asks us to consider how the sense of control, or desire to control, often drives motivations. He encourages to see how the Magi, men of authority and power and control, gave up that control to seek out a baby who they trusted would be able to control the universe for them. We are challenged to see the King born through Mary and to trust Him with everything, and see the beauty and rest found in that faith.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, begins the season of advent looking at the nativity scene and asking us to consider the prophecy of Isaiah that foretold of the Messiah's birth. Andrew reminds us of hope in times of darkness and the hope that comes from the story of Jesus Christ, his birth, and his life.

McKnight Crossings Church elder candidate, Jeff McGlawn, brings us a message focused through the passover meal as reenacted by in the video series, The Chosen. We are challenged to see the blessings of God as “enough”, even if we wish for me but never receive it. We have been blessed, regardless of if we are ever blessed again, and those blessings are beautiful and worthy of our gratitude and thanks.

McKnight Crossings Church looks back over his first months as the lead minister of MX Church, sharing his gratitude for feeling a sense of belonging and welcome. Andrew shares with us how he has been greeted and made welcome by this congregation. Andrew asks us to accept this perspective and challenges us to see ways to continue serving and continue improving and growing in our work of sharing God, and His love.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, asks us to encourage the dichotomy between hopefulness validated and hopefulness ultimately met with disappointment. Andrew encourages us to remember that God promises to fill us with reason to hope even in the darkest moments. We are challenged to reconnect to our source for hope, God, and to share that hope with others in our lives so they too can find and claim hope for themselves.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, asks us to think about what awaits us after death. We are encouraged to think about not just what awaits after death, but also what awaits us in the next chapter, or even just the next moments of our lives, and the hope we have from our faith in God; we know the end of the story already. Andrew reminds us that, regardless of the events of now, we have God on our side and waiting for us with a state of being that we will feel perfect in, forever.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, asks us to consider how we hold hope for today; for this present moment in our lives and history. Through stories of hardship and stress and anxiety, Andrew asks us to consider how we move through the urge to sit in despair. We are reminded that in the midst of the worst moments we are not ever alone and that we can trust and hope because God will always be beside us.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Eric McPherson, gives us a message of hope beginning with "give up;" specifically, giving up the hope for a better past. Often we are caught in a disappointment because our past didn't turn out the way we hoped. Eric asks us to consider the newly explored science of hope in relation to Christianity and how God and the Kingdom focus on hope to share God's love.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister Andrew Owens begins our new sermon series through which we will discuss, explore, and hopefully find “Hope”. We are asked to consider the Biblical meaning of hope and in comparison to how we think about hope in our day to day lives. Andrew encourages us to reframe how we think about and trust in hope when it is based in God.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings our series about everyday encounters with God to a close by challenging us to look for God in the work we do each day. We are challenged to see how everything we do, be it deeply meaningful or the mundane daily tasks, is work done which speaks to the presence and glory of God. Andrew reminds us that everything we do has purpose and can show God's love to this world.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings our series about everyday encounters with God to a close by challenging us to look for God in the work we do each day. We are challenged to see how everything we do, be it deeply meaningful or the mundane daily tasks, is work done which speaks to the presence and glory of God. Andrew reminds us that everything we do has purpose and can show God's love to this world.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, brings us a message diving into the importance of relationships for sharing the story and love God shares with us. We are challenged to find members of our community who can help us grow, and whom we can help support. Andrew asks us to remember that when we face life alone we will struggle and fail much more often; community and relationships help us to carry life easier.

McKnight Crossings Church youth minister, Nathan Strickland, brings us stories from the teenagers youth group doing service outings in the local streets of St. Louis. We are reminded of the ways that God works through moments we share with the people of our communities around us if we simply go out and meet people in the streets. Nathan reminds us that while we may not be "healing" a person's situation or problems, but that "helping" is sometimes enough to make room for God to work.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, challenges us to consider how we are interacting with the community around us. Often we close off inside our home, or work location, school, or vehicle. Andrew asks how we put ourselves out into the world so that opportunities to share love and relationship with those who might need it, or find it for ourselves when we might be in need.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, asks us to consider the example of Jesus Christ using meals and moments of shared food to build community, share ourselves, and lower walls that may be hindering connection. We are encouraged to be as Christ, invite people of all kinds to share a meal regardless of how it may be perceived, or received, and to work at building community and sharing love as Christ did.

McKnight Crossings Church lead minister, Andrew Owens, starts a new sermon series asking us to look for God in the everyday moments of our lives in the midst of the to-do lists and the busy schedules. Andrew challenges us to, even while watching for the miracle moments, find the presence of God in the mundane and ordinary routines. We are reminded that sometime God shows up in huge loud impactful moments, but sometimes God also shows up in small, quiet, mundane moments, not in a shout but in a whisper.

McKnight Crossings Church MX Missionary Craig Young brings us an update from the mission in France; where it's been and where it's heading. In this update we are encouraged to remember the big picture of God's plan, to see how far we have come in our lives and our faith walk, and to trust that God has a plan ahead. Our job is to share the faith, tell others about God, and encourage others to maintain and pursue the faith, to keep focused on God.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Eric McPherson, brings us a clip from the video series, The Chosen, asking us to consider the importance of service but greater still the importance of pausing, to spend time focusing on God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are challenged to consider what might be distracting us towards true actions that we can choose in effort to best focus on and follow Christ.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Matthew Bardowell, continues our series examining Biblical stories through the lens of the video series, “The Chosen”. Matthew asks us to consider moments of extreme emotional high, and in comparison moments of extreme emotional low; faith compared to doubt. We are challenged to see our moments of doubt as opportunities to prove the presence of our faith.

McKnight Crossings Church former retired minister, Jeff Kryder, returns to help us begin a new series focused through the video series, “The Chosen,” beginning with a look at the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher and A.C.T.S. Ministers, Katie & Trevor Holloway, ask us to consider the word “religion” and the practices that surround that ideas of that word. We are challenged to consider how Jesus Christ described the idea of a religion that focuses on God, and how we live in comparison; what is our focus and with whom is our heart?

McKnight Crossings Church MX Missionary, Jeff Fogarty, ask us to consider our mindset during times of hardship. Examining the story of Paul & Silas, when locked away in a Roman prison, we see how they still found ways to worship even in those times of extreme hardship. Jeff encourages us to lean on God and His scripture, examining and re-examining it to find wisdom and strength for enduring our toughest moments.

McKnight Crossings Church NextGen Youth Minister, Nathan Strickland, asks us to consider how God might use our mess, our mistakes and short fallings, to bless others. Even more we are encouraged to see how each of us can be blessed by our own messes, through God's ability to turn negative situations into something beautiful for His Kingdom.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Melanie Sewkarran, encourages us to see our small, often relatively non-eventful, life stories through the perspective of God's view. Often the tiniest moments of our lives have rippling effects that we are wholly unaware of. Melanie challenges us to have faith in God's plan, perspective, and power to use small things to have significant impact on the world around us.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, Chris Fuller, asks us to consider our place in time & space through a universal perspective. We are reminded how large and vast creation, the universe, that we have explored is and how much more is left to be explored. Through this reminder we are shown the scale of our planet, and each of us individually, in relation to creation and God. Chris goes on to encourage us to remember that even as small as we are God sees us and loves us and chooses us.

McKnight Crossings Church guest preacher, and lead minister prospect, Andrew Owens shares the story of his faith journey through plans he thought he would pursue and onto a path that God revealed to him along the way. Andrew asks us to consider where our faith in God might be, not just what faith we are comfortable with. We are challenged to examine our faith in the moments when faith is hard and to trust in God even then.