Westwinds Church

What actually makes a church… a church?In this message, Pastor Cory traces the story of the Church from the birth of Christianity, through early debates, through persecution, through global expansion—up to our little corner in Jackson, Michigan. Along the way, we see that disagreement isn't new, diversity of experience isn't a weakness, and being rooted in history might be more important now than ever.This is the story we come from. And it's still unfolding.

A year ago, our church made space—physically, financially, and spiritually—so others could find their way in. Today, we celebrate what God has done with that space.In this message, Cory traces our journey from wilderness and healing into a new season of growth. Through ancient festivals, the story of Pentecost, and real stories from our community, we're reminded that God moves in every season—but especially when we open our hearts to others.This is what it means to be a church for anyone. And this is just the beginning.

The Holy Spirit isn't just here to comfort us—it's here to confront us.In this message, we look at what happens when the Spirit actually gets involved in our lives—not just with power and inspiration, but with challenge, truth, and disruption. From Saul's transformation to moments of personal conviction, we explore how the Spirit moves us from safety to surrender, from comfort to courage.The question isn't just: “Is the Spirit here?” It's: “Are we actually listening?”

What if the Holy Spirit's power isn't about control—but transformation?In this message, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon shares a powerful and personal story of how the Spirit rewired her life from the inside out. Through vulnerability, humor, and deep insight, she reminds us that God's power is not about taking over—it's about waking us up. When we get honest about our pride, our limitations, and our hunger for something more, the Spirit moves. And when it does, lives change.This isn't about performance. It's about surrender.

What if we've misunderstood what revival is really about?In this message, we begin exploring the Holy Spirit—not through hype, but through honesty. We talk about feeling stuck in our faith, overwhelmed by division, and unsure if real change is even possible. But the story of Pentecost shows us something powerful: the Spirit doesn't erase difference—it meets us in the middle of it.Revival doesn't begin with noise. It begins with honesty, humility, and a willingness to move.

Forgiveness isn't a one-time decision—it's a journey.In this message, we dive into one of Jesus' most intense parables and the hard, honest questions it raises: What does it really mean to forgive? How do we forgive when the wound still hurts—or when the person isn't sorry? With humility and hope, we explore why forgiveness isn't about ignoring pain, but choosing to walk through it—with time, honesty, and help from a God who never asks us to go it alone.This isn't about doing it all today. It's about taking the next step.

We don't always realize how much money shapes the way we think, choose, and relate to others. In this message, we take an honest look at how Jesus talked about money—not to guilt us, but to help us see what's really forming our lives. With full transparency and a few hard questions, we explore what it means to move from fear to trust, from scarcity to freedom.This isn't a talk about giving—it's a conversation about becoming more human.

Sex, marriage, singleness—how do we even begin to talk about these things today? In this message, we dive into the complex history of sexuality in the Bible, from ancient polygamy to Jesus' radical reimagining of human dignity. We're not here for easy answers—we're here for honest conversations about image-bearing, power, culture, and what it means to walk this out faithfully in 2025.God's faithfulness hasn't changed. And neither has your worth.

What if Easter isn't just about what happened back then—but what's possible right now?In this message, we reflect on how the resurrection invites us to rebuild our lives from the inside out. From pain and addiction to healing and community, this is a story about second chances, surprising hope, and the kind of love that meets us right where we are—but doesn't leave us there.This isn't just history. It's invitation.

What kind of king rides in on a baby donkey?On Palm Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem not with force, but with humility—offering a different kind of kingdom. While Rome flexed its power with war horses and legions, Jesus chose weakness, vulnerability, and peace. In this message, we explore the upside-down power of God, how strength is found in weakness, and why true victory doesn't look like what we expect.What if the way of Jesus really does turn the whole world upside down?

We all suffer. But what if the point isn't to escape it—but to face it with one another?On Passion Sunday, we explore the role of suffering in the life of faith—not as punishment or failure, but as a place where healing begins. Through story, scripture, and shared experience, we reflect on how God meets us in our pain—not to fix it, but to sit with us in it. In community, we find strength. Through grace, we find healing. And with Jesus, even our scars can tell a different story.What if you're not alone in what you're carrying?

In this Rejoice Sunday message, we look ahead to Easter by exploring what it means to live on the other side of death. From Jonah and the whale to Jesus in the synagogue, we're reminded that God's favor isn't just for us—it's for the ones we least expect. Lent invites us to go where God sends us, not to change others, but to be changed ourselves.What if God is already at work there? Are we willing to go?

We're more influenced than we realize. In a world flooded with voices—online, in media, in culture—how do we actually follow Jesus? In this message, we reflect on how Lent invites us to re-center, clear the noise, and ask better questions: Who are we becoming? Where are we truly present? And what might God be inviting us into?This isn't about adding more to your life—it's about seeing differently.

Who are the heroes of faith? Often, they're not the ones we expect. This message explores the power of remembering—the people who shaped us, the stories that remind us who we are, and the unseen faithfulness that carries us forward. From Abraham's bold trust to the hidden lives of everyday saints, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.What if the way forward starts with looking back? Let's remember together.

Lent isn't just a tradition—it's an invitation. A season to slow down, reflect, and intentionally walk with Jesus toward the cross. But what does it actually mean to follow Him? In this message, we explore how Lent helps us reorient our lives, embrace rhythms of prayer and reflection, and step into a deeper, more intentional faith.What if this season could reshape the way we live and believe? Let's journey together.

What really happens after we die?For centuries, Christians have wrestled with questions about heaven, hell, and the afterlife. Is hell eternal torment, temporary purification, or something else entirely? And how do we reconcile a loving God with the idea of judgment? In this message, we explore the ancient debates, the teachings of Jesus, and what it all means for us today.Is hell about fear, or is it about something deeper? Let's dive in.

What if the world as we know it was about to change? In His final public teaching, Jesus doesn't give a timeline or a warning siren—He gives a challenge. In the face of uncertainty, will we live in fear, or will we rise to the moment? Will we hoard what we have, or will we steward it well? Will we turn inward, or will we step boldly into generosity and purpose?The question isn't when the world will shake—but who we will be when it does. Let's talk about it.

What if we've been seeing the world all wrong? In this message, we explore Jesus' radical call to move from scarcity to abundance, from division to reconciliation. Whether it's welcoming children, taking sin seriously, or practicing radical forgiveness, Jesus invites us to a new way of living—one where grace is the foundation and reconciliation is the goal.How would our lives change if we truly embraced this vision? Let's talk about it.

What if we've been missing the point? Jesus' teachings weren't just meant to be heard—they were meant to be wrestled with, lived, and reshaped over time. In this message, we explore how His words challenge us to rethink what we've assumed, sort through what really matters, and embrace a deeper, truer way of living.Let's talk about what it means to actually live the teachings of Jesus.

What does it mean to be a real difference-maker in the world? In this message, Pastor Phil Stout unpacks Jesus' challenge to his followers—to go out as ambassadors of a new way of living. But instead of power or control, Jesus calls for wisdom, authenticity, and a willingness to love even in the face of resistance.How do we navigate a world full of noise, division, and conflict while staying true to what really matters? Let's talk about it.

What if the way we see the world is completely upside down? In this message, Pastor Phil Stout explores the Sermon on the Mount and the idea of the “upside-down kingdom” Jesus taught about—a way of living that flips the world's values on their head. From turning the other cheek to embracing humility, we're invited to see life through a new lens.Join us as we dive into what it means to live differently, with hope, peace, and purpose.

Can miracles really happen? In this talk, Pastor Cory dives into the story of Jesus turning water into wine and explores how we can find hope and take action, even when life feels uncertain. It's a fresh take on balancing what's in our control and trusting the bigger picture.Tune in for an honest conversation about faith, choices, and finding our way through the messy parts of life.

What does it mean to truly belong? In this second week of Epiphany, Pastor Cory Doiron explores the powerful truth that before we perform or fail, we belong to God. Through Jesus' baptism and His time in the desert, we're reminded that our worth isn't tied to achievements but to God's love and loyalty.Join us as we reflect on what it means to embrace our identity as God's people and center our lives on the way of Jesus.

What does your life say about what you value most? In this message, Pastor Cory Doiron kicks off the Epiphany series by exploring how the Magi's journey to Jesus invites us to reflect on the trajectory of our lives. Are we chasing the temporary or building something eternal? With themes of stars, struggles, and stronger wine, we'll discover what it means to center our lives on the way of Jesus.Let's start this year with purpose and direction. Join us for this inspiring message!

What does peace really mean? This week, Pastor Phil Stout reminds us that peace isn't just the absence of conflict—it's the powerful presence of Christ in our lives. From guarding our hearts and minds to reconciling differences, Jesus shows us a peace that transforms. Join us as we reflect on the gift of true peace proclaimed that first Christmas and how we're called to live it today.Peace be with you this Advent season!

This week we dive into the idea of joy during the Advent season, but not the kind of joy we usually think of—like happiness or bliss. Instead, it's about a deeper, more soul-level joy that comes even in the middle of hard times. Pastor Cory looks at the Christmas story and points out how Mary and Joseph's journey was full of struggle—oppression, shame, and even rejection. Yet, in the middle of all that, there was this announcement of "good news" that brought hope.The message really challenges us to see joy differently. It's not about avoiding pain or pretending life is perfect—it's about finding God's presence right there in the mess of it all. Whether it's through ancient traditions, like the psalms and teachings of the Jewish people, or through the story of Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us,” joy is something we learn through shared struggles and solidarity.

Think of it like this - we often have these preconceived ideas about who God is, right? Maybe we picture an angry judge keeping score of our mistakes, or someone distant and unreachable. This sermon dives into how those expectations often miss the mark, especially when we look at the Christmas story. The whole point is that God's love isn't something we earn - it's just who God is, all the time, no matter what. It's kind of mind-blowing when you think about it: Jesus didn't show up to convince God to love us (God already did!), but to help us understand just how loved we already were. It's like the Pastor Josh says - sometimes we get it in our heads, but it takes time to really feel it in our hearts. And that's okay - it's more about the journey than how quickly we get there.