Podcasts about pastor amy

This Reformation Sunday, Pastor Amy reminds us that faith isnt finished until its lived. The call to execute faith means acting on conviction, following through with courage, and living what we believe. Just as Martin Luther stepped out in bold obedience to Gods truth, we are called to embody faith in tangible ways to serve, speak, and love with purpose. Jesus didnt come to start a debate; Jesus came to carry out Gods mission of love. Disciples dont just believe the Gospel they do it. https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-244774.html

Church isn't just about showing up, it's about showing up for each other. If you've ever felt disconnected, lonely in a crowd, or unsure if you truly belong at church, this message is for you. In week four of our We the Church series, we're diving into what it really means to be committed to community. The Bible calls the church a spiritual family — not a building or an event, but a group of people called to love, encourage, forgive, and live life together. So why does that feel so hard sometimes? We explore powerful scriptures like 1 John 3, Ephesians 2, and 1 Thessalonians 5, unpacking our identity as children of God, and our role as members of God's household. Whether you're wrestling with church hurt, feeling alone in your faith, or just wondering how to build real relationships in church — you're not alone.

This week, we launched our new series, WWJD?—not just to admire how Jesus lived, but to learn how to live like Him. We began by asking: What would Jesus do when it comes to grief? In John 11, Jesus loses a close friend—Lazarus. He doesn't ignore the pain or rush past it. Instead, He walks straight into the moment with patience, compassion, and truth. He weeps, He listens, He comforts. He reminds us that grief and faith can coexist. And then, He reveals our true hope: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Like Jesus, we are invited to grieve honestly, wait patiently, cling to hope, and stay close to the Father. He meets us in our sorrow—not from a distance, but right in the middle of it. Missed Sunday? Catch up on this week's message from our WWJD? series — all about finding hope and next steps when grieving loss. Read the sermon notes here: Daily Devotional Grief Resources

This week, Pastor Amy invites us to rediscover the gift of holy curiosity. Far from being weakness, curiosity was central to Jesus way of engaging people asking questions, listening deeply, and making space for transformation. From Nicodemus late-night questions to the Samaritan woman at the well and Thomas honest doubts, curiosity opened doors for faith, healing, and trust. What would it look like for us to live with the same posture to lead with openness, wonder, and a willingness to be changed by Gods love? https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-244761.html

Why church is important! Is it just tradition, or is there something deeper we're missing? In this message, we explore why church still matters in a world full of options, distractions, and personal preferences. Whether you're a lifelong Christian, just coming back to church, or still figuring out what you believe, this message is for you. Discover why being planted in a local church is more than just “going to church on Sundays”, it's about spiritual growth, deep relationships, and a life that can weather any storm. This isn't just about attending a building. It's about becoming part of something bigger than yourself — a spiritual family where you can grow, serve, and thrive. Key Scripture: Psalm 92:12-14 “The righteous will flourish… they are planted in the house of the Lord.” If you've ever thought: “I love Jesus, but I don't need church.” “I'll go when I feel like it.” “I'm just not connecting.” …then this talk will challenge your thinking and invite you to something deeper. Learn: Why church is essential to spiritual growth What the Bible actually says about church Why drifting from church leaves us stuck, shallow, and spiritually dry How God plants us in church for a purpose You're not meant to live potted, you're called to be planted. Let God place you where your faith can flourish.

Summer At The Movies: Wicked | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

Have you ever caught yourself talking about someone instead of talking to them? This message, rooted in James 3 and a scene from Grease, confronts the subtle but serious sin of gossip. Our words hold power—they can either heal or harm. We're called to speak life, not spread rumors. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can develop self-control, repent where needed, and choose words that build others up and point them to Jesus.

Pastor Amy Zeittlow, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Candice Wassell Faith Lutheran Church O'Fallon, IL check out our website: https://www.faithofallon.org/ If you would like to support the ministry of Faith Lutheran Church: https://www.faithofallon.org/

Jesus First Jesus Always: Mother's Day | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

Rachel and Leah's story in Genesis 29–30 shows how envy can turn sisters into rivals. One longed for love, the other for children—each believing they needed what the other had to feel valuable. Envy convinces us we're lacking and makes it hard to celebrate others. But God offers a better way. Envy says, “I want what you have,” but contentment says, “I trust what God has given.” Through repentance and gratitude, God uproots envy from our hearts. Like Leah, when we say, “This time I will praise the Lord,” our hearts shift. The Gospel reminds us—our worth is secure in Christ.

On Confirmation Sunday, Pastor Amy weaves in insights from our 8th graders to share the Gospel and inspire us to follow Jesus in our daily lives.

In Mark 14:1–11, we see a woman pour out costly perfume on Jesus, sparking outrage from others—but Jesus calls it beautiful. Her motive was pure love, while Judas's was selfish gain. As Passover approached, Jesus was preparing to be the true Passover Lamb, giving His life to save us. The woman's worship was a response to His worth, not a performance. This sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own motives in following Jesus. Is it love? Gratitude? Or something else? In response, we are invited to repent and return to the heart of worship—where it's all about Jesus.

Small Group Guide: Scandalous Love Opening Prayer Bible: John 12:1-8 Key Takeaways: The body is not a scandal but a gift through which we can draw near to God Lavish compassion and care are appropriate responses in times of great sorrow We must be wary of the "scandal of distraction" that seeks to justify self-serving priorities We are called to act with urgency and awareness in responding to God's call Discussion Questions: Pastor Amy mentions the "scandal of having a body." How does our culture view bodies, especially women's bodies? How does this contrast with the idea that "the body is a gift"? What does it mean to you that bodies are the way Mary was able to draw near to God? Mary's act of anointing Jesus was seen as lavish and wasteful by some. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know showed "extravagant love"? How was it received? Pastor Amy talks about the "scandal of distraction." In what ways do we sometimes use criticism of others to deflect attention from our own shortcomings? How do you feel about the concept of "both/and" faith versus "either/or" faith? Can you think of examples in your own life where you've struggled with this? Pastor Amy mentions how easy it is to twist scripture to justify our own agendas. How can we guard against this tendency in our own lives and in our faith communities? How can we cultivate a sense of urgency in our faith, like Mary demonstrated, without becoming anxious or overwhelmed? Practical Applications: Lavish Love: Identify someone in your life who might be going through a difficult time. Plan an "extravagant" act of kindness for them, no matter how small it might seem. Distraction Awareness: Pay attention to moments when you're tempted to criticize others. Instead of acting on that impulse, take a moment to reflect on your own motivations and actions. Present Moment Awareness: Each day this week, take a few minutes to be fully present and ask God, "What do you want me to pay attention to right now?" Closing Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the example of Mary's extravagant love. Help us to be fully present in our bodies, lavish in our compassion, aware of our distractions, and open to the paradoxes of faith. Guide us to pour out your love in both big and small ways this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Small Group Guide: Suffering and Grace Opening Prayer Bible: Luke 13:1-9 Key Takeaways: Suffering and tragedy are not punishments from God or indicators of a lack of faith. The Church is called to be a "gardener," nurturing those who are marginalized. A theology of the cross teaches us that God is present in suffering and calls us to address systemic issues that contribute to tragedy and injustice. Discussion Questions: Pastor Amy mentions Archbishop Oscar Romero and his advocacy for the poor. Can you think of modern-day examples of religious leaders or organizations standing up for marginalized groups? How does this reflect Jesus' teachings? Jesus clearly states that tragedies are not punishments from God. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your own understanding of suffering? How might this change the way we respond to others who are going through difficult times? In what ways do we sometimes fall into the trap of blaming victims for their misfortunes, and how can we cultivate a more compassionate and nuanced perspective? Reflect on the parable of the fig tree. How does interpreting the Church as the gardener, rather than Jesus, change the meaning of the story? What responsibilities does this interpretation place on us as members of the Church? Pastor Amy suggests that we should examine the systems that allow or contribute to suffering. Can you think of examples where this approach might lead to positive change? In what ways does a 'theology of the cross' change our understanding of where God is present and active in the world? How might this impact our mission and outreach as a church? Pastor Amy ends by saying that God is not "keeping score" of our sins. How might this understanding of God's grace impact how we live our lives and treat others? Practical Applications: This week, identify a "fig tree" in your community - a person or group that might be overlooked or struggling. Brainstorm ways you could offer support or care. Reflect on times when you've experienced suffering. How did your faith community respond? Based on today's discussion, how might you support others differently in the future? Research a systemic issue in your community that contributes to suffering (e.g., homelessness, food insecurity). Identify one concrete action you can take to address this issue. Want to hone your actual gardening skills as a way to remember our call to be good gardeners in other ways?Contact the team that works on our community garden and offer to help! Closing Prayer: God of mercy, you meet us with love and compassion in the shadows of death, working to bring us new life. As we reflect on Jesus suffering on the cross, help us to see that we, too, are called to live with compassion, extending grace to those who hurt, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In this week's episode of The Generation Podcast, Pastor Ryan is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Pastor Amy! Together, they discuss the importance of prioritizing your marriage above everything else, including kids, and how a strong, God-centered relationship sets the foundation for a thriving family.But that's not all! Pastor Ryan and Pastor Amy also tackle your most-asked questions from Instagram, diving into topics like disciplining children with love, keeping date nights a priority, handling in-laws with grace, and raising kids in a Christ-centered home.Don't miss this powerful and practical conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and a few fun surprises along the way!

In this week's episode of The Generation Podcast, Pastor Ryan is joined by a very special guest—his wife, Pastor Amy! Together, they take a trip down memory lane, sharing the story of how they first met, the early days of their relationship, and the realities of a Godly marriage.But that's not all! Pastor Ryan and Pastor Amy also answer your most asked questions from Instagram, diving into topics like faith, relationships, and building a Christ-centered marriage.Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful conversation packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a few fun surprises along the way!

Small Group Guide: Hear Act Opening Prayer Bible: Matthew 7:15-27 Key Takeaways: Faith is not just a noun, but a verb - it's about actively following Jesus. Our actions define us and shape the world around us. Hearing Jesus' teachings without acting on them can harm both ourselves and others. Grace is always available, and even small actions can make a difference. Practicing "faithing" in daily life builds a strong foundation for facing bigger challenges. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? Pastor Amy says, "Faith is following Jesus." How does this perspective change your understanding of faith? Can you share an example of a time when your actions (or inactions) impacted your community, either positively or negatively? How do you feel about the idea that our fruit (actions) defines us more than our beliefs or religious labels? Bad fruit can give people the wrong impression of God. Have you ever witnessed or experienced this? How can we prevent this? What are some "mundane" ways we can practice following Jesus in our daily lives? How does the concept of repairing relationships being 'more powerful than getting it right the first time' impact your approach to conflict and reconciliation? What "faith muscles" do you feel you need to strengthen? How can you start building those? Practical Applications: This week, choose one teaching from Jesuss Sermon on the Mount and intentionally practice it in your daily life. Journal about your experiences. Write no injustice here on an index card and put it somewhere that you will see it most days this week (office, bathroom, car, etc.) Let it remind you that when you feel overwhelmed by all of the needs in the world, your job is to follow Jesus in your immediate surroundings. Look for opportunities to show compassion to people your community might think of as others. Notice how it feels to do so. Closing Prayer: God of action, you hear our cries and you move toward us. In the same way, help us to listen to Jesus and then to boldly follow him with our whole lives, that we might create a beloved, just, and compassionate community together. Amen. https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-227957.html

Pastor Amy - 2.9.25 Small Group Guide:  Forgiveness Opening Prayer Bible:  Matthew 6:7-15 Key Takeaways: Forgiveness is a central theme in the Lord's Prayer and Jesus' teachings. Forgiving others and receiving God's forgiveness are interconnected. Forgiveness is about releasing debts and removing barriers in relationships. Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring wrongdoing but creates space for healing and growth. Our capacity to forgive is linked to our ability to love and experience God's love. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? How does understanding forgiveness as "debt cancellation" change your perspective on forgiving others? Discuss the statement: "We can't truly live into our freedom while we are holding onto the chains around somebody else's ankles." What does this mean to you? Pastor Amy distinguishes between forgiving and enabling harmful behavior. How can we forgive while still maintaining healthy boundaries? In what ways does holding onto unforgiveness act as a barrier in our relationships with others and with God? How might viewing forgiveness as 'tearing down walls' rather than 'forgetting wrongs' change our approach to reconciliation? How can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that, like God's forgiveness, invites reflection and repentance without making it a prerequisite? Practical Applications: This week, identify one person you need to forgive. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you release any "debt" you feel they owe you. Reflect on areas where you might need forgiveness. Take steps to apologize or make amends where necessary. When we pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done," we're inviting God's reign into our everyday lives. This means embodying love, justice, and peace in our interactions and decisions. Today, pause and consider: How can you bring a piece of God's kingdom to your workplace, home, or community? It might be through an act of kindness, speaking up against injustice, or fostering peace in a conflict. Remember, building God's kingdom starts with small, faithful actions in our daily lives. Closing Prayer: God of grace, you forgive us without a second thought, and love us long before we have a chance to repent.  Give us the strength, compassion, and courage to extend this grace and forgiveness to others, not because it erases the past, but because it is the only way into a peaceful future.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.  https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-226086.html

Small Group Guide: Forgiveness Opening Prayer Bible: Matthew 6:7-15 Key Takeaways: Forgiveness is a central theme in the Lord's Prayer and Jesus' teachings. Forgiving others and receiving God's forgiveness are interconnected. Forgiveness is about releasing debts and removing barriers in relationships. Forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring wrongdoing but creates space for healing and growth. Our capacity to forgive is linked to our ability to love and experience God's love. Discussion Questions: What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? How does understanding forgiveness as "debt cancellation" change your perspective on forgiving others? Discuss the statement: "We can't truly live into our freedom while we are holding onto the chains around somebody else's ankles." What does this mean to you? Pastor Amy distinguishes between forgiving and enabling harmful behavior. How can we forgive while still maintaining healthy boundaries? In what ways does holding onto unforgiveness act as a barrier in our relationships with others and with God? How might viewing forgiveness as 'tearing down walls' rather than 'forgetting wrongs' change our approach to reconciliation? How can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that, like God's forgiveness, invites reflection and repentance without making it a prerequisite? Practical Applications: This week, identify one person you need to forgive. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you release any "debt" you feel they owe you. Reflect on areas where you might need forgiveness. Take steps to apologize or make amends where necessary. When we pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done," we're inviting God's reign into our everyday lives. This means embodying love, justice, and peace in our interactions and decisions. Today, pause and consider: How can you bring a piece of God's kingdom to your workplace, home, or community? It might be through an act of kindness, speaking up against injustice, or fostering peace in a conflict. Remember, building God's kingdom starts with small, faithful actions in our daily lives. Closing Prayer: God of grace, you forgive us without a second thought, and love us long before we have a chance to repent. Give us the strength, compassion, and courage to extend this grace and forgiveness to others, not because it erases the past, but because it is the only way into a peaceful future. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-226086.html

From the beginning of time, humans have confused humanity's role with God's role. We long to be in control of every aspect of our lives — our money, our families, our health, and our futures. In this message, Pastor Amy gives permission for you to be a child. More knowledge and control won't quiet your soul, but trust in God will.

My Roman Empire Part 1 | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church

When we go through storms in life where do we take our fear? Fear is a natural emotion that should cause us to go to God. But often we allow fear to disrupt the trust we have or don't have in God. We can end up taking our fears to unhealthy places. The disciples that night were afraid of the storm but even more terrified when Jesus calmed the storm. Why was this so scary for them? Well, that night a different storm inside them needed to be confronted. It was the storm of their sinful hearts and only Jesus, who was fully man (asleep on the boat) and fully God (having divine control over nature) could defeat this ultimate storm of sin. As we remember his sacrifice we can be sure that God cares about us so much that He sent His Son so no one will perish.

For our January ALLIN, Pastor Amy explored the moments of consecration from Joshua 4-5 as the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land. There is a Promised Land rest available for us as believers and leaders that aligns our position, provision, pace and plans to heaven's.

Mary and Elizabeth celebrate what God is doing in their lives and in the world. Pastor Amy, December 22, 2024

Celebrate Thanksgiving by reflecting on God's goodness in the past and His provision for the future. Both Pastor Brent and Pastor Amy help us reflect on how God is working in our lives and community in this special service.

As followers of Christ, we become the dwelling place of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Amy concludes our series by exploring how the Holy Spirit both transforms and empowers us to live lives fully devoted to Jesus.

"Pride is acquainted with rejecting God." —Pastor Amy Siegel

As parents, we must remember that our children belong to God. We must be intentional about teaching our children and we need wisdom! In this message, we look at the book of Exodus where Moses' parents had to make a big decision and trust God. We'll discover how to apply this truth in our own homes. Whether you are a parent or not, this message will encourage and strengthen your faith in God to trust Him always!

It's not easy to press into relationships. Whether people have hurt us or we just don't have the energy or courage to find a healthy community, many of us find ourselves lonely. Listen as Pastor Amy shares how to build healthy relationships by leaning into vulnerability and even awkwardness! Here, we don't just find community; we find Jesus.

Celebration is a spiritual discipline. We have the opportunity to celebrate God's goodness, even in the midst of life's difficulties. Follow along as Pastor Amy, Pastor Brent, and our worship team share what true joy looks like in this final message of our sermon series.

Karaoke Summer Part 2 | Pastor Amy Smith by City of Life Church