Podcasts about missional

Worship Leader Desi Whorton explains that the Bible tells the story of God's mission carried out through His people and highlights the Great Commission as our ongoing call to make disciples. He emphasizes faithful obedience as the reason we know Jesus today and invites us to continue the work.

Names carry meaning. In his birth account, Matthew introduces two names that reveal who Jesus truly is. He is called Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. He is called Immanuel, because he is God with us. n this sermon, we reflect on how these two names reveal the character and identity of Jesus: He is God incarnate who has come near to save sinners, and his presence never leaves us.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Acts 8:26-31

As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through 1 Peter, he'll be exhorting us to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As born-again Christians, we have the Holy Spirit of God living within us and have the same power that rose Jesus from the dead to guide us. You're no longer enslaved to sin because the Bible says that sin no longer has dominion over you. God is doing the work of holiness and sanctification in your life and the only one holding this work back is you.

Have you ever felt like this world is not your home and doesn't offer much satisfaction? There's a reason why many people are left feeling unfulfilled in this life. The reason is because they were created for a much greater purpose and their home is heaven. Pastor Ricky will be explaining that humanity has been in exile ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were kicked out of the Garden of Eden. The only way you can have satisfaction for your soul is when you become born again.

What do we do when we are overcome with the brokenness in the world around us? Often, Christians respond in one of two ways: we separate or we assimilate. We remove ourselves from the culture so that we are not affected by the brokenness; or we assimilate so that we are not bothered by it. Both of these responses prevent us from being able to have any meaningful impact on the world around us. Instead, Jesus offers a third way: We call this contextualization.In Acts 17, Paul is overwhelmed by the brokenness that he sees in the city of Athens. But instead of isolating or conforming, he contextually engages the culture. As a result, the people of Athens hear the message of Jesus in their own language and are compelled to consider if Jesus is truly God and King of the world.

This Sunday as we kick off the Fall season, we'll begin a new four-part sermon series on mission. This message will lay a theological foundation for the subsequent three, so try to make it if you can! Looking forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

Celebração em 07/09/2025 • Igreja Batista Urbana • Campus Santo André • Acompanhe nossas redes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Celebração em 07/09/2025 • Igreja Batista Urbana • Campus Santo André • Acompanhe nossas redes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

The letter 'N' is the key to understanding the Bible. Rise, decline, anticipation – this is the story of the Old Testament, and the story of your life may follow a similar pattern. In the introduction to Matthew's Gospel, we learn that the arrival of Jesus is both a culmination and a new beginning. Jesus Christ is the focal point of history – and because he is, we should orient our lives around him.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Passage:  Matthew 5:13-16, John 20:21

There's an expectation that everyone who has faith in Jesus Christ should also be prepared to share why they've placed their faith in him when asked. However, its to be done with respect and kindness. Come learn with us this weekend how to talk about our faith. __________ If you're new let us know & visit https://www.covenantdoylestown.org to learn more about us and how you can get connected. If you would like to be prayed for, you can submit a prayer request here: https://covenantdoylestown.org/prayer/ __________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/covenantchurchdoylestown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covenantdoylestown

Title: A Missional Church Speaker: Pastor Bruce BurkettSeries: Church Culture

In this lecture, the speaker delves into Ephesians chapter 5, verses 25 through 32, emphasizing the profound relationship between marriage and the love of Christ for the church. The lesson begins with an examination of the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, illustrating that this sacrificial love is intertwined with theological and existential reflections on hypocrisy within the church. The speaker raises poignant questions about how individuals confront the reality that some who profess faith fail to live by its tenets. He challenges the audience to consider whether such disillusionment should lead to abandoning faith or should ignite a deeper passion for Christ.Exploring the historical context of Martin Luther, the speaker draws parallels between Luther's experiences with church hypocrisy in the 16th century and contemporary struggles within the church. Luther's discomfort with the institutional practices of his day, particularly the selling of indulgences, reflects a larger struggle with authenticity in religious faith. The lecture examines how Luther's responses, influenced by his own experiences of celibacy and the resulting turmoil, led him to advocate for a redefined understanding of marriage. Through Luther's perspective, the lecture advances the notion that marriage can serve as a sacred space for holy transformation, contrary to the historical view that elevated celibacy above married life as the ultimate Christian vocation.The discussion transitions to the theme of living courageously and creatively amid societal pressures that shape contemporary understandings of family, singleness, and sexuality. The lecture invites the audience to consider how each generation must respond innovatively to cultural expectations while staying rooted in biblical truths. It draws on a rich historical context of how past Christians navigated similar challenges, positing that through examining Martin Luther's life, modern believers can glean insights on fostering healthy marriages and families that reflect God's love.The speaker also emphasizes the role of the home as a critical environment for spiritual formation, advocating for parents to take charge in actively cultivating their children's faith. This shift marks a movement away from traditional church-based education to a family-centered approach, as illustrated by Luther and his family. By sharing candid anecdotes from his own family's practices, the speaker demystifies what it looks like to engage in meaningful spiritual discussions at home. He stresses that consistent, small acts of faith—like family Bible readings and discussions—can nurture a child's spiritual growth far more effectively than sporadic, grand gestures.Furthermore, the lecture highlights the potential for the family unit to serve as a missional force in the wider community. Drawn from historical accounts, such as that of John Wesley and the Moravians, the speaker illustrates how family groups can embody the gospel in their relationships and actions. The portrayal of families as integral to missional work challenges the contemporary notion that missionary activity is a solitary endeavor. Instead, the lecture reinforces the idea that families, through their everyday interactions and shared faith, can significantly impact those around them.As the lecture comes to a close, the speaker reminds the audience that the church's inconsistencies must not be a reason to abandon their faith. Instead, he encourages listeners to focus on Christ's unblemished love and to strive for deeper relationships and community engagement that reflect that love. The call to action is clear: families must embrace their roles as beacons of hope and love, fostering meaningful relationships that invite others into a life-changing experience with Jesus. This vision of community redefines what it means to live out one's faith, urging all individuals, regardless of their marital status or age, to partake in the collective mission of nurturing the next generation of believers.

Discover how joy becomes the unexpected fuel for mission! Pastor Chris unpacks the powerful connection between experiencing God's delight and sharing His love with others. Through fascinating insights from neuroscience and Scripture, learn how simple acts of joy can transform lives. #alloflifealltheearth #walkgrowlive #christian #church #jesus Renaissance Church - Richmond, Texas https://ren-church.org

In this sermon, we explore the Bible's vision of intentional transformation, summarized powerfully in Romans 12:1-2. Every human being is being transformed. Change is not something only religious people seek; it's something every human being seeks. How do God's grace and our purposeful effort fit together in the pursuit of change? That's the question we seek to answer in this sermon.

This week, we share a For the Journey exclusive conversation between Bill Haley and InnerCHANGE Missionary, Nate Bacon. Both have a deep commitment to fostering spaces of mutual exchange and partnership between Protestants and Catholics, and they share the reasons behind their passion for ecumenism in this wide-ranging discussion.Explore some of the ecumenical organizations and resources mentioned:Global Christian ForumThe InitiativeJohn ArmstrongLearn More About Spiritual Direction through CoracleView Our Full Archive of Soundings Seminarsinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

In this podcast episode, Anthony Delaney interviews Scott Brennan, a church leader and spiritual mentor, discussing the importance of missional spirituality, the legacy of Aidan and Hilda, and the need for authentic leadership in the church. They explore the significance of personal spiritual health, the integration of prayer rhythms, and the metrics of success in church leadership. Scott emphasizes the importance of modeling an authentic Christ-centered life and the need for frameworks that support spiritual growth, while also addressing the challenges of modern church dynamics.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:51 Exploring Aidan and Hilda's Legacy 05:57 Missional Spirituality and Personal Growth 09:06 Rhythms of Prayer and Spiritual Practices 10:49 Metaphors of Gardening and Spiritual Health 14:15 The Impact of Busyness and Technology 17:33 Metrics of Success in Leadership 21:18 The Depth of Spirituality vs. Church Growth 25:21 Integrating Spiritual Practices in Modern Life 28:24 Authenticity in Leadership and Community 33:01 Frameworks for Spiritual Growth 37:30 Resources for Celtic Spirituality and Practices

In this episode with have a conversation with Larry McCrary, missionary and founder of The Upstream Collective. Larry and the Upstream team train marketplace missionaries to go abroad and engage their context through their vocation. They partner with churches to send well and support people during their time overseas. Larry shares a helpful tool for assessing the unique rhythms of your neighborhood or missional context and identifying the best times to build relationships and connect with people on a deeper level. If you want to learn more about The Upstream Collective, visit https://www.theupstreamcollective.org/. 

A brief review of the origins of missional church, how it got hijacked and some implications for disciple makers.Learn more about 12Church at https://www.twelvechurch.net/Find the 12Church evangelism training here: https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-course

To support this ministry and help us continue to transform lives around the world, please visit: http://bit.ly/2RHdunnYou're listening to Dr. Shawn Smith, a guest pastor at Harvest Intercontinental Church-Olney, MD. Learn more about Harvesters Olney at www.harvestersolney.org

By God's grace, Coram Deo Church celebrates 20 years of gospel ministry this month. As we praise God for His faithfulness and look forward to what lies ahead, we welcome guest preacher Scotty Smith to preach about the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

The headlines about the church in America often focus on decline—but that's not the whole story. The numbers have steadied from the post-COVID freefall, and in many places, congregations are seeing attendance and engagement rebound. But here's the real question: Are we satisfied that the decline has slowed, or are we ready to measure how much we're actually gaining?In this episode, Ken and Kris unpack the latest national and denominational data on church attendance, evangelism, and spiritual openness. They explain why the problem isn't that “the church isn't working,” but that most churches are running on a single, attractional gear—while Jesus modeled a balanced missional ecosystem that includes corporate gatherings, mid-sized communities, micro-disciple-making ecosystems (XGroups), and everyday missionary living.You'll hear:The most recent national statistics on attendance, growth, and evangelismWhy spiritual openness is rising even as personal evangelism conviction has dropped.How small group and micro-ecosystem engagement can turn stability into multiplication.Practical steps for reorienting your church to the Jesus paradigm of mission.This conversation will challenge your metrics, encourage your heart, and help you imagine what's possible when the church moves beyond measuring “less loss” to pursuing missional success.

Jesus didn't just preach to crowds—He built a whole missional ecosystem. In this episode, we unpack how His model moved fluidly from the multitudes to meals in homes, from the 70 He sent out to the 12 He discipled closely, all the way down to one-on-one encounters.Discover how crowds, communities, small groups, and personal engagement each play a vital role in Kingdom mission—and why we need the whole transmission, not just one gear.

Church revitalization doesn't start with a new vision statement—it starts with discerning where God is already at work. In this episode, pastor and missional strategist Josh Hayden invites us into a thoughtful, long-term approach to renewing the local church, one rooted not in quick fixes or top-down programs, but in humility, discernment, and faithful presence.Josh introduces the idea of “remissioning church”—not just reorganizing, but reorienting the church around the mission of God in the local community. He shares how ministry leaders can shift from ownership to stewardship, learning to hold their influence loosely and listen deeply to both the Spirit and the people they're called to serve.Together, we explore:What it means to steward—not control—your church's community impactHow to join God's work already unfolding in your neighborhoodWhy real revitalization takes time, patience, and pastoral courageHow remissioning can bring clarity, direction, and renewed joy to ministry leadersPractical encouragement for those leading change in slow, faithful waysIf your heart longs to see your church renewed from the inside out—not by chasing trends but by aligning with God's mission—this conversation will offer both hope and a grounded path forward.Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/networkSome key takeaways from this conversation:Josh Hayden on the importance of aligning our lives with God's mission and recognizing that we are partners, not the originators, of His work: "It's God's mission, and we're simply joining in."Josh Hayden on the significance of viewing change as an essential part of discipleship and spiritual formation: "The change process is a discipleship process."Josh Hayden on the importance of leaders modeling belief in change so their churches can have the faith to follow: "If leaders don't believe their churches can change, it's going to be really hard for their churches to believe it, too."----------------Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders. Love well, live well, & lead well Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

In this sermon, preached by one of Coram Deo's church planting partners, Dave Comeau, we explore what it means to follow examples who know where they are going and who also know where they belong.To be human is to seek to imitate and follow someone. Human beings are creatures who gravitate toward the examples of others, whether for good or for ill.

August 17, 2025 | Brandon Sams Continues The Series Summer In The Psalms!

Jesus said, Matthew 5:13 (NKJV) “You ARE the SALT of the earth…” In part 2, pastor Alexander will identify the Characteristics of Salt that are to be evidenced in our life as being the Salt of the Earth!

Jesus said, Matthew 5:13 (NKJV) “You ARE the SALT of the earth…” In part 2, pastor Alexander will identify the Characteristics of Salt that are to be evidenced in our life as being the Salt of the Earth!

Jesus said, Matthew 5:13 (NKJV) “You ARE the SALT of the earth…” In part 2, pastor Alexander will identify the Characteristics of Salt that are to be evidenced in our life as being the Salt of the Earth!

In this sermon honoring Coram Deo's 20th birthday, Pastor Bob unpacks three aspects of a coram deo approach to gospel ministry.In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul describes his conviction that gospel ministry is to be done "in the sight of God." This verse was one of the foundational texts behind the name of Coram Deo Church.

One day, Carley's husband asked if she was open to going to Africa. “How long?” she asks. “Maybe, for good?” he replies. So began a modern adventure in living a truly missional life in the 21st Century. But what does that really look like? And “How?” And “Why?”. We'll get into all that in this […]

Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!What do you do when the tried-and-true ways of doing church just aren't working anymore? When everything you once relied on—Sunday services, eye-catching signage, the best coffee in the foyer—still leaves your church feeling disconnected from your community?In this episode, Shannon Kiser, author of Opening Space: A Vision for Fresh Expressions of Church and Creative Mission, shares about what “fresh expressions” of church means, why the old attractional models are no longer enough, and how ministry leaders can begin to reimagine church for a spiritually curious but institutionally wary world.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson shares statistics that reveal most American churches are plateaued or declining, and the majority of major denominations are aging.Shannon Kiser urges church leaders to rethink how they engage with a spiritually curious culture that may be wary of traditional church settings.Many people possess spiritual curiosity even if they are hesitant or unwilling to attend church gatherings.Markus Watson describes how even the physical space of a church building can feel intimidating and unfamiliar to outsiders.Shannon Kiser explains that Fresh Expressions seeks to equip leaders to start new forms of Christian community tailored to their local context.Fresh Expressions focuses on innovative gatherings—like dinner churches, hiking groups, or park meetups—rather than just worship services.Markus Watson asks Shannon Kiser to define Fresh Expressions and how they originated from creative responses to declining church attendance in the UK.Shannon Kiser describes Fresh Expressions as new forms of church that often look very different from traditional Sunday morning gatherings.Healthy churches should diversify their ministry approaches and embrace what Shannon Kiser calls a "blended ecology."Focusing solely on Sunday attendance and budgets is unlikely to reverse church decline.Markus Watson highlights the impact stories from the church's outreach—such as coffee shops and lunch ministries—can have on the congregation's spiritual vitality.Congregations can raise their spiritual temperature and feel more alive by engaging in mission outside their traditional gatherings.Shannon Kiser recommends listening to the community and beginning with simple, small experiments that fit the church's context and resources.Forming Fresh Expressions requires different types of people: pioneers who connect and lead, permission givers who open doors, and supporters who help behind the scenes.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Fresh Expressions websiteBooks mentioned:Opening Space, by Shannon KiserRelated episodes:177. Exploring New Forms of Church, with Shannon Kiser264. Building a Future-Focused church, with Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang272. Beyond Church Revitalization, with Josh HaydenGet Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

One day, Carley's husband asked if she was open to going to Africa. “How long?” she asks. “Maybe, for good?” he replies. So began a modern adventure in living a truly missional life in the 21st Century. But what does that really look like? And “How?” And “Why?”. We'll get into all that in this […]

In this episode, Brian takes us into a deep dive into the true significance of God's victory at the Red Sea. It is a transformational event that frees Israel from two primordial fears: uncreation and death so that God's people can embody missional holiness for the sake of the world. Let me know what you think. Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links.  If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

One day, Carley's husband asked if she was open to going to Africa. “How long?” she asks. “Maybe, for good?” he replies. So began a modern adventure in living a truly missional life in the 21st Century. But what does that really look like? And “How?” And “Why?”. We'll get into all that in this […]

In this sermon, we explore what it looks like to bring feelings of doubt and despair before God.Every human being goes through seasons of doubt. But what do we do in those moments? Psalm 74 describes a time in Israel's history when it seemed God had abandoned his people. Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character.

Above All What if the most important words Jesus ever said… weren't just meant to be remembered—but lived? In this bold kickoff to our new series Last Words, Pastor John Hill unpacks Jesus' final instructions before returning to the Father—challenging every believer to stop watching the skies and start walking into the mission. This message reveals the first of five essential MARCS of a faithful disciple: M = Missional. You'll learn: What it really means to “Go and make disciples” Why the gospel is more than a message—it's a movement How to bring the Kingdom of God into everyday places: where you live, work, and play What the Good Samaritan story teaches us about Kingdom eyes and Kingdom action Don't settle for church attendance. Don't settle for spiritual comfort. It's time to LIVE SENT and take Jesus where people need Him most. Like. Share. Comment below: What's one way YOU will bring the Kingdom to someone this week? Take your next step at: sunrisechurch.org or text NEXT to 909.281.7797 Subscribe & turn on notifications for the full Last Words series! - NEXT STEPS  Looking to take your next step?  We want to help! Text the word NEXT to 909-281-7797 or visit sunrisechurch.org/nextsteps. - GIVE TO SUNRISE CHURCH Imagine what God can do through our giving. You can give today at sunrisechurch.org/give  - FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseChurchCA  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisechurchca  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SunriseChurch

Acts 13:1-4

In this sermon, we follow the Psalmist's own journey to resolve his spiritual doubts and questions as he navigates a world that often seems unfair and unjust.Every human being longs for the right kind of leadership and rule. When we experience good leadership, we want to follow. When we experience poor leadership, we lament and seek other guidance. Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character.

In this sermon, we explore the reality that we all want a king who exercises dominion, brings prosperity, and delivers his people.Every human being longs for the right kind of leadership and rule. When we experience good leadership, we want to follow. When we experience poor leadership, we lament and seek other guidance. Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character.

As the early church continued to grow, more and more people outside of the Jewish community began to follow Jesus. This created questions regarding the relevance of the law for the Jesus community.In Acts 11, the leaders of the church are wrestling with some of these questions when Peter shares a vision that he received from God. The vision revealed that though the law was a good thing, it was not the ultimate thing. The law was given to God's people so that they could understand and reflect God's heart. It was not just a list of rules to follow. It was a gift that revealed the will of God for their lives and their community. As they navigate this new era of the family of God, the leaders of the church need to make the difficult decision to follow the heart of God as displayed in the person of Jesus, even if it means breaking their old laws and customs.

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Disciplines create the space for that formation to happen in and through us as we encounter the presence and power of God.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short workshop or story on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we continue our series of workshops on spiritual formation and disciplines with a conversation around confession.

In this sermon, we unpack what it means to be a people of hope. God's word gives us timely hope for various stages of life, culminating in the timeless hope of the resurrection.Some sort of hope drives every human being. It's core to our humanity. But is your hope strong enough to anchor you through all the seasons of life? Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character.