Current Church: Recent Episodes
Current Church, MO
Find direction for your life where you currently are. Messages from Current Church in St. Joseph, MO.
Sometimes clarity comes when we slow down long enough to remember what matters most. So who are we, where are we going, and why are we committed to getting there?
The hardest moments in life often reveal the deepest truths about us. So who, or what, are you counting on when pressure hits?
When life gets heavy, we usually ask God to change what’s happening around us. But what if God is more interested in transforming what’s happening in us? What might He be building in you right now that comfort could never produce?
The easy path is always tempting, but it rarely changes us. God often does His greatest work on the hard road, where faith, obedience, and courage grow. Where have you been avoiding the hard thing … and what if God wants to meet you there?
Life has a way of throwing unexpected moments at us: detours, setbacks, surprises. But what if those things aren’t just interruptions… what if they’re pivotal in your faith journey? How might God be working in what you didn’t plan?
Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through discipline. And sometimes what starts as an “I should” turns into an “I want to.” What habit could God use to grow your faith if you’d just start taking it seriously?
The defining moments of our lives often come down to relationships we didn’t expect, and people God used at just the right time. Who has shaped your faith more than you realize? And who might God be placing in your life right now for a reason?
Nothing pushes us toward dependence on God like feeling inadequate. But what if your weakness isn’t a limitation … what if it’s an invitation? Where might God be calling you to step up and help someone even if you don’t feel ready?
Knowledge is important… but it’s not the same thing as growth. Real faith is formed when what we know starts shaping how we live. What’s one thing you already know you should do, but haven’t actually put into practice yet?
Some people seem to have unshakeable faith, even when life gets messy. Where does faith like that come from, and how do you build it when you’re not sure you have it? What if stronger faith is closer than you think?
The resurrection isn’t just a story. It’s the event that launched a movement that changed everything. If Jesus really rose from the dead, his resurrection has real implications for your life, your faith, and yourfuture.
Most of us live like death, failure, and regret get the final word. But Jesus came to prove they don’t. This message explores how Jesus defeated sin and death, and what it means to live with hope and strength because of Him. What would change if you truly believed death doesn’t win?
Most of us like the idea of Jesus helping us. But what about Jesus leading us? This message explores the tension between wanting a Savior and resisting a King. Where are you asking God to step in … but still holding the steering wheel?
We all have opinions … but criticism can become a habit that hurts the people we love most. Jesus had a lot to say about judging others. So when is it helpful, and when is it harmful? How do you want to be treated when you’re the one who’s struggling?
Comparison doesn’t just steal your joy; it quietly rewrites your identity. Have you been chasing someone else’s life instead of living the one God gave you? What might envy be costing you more than you realize?
Blame is easy … responsibility takes strength. What if the biggest breakthrough in your life is on the other side of owning your part? Where have you been tempted to point the finger instead of taking the next step?
What if the fastest way to build stronger relationships isn’t winning arguments, but choosing honor? When we play the honor game, everybody wins. Who in your life needs honor from you right now?
Sharing faith at work can feel awkward, or even risky. This message offers a wiser, more compelling approach: living and working in a way that naturally creates curiosity and draws people toward faith.
Bad leadership makes work miserable. But great leadership can change everything. Jesus redefines what real leadership looks like and challenges us to lead with humility, sacrifice, and service wherever we have influence.
Most people tolerate their jobs. But what if you could actually thrive at work? This message unpacks how God has uniquely wired you and how discovering your calling can change the way you show up every day.
Burnout is everywhere. But quitting your job isn’t always the solution. This message looks at God’s rhythm of work and rest and why learning when to stop may be the key to lasting energy and health.
What if work was never meant to be something you just “get through”? In this message, we explore God’s original design for work, and how your job can actually become a source of purpose, meaning, and even joy.
Christmas isn’t just the story of a baby in a manger ... it’s the story of the Light of the World who stepped into our darkness. In the middle of fear, uncertainty, and everyday mess, He showed up FOR us. This Christmas, experience the light and life of a King who’s still changing lives from the inside out.
At the center of Christmas is a surprise no one saw coming: a Savior who came for everyone on the list. Not the perfect, but the willing. Not the polished, but the honest. This message celebrates the moment grace stepped into history, and why it still changes every story, including yours.
The holidays can magnify every label we carry ... failure, disappointment, not-enough. But what if the Christmas story shows that God doesn’t define us by our past? In a season obsessed with who’s “naughty or nice,” learn how grace rewrites every name on the list.
Every Christmas, we hear about the “nice list.” But have you ever looked at the first Christmas list? It’s full of broken promises, messy stories, and people you’d never expect to make the cut. This week, discover how God built the story of Christmas through the most unexpected names ... and what that means for yours.
We're entering a season that is full of wants. Where do we want to spend the holidays? What do we want to eat for Thanksgiving? What do the kids want for Christmas? Living with want is not a bad thing, but it can potentially lead us to miss what we need.
What if being responsible for your faith means inviting someone else to find theirs? Every mission needs a team, and the greatest thing you can do is help build it.
Our choices today will leave our loved ones with one of two things in the future: either a burden or a blessing. So how do we leave the best one?
Sometimes we have to look back in order to move forward and make progress. What parts of your past are affecting your future? And the future of someone else?
Have you ever thought about the fact that your irresponsibility will eventually become someone else's responsibility? What does that even mean? And what do we do about it?
Today we explore the impactful role of the church in the community. How can we embody the values of giving, serving, and shining our light the way God intended?
Today we navigate the complexities of faith across generations. We'll discover the importance of continuing traditions, investing in young lives, and ensuring the longevity of spiritual wisdom.
For far too long, the Church has been known for what it's against. We want to be known for what we're FOR. And we are unequivocally FOR you!
When it comes to your words, are you a fire container or extinguisher? Even when our words are accidental, they can still hurt someone. So let's put out some fires!
Good or bad, what has someone said to you that has made an impact on your life? The source of those words determines the weight they carry. And your words do the same for others around you.
We've all heard the adage that actions speak louder than words. But the words we've heard have shaped us and the words we speak have the power to shape others. Where do you have work to do?
With our society as divided as ever, we as Jesus followers have the opportunity to model how to cultivate a culture of diverse friendships.
Prioritizing the needs of a community of people above ourselves moves us toward the interdependence we need.
In the beginning, there was a problem mentioned even before the first sin was committed. And it's a problem that still gets in the way of developing thriving friendships.
We believe following Jesus makes your life better & makes you better at life. And we want our church to encourage, equip, & lead people to follow Jesus. In this message, Ben talks about how & why we do church the way we do.
The church should be much more than a place where people gather. As modeled in the early days of Christianity, it's intended to look like a united, selfless, & committed family.
Sometimes if something is too familiar, we forget how significant it is. The parable of the prodigal son is a perfect example. And when we acknowledge where we are in the story, we're positioned to discover where we need to be.
It’s easy to get distracted, tired, or discouraged on the journey. But when you remember your destination, it changes how you keep moving forward.
Ever feel like you’re wandering but can’t admit you’re lost? This message will help you rethink what it means to ask for help and get your life back on course.
Life has a way of testing your patience—and your perseverance. What if the breakthrough you need is just one mile past the road hazard you've encountered?
Following the script of Jesus doesn't mean all men will be the same. But it does mean we'll be better men.
Somebody may have defined masculinity for you, but how will you define it for yourself?
Living in the upside-down kingdom Jesus described can perhaps seem risky and foolish. But the power and love of God is released when we embrace it.
We can be tempted by a lot of things we shouldn't give in to. But when we give in to the temptation of humility, the world changes for the better.
It's not intuitive to choose to lose, but Jesus introduced an upside-down way of living.
There's no shortage of desire in our lives. Most are innocent. Some are even good & noble. Others can stop us from living out God's best. In this message, you'll learn what to do with the desires that are stopping you.
Our brains have an amazing ability to create a narrative around things in our lives. Unfortunately, when that narrative is untrue it causes us to be in denial. And denial will always deny us of something. In this message, we'll try & stop denial before it stops us.
It's easy to believe the greatest enemy of the church comes from outside the church. Unfortunately, the church's greatest threat is right in the middle of it.
The message of the church is a message for the world. So how do we share it in a way that changes lives?
Early Christians were bold, confident, and courageous. How we pray is an indicator if we've strayed from that.
The Church needs to provide for the next generation what we wish the previous generation had provided for us. So how do we do that?
When the church first began, a natural question surfaced right away: "What shall we do?" The answer had to do more with understanding who your faith was in than what needed to be done.
Being part of a local gathering of Jesus followers means you are part of something big. It's up to each generation to determine what Christianity looks like, sounds like, and reacts like.
Spiritual disciplines require practice. Practicing well is just as important as practicing period. In this message, we'll learn about a few disciplines we can begin to practice to make room to experience more of God's power in our lives.
Spiritual habits are not the end, but a means to an end. To what end? Jesus makes that abundantly clear.
For some of us, faith is something we're just not investigating. For others of us, our faith story began a long time ago. But for ALL for us, that faith could be growing. But what if there was a full-body workout that could bulk up our faith?
Most of us are highly connected. We text, we post, we call, we comment, we direct message. An entire industry has even been built around connected FITNESS. So if it's been pivotal for cycling or lifting, what could it look like for connection to impact our spiritual health, too?
Workouts. Some are tougher than others. But the toughest ones have some of the BIGGEST payoffs. That's true spiritually, too. Today's exercise is tough. Tough to discuss, and tougher to implement.
There's just something about being in a stadium for Friday night lights. Or for the concert with your favorite band. Even for the end of the baseball season. And, of course, for all of Chiefs football! What if there is a 'stadium' workout that could fuel big gains--even for those who AREN'T on the field?
Maybe you've been on your faith journey for a long time. Or perhaps you're just beginning to investigate faith. Regardless, faith isn't supposed to be stagnant. And there are some practical things we can do to help it grow into something vibrant.
In the midst of your travel planning, gift wrapping, & cookie baking, enjoy a hassle-free hour with us for Christmas. Experience the peace & joy this season brings.
Are you preparing for what the holidays will be like this year? Celebration resists cynicism and makes us ready to receive what God is eager to give.
Are you preparing for what the holidays will be like this year? Jesus made a way for us, and now we get to make way for Him in our lives, in our homes, and in our habits.
Are you anticipating what the holidays will be like this year? Holy anticipation is the expectation that God is up to something good, coupled with the excitement and mystery of just how and just when that goodness will come.
Have you ever heard that God has incredible purpose for your life? What does that mean? How do we discover his purpose? Sometimes we just need to eliminate the distractions so we can hear God speak to us about his unique purpose for our lives.
It's easy to allow culture to define us. God wants us to find our identities in him. The source of your identity will change your legacy.
Have you ever known someone who said they heard from God? Have you ever heard from God? Many of us have wondered what it looks like to experience that level of intimacy with our Heavenly Father. But what should our posture be, and where should our focus land?
Today we navigate the complexities of faith across generations. We'll discover the importance of continuing traditions, investing in young lives, and ensuring the longevity of spiritual wisdom.
Today we explore the impactful role of the church in the community. How can we embody the values of giving, serving, and shining our light the way God intended?
For far too long, the Church has been known for what it's against. We want to be known for what we're FOR. And we are unequivocally FOR you!
Every day you use words. A lot of them. Some of them are helpful. Some of them not. So how do we determine helpful words that will improve our relationships?
Every day you use words. A lot of them. Some of them are helpful. Some of them not. So how do we determine helpful words that will improve our relationships?
Every day you use words. A lot of them. Some of them are helpful. Some of them not. So how do we determine helpful words that will improve our relationships?
Every day you use words. A lot of them. Some of them are helpful. Some of them not. So how do we determine helpful words that will improve our relationships?
If it's true that the church in America is in decline, what would it take to reverse that trend? You could be part its reversal. The question is: In what stage do you find yourself in terms of being engaged with a local church?
Following Jesus is complicated. We all need help figuring it out and sticking with it. So how do we do that?
It's easy to get in a hurry but harder to get out. If we're going to resist the temptation to rush in life, we must be proactive. Today we reveal one practical way to keep hurry from taking over.
One of the biggest weapons against the hurry that tries to invade our lives is the word "no." We, however, have a tendency to be "yes" machines. Let's discover how to effectively say "no" and keep hurry at a distance.
We're all busy. And most of us would say we're busy with good things. But if we're not careful, our busy lives can become hurried lives. When that happens, we suffer and the people around us often get our worst.
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. So then what must Jesus followers believe about the Bible?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. With that in mind, what is the fundamental purpose of Jesus followers?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. With that in mind, what is the fundamental purpose of the church?
As we take a break today from our in-person service, be inspired by this incredible conversation with author, speaker, professor, & podcaster John Dickson. It's a perfect supplement to our current series, The Fundamental List.
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. So why did someone have to die? What was the point?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. So why doesn't God do something about injustice in our world? And can God really be trusted?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. Today, we'll look at another essential: How did Jesus define sin?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. Today, we'll look at another essential: What was the purpose of Jesus' activity on earth?
With so many denominations and opinions on what it means to be a Christian, it can be difficult to determine what is fundamental to the faith. Today, we'll look at what's essential--and what's not--when it comes to following Jesus.
We sing together. We take Communion. We baptize people. But why??? Discover the why behind these important parts of the Christian life.
We sing together. We take Communion. We baptize people. But why??? Discover the why behind these important parts of the Christian life.
We sing together. We take Communion. We baptize people. But why??? Discover the why behind these important parts of the Christian life.
What do we do when life and circumstances we can't control bring us to a breaking point? Find out in the conclusion of our series, Bend Don't Break.
We are being distracted to death. But we don't have to be. Jesus reminds us that we always have a choice and can choose what is better in order to live a life full of joy, peace, and love.
Feeling overwhelmed? Feel like life is running you rather than you running your life? Jesus gives us an invitation to give us our lives back.
Disagreement is unavoidable, but division is a choice. We can disagree politically and love unconditionally.
When it comes to potentially polarizing topics, our posture, tone, and approach will tell others all they need to know about what's most important to us.
Forgiving someone before they ask for it isn't easy, but it's exactly what God did for us.
The church is God's agent of transformation for the world, and the church is your opportunity to take part in that transformation. Is it time to take the step from being just a consumer at the local church to being involved?
Happy couples decide they owe each other everything but are owed nothing in return. But that requires effort.
As long as you think your spouse owes you, your marriage will be all about keeping score. That destroys intimacy. That destroys love. But what are we supposed to do about our hopes, dreams, and desires?
As long as you think your spouse owes you, your marriage will be all about keeping score. That destroys intimacy. That destroys love. But what are we supposed to do about our hopes, dreams, and desires?
A great marriage doesn't happen by accident. It requires care and regular maintenance. But sometimes we don't want to make the effort. As long as it's not broken, do we really need to talk about it?
We should fear the consequences of closing our hands more than the consequences of losing what's in them.
Originally, "baptism" was not a religious concept. Yet over time, baptism has become an exclusively religious idea. In this message, we'll unpack baptism, from its birth with John the Baptist to its modern equivalent.
The more you choose to surrender to God, the more he will lead you to peace with yourself.
Whether you believe, struggle to believe, or just can't believe it, the Christmas story shows us that God is still accomplishing his purpose in our world.
One reason for the season is to remove our excuses for moving away from people unlike us.
God blessed the world with a different kind of King who came to establish a different kind of kingdom.
We took a Sunday off from in-person services due to winter weather & got together online! What are you anticipating this Christmas season?
Lying to ourselves to feel good about ourselves keeps us from doing what's good for ourselves.
No one said it was easy, but releasing someone from what they've done to you is your only way to freedom.
Nobody likes being told what to do, but when we don't want advice is often when we need it most.
Be Rich is our opportunity to remind our communities that everyone matters to God, whether God matters to them or not. During week two of Be Rich, we've invited our friend Libby Owens from the St. Joseph PRC to join us.
Be Rich is our opportunity to remind our communities that everyone matters to God, whether God matters to them or not.
The belief that "good people go to heaven" sound nice on the surface. But it doesn't make any sense. In this video, Ben discusses who goes to heaven, and how to ensure you get there yourself.
There are two things that reveal what’s valuable to us: priority and sacrifice. Prioritizing God in one key area, finances, and making sacrifices accordingly lead to making him the top priority in our lives.
Whether it’s sitting next to a new friend at lunch, going to a birthday party, or watching a game at someone’s house, all of us have benefited from someone inviting us to something. But there’s an invitation we can extend that may change someone’s life forever. And the opportunity to extend that invitation exists now more than ever.
In order to maximize our potential and fulfill our mission as a church, everyone should serve somewhere.
We all want to get the future right, and we all want to arrive safely at our intended destination. Follow these rules and you will get there on time and on purpose.
It's easy to think we have someone figured out based on a few quick data points. But for us to see others the way God sees them, we have to trade in the narratives we create about people, and instead get to know them.
We hold grudges for days, months, or sometimes years. And the longer we hold a grudge, the more it has a hold on us.
We're using more words than ever before, and we're thinking less about them than ever before. That's cause for concern because our words can either build someone up or tear them down.
People ultimately weren't convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw.
There are two things that reveal what's valuable to us: priority and sacrifice. Prioritizing God in one key area, finances, and making sacrifices accordingly lead to making him the top priority in our lives.
If we want to create a place that feels like home, then we must ask ourselves what we can do to help make this happen. Let's create a place that feels like home so that, ultimately, people can feel at home with God.
Where do you feel "at home"? The place we feel at home is the place where we feel comfortable, where we are able to be ourselves without judgment. If you asked someone if they felt at home at church, many people would answer that question with a resounding no.
It's true that God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you way too much to leave you that way.
Whether fueled by fear, insecurity, or a past event, many of us construct a paper wall of excuses that holds us back.
How is it that a baby born in an unremarkable village, to otherwise two unremarkable peasant parents, is adored by people all over the world 2000 years later?
Originally, "baptism" was not a religious concept. Yet over time, baptism has become an exclusively religious idea. In this message, we'll unpack baptism, from its birth with John the Baptist to its modern equivalent. If you are a follower of Christ and baptism is still on your "to-do" list, this message may be the nudge you need to finally go public.
If you repay evil for evil, you will write a pretty predictable story. But there's a way to write a remarkable one instead.
Hurting someone because they hurt you doesn't end the cycle. It perpetuates it. And it makes you look like the person you dislike.
We believe the church should be known for its compassion and generosity, and the engagement of our attendees with Be Rich will accomplish that more than anything else we do.
We believe the church should be known for its compassion and generosity, and the engagement of our attendees with Be Rich will accomplish that more than anything else we do.
We believe the church should be known for its compassion and generosity, and the engagement of our attendees with Be Rich will accomplish that more than anything else we do.
When we do the hard work of being honest with ourselves, we're on our way to not selling ourselves on a potential regret.
Are your environments appealing? Are your presentations engaging? Is your content helpful?
How can we learn to be open to changing our ideals and beliefs, especially if we may be wrong about something?
It sometimes feels like the United States isn't very united. There's something we can do about that, and it has less to do with our rights and more to do with our responsibility.
Before we can pray to avoid temptation with a clear conscience, there are some things we need to ask ourselves.
Those unexpected things life throws our way can end up being pivotal circumstances in our faith journeys.
There is no progress without discipline. And many times, what begins as an "ought to" becomes a "want to".
The defining moments and seasons of our lives usually revolve around providential relationships.
Nothing causes us to depend on God more than pushing through our inadequacies to help other people.
Some people have what appears to be unshakable faith. Where does faith like that come from?
Jesus followers in the first century believed Jesus rose from the dead. They believed in this historical event many years before there was a Bible. They believed it beginning on the morning of the resurrection. And they did exactly what any of us would do if we saw a man raised from the dead: they talked about it, and they wrote about it.
God is not what you have experienced. Disappointment with life easily becomes disappointment with God.
Saying yes to God will cost you something. Saying no will cost you more--including the thing you chose over him.
When you pause and surrender, you then have the greatest potential for pouring words into the lives of others.
When a church fails to distinguish between its current model and the mission to which it has been called and mistakenly fossilizes around its model, that church sets itself up for decline.
How people respond to what we communicate depends a lot on how we communicate. Approach matters. The goal is to present Scripture in a way that is so helpful and compelling that the audience leaves with every intention of coming back for more the following weekend ... and bringing a friend.
We're committed to making things better, to being creative, and to staying at the center of what's going on in the culture around us so we can continue to reach people. But that produces a collision between creativity and predictability. That's because both creativity and predictability are necessary for accomplishing your ministry goals. People are attracted to creative church environments, but they aren't going to keep showing up if there's no sense of predictability.
Everyone involved in our ministry, from staff to volunteers, is measuring the quality and success of our environments against something. Everybody has a definition of success. We need to determine what success looks and feels like in each of our ministry environments.