The Backpack

Jennifer Seaton serves on our worship team at Christ Community, but recently she's also stepped into student ministry, helping build a worship culture among the next generation. DJ sat down with her on Sunday and asked what she's seen the Lord doing as she invests in students through music, and what He's been teaching her along the way.Take a few minutes to listen as Jennifer shares her story.

 This week we continue onward in our study of First Corinthians entitled We Are His.Pastor Blake opens up one Corinthians chapter eight as we look at our responsibility as believers to lay aside our rights, live for others and be ambassadors for Christ in the process. So let's listen in as he unpacks how we do that in this week's message.

 This week we continue on in our series. "We are His," a study of First Corinthians.Pastor Blake opens up, first Corinthians chapter seven, and we look at several dynamics in marriage and how our marriages should reflect and glorify God.

 This week we got to hear from some of our Edge student leaders as youth Pastor Kenny Mattingly sat down with them to talk about their recent experience at the Conclave Conference and what the Lord has continued to teach them as they volunteer and lead our students week by week.So let's listen in as Kenny sits down with TJ Vote, Lauren Sturgill and Jason Midkiff to talk about that experience.

This past Sunday we continued on in our series "We Are His," a study of First Corinthians. DJ had the opportunity to bring the message this past Sunday, opening up first Corinthians six verses 12 through 20. We looked at the dangers of letting slogans drive our theology and our living, and how that practice got the Corinthians into a dangerous place with sexual immorality. What's the pathway out?

This week DJ got to sit down with Melissa Chesterfield and Melissa Midkiff. They both volunteer as leaders with FCA in Shelby County schools, and they talked about why they said yes to that opportunity, how they've seen students' lives change through FCA and what the Lord is teaching them as they continue to step out in serving others.So, let's listen in as Melissa and Melissa get to share their story.

This week DJ got the chance to sit down with Christ community member Billy Doolittle, as he unpacked how the Lord changed the trajectory of his life through encounters with his word. With his people and with uncomfortable circumstances that pushed him towards Jesus.

This week we continue on in our study of First Corinthians and entitled We Are His. We begin chapter six this week and Pastor Blake unpacks the first half of the chapter looking at the reality that we are his righteousness, and we look at how that reality should shape the way that we view slights and offenses from those around us in the church as we strive together in holiness.

This week we return to our series in one Corinthians entitled "We Are His." Pastor Blake Opens up one Corinthians chapter five and looks at the painful reality of discipline within the local church, but why it ultimately is restorative and a path towards forgiveness.

Pastor Elder Jeff Bracken examines a couple of accounts in the Gospel of Luke and looks at the reality that when Jesus saves us, he not only saves us from our sin and desperation, but he saves us to something.

This week in our 2025 Christmas message, pastor Blake opens up First John chapter four.We look at how the fact that God sent love into the world through Jesus Christ changes the way that we love those around us.

This week we continued our sermon series titled "God Sent." Pastor Blake opens up Isaiah 9 and looks at the promise that God is sending Joy into the world to cut through our darkness and give us hope as we walk through this life with His Son, Jesus Christ.

Yesterday's story featured Daniel Bright and Derek Page sharing from their recent vision trip to Chile. Their message reminded us that the global church is alive, vibrant, and hungry to partner in the gospel.They described small congregations with enormous faith, pastors serving tirelessly, worship that shakes the room, and believers who are passionate about reaching their communities for Christ.Their trip wasn't about “helping” it was about linking arms with brothers and sisters who are already faithfully living out the Great Commission.We were challenged to pray, to encourage our missionaries, and to be willing to say yes if God calls us to go.

This sermon kicks off the series God Sent, reminding us that true hope always arrives through a spoken word from God, not things or circumstances. Even when we feel stuck in a personal wilderness or captivity of our own making, God lovingly sends voices, forgiveness, comfort, and ultimately His Son to uncover His glory in our lives. This message calls us to gain, grab, and give access to God's Word, embrace the wilderness, and walk with Jesus on the path to freedom and real hope this Christmas season

This week's message from 1 Corinthians 4 challenged us to rethink what it means to live faithfully for Jesus in a world that sees the gospel as “foolishness.” Pastor Blake walked us through Paul's reminder that we are servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God, called not to justify ourselves, but to rest in God's justice and grace.

This week, Pastor Blake challenged us with Paul's words to the Corinthians: “I couldn't speak to you as spiritual people, but as infants in Christ.”In a world that prizes independence and self-definition, God calls us to something deeper; spiritual maturity. We're not meant to stay spiritual babies. We're meant to grow together, as His temple, built on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.The message reminds us that growth requires testing, belonging, and surrender. God Himself is building maturity in those who belong to Him. If you've been “just trying to get through the next season,” this one's for you.

This Sunday, Josiah Downey shared his powerful journey from exhaustion and doubt to surrender and renewal. After stepping into full-time ministry at Awake, Josiah found himself overwhelmed, questioning his purpose, and struggling to feel God's presence, until one prayer changed everything.Hear how surrendering his “armor” opened the door to peace, purpose, and a deeper walk with Christ, and how his story reminds us that God often meets us in the waiting.

This September, a team of women from Christ Community Church traveled to Santiago, Chile, to serve alongside local churches and missionaries from the International Mission Board. From hosting women's teas and teaching English to serving in the shanty towns, our team saw God move in powerful ways, stretching comfort zones, building friendships, and opening hearts to the Gospel.Their stories remind us that faith grows when we say “yes” to God's call, even when it's uncomfortable.

We all love a good comeback story, but who's really writing it? This week, Pastor Blake reminded us that the power behind every comeback isn't our own, it's the Spirit of God working in and through us. Paul's words to the Corinthians challenge us to lay down human wisdom and pride and to depend on God's Spirit for unity, strength, and true understanding.When we stop living to impress others and start living by His Spirit, we gain the mind of Christ, wisdom, courage, and power for every moment of life.

This week, we heard from Owen Smith, a husband, father, teacher, and follower of Jesus, who shared how God's steady grace has shaped his life.Owen's story isn't one of dramatic turns, but of faithful consistency. From growing up in rural Kentucky to teaching at Collins High School, he's seen how God's hand has guided him through seasons of waiting, purpose, and growth.He reminds us that sometimes the greatest testimony is a “boring” one, a life that never wandered far because God never let go. Now, Owen and his wife Madeline are raising their four boys to live differently, to find belonging in Christ rather than in the comfort and conformity of the world.His story challenges us all to ask: Where might God be calling me to stand out rather than fit in?

This Sunday, Pastor Blake continued our journey through 1 Corinthians with a message titled “We Are His Alone.” He reminded us that rivalry and division weaken the Church, but unity in Christ gives us the power to truly live.We're called not to follow personalities, politics, or personal preferences, but to center our lives on the cross, the only source of real strength and wisdom. When we belong fully to Him, we find peace, purpose, and power the world can't provide.

We all long to belong, to find a place and people where we fit. But true belonging doesn't come from fighting for our seat at the table or proving our worth, it comes from knowing we belong to God.This week, Pastor Blake opened our new series We Are His with a powerful reminder that our identity, unity, and peace begin in Christ. When we belong to Him, we don't have to strive to fit in, we are already His people, called, cleaned, and strengthened by His grace.

This week's message comes following "The City That Is to Come" series, with a powerful challenge: don't just dream about heaven, start preparing for it. Pastor Daniel reminds us that faith requires movement.Like packing up for a move, following Jesus means letting go of comfort, clearing out what weighs us down, and stepping forward in obedience. We're not meant to stay where we are, God is calling us to move closer to Him.Whether it's laying aside sin, shedding distractions, or trusting God with the unknown, this message will inspire you to take the next step in your journey of faith.

This Sunday, we celebrated 15 years of God's faithfulness at Christ Community Church by looking forward to the city that is to come.Pastor Blake reminded us that our hope isn't in strategies or structures, but in the God who dwells with His people. As “tent dwellers,” we're called to:1. Thirst for God's presence2. Pursue holiness together3. Shine the light of Christ among the nationsFrom Revelation 21, we're reminded that God's dwelling is with humanity, His holy city is beautiful beyond imagination, and His light will never fail.

Today we celebrated the incredible story of Christ Community Church, a journey that began with a simple “yes” to God's call to go outside. Founding pastor Lee Webb sat down with missionary mentor Carl Babb to reflect on the adventure of faith that started in a living room and became a movement.From pre-marital counseling sessions to planting a church, their story reminds us that discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking with Jesus, together, one step at a time.

This Sunday at Christ Community, we heard from our team that just returned from visiting Mike & Sarah Emery in Kenya. Their stories reminded us that mission trips aren't about being the heroes; they're about joining God in the work He's already doing.From grandparents raising children through small chicken businesses, to orphanages being transformed into centers that reunite kids with their families, we saw living examples of James 1:27, caring for orphans and widows in their distress. Their testimony challenged us to pray, give, and even go, because God is moving through His global church, and we get to be part of it.

From Abraham's journey in Hebrews 11 to the everyday steps of faith we take in Shelbyville, this week's message reminds us that God calls us to live boldly, not by sight but by trust in His promises.Through powerful stories, both from Scripture and our own community, we saw how saving faith, the gift of faith, and living by faith transform lives and entire cities.

This Sunday at Christ Community, we reflected on Psalm 131 and the call to humility. In light of the brokenness and division in our nation, we were reminded that pride inflates our egos and ultimately destroys hope, while humility anchors our souls in Christ.Pastor Blake explored how Jesus “weans our soul from our ego,” leading us away from self-dependence and into a quiet trust in Him. He gave us three ways to walk in humility: by shaping our inner life through prayer and God's Word, guarding our eyes from prideful distractions, and resisting the urge to grasp for control.The sermon challenged us to live as humble citizens of the city that is to come, holding onto hope in the Lord both now and forever.

Libby Nethery shared how God's goodness and faithfulness have been evident in her life, even through seasons of uncertainty. At the height of the pandemic, she watched the decline in teenagers' mental, emotional, and spiritual health, something she also experienced in her own family. Instead of turning away, Libby leaned into prayer and sought God's direction. He led her to pursue a Master's in Social Work, and eventually return to Shelby County Schools as a mental health consultant, where she now serves students, families, and staff with compassion.Her journey of lament and trust revealed a deep truth: even in the hardest valleys, “our help comes from the Lord.” Out of her obedience came initiatives like Adopt a Rocket, connecting our church to support teachers and staff in prayer and encouragement. Libby's story is a reminder that when we bring our brokenness to God, He can transform it into a blessing for others.

This week, Pastor Blake walked us through Psalm 128 and reminded us that true happiness comes when we pursue God's blessing in God's way. Families flourish when husbands lead with reverence for God, wives grow as fruitful vines, and children are rooted like olive trees. As we look toward the city God is preparing, we're called to value family the way He designed.

When Daniel Bright said “yes” to leading virtual ESL classes for Chile, he felt unprepared. The first class was chaotic, but God showed His power through weakness. Over six weeks, students not only learned English but also heard the Gospel, with lives transformed and hearts opened. Daniel's story reminds us that even 1% of our week surrendered to God can change lives across the world.

This Sunday at Christ Community, we were blessed to hear Don Price's story of God's grace. From growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm to encountering Jesus on a road trip to California, Don shared how God transformed his life; from being a “good kid” to discovering his true need for a Savior.Now, after decades in ministry with Julie by his side, Don is stepping into a new season here in Shelbyville. Their heart for discipleship and love for the church family remind us that following Jesus is a lifelong journey of grace, faith, and community.

In this week's message from Psalm 122, Jeff Bracken reminds us that true unity is not about sameness, but about pursuing peace and oneness in Christ despite our differences. Drawing from Israel's history of tribal conflict, Jeff shows that God's call to unity has always been a call to lay aside personal pride and preferences for the sake of something greater.Through powerful personal stories, from mosh pits and coon hunting to cross-cultural friendships in Honduras, Philadelphia, and beyond, Jeff illustrates how the Holy Spirit often works most clearly when we step outside our comfort zones and engage with people unlike ourselves.The sermon challenges us with two key practices of unity: praying together as the body of Christ and living at peace as far as it depends on us individually. Unity, Jeff reminds us, is not innate but must be pursued. It is sustained not by being “right,” but by choosing to be righteous in Christ.As we fix our eyes on the city that is to come, this message calls us to reflect God's heart by becoming a people marked by peace, prayer, humility, and love.

This week at Christ Community,  DJ Williams takes us into Psalm 121 as part of our fall series The City That Is To Come. Just like Israel's Songs of Ascent prepared God's people for their journey to Jerusalem, Psalm 121 reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Through this passage, we see five powerful ways God protects and keeps His people:1. He guards us in our weakness2. He watches over us day and night3. He shelters us at all times4. He holds our very life in His hands5. He keeps us both now and foreverWorship flows from this reality, because our God never slumbers, never let's go, and never fails. Join us as we learn what it means to be a city that worships on the journey to the city that is to come.

On Sunday, we began a new series at Christ Community called The City That Is to Come. From Genesis 11 and the story of Babel, we saw how our fears and disappointments often drive us to build “cities” of our own, seeking identity, security, and purpose apart from God. But in His mercy, the Lord comes down, scatters our fragile towers, and invites us to something far better: a city with eternal foundations, whose architect and builder is God.Come with us on this journey. Be a “tent dweller” with eyes fixed on the city that is to come.

This week, Pastor Blake wrapped up our two-week series from 2 Peter 1 and reminded us that comfort is a poor compass. God calls every believer not just to follow Jesus, but to join Him in making disciples. When we forget the gospel, life brings us to pinch points, moments of pressure, decision, and growth. The gospel isn't just the way into God's kingdom; it's the way through life's hardest places.Key takeaways: - Be more than a believer, be a disciple maker.- Live on mission where you live, work, and play.- The reverberations of your faith can last for generations.

Ryan & Maeghan Adams share their story about how God is calling them to start a new community group; one designed especially for families with unique challenges, including children with special needs. Their heart is to remove barriers, provide a safe place, and create deep, Christ-centered connections for those who may have felt left out of church life.Listen in to hear how you can be praying for them, share in their vision, and connect families who could be blessed by their group.

As we prepare for a new school year, Christ Community Church had the honor of welcoming Dr. Matthews, Superintendent of Shelby County Public Schools, to share his story and heart for servant leadership.In this powerful moment of prayer and reflection, Pastor Blake leads a conversation about:- The role of faith in leadership.- How the church can serve and support local schools.- The beauty and challenges of our Shelbyville community.- A special prayer over students, teachers, and administrators as school begins.Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or community member, you'll be inspired by Dr. Matthews' passion, humility, and Christ-centered leadership.

In this honest and heartfelt story, Rebecca Boyd shares about the ups and downs of her faith journey - growing up in a large family, dealing with her father's incarceration, and facing grief and loss. Through years of trying to stay strong and in control, she eventually reached a point where she realized she couldn't carry it all on her own.Rebecca's story is a reminder that surrendering to God doesn't always come with clear answers, but it can bring peace even in the middle of pain. If you've ever struggled with trust, control, or feeling like you have to hold everything together, this story may speak to you in a meaningful way.

In this back-to-school message, Pastor Kenny brings a powerful, honest, and sometimes hilarious word about the importance of biblical community and discipleship, especially as our lives get busy.Teaching from 2 Peter 1:3–8, Kenny challenges us to:- Recognize the spiritual drift that happens when we fill our lives with good things but miss the God things.- Embrace community as a place of growth, accountability, and formation.- Say yes to discipleship that's more than friendship, it's transformation.- Reframe our fall schedules to prioritize what leads us to become more like Christ.Don't settle for shallow connections. You were made to grow in Christ, with others. This message will stir your heart and help you reset your priorities for a new season.

In this powerful conclusion to our long-running series through the Gospel of Luke, we are taken to the foot of the cross with one question echoing from Scripture: What do you see? Pastor Blake invites us to look past the pain, the shame, and the brokenness of the crucifixion and instead see the beauty of forgiveness, the wonder of God's love, and the invitation to trust our spirits into His hands.Drawing parallels to Magic Eye images, drywall dust, and eye exams, this sermon challenges us to see the cross with clarity - not as a symbol of guilt, but as the ultimate display of God's grace. Whether you're overwhelmed by your own sin or just beginning to consider who Jesus really is, this message is for you.Join us as we reflect on the burden of brokenness, the beauty of redemption, and the clear vision that comes when we fix our eyes on Jesus.

In this powerful message from Luke 22–23, Pastor Blake unpacks the unfair trial of Jesus and reveals how the clarity of who Christ is exposes the truth about our own commitment to Him. Through the lens of prophet, priest, and king, we see Jesus not only endure injustice but embody grace, authority, and sacrifice. This sermon challenges us to evaluate our own patterns of waffling, avoiding, or rebelling—and invites us into a deeper, more transformative commitment to Christ. If Jesus is clearly the Messiah, what does that reveal about our devotion to Him? Listen in and imagine a city where commitment to Christ matters most.