Messages: Recent Episodes
Southridge Community Church
Does Easter actually end with the resurrection of Jesus? Or is there actually one more plot twist left in this story? Check it out as we explore An Unexpected Future.
Ever feel like all hope is lost? Come and be inspired by the unexpected power unleashed for every one of us through Jesus' resurrection from the grave.
Join us as we explore the unexpected pathway to love that Jesus laid out for us on Good Friday.
Palm Sunday kicks off the Easter season - marking the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem to crowds of people waving palm branches and celebrating the arrival of their powerful new king. But what if Jesus had an entirely different model of power in mind than the people did? And how ready are we, today, to embrace the kind of unexpected kingship that Jesus demonstrates to us?
Join us as we wrap up the second instalment of our Philippians series "The Habits of Harmony" with our final message "Faithful To The Finale." What does Paul say about the heart posture required for us to live in grateful harmony with one another, all the way to the end?
Most of us don't like to work out. Even the thought of working out can be daunting and exhausting. But we know that work outs are worth it. How much more true is that in our spiritual lives? What would it be like if we developed the habit of working out our faith? How might a spiritual work out produce the healing and harmony we long for?
Join us as we continue our study of the letter to the Philippians exploring what it means to "work out" our faith!
We all want to get ahead in life. This is true in our relationships as well. But what does it take to "move up" and become a person of significance within a Christ-shaped community? What can we learn from Jesus' approach to establishing himself as the clear leader of his peers, and what does his example teach us how to climb the relational ladder within the church? And at the end of our lives, when our friends "sing our praises", how do we make sure it's a hymn to humility?
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate a much-anticipated milestone in the life of our church, as we move forward into becoming a fully practicing Love Beyond Belief community!
Unison is what happens when everyone sings the exact same note, at the same time, for the same length of time. Harmony is what happens when different people sing different notes, sometimes even at different times. Harmony reminds us that all our differences can actually create something singular and beautiful. But it requires us to be a choir, rather than a collection of soloists. And it requires that we all sing from the same song sheet - that we are clear on the one song that unites us together in beautiful, timeless, Christ-centred harmony.
It's the question most children never tire of asking: WHY? As we get older, we may ask the question less, but each of us lives out of a deeply personal WHY - the underlying motivation that drives all our decisions, actions, and relationships. So, what is your WHY? More importantly, how closely does the WHY of your life align with the WHY of Jesus? And what if, as we rediscover the practice of constantly asking WHY, we could live with a deep sense of shared purpose?
Conflict is a normal part of all close relationships. But sometimes we experience the kind of friction that leads to fracturing. What can we do to heal these rifts? And, more importantly, is there a way to prevent them in the first place? Living in true Christ-centred harmony requires more than good intentions and wishful thinking. It doesn't just happen. So what can we do to actively promote the kind of harmony and love God wants us to experience?
Everyone needs a circle of friends. Even Jesus had an inner-circle of friends. But too often circles become cliques. And Jesus definitely wasn't cliquey. So how can we become the kinds of friends that don't let our circles become cliques? How did Jesus widen his circle through invitation? And how might we experience a new kind of friendship if we learn to open our circle to new kinds of friends?
Most of us would say we want the best for our friends, but are we being the kind of friend that actually brings out their best? What does it take to have friendships that actually get the best out of us? How could we become the kinds of friends that help our friends grow? How did Jesus love his friends so much that he wasn't content to leave them where they were?
When the going gets tough, friends often end up getting going. So many friendships simply come to an end when they experience the bumps in the road of conflict, hurt feelings, or let downs. But is this how Jesus treated his friends? What did Jesus do when his friends let him down? What can we learn from Jesus about sticking it out in our friendships?
When we think of telling or showing someone we love them, we tend to think of romantic relationships. But is love only reserved for romance? What about love expressed in friendship? What can we learn from the way Jesus loved his friends and how might loving our friends the way Jesus loved his change the future of our friendships?
Many people assume a lifestyle of compassion and justice is simply a cultural trend - becoming more "progressive", or even "woke". With all the demands on our time, energy and other resources, why should a follower of Jesus engage in growing in this way? And, of all the aspects of faith Jesus would want His followers to grow in, why is compassion and justice so important? Is it really necessary for Christians to live like this?
Jesus' vision for reciprocity, instead of just charity, is compelling. But what does it take to not just be a part of a community that lives that out, but to actually experience that for yourself? What kind of special skills does it require to participate in a "missional"-style adventure of a life? And what do you have to do in order to engage in it for yourself?
Around Southridge, we believe that Jesus invites us to be his friends, and even family, by choosing to daily live as a community with the same mission: transformative friendships with the most vulnerable people around us. So how can we be a community that lives this adventurous lifestyle Jesus envisioned, and how can our friendships make a difference in the systems around us, in others, and in ourselves?
It's been said that nothing does so much harm as good intentions. Through the centuries the Church has embodied this by often causing harm, even when out of an intent to help. But what is Jesus’ vision for believers and churches moving from harmful good intentions to becoming the transformative force for actual good in the world?
There are two kinds of people: those who think the world is changing for the better, and those who think things are only getting worse. The first group reflects on the atrocities of history and cheers the slow march of progress. The second group are those who look back on the good old days with fondness, concerned that our world is going to hell in a hand-basket. So, which is it: is humanity's arrow speeding toward a utopian bullseye, or are we spiralling off target? And as Jesus-centred people, should we throw our energy into protecting and preserving the ways of the past, or paving a path of progress?
Our culture has grown increasingly intolerant of judgmental attitudes. Still, there seems to be no escaping evaluation. From the report card at school and the performance review at work, to the number of friends, followers, and likes on social media, to the rating a business, employer, restaurant or movie gets online, we're quick to rate, rank, critique and cancel just about everything and everyone. And sadly, it's often worse in the church. Whether in the name of "holding people accountable" or "defending the faith", we act as judge, jury, and executioner with each other, creating congregations of claustrophobic conformity rather than safe spaces of wide welcome. But what if a Jesus-centred community could put an end to all this evaluation and, instead, be energized by each other, embracing encouragement as the bullseye of community?
One of life's biggest questions is, "What is God's plan for my life?" What's the ideal job for which I was created? Am I called to move another part of the world and be a missionary? Is there only one right person for me? Even scarier, what if I've intentionally or even accidentally taken a wrong turn and stepped off God's path for my life? Am I now living in God's Plan B, C, or even worse, living outside of God's will altogether?!! Many of us have felt trapped by these questions, wondering if it's even possible to get back to God's Plan A. But what if God's will has nothing to do with who we marry, where we live and work, or how closely we follow some predetermined roadmap? What does Jesus say about what it means to live in the centre of the bullseye of God's will?
Have you ever known someone who acted like they had all the answers, always knew everything, and were never wrong? Chances are, that person was a Christian! What is it about religious belief that makes us think we have to always be right about everything? It almost seems sometimes like questioning, doubting, and un-knowing are viewed as incompatible with a life of faith? But what if being "right" all the time is the quality that's actually incompatible with a Jesus-centred life? How can we move from what some refer to as "the sin of certainty" into a life of humble and honest wonder and curiosity, from expecting ourselves to gain spiritual mastery to allowing ourselves to experience the endless mystery of Jesus?
We live in a world increasingly defined by camps: the political party we support, the team we cheer for, the brands we're loyal to, whether you're wealthy or working-class, outdoorsy or a homebody, and the list goes on and on. Whichever camp you’re in, the one thing that's clear is that there is, in fact, a camp with clearly defined borders. And this same kind of thinking has crept into the world of faith as well. We talk about "crossing the line of faith", as if being a Christian boils down to a one-time decision. But what if these distinctions of who’s in and who’s out are the very last thing Jesus actually cares about? What if, from God’s perspective, it’s even possible to “be a Christian” without ever actually following Jesus? How do we make sure our faith is focused on what it really mean to follow Jesus?
"Sin" is an ugly and unpopular word these days, and for good reason. So much harm has been done, by Christians arguing over what is and isn't sin. We preach about it, sing about it, pray about it, and warn others to avoid it all costs. But, when it really comes down to it, what exactly is sin? To sin is actually an archery term (yep, bows and arrows!) from Old English, meaning to "miss the mark" or "fail to hit the bullseye". But is it possible that we've missed the mark entirely when it comes to the conversation about sin? Would we have a better chance of actually hitting the bullseye if we stopped focusing on all the ways there are to miss it, and just kept our eyes on the bullseye itself?
These days, perhaps more than at any other time in history, sincere-hearted Jesus-followers are increasingly engaging in the practice of deconstructing and renovating their faith. And for those on this journey of re-evaluating previously held beliefs and convictions, all roads appear to inevitably lead to one foundational question: What do you do with The Bible? Is it the once-and-for-all, full and final answer to all of life’s questions and challenges? And, if so, why does it seem to leave us with more questions and challenges than it solves? Do its many leather-bound words of warnings serve as an immovable boundary, meant to keep us on the inside of a life that God blesses? And if “the Bible clearly states…” as many things as some Christians claim it does, why are there so many disputes and disagreements about its teachings? How can we approach the Bible in a way that helps us find the bullseye of life of faith?
When the church began over 2,000 years ago, despite being an illegal, underground movement, early eye-witness accounts claim that Christians were “highly regarded” (Acts 5:13) by outsiders, and “enjoyed the favour of all the people” (Acts 2:47). These days, Christianity has a very different reputation. By many, Christians are viewed as judgmental, hypocritical, sheltered, anti-homosexual, anti-intellectual, and overtly political. When you add to that the torrent of sexual and spiritual abuse scandals in the headlines, it can be hard to understand why anyone would willingly associate with the church. More and more, even sincere, passionate Jesus-followers are finding it problematic to be affiliated with the church, even distancing themselves from the terms like "Evangelical" or even “Christian”. So what do you do when you’re too embarrassed to be associated with the church? And how do we, as a church, make sure we’re not bringing embarrassment to the name of Christ?
With religious participation in significant decline, why do some people still choose to be part of a church? For some, it may be the community and sense of belonging they hope to experience, while for others, it’s the uplifting music and messages. Some may see it as an important part of raising their kids with certain values, or a way to find meaning and purpose. Whatever the reason, we participate in church because of some perceived benefit it brings to our lives. But what if, after giving church a try, you discover that the benefit pales in comparison to the cost? What do you do when you feel like church just isn’t "working" for you? And, if there is a way to make it “work”, what kind of work does that require from each of us?
Although people come through the doors of a church for many different reasons, one of the most common motivations/draws/aspirations is the belief that the church is a place of refuge, hope, and healing care through the storms of life. A place where one’s heart will be safe. But what happens when the place that was supposed to be a refuge, turns into the source of your pain? When those you thought you were in heart-to-heart community with, turn and trample your heart underfoot? When you are misunderstood, neglected, used, and even abused by those claiming the name of Jesus – both community and leaders alike – it can feel like it’s time to tap out. Is there any real hope for the church to be a genuine community of healing and love – in the midst of pain and broken trust? Once wounded, how are you ever supposed to risk your heart again?
Over the last few years, our world has been undone by a global pandemic, political unrest, societal polarization, and countless scandals, leaving many of our lives undone as well. As a result, many people are now saying they're “done” with everything from relationships, careers, cultural affiliations, and even with the idea of church, and sometimes even faith altogether. A recent study claims that the fastest growing religion is a group called the "nones" and "dones" - those who have no religious affiliation or are done with organized religion. With church attendance in decline and fewer and fewer people identifying as Jesus-followers, is it possible that the trend towards being “done” will be our undoing? What if, instead of being “done”, we could become “undone” by Jesus' awe-inspiring vision for a life of faith in community?
There's a reason why New Year's Resolutions almost never last: we simply aren't wired for overnight transformation. Real and lasting change doesn't come from grandiose intentions and one time commitments. Instead, we are shaped by the ongoing habits we form in our everyday lives. So how can we lovingly create the kinds of habits that form us into healthier people? What regular rhythms can help us sustain the health of our souls? How do we organize our lives around healthy routines and disciplines, that get us out of our self-destructive ruts and set us on the lifelong path of ongoing soul-care?
According to the World Health Organization, "Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness. It is a broad concept encompassing hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental and socio-economic factors, and self-medication." More than simply a cultural buzzword, the importance of self-care is routed in Biblical wisdom that, if we ignore, can plunge us into self-destruction. So what does the Bible say about the personal responsibility each of us bears in nourishing and nurturing our own bodies, minds, and souls? What practical steps can we take to be the drivers of our own soul-care?
Culturally, there are really only two appropriate answers to the question "How are you?" and they are: "Great" and "Fine". It's not generally the kind of question we ask, hoping for an honest, thoughtful response. But do we ever pause to ask ourselves, How am I... really? And how you do you answer that question accurately? If you were a car, you could stop at a service station to check your fluids, gauges, and tire pressure. But how do we check the gauges on our spiritual dashboard? And how might living with a greater degree of spiritual self-awareness enable us to better care for our souls?
We all have people we care about, but how much energy and intentionality do we invest in caring about ourselves? Typically, people tend to fall into one of two groups: those who only care about themselves, and those who don't actively care for themselves at all. So how do we avoid these pitfalls, remaining unselfish while learning to truly and actively love ourselves as God does? And what can we learn from Jesus about the importance of self-care?
It seems like our society has never been more divided and polarized than these days. Much of the recent influence includes a "Cancel Culture" that's quick to define and label what we're against. But what if, instead, we focused on clarifying what we're for? Could we actually learn to embrace the tension of living in unity-in-diversity, by emphasizing what we're commonly and collectively for, more than what we're against? How can we learn to embrace a faith that opens doors of commonality with each other, instead of one that creates walls of division?
As connected as we are these days, one of the defining features of our culture is rampant aloneness. But what if we appreciated that, amidst our sense of isolation, there's a God who isn't just there for us, and doesn't just love us, but is actively pursuing us? Have we fully grasped the fierceness of the love of God, that chases after us even when we're not searching for Him? What would it look like to lean into that kind of love to a greater degree, both with God and with each other?
In biblical culture, meals were significant. Sharing a meal said something about your relationship, and significant things happened through its intimacy. But what if the spiritual impact of sharing meals together wasn't just for their time, but for all time? How could our lives, pace and culture better capture the spiritual impact that the simple sharing of meals could provide? And who could we include around our table, to better leverage the impact of Jesus' power of hospitality?
Especially as we come out of this season of COVID, there are plenty of reasons to say no to things - especially to God. But what can happen if we open our hearts to give God a, "Yes!" What happens when we're willing to embrace scary, uncomfortable and even unplanned opportunities that God might have for us? Hear the story of a re-directed trajectory, through turning spiritual no's into yes's. And consider where you could give God a, "Yes!" in this season of your life!
It's assumed that wisdom comes from experience, but what happens when you take time to listen to younger voices? Hear from pastor John Garner, a long-time friend of Southridge and mentor to many of our church's current leaders when they first started in ministry, as he not only shares about what happened when younger voices were empowered a quarter century ago, but what he's doing to help empower the younger voices of our church today. Come celebrate the beauty of inter-generational ministry, as we launch into a teaching series that hears from some fresh perspectives!
People often say they go to church (i.e, attend weekend services, participate in community events, or volunteer in a ministry) to recharge their spiritual batteries. But do these programs actually have the kind of battery-charging capacity that can fuel all 168 hours of our week? Can a song sung on Sunday equip me to face what life throws at me on Tuesday? Can coffee and conversation on Wednesday evening compensate for the loneliness I feel on Friday night? How can we approach our spiritual lives in a way that fills and fuels us 24/7? Instead of constantly running on depleted batteries, how can we plug into the power source of Jesus say in order to live life at its best?
Life is made up of choices, big ones and small ones. Every day, we make decisions that affect the course and trajectory of our lives. At times, we're all only one bad decision away from total disaster. But the impact of making good choices can be equally significant. So what is the very best choice we can make for our lives? And how do we make that choice not just a one-time thing, but a daily decision? Join us as we celebrate baptism this morning, and are inspired by the choices of people across our church family!
Show me your friends and I'll show you your future! The truth is, we are shaped more by the relationships we choose than by any other thing. That's why around here we often say, "Life change happens best in relationship." But depending on the relationships we choose, they may or may not be bringing out the very best in us. How do we make sure we're investing our best relational energy into the very best of friends, whom God can use to form His very best life in us?
It's said, You are what you eat. Beyond our diet, our lives are increasingly defined by the content we consume. It's never been easier to scroll, stream, and shop for anything our hearts desire. But how has this affected they way we think about our spiritual lives? Is faith just another product and service to be enjoyed? What if, at our best, our lives are meant to be defined, not by how much we consume, but by how well we contribute? And if, according to Jesus, it's better to give than to get, how do we become people who give our very best, and truly gain in the process?
Xunzi, a Confucian scholar who lived 300 years before Jesus, once said, “What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.” Modern science confirms that humans learn best through active participation and experience. But does this also apply to how we grow spiritually? Can true discipleship happen in an exclusively classroom-style environment, or does Jesus invite us into something far greater? If we desire a life of faith at its best, what kind of experience, according to Jesus, is the best teacher?
It is said that the opposite of courage is not cowardice, but conformity. Whether you're part of a friendship group, a family, a workplace, or ethnic community, it can feel like you've got to "fit in" to be "in". And too often, the church has behaved in much the same way. If you don't believe exactly what everyone else believes, you've gotta buy into the group think, or go somewhere else. And so we have thousands of denominations, churches organized around ethnicity, and churches adhere to strict behavioural codes, and every one of them believes they’re the ones who’ve got it right. But is this kind of cult-like conformity what Jesus meant when he prayed for unity among His followers? What if Jesus is inviting us to work for the kind of unity that rejects sameness and embraces the beauty of our diversity? Do we have the courage to do what is required to embrace God’s vision for our community?
Every car has a user manual and every dish has a recipe. Every subject has a textbook, every building has a blueprint, and every IKEA bookshelf has assembly instructions that are undeniably impossible to follow. And every religion too has its own manual or religious text - the Qu'ran, the Bible, the Torah, the Four Vedas, the Gita, etc. But we are not cars or bookshelves. Our lives are impossibly complicated in ways that no book can ever comprehensively address. So how should we view the Bible, and what authority should it have over our lives? What do we do when, in our modern lives and times, there are no chapters or verses to follow? Most importantly, what does the Bible tells us about what the Bible tells us?
We live in a world increasingly defined by camps: the political party we support, the team we cheer for, the brands we're loyal to, whether you're wealthy or working-class, outdoorsy or a homebody, and the list goes on and on. Whichever camp you’re in, the one thing that's clear is that there is, in fact, a camp with clearly defined borders. And this same kind of thinking has crept into the world of faith as well. We talk about "crossing the line of faith", as if being a Christian is something either you are, or you aren't. But what if these distinction of who’s in and who’s out are the last thing Jesus actually cares about? What if, from God’s perspective, it’s even possible to “be a Christian” without ever actually following Jesus? How do we make sure our faith is focused on what it really mean to follow Jesus?
In 1965, a folk band called The Byrds turned the words of Ecclesiastes 3 into an international hit single called, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to reap. A time to kill, a time to heal. A time to laugh, a time to weep. Perhaps its popularity stems from the universality of the idea that seasons come and seasons go. The only constant in life is change. Here at Southridge, we too are in a season of change, as we continue coming out of the pandemic. In particular, this season involves saying, “farewell” to Michael Krause, our church’s Teaching Pastor for the last nearly two-and-a-half decades. Join us this Sunday as Michael shares his final message with our church family, and we have an opportunity to express our love and appreciation to him.
An early Sunday morning that changed the course of human history; that is what we celebrate at Easter. There's no weekend more significant in the life of the church, so we invite you to join us for a celebration of the resurrection of Christ and our new life in Him. We'll sing songs of hope, hear stories of faith and transformation, and be challenged to consider how this one event can change everything for us. We invite you to join us in-person or online at 10:00am as we celebrate Easter together.
Good Friday is an opportunity to reflect, contemplate, and embrace the significance of Jesus's death on the cross. It's a chance to appreciate his loving sacrifice through song, scripture and the Lord's Supper. It is an invitation to come and belong, a reminder that Christ is no stranger to suffering and a celebration of gift of new life that flows from His death.
We invite you to join us on Good Friday, in person or online at 10:00am to encounter the welcome, comfort, and freedom that is found at the cross.
Maybe the truest thing about two years is simply that it has caused unprecedented amounts of stress. We have been overwhelmed by everything that has happened, and continues to happen, and we have felt unable to cope with the emotional pressure of it all. For many of us, the stress of COVID has triggered anxiety like we've never known before. For others, it has manifested as an apathy, or a sense of disconnection from the things that usually bring us joy. We are exhausted, unmotivated, and empty. Where is God in the midst of all this stress? And how can we make it through the anxiety and apathy that COVID has inflicted on us?
Perhaps the most laughable line in the poem, "In the Time of Pandemic," is the one that imagined COVID as a time when we would experience "the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways." Regardless of where people came down on the questions of masks, lockdowns, vaccines, and mandates, COVID has often brought out the worst in us, rather than the best, whether in online or in person, whether in the public square or around our own dinner tables. Where is God in the midst of our relational tension? And how can we make it through all of the frustration with each other that has come with COVID?
There probably isn't a better word to describe our collective experience over the last two years than the word "loss." At one time or another, for one person or another, COVID has taken nearly everything: economic security, health, loved ones, friends, community, weddings and funerals, school and graduations, stability and safety, personal freedom, future dreams, among other things. And every single one of these losses comes with its own grief, the unpredictable and emotional heaviness of letting go. No one has been left untouched. Where is God in the midst of all of this loss? And how can we make it through all of the grief that has come with COVID?
In February, 2021, the BBC refered to the global pandemic as the "first global mass trauma event for several decades. It's arguably the first of its kind since World War Two, and likely the first of such severity in your lifetime." It is more than just a contagious disease. It has become a collective trauma that has worn down our mental resiliancy and deeply affected the way we see ourselves, the way we see the world, and the way we see each other. The evidence is in the surge of mental health challenges being faced by greater numbers of people. Where is God in the midst of our trauma? And how can we make it through the mental health challenges of COVID?
One of the things that we've seen over and over again during this study of The Ten Commandments is that what God describes in them is more than just a way to live in the world, but a way of Being in our soul. The commandments don't merely describe things we should or shouldn't do, but attitudes of heart we should cultivate. Since that's true, it makes sense that the last one of these commandments doesn't address something going on in our lives, but something that happens in our heart. Why is it that the final commandment talks about the inner attitude of coveting, the inner desire to grab something for ourselves? And what would it look like for us to live lives where we "do not covet"?
Have you ever been lied about or been the victim of the rumour-mill, where jealous or hate-filled people have spread malicious and salacious gossip about you that just isn't true? The Bible says that a good reputation is more valuable than great wealth, that it is better to be well thought of than it is to be on the Forbes Billionaires list with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. That is why it is so emotionally devastating to have people spreading falsehoods about you. And yet, in jealousy or hatred, every single one of us has done this to someone else, often without batting an eye. What would it look like to be people who speak to and about others in a Ten Commandments kind of way, who never "bear false witness"?
Have you every been the victim of a mugging, theft, or had someone break into your home? On the one hand, they are only "things." Yet, on the other, it is an incredibly violating experience. One that can leave anger, distrust and fear in its wake. That's why the home security industry is expected to grow by almost 20% in the coming five years: because we want to protect what is ours from being stolen by others. Despite that, it is surprising just how comfortable we are with the theft that we ourselves so casually and uthinkingly perpetrate in the lives of others. In what ways have we all been guilty of theft? And what does it look like to live a life that does "not steal"?
One of the dangers of a list like The Ten Commandments is that it feeds our insatiable desire for self-righteousness. Those who have not broken these commandments feel a smug self-satisfaction, and those who have are saddled with crippling judgement and shame. And this is probably nowhere more true than with the commandment: "Do not commit adultery." Statistically speaking, more than a quarter of all marriages have experienced unfaithfulness, and 33% of all pastors have admitted to "crossing the line." And among those that haven't—married and single—nearly all are equally guilty of breaking this commandment. Given that truth, what would it take for all of us to "not commit adultery"?
How would one commit the perfect murder? It is a question that people have mused about for a long time. It would have to be one where there are no witnesses, no relationship to the victim, no obvious motive, and a plausible, defensible alibi. The crime scene would need to be squeaky clean, and the weapon would need to vanish without a trace. Maybe under those conditions, someone could get away with murder. Or, maybe we've all been getting away with murder. The Bible says "Do not kill," which few of us have ever done. But what if we have all been, and continue to be guilty of breaking this commandment? What does it look like to be a person who does "not kill"?
Joyce Maynard once said, "The portrait of my parents is a complicated one, but lovingly drawn." This statement probably resonates for many of us. Our relationships with our parents are complicated. For some, they are largely filled with joy and gratitude. For others, they contain a lot of sadness and regret. For most, they are comprised of a significant mixture of both. Regardless of how complicated your relationships with your parents, what does it look like to consistently draw your parents with love? How we best love those who brought us into this world, and those who brought us up in this world? What does it mean to "honour your father and mother"?
There's been a lot to feel hopeless about over the last couple years. Not only has this been hard on each of us personally, but it's likely affected our relationships. So in a time when we all need hope, what can we learn about the role that hope plays in how we love? How can we become people who embrace and extend a love that always hopes?
It's been famously sung that "love hurts." And while relationships certainly involve the risk of putting yourself out there and potentially experiencing the hurt of love, is there also a love that actually avoids hurting? Or one step further, what would it look like to love in a way that not only avoids hurting but seeks to actively protect? How can we become people who embrace and extend a love that always protects?
Our goal as a church is for every one of us to take our place at the table, participating in seeing the church change and grow in compassion and Christlikeness. But that takes more than just hard conversation and good intention. Ultimately, it takes the wholehearted investment of our time and resources to make the changes required for us to actually become this kind of community and people. So, where are these conversations headed? What's your part in the conversation? And how can we all not just talk the talk, but pick up the tab to make it happen?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was created through a legal settlement between Indigenous communities, the federal government, and churches to inform Canadians about what happened in residential schools. It started a conversation about the relationship between the Indigenous Peoples and the settlers who colonized this land by acts of “cultural genocide,” and it points forward to acts of reconciliation between those communities. How do these truths, and the various calls to action outlined in the report, affect us as a church, and as followers of Jesus?
Change is hard, even positive ones. To let go of prior ways of being, even to embrace better ways of being, is still very hard to do. To that end, the shelter community has undergone some challenging changes through the pandemic, changes that have simultaneously illuminated ways that we can learn to love and serve each other better, not just in the shelter, but in every relationship we have. What is it that we are learning in the shelter these days, and what can we learn about loving people like Jesus?
One of the most inspiring and Christlike part of our church is the way that hundreds of us are learning to engage in friendships of mutuality and love with our marginalized neighbours, serving each other, and through each other to see a clearer picture of who God, and becoming genuine friends. It is inspiring to see God changing so many individual lives as a result. But what if God has a higher vision for this part of how we follow Jesus? What if God is calling us beyond our individual experiences where “friendship makes the difference” to something even bigger?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are gradually rediscovering the right way to answer the inevitable question: "How are you doing?" The right answer, of course, is: "busy." Alongside all the chaos, pain, and grief it unleashed, COVID-19 did also cause many of us to slow down our lives. Having nowhere to go and nothing to do forced many of us to rediscover the simplicity and surprising beauty of an unhurried life, one that could open a space for rest, nurture relationships, and invite us back into creation. During COVID-19, these were significant restrictions to life. But what if they could also be a significant prescription for a life with God that is WAY better than before?
The third commandment is likely a familiar one: "Do not take the Lord's name in vain." Those who grew up in the church were told that it forbids anyone from speaking God's name carelessly or offensively, especially as a swear word. It has inspired the Jewish community to never speak the name of God at all, and led Christians to be offended whenever they hear somebody yell, "Oh my God!!", "Jesus Christ!", or "Good Lord!". But what if that has virtually nothing to do with what the third commandment commands? What if many of us who have never used God's name to curse have been flagrantly and unrepentantly violating this command on a daily basis? What does it actually mean to "not take the Lord's name in vain"?
The idea of worshiping idols (which the second commandment forbids) is a strange one to Western society, and to the way we practice our religions. Aside perhaps from Catholic statues and shrines to the saints (which are not idols and are not worshiped), these are simply not features of Western life. It seems like the easiest commandment to obey because literally none of us have ever erected an idol of, or assembled a shrine to, any god anywhere ever. Great job, everybody! One down, nine to go! But what if idol worship actually is a rampant problem in the church? What if idolatry is actually one of the hallmarks of churches like ours? In what ways are each of us guilty of "worshipping idols"?
What are you most "devoted" to? Most of us are devoted to relationships: with our families and friends, even with our favourite teams and bands. Some of us are devoted to our pursuits: to jobs, education, sports, achievements. Many of us are devoted to goals: to graduation or retirement, to starting a family or emptying the nest, to paying off the house or buying a cottage. These things are the things on which we are laser-focused, pouring out time and money, attention and energy. They motivate all of our decisions, large and small. So, what would it look like to be fully "devoted" to God? And why does God expect to be the focus of our full devotion?
So much of our religious energy is spent in trying to clarify what we think about God, but have you ever wondered what God thinks of you? We probably have our suspicions. Maybe we imagine that God is unconditionally accepting, like a kindly grandpa, or that God doesn't think about us much at all. Perhaps we suspect that God is mostly angry with us, or just disappointed with our failures. Or conversely, perhaps we imagine that God is impressed with our religiousness and righteousness, with our commitment to living by the rules. What if we could know exactly what God thinks about us, and what that would mean for who we become?
"What does God want from us?" That is the question that throughout history has formed the heart of every genuine human quest to connect with the divine. Entire religious systems are formed to answer that question, complete with rules and rituals, traditions and temples. If we answer that question the right way, go to the right places at the right times, and devote ourselves to the right things, we will be living rightly. The Ten Commandments are the Bible's answer to that question, the ten rules to live by. Live by them and experience the life God wants from us and for us. So, what does God want from us? What does it look like to "live by" the Ten Commandments? And what if it isn't what we've always thought?
Think back to the most significant influences in your early life, the people who changed the trajectory of your life. Maybe it was your parents, grandparents, or foster parents who loved you into loving yourself. Perhaps it was an elementary school teacher who showed you the beauty of math, or the power of art, and launched you into your career. Maybe it was a coach who taught you discipline and teamwork, or the scout leader who taught you to believe in yourself. None of us would be who we are without those voices in our lives. So, whose life is being shaped by your voice? How do you live the kind of life that will outlive you? How will you realize a potential beyond yourself?
In 2009, Simon Sinek delivered the third most watched TED talk of all time. Its premise was simple: the most effective people, movements, and organizations all start by asking the same question: "Why do we do what we do?" It is an interesting question to ask of ourselves: Why did you get up this morning? Why are these your priorities? Why are you pursuing those goals? Why do you spend your time the way you do? The question "why?" explains what we genuinely value; it exposes our sense of purpose. So, what is your "why?”—the underlying motivation for everything you do? And how do you make sure it’s a “why” worth living for? How are you living your life for a purpose beyond yourself?
We’ve spent much of the last year and a half self-isolated, quarantined, working from home, navigating massive challenges and changes mostly on our own. In addition, COVID has broken our community into "sides" and contributed to our sense of being alienated from and by those whose experience has been different than ours. At the end of the day, aside from the loss of loved ones, perhaps the greatest casualty of COVID has been our experience of community, the feeling of togetherness. We've been left to experience the one thing in all creation that God said isn’t good – being alone. So, what does it look like to re-experience this togetherness? To discover a people beyond yourself?
This has been a challenging season for most of us. COVID has been significantly disruptive in our financial and work lives, friendships and family relationships, mental and emotional health, physical well-being, and faith (among other things). Many of us now face a hard questions about how to rebuild our lives, and all of our loved ones, and the rest of the world, are in the same boat. It can quickly become overwhelming, to say the least. But perhaps that feeling of being overwhelmed is actually a good thing. What if that helplessness doesn't have to lead to hopelessness? What if you didn't have to figure all this out yourself? What if you could tap into a power beyond yourself?
Our culture values and promotes a healthy sense of "self." We are told to know ourselves and love ourselves, to have a healthy self-esteem, full of self-confidence and self-worth. We are told that we are to take care of ourselves, treat ourselves, and even to pamper ourselves because we owe it to ourselves. We are encouraged to be self-starters and self-motivated, with the hope of being self-employed. We honour people like that, calling them self-made and self-reliant. But what if a life with God isn't a life focused on the self? What if, instead, to live a life genuinely focused on God requires us to live a life genuinely focused beyond ourselves?
These days it feels like we are starting to get our lives back. We are out and about more than we have been in a year and half. We are seeing friends more, rediscovering things we loved to do before COVID, taking fewer things for granted than we ever have. It seems like we are finally moving past this remarkable experience that we've lived through together. But, before we put COVID in the rear-view mirror, we want to take some time to grieve the painful ways it has affected us, acknowledge the ways it has changed us, and to reflect on who we want to be on the other side of it. Join us as we look backward, look inward, and look forward at the impact that COVID has had on all of us.
There is an old joke that says, "A vegan, an atheist, and a cross-fitter walk into a bar... and thirty seconds later everybody knows it." The joke is that when people discover the "truth" about life, as they see it (that life is better fully respecting animals, or being fully free from religion, or fully embracing a lifestyle of fitness) they can't help but talk about it, all the time, with everybody who will listen. The Bible says Jesus came to give us a truly "abundant life." So, how much does that life bubble over into our relationships and conversations with others? What would happen if our lives were open invitations to our friends to consider the beauty of a life with Jesus?
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." With these words, Jesus affirms that our hearts are fully devoted to whatever we most fully invest in. Or, to say it another way, if we were to honestly look at where we devote most of our time, where we pour the best of our energy, how we spend our bulk of our money—it would tell us a lot about the things we actually care about most, about the "kingdom" we are actually spending our lives building. What if being fully open to God isn't just about an hour on Sunday, or where we give a fraction of our income, but about what we do with every moment, every effort, and every dollar? What would it look like to live fully open lives for God?
The fear in our world is palpable, and seems to be growing. We talk as though everyone is fighting someone, and "they" are fighting against "us." We say that the political right is "at war" with the left, and that faith is "at war" with science. Some say that our rights are being "attacked" and that our way of life is "under siege." Living under this blanket of fear affects how we relate to everyone else, especially those who aren't one of "us." But what if that is exactly the opposite of how God calls us to live? What if God is inviting us to live out of love, rather than fear? What if God heart of inclusivity means making peace, not war, with everyone? How would our lives and world change if we learned to live with open arms towards "them"?
You've heard the saying, "Knowledge is power." You've experienced its truth in too many ways to count. The idea is thousands of years old, found in the Jewish book of Proverbs. Even Jesus affirms the idea that it is the truth that has the power to "set you free." That's why, when it comes to our life with God, we make knowing truth such a high priority. It is why we are so eager to understand the Bible, and why we instinctively close ourselves off to anything that challenges our understanding. But what if our unwavering commitment to our current understanding of the truth can actually cut us off from truer truth? What if it isn't being closed, but open, that leads us to truth? How would things change if we learned to keep an open mind in our life with God?
Have you ever felt "used" by someone you thought genuinely cared about you? Perhaps it was someone who vowed to love you no matter what, only to walk away when the relationship got hard. Or it was a boss, who professed to value you as a person, yet only ever seemed to take advantage of your enthusiasm. Maybe it was a child or friend, who only ever seemed to care when they wanted or needed something. It is painful to open your heart to someone, only to realize that their heart isn't really open to you. Yet, what if that's precisely how we sometimes treat God? What would it mean for us to genuinely love God, to actually live with open hearts to God?
It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child. And when it comes to raising the next generation at Southridge, all of us are that village! There’s no substitute for the primacy of a parents’ influence, or the partnership that church programs can provide, however each of us has an essential role to play in investing in the full faith potential in every child within our community. Whether or not you have a particular passion for kids ministry, what responsibility do each of us need to take for the spiritual health of the children in our church family? If the children truly are our future, what does it require from each of us in the present? Like a potluck dinner, what can each of us bring to the crowded table to make sure that every child is fully served?
The art of delegation is a valuable skill, but there are some things you simply can’t outsource. We sometimes behave as though it’s the school’s job to make my kids smart, their coach’s job to make them a winner, and we imagine that it’s the church’s job to make sure they grow up to be good Christians. But what if that’s not actually the primary role the church exists to play in the lives of kids? If the home is the primary place of spiritual influence in a child’s life, what does it look like for the church to come alongside parents and caregivers, to sustain, support, equip, and encourage them to be the very best spiritual champions possible?
Every good parent strives to give their kids a better life; to have more, do more, and be more than they could. Knowing no parent can do it all, we often access outside help from experts, like teachers, coaches, camps, and clubs, to teach and equip them with valuable life-skills, believing that education, opportunity, discipline, and entertainment will give them a great life. But what about when it comes to our children’s spiritual health? What is the foundation of raising spiritually strong kids, and how much of that can be delegated and outsourced? What does it require of each parent and caregiver to reclaim the proper place at the family table?
Every family has its rules. They are the foundational principles that give shape to family life and family relationships. There are rules about chores and responsibilities and rules about curfews and borrowing the car. There are rules about reconciling conflict and rules about dinner time, devices, and TV time. The purpose of this elaborate structure of rules is to guide the family towards becoming the best version of itself, where each person is healthy and mature, and the relationships are loving and filled with peace. The church is no different. But what does it look like to guide people towards health and maturity, towards love and peace as a family of faith?
Who is your team, the community with whom you share something important in common, which creates a deep sense of belonging? For sports fans, if you see someone wearing your team's logo, you immediately sense a connection (even though they are a complete stranger). For others, those you work with have also become those you play with. Maybe your family is your team, or other LGBTQ+ people, or those who share your ethnic background, or those who understand your unique life circumstances. In addition to those teams, the truth is that we are also part of a community of faith. What does it mean to be "teammates" with others on that team? And what is it that joins us together?
The are few things more frustrating than being "let down" by someone who wasn't as good as their word. We've all experienced that feeling, whether in small ways like being stood up for a date or having the person who promised to help cancel at the last second, or in big ways like having our partner renege on their wedding vows or being unsupported by someone you thought you could count on. Frankly, if it happens often enough, or hurtfully enough, you may start to question whether you can trust people at all. But what about God? Have you ever been "let down" by God? How should we respond when it seems like God is failing to come through?
It has been said that over the past year we have been battling two pandemics: one medical and one financial. It has been a challenging year for many of us who have lost clients or jobs, or have been laid off of work or had to close shop, perhaps more than once. Many of us who have been financially stable in the past suddenly found ourselves asking new questions about the present, and staring into an uncertain future. The question emerges: where is God in the midst of all of this uncertainty? What does it mean to trust God in these circumstances? And what does it look like to live faithfully in the midst of the uncertainty?
Have you ever taken a "shortcut" to try to accomplish an important goal? Perhaps you experimented with a fad diet or intermittent fasting to try to get ready for beach season. Or maybe you invested in a "sure fire" financial opportunity or a get-rich-quick scheme hoping to turn your finances around. Perhaps you crammed for a test, fudged your taxes, told a little, white lie, or read the Cole's Notes instead of the book. We make these choices to achieve the results we want without having to put in all the work. What happens when we try this with God too? What does it take to genuinely experience the faith-life we truly want?
Many people seem obsessed with the Royal family. People love to celebrate their weddings and childbirths and to indulge in their turmoil, like Harry and Meghan relinquishing their status and duties, leaving the UK, and speaking about mental illness and racism. Why is it that watching Royals subvert the Royal Institution unleashes delight in some and outrage in others? What is it about undermining the privilege of the most privileged people in the western world that captures our imagination? How should it affect our attitudes towards our own privilege? And, as Jesus-followers, what should it look like to subvert our own privilege for the sake of others - especially for the sake of enjoying a greater degree of diversity among us?
Who is the most hospitable person that you know? Think of someone you know who is a model of the kind of friendliness, generous welcome and warmth we associate with great hospitality. What can you expect when they welcome you into their home? They make every effort to make you feel comfortable, offer you a drink, marvel you with a spread of sumptuous food, listen attentively, hold your rapt attention as a conversationalist, and on and on. These are the skills that make us feel welcome, and "at home." But what does hospitality look like in the church? And what does it take from each and all of us to make sure that everyone feels "at home"?
Most of us have mixed feelings about our bodies – parts of ourselves that we’re proud of, and parts that make us feel ashamed. Whether it’s the smile we got from our mother, or the nose we inherited from our father, we show off the physical features we consider to be our best, and try to cover up the ones we consider to be our worst. But when it comes to the body of Christ – the church – what are its best features? There are certain body parts we love to show off, but is it possible that, by ignoring or even hiding other parts, we’re actually concealing its full splendor? What if showcasing diversity is the ultimate beauty tip for putting the beautiful body of Christ on display?
It’s been a long, dark, cold, and lonely winter. We’ve been isolated, polarized, and fatigued, surrounded by despair and even death. But even though we’ve journeyed through a season unprecedented in our lifetime, our current experience is not unlike the feelings the early disciples had as they made their way to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid to rest just days earlier. What they witnessed next changed everything, dividing the whole world into “Before” and “After”, and they knew immediately they would never be the same again. But does this day still hold that same power for us? How can what happened two thousand years ago on this, the 8th Day of Holy Week, make it possible for today to be Day One of the rest of our lives?
No event in history evokes such a mix of emotions, debate, and faith as the story of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. It has become the subject of countless works of art, including dozens of blockbuster movies and musicals. The plot is simple: Jesus, an innocent man, was executed for political crimes that he didn’t commit. But what was really behind this display of naked injustice? Why did Jesus have to die, and why is the cross so important to His followers today? How did a faith leader who proclaimed a message of eternal life end up being universally celebrated by a symbol of death? And what’s so “Good” about a Friday that is synonymous with death?
The image of Jesus hanging on the cross is one of the most iconic images world-wide. But what not many people realize is that this was set in motion by one of the most striking religious and political spectacles of all time. We’ve come to refer to that spectacle as “Palm Sunday”. What is Palm Sunday, and how did a crowd of palm-branch-waving Jesus fans seal the fate of one of the most iconic figure in human history? And what does this story reveal about the true identity of Jesus, and why He was eventually executed? And if we properly understood what happened on the first Palm Sunday, how would it change everything for us today?
As you watch the events of our world unfold around you, where do you imagine the world is headed? The COVID-19 vaccine spreading around the world might suggest that with the help of science and technology things are getting better. The political and social unrest we've witnessed might suggest that the things are getting worse. Extreme poverty is falling, but the gap between the rich and poor is growing. Racial tensions abound, though they often go unrecognized and unnamed. But where is it all going? Where will it end? And what is God doing in the midst of it all?
Have you ever felt "trapped" by your circumstances or anxious about where your life is headed? Sometimes we are trapped by the bad choices that we ourselves have made, which are destined to eventually self-destruct. At other times, we can find ourselves trapped despite our good choices, which have been disrupted by others' bad (or good!) intentions or circumstances beyond anyone's control. Sometimes we can feel trapped even though we've faithfully chosen to do pursue God's purposes for us! What do you do when you feel trapped by your circumstances? And where is God in all of this?
How would you describe yourself to others? In other words, what do you consider to be part of your fundamental identity, part of who you really are? We always start with our name, to let people know who and whose we are. Many of us introduce ourselves by telling people what we do for a living, as though our work is part of who we are. Those who have families of their own will often name them. Sometimes we list our country of origin, our major accomplishments, our alma mater, or other distinguishing features. How would God describe us? What does God consider to be our fundamental identity?
Can you think of a lesson that you had to learn the hard way? Maybe it was a career move that didn't go as planned, a disastrous relationship, or a conversation that blew up in your face. In the 20/20 vision of hindsight, you can see that the signs were there from the beginning that this wouldn't go as you hoped, but you just couldn't see it at the time, or bring yourself to choose something different. Too often, it seems like it has to be a bad experience to be a learning experience. But what if didn't have to be that way? What if we could learn to see reality for what it is, and respond accordingly? How would that change our lives?
Why is spirituality an important part of your life? What do you hope to get out of making religious participation a priority? Perhaps some of us are thinking about the next life more than this one, about what happens after we die. Others may be looking for relief from the guilt and shame they feel. Perhaps still others are hoping for God to "bless" their lives with a family, meaningful work, and material comfort. But what if God's purposes are higher and greater than just what God can accomplish for me in my life? What is the goal of God's powerful loving, saving activity in our lives?
What would you say is the most important factor in achieving the life you've always wanted? Some people believe that it is money that makes the world go round, while others insist that politics has the greatest influence on the quality of our life. Others believe that education matters most, or marriage and family, or travel and entertainment But what if there was something more powerful than all of these things, a power that can actually do what we hope and set us free to experience what Jesus described as "life until it overflows"? And what would it look like to cooperate with that power for our world?
Jesus said a lot of memorable things. But perhaps His most famous of all were a talk he gave that we now refer to as 'The Sermon On The Mount'. Tackling everything from poverty, grief, sin, prayer, anxiety and life's ultimate purpose, this sermon is the most clear, comprehensive, and compelling vision for what becoming a Jesus person actually looks like. But at the end of the day, can another message really change our lives? Is it all just a lot of talk, or is it possible that this – the greatest sermon ever preached – if put into practice, could empower the greatest lives we could ever live? Could it be that the key to hitting refresh is refocusing on the message of Jesus?
One of the questions people have been asking lately around here is, "When are we re-opening the church?" But the truth is, the church has never been closed. The presence of God, active through the people of God has continued, despite our challenging circumstances. But for many, the pandemic has caused drift and disconnection from what God is doing in and through this community. So what would it take for our drift to become devotion? What does it look like, even in a season when we can't gather as usual, to re-engage in God's work through ordinary people like us? What does it look like, even when we can't re-open our buildings, to re-open our hearts and lives to be the church this year more than ever?
Life was never meant to be lived alone. In fact, alone-ness is the only thing God created and declared "not good." Bottom line: we're hard-wired for relationships. But for many of us, the emotional and spiritual benefits of friendship have never been harder to achieve. Many of us have relied on virtual connections through screens as a way of coping and maintaining a sense of togetherness, only to discover that, while these modern solutions aren't bad, they certainly aren't as good as the real thing. So how can we, despite current restrictions, make sure we don't go it alone? In a time defined by isolation, how do we reclaim the role of friendship?
It's been almost a year since we were told to "stay home." In that time, some have leaned into the gift of a slower-pace and an empty calendar, spending more time with roommates or family than ever before. For others, whether you live alone or in an unhealthy situation, it has been a time of deep loneliness and overwhelming struggle. Or, maybe you've just felt your family's faith drift. As we continue to spend much of our time at home, what does it look like to flourish rather than flounder? What does it take to create the kind of home-life that fills and fuels the whole household?
New Year's Eve is one of the most hyped events every year. Still aglow from holiday festivities, we bask in the hope of what a new year will bring. It's the thrill of uncertainty fuelled by the power of possibility. But this wide-eyed optimism always leads to let down when we realize that, as the classic song says, "nothing changes on New Year's Day". But what if, as we launch into a new year, we could actually realize the full potential of a new start? What if we this season could function as a complete system refresh, both emotionally and spiritually?
At Southridge we like to say that “friendship makes the difference” when we are in relationships with people who are different than ourselves. But what kind of difference should our friendships make? And what are the systemic injustices that are unseen until we walk together in these ‘unlikely’ friendships? Join us as we hear from our friends who are facing injustice and oppression right here in our community, and are inviting us to join them in experiencing the joy of becoming both change-makers and also being changed ourselves.
Martin Luther King Jr. famously wrote “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” But how do we take steps from a privileged place of being indirectly affected, which is easy to ignore, to really knowing and feeling the impact of injustice? We do it by following the example of Jesus and standing in friendship alongside those being directly affected. Join us as we learn how we can specifically and lovingly accompany people in our community to work against injustice.
You’ve probably heard the expression “keep up or get left behind”. Realizing that all is not right in the familiar and comfortable systems around us, it may seem like the only choice is to forge ahead, leaving everyone else behind. But that can damage not only our relationships, but the very cause that we’re wanting to champion, ostracizing the very community that we’re trying to positively change. So, what if there was another way? What if the God of unity, embodied by Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was calling us to the hard work of not only keeping up with his way of growing justice, but making sure that no one was left behind?
The news cycles change rapidly enough that, if we try hard enough, we can ignore the issues until they seem to go away. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that people are experiencing injustices that are built into the systems in the world around us, in the Church, and in our own lives of privilege that don’t just go away because we ignore them. In following the example of Jesus in responding as advocates for justice in our context, the question is what better place than here, what better time than now?
You have probably experienced the sad and undeniable reality that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." You have probably experienced the crushing defeat of your plans inexplicably self-destructing, despite being inspired by an indomitable vision, implemented with carefully planning, and executed at what felt like right time in the right place with the right people. Perhaps you were even convinced that God was "on your side." Yet, nothing happened. Or worse, something happened and things got even worse. What is happening in those moments? Where was God when you needed God most? And what do you do now?
As far as inspiring stories go, there is hardly a better source than the Bible. It is filled with incredible (sometimes, literally in-credible) stories about an incredible God using incredible people to bring the rescuing, healing life and love of Jesus into a broken and dying world. Yet sometimes the stories of the Bible can only be described as confusing and bizarre... like the time when, after freeing Israel from racial, political and economic oppression, apparently decided to kill Moses. Everything about the story is weird. God acts like a murderous lunatic, the complete opposite of what we see in Jesus. And yet, what if even here God is still showing us what it means to be God's person in and for the world?
Exodus is, in part, a story about the incredible way that God uses Moses to set Israel free from slavery. He becomes a prophet for God, an instigator of mass protest, a miracle worker, the leader of a nation, the mediator of Israel’s relationship with God, the giver of the Ten Commandments, and the architect and builder of Israel’s sacred worship space. There are few greater people in Israel's history, if any. And the scriptures say that God wants to use people like you and me in the same kind of ways to see God's love take control of the world. The problem is that most of us are not prophets, miracle workers, political and spiritual leaders like Moses was. How could God ever use someone like us?
As a church, we talk a lot about encountering the God who is revealed in Jesus. We talk about encountering God in worship, either in the moving, truth-filled songs we sing, or in the truth of the scriptures being exposed, or in the moments of spiritual practice that we share, both together on Sundays and on our own throughout the week. We talk about encountering God in community, through the questions and conversation, and the prayer and care that are rooted in relationships. But what if there are still other ways to encounter God? What are the other ways that can we encounter God in our lives, and what could we learn about who God really is?
The questions surrounding elections seem to be in the air these days. With a newly elected leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, the potential for a federal election now looms on the horizon. On November 3, Americans will go to the polls to elect a president for the next four years. The question behind election questions is always this: what kind of person can actually accomplish the important changes that will transform our future? This is just as true of the politics of Jesus' kingdom. God invites us to participate in God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven, but what kind of person will God actually use? And what would it take for you to be that person?
The renowned British historian Edmund Burke once wrote, "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it." Yet, we live in an era of declining interest in the past, where even many of the shows on the history channel aren't actually about history! People seem less and less interested in what happened in the past, imagining that it is irrelevant to their present or to their future. But what if the stories the Bible tells about the distant past are meant to affect our immediate present and lead us into a beautiful future? What if actually knowing this history makes us glad to repeat it? What can we gain from knowing the story of the Exodus?
As if there wasn't enough division and polarization already, add to issues like COVID-19 and racial injustice a generational divide across our society. In the church though, aren't we all supposed to be a family together? What does it take from each of us - and from each generation - to live out God's "from generation to generation" vision? What can different generations give to each other, and - more importantly - what can each generation gain from each other? How can every single one of us in our community make an investment into our church's future by learning to function inter-generationally to a greater degree? And what could our church look like for the future if we made a greater investment to empowering the next generation of leaders?
In addition to navigating the pandemic, this season has been marked by another theme: racial injustice. And again, strong feelings emerge that have greater potential to further divide than unify. What ought the church's role to be in such a time as this? And is there a "right way" to fight for what's right? How would God intend His people of faith to advocate for justice and equality? And what would God desire for justice-hungry believers to become in order to advance justice and equality in ways that result in greater degrees of oneness instead of greater division? Is it possible to be advocating and unifying? If so, what could the church and the world become if we discovered the power of leveraging both of those values dear to the heart of God?
If this pandemic has done nothing else, it's polarized our society. Some are paralyzed with anxiety regarding the medical threats while others rant about conspiracy theories. Parents are ravaged to know whether to send their kids to in-person school or keep them home to learn online. Some people are taking every precaution, wearing facemasks and observing physical distancing, while others are eager to resume everyday life as it was before COVID-19, believing there are greater health risks in not doing so. Who's right? And, more importantly - especially from God's perspective - what's right? Over six months into navigating this pandemic, what does God want to teach us?
If COVID-19 has done nothing else to Christians, it's challenged them to ask, "How can you continue to be a church without going to church?" This has not only confused faith-based families; it's muddied the waters for how the world understands what the church is and is supposed to be and do. But what has the pandemic actually helped clarify about the church's purpose and its role in the world today? And - this year at Southridge - how can we leverage this season to see God do amazing things among us as He continues to grow us toward that vision, even if we can't gather in large groups? What emerging vision would God want to inspire in all of us together in the coming season?
A lot has happened since we began our journey into the book of Galatians. We began this series in the fall of 2019, as a way to re-explore the biblical concept of grace. We wanted to ask ourselves what our church would look like if it was fundamentally shaped by the Gospel: the good news that our life with God is given by grace alone (as the free gift of God), through faith alone (not earned by human effort), in Christ alone (not the result of our religious rule-keeping). So, where has this book taken us? What have we learned, and how have we been transformed, along the way? And where is the message of this powerful book taking us in the future?
"No good deed goes unpunished," or so the saying goes. It is a sarcastic commentary on the frequency with which acts of kindness backfire on those who offer them. In other words, those who help others are often doomed to suffer as a result of their being helpful. And everyone likely has a story that validates the truth behind the cliché. It kind of makes you wonder, at the end of the day, what the point of it all really is, why anyone would ever bother to make an effort to do good at all. But what if there really is a point to doing good? What if the Bible presents a completely different perspective on the point of a good life?
According to some recent studies among people who are disillusioned with the church, people who avoid the church do so because it is too political, judgmental, patriarchal, homophobic, arrogantly exclusivistic, and fundamentalist. Examining these reasons closely, it is striking to note that almost all of these reasons directly relate to how Christians treat each other and those outside the community (especially those who don't fit the Christian "norm"), precisely the kinds of attitudes that the letter to the Galatians denounces. So, what would the church look like if it were living in the freedom to love the way Paul describes it? How should the message of grace transform the way we treat people?
As a western democracy, one of the values we cherish the most is the value of freedom. Whether it is the freedom of conscience and religion, the freedom of thought and speech, or the freedom of assembly and association, people from all over the world leave their homes, sometimes making treacherous journeys, just to immigrate to our country, in search of the very freedoms we enjoy and even take for granted. But what is freedom, really? Especially as a follower of Jesus, what does it mean to be free from sin and religion, as Galatians has been insisting? What does it look like to live a life that, by grace through faith in Christ, is truly free?
From parents to teachers to bosses to politicians, people who are responsible for social groups of various sizes and shapes and characters all seem to share one fundamental question: what does it take to make people behave? In parenting, for example, the philosophies range from the flexibility and affection of Dr. Spock to the strict boundaries and strong discipline of Dr. Dobson. Societally, these days the debate is between the necessity of mask mandates or the need to trust people to do the right thing. When it comes to follow Christ, what is the best way to inspire Christ-like behaviour? What is the rule for becoming the people God created us to be?
We live in a world of options. There are a seeming infinite number of alternatives available to us, from the type toothpaste or deodorant you use, how you consume countless genres of music and media, to the endlessly increasing number of car models, clothing brands, restaurants and religions, airlines, workouts, paint colours and flavours of ice cream. All these options are intended to improve our lives, putting us in charge of all our choices. But some have suggested that all this choice has left us overwhelmed and paralyzed to know how to decide anything at all. What if we could boil it all down to one simple choice? Could the secret of life really be that simple? And how do we know if we're making the right choice?
Jesus said that, if His followers would stand together as one unified community, the watching world would be compelled to believe in God’s love. Unity was such a high priority to Jesus that His final prayer as He was being betrayed to be crucified wasn’t for courage or personal protection, it was that His followers would remain united. Our desire is to be an answer to the one prayer of the One who answers all of ours, not just at Southridge but by being unified with all of God’s church, especially here in Niagara. So for the next 3 weeks, we are joining together with Bethany and Central Community Church (two outstanding Niagara churches) in a shared online service experience. So come and be part of answering this one prayer of Jesus.
Jesus said that, if His followers would stand together as one unified community, the watching world would be compelled to believe in God’s love. Unity was such a high priority to Jesus that His final prayer as He was being betrayed to be crucified wasn’t for courage or personal protection, it was that His followers would remain united. Our desire is to be an answer to the one prayer of the One who answers all of ours, not just at Southridge but by being unified with all of God’s church, especially here in Niagara. So for the next 3 weeks, we are joining together with Bethany and Central Community Church (two outstanding Niagara churches) in a shared online service experience. So come and be part of answering this one prayer of Jesus.
Jesus said that, if His followers would stand together as one unified community, the watching world would be compelled to believe in God’s love. Unity was such a high priority to Jesus that His final prayer as He was being betrayed to be crucified wasn’t for courage or personal protection, it was that His followers would remain united. Our desire is to be an answer to the one prayer of the One who answers all of ours, not just at Southridge but by being unified with all of God’s church, especially here in Niagara. So for the next 3 weeks, we are joining together with Bethany and Central Community Church (two outstanding Niagara churches) in a shared online service experience. So come and be part of answering this one prayer of Jesus.
How many times have you asked someone how they're doing, only to have them reply, "Busy." For how many of us is that our regular answer too? So much of our lives have felt propelled by the forward momentum generated by the multitude of commitments that dominate our schedule, and the multitude of things that we think we "need." In a world that has, for many of us, come to a screeching halt, what if this was that moment! What if we just decided to press "pause" on life, and restart again but at a significantly slower pace and on a significantly lower scale? How would it affect who we become if we could learn to live more simply?
Many of us have had to acclimatize to this weird dynamic of "working from home," or being home and trying to get work done (as well as homeschooling and/or parenting and/or disinfecting, and/or...). Others aren't working and are collecting cheques from the government. So many of us are trying to figure out who we are to be if we're can't be productive. But what if not working is just as spiritually important as working? What if getting nothing done is as good for the soul as getting something done? What could we learn from being unproductive, that we could never learn from being productive?
There are probably more than a few of us who have found that, with our schedules freed up, the one activity that is not canceled is consuming. We snack because we are bored or stressed. We shop online for things we don't need because we can (and even if we can't). We scroll social media for endless hours because we are lonely or anxious about the news. Far from being canceled, consuming is how many of us are coping with this season. But what if this survival mechanism is actually killing us spiritually? How can we push back against the compulsion for consumption and experience the freedom of going without?
It is easy to go negative when life isn't going the way that we had hoped. Emotions like fear, envy, greed, entitlement, resentment, anger, and regret seem to live just below the surface of our hearts, and emerge quickly in times of difficulty. In fact, at times it can feel hard to resist the pull of the disappointment embedded in these kinds of reactions. But what if there was a way to resist, a way to push back against these emotions that can so easily overwhelm us? How would it change our outlook, our disposition, our character, and even the shape of our lives if we could learn to embrace something beyond the negativity?
We live in a world where there seem to be a million ways to maintain relationships. Whether it's Netflix Party, Houseparty, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, FaceTime, texting, or even (worst case scenario) making a phone call, there are no shortage of options for staying in touch. Yet many of us feel desperately alone and/or we invest enormous amounts of energy to avoid being alone. But as much as relationships matter, what if learning to be alone is just as essential to becoming the people God has created us to be? How could we learn to lean into our time of forced isolation to be a space where we get to be together with God?
We live in a world filled with noise. Between music and media, traffic, lawn care, construction, people (and more!) we experience barely a moment of silence in our regular routines. It entertains, it distracts, it fills our days, and it prevents us from hearing what we would hear if we could experience some moments of silence: the sounds of creation, the thoughts in our heads, and the voice of God in our souls. What if, instead of drowning in noise, we learned to celebrate the silence? What if, instead of constantly listening to music, we set aside time to listen for God? How would it change us to become people who embrace being quiet?
Martin Luther once wrote that we ought to "Work as though everything depends on us, because it does. But pray as though everything depends on God, because it does." Because of our wealth and privilege, for most of our lives we have had no trouble living by the first half of Luther's encouragement: working as though everything depends on us. But that's where it has stopped. We have been functional atheists: professing a belief in God, but living in a way that proclaims that we don't really need God. But what happens when everything is stripped away and God is all we have? Instead of being tempted towards panic, how can we learn to lean into prayer instead?
How many of us find ourselves constantly bombarded with news and social media posts that feel disproportionately tilted towards bad news? Pay too much attention and you can be overwhelmed by sad reports, scary predictions, and depressing statistics which shapes how we understand the world and our lives. We need a different pair of lenses to look through to process reality. What if, instead, we could learn to see our world through God-shaped lenses? What if our understanding of reality could be shaped more by the Spirit than social media? How could we learn to let God show us reality for what it truly is?
Conventional wisdom says that "You can't teach old dogs new tricks," that once we've developed the ruts of our lives, those ruts pretty well dictate who we are and what we become. But what if we could break out of those ruts? At a moment where we are rethinking even our most basic routines—when to buy groceries and how to engage in recreation—what if we chose to rethink our spiritual routines as well? In a moment of rebooting our lives to survive the coming months, what would it look like for us to reboot our spiritual lives to thrive in our relationship with God, ourselves, each other, and the world like never before? What habits or behaviours can we learn to get into amazing spiritual shape?
An early Sunday morning that changed the course of human history; that is what we celebrate at Easter. There's no weekend more significant in the life of the church, so we invite you to join us for a celebration of the resurrection of Christ and our new life in Him. We'll sing songs of hope, hear stories of faith and transformation, celebrate new decisions through baptism, and be challenged to consider how this one event can change everything for us. We invite you to join us this Easter Sunday at either 9:00am or 11:00am at ALL Southridge locations.
Good Friday is an opportunity to reflect, contemplate, and embrace the significance of Jesus's death on the cross. It's a chance to appreciate his loving sacrifice through song, scripture and the Lord's Supper. It is an invitation to come and belong, a reminder that Christ is no stranger to suffering and a celebration of gift of new life that flows from His death. We invite you to join us on Good Friday at 10:00am at ALL Southridge locations as we encounter the welcome, comfort, and freedom that is found at the cross.
The Novel Coronavirus is literally sweeping through every area of life. It is spreading all across the globe, and touching every area of life. It is affecting us physically, socially, emotionally, and relationally. And, for many if not all, it is affecting us financially. Whether it is the extra expenses incurred to manage our daily lives, the loss of work because of social distancing or self-isolation, or the plunging of the stock markets, jeopardizing people’s savings and retirement, most of us have felt the financial crunch of this crisis. How should we respond to this financial uncertainty? How do we plan the pathway forward? What does it look like to be financially invested in an era of such radical instability?
Many people don’t like surprises. Most people struggle with change. Even those who enjoy change, only enjoy it when they are fully in control of every aspect of it, when it is something they’ve chosen for themselves. NOBODY likes the kinds of changes that have been thrust on us over the last couple weeks: broad, sweeping, terrifying changes on an unknown timeline, disrupting our lives in unpredictable ways, confronting us with an uncertain future. How do we live in the light of this kind of uncertainty? How do we stay in control when life is out of control? How do we learn to lean into God when it seems that we can’t trust anything in our lives? How do we trust in times of uncertainty?
The world is a different place than it was even a week ago, with rules and protocols changing sometimes by the hour.. The Coronavirus (or COVID-19) has transformed the social and psychological landscape of our culture, changing our patterns of behaviour, reorganizing our priorities, and introducing new phrases into our collective vocabulary: social distancing, flattening the curve, and community spread. But how do we live in a state of emergency without giving into a state of fear? How do we not let this global pandemic leave us in the grip of panic? And what does it look like to remain faithful to God and responsible to each other, when the overwhelming temptation is to hoard toilet paper?
What comes to mind when you think of a typical Sunday morning church service? Perhaps you think of it like a classroom where you learn about God, or a concert where you sing along with your favourite songs, or maybe even a pep rally where you get inspired to change the world. But what if the weekly church gathering was meant to be more like a gymnasium - a place to work out your faith, exercise your beliefs and practice what is preached? How would our lives be different if that's how we chose to worship?
From time to time, every family needs to come together for a family meeting to clear the air, address conflict , and re-establish family rules and values. As Paul concludes this section of his letter to the Galatian church, he calls a time out and gets personal with them. And taking our lead from him, we are going to do the same. Join us this Sunday for a family meeting as we hear God's heart for our church family.
It's said that you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family. But that's not entirely true, at least, not when it comes to adoption. In adoption, people who may not otherwise get to experience family are given the gift of being chosen. And it comes with the promise of being a "forever family" together. What does it mean to be adopted into our spiritual family? What difference does it make to know that we were "chosen"? Discover why all of us matter in God's family!
Some family members are "born into" more privilege than others. Parents shouldn't, but often act as though they have favourites. Firstborns are often entrusted with the most leadership. The babies are often showered with the most privilege. (The middles always get forgotten. Always.) Yet, somehow they are all supposed to be family, especially within the family of faith. So how do we do that? How do we live together given that we are all so diverse, given that some of us are more privileged than others?
Every good family has a set of rules, written or unwritten, that structure family life and embody the family values. As the kids grow into adults, they may leave the specific rules behind but their goal is to still model the family values in their own way. Does that happen in our spiritual family as well? Is there a difference between following the "family rules" in the Bible and following Jesus? What is the role of the Bible in the life of faith?
If you know the parents, it can often be pretty easy to see the family resemblance in the lives of the children. As the saying goes, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." But we all know people who don't fit the family mold, who don't look like the others or follow the family rules. Sometimes its hard to imagine that they really are from the same family. When it comes to our spiritual family, what is it that makes us family ? What is the one family trait that guarantees that we all belong?
Hopefully all of us, regardless of our experiences with our biological families, had people who were "family" to us. Think about your best times with the people you called "family," those "laugh until you cry" moments, the best family times, the memories you wouldn't trade for anything. How did those moments happen? What made them so special? Those same kinds of moments happen with our spiritual family, and our heavenly Father too. How do those memories happen? And how do we make more of them?
Getting by on your own seems fine when you're getting by, but when life throws a curve ball we all need someone who has our back. What if we related in such a way that there would be people who are there for us when we need it most, and that would call us when they needed it as well? What would it look like to love together -- toward one another, with one another, and beyond one another -- for a world that desperately needs it?
Weather, sports, and gossip: they're the conversations that consume us. We may long for friendships and confidants to process the deeper things, but most of us find ourselves skimming across the surface. But what if we could invest in relationships where no question is off limits? What if we could explore life and faith in community, learning to put it into practice? What if we had people who cared so much we even learned to pray together?
Fast food: it's the epitome of a culture with no time to eat. And whether you hit the drive thru or not, most of us live at a pace with no room for "slow cooking." But relationships need time and space -- like a home-cooked meal -- to mix, mingle, and be savoured. So how can we overcome busyness that blocks relationship? What can we do differently to make space for friendship? How might learning to eat together feed more than our stomachs?
Fast food: it's the epitome of a culture with no time to eat. And whether you hit the drive thru or not, most of us live at a pace with no room for "slow cooking." But relationships need time and space -- like a home-cooked meal -- to mix, mingle, and be savoured. So how can we overcome busyness that blocks relationship? What can we do differently to make space for friendship? How might learning to eat together feed more than our stomachs?
Fast food: it's the epitome of a culture with no time to eat. And whether you hit the drive thru or not, most of us live at a pace with no room for "slow cooking." But relationships need time and space -- like a home-cooked meal -- to mix, mingle, and be savoured. So how can we overcome busyness that blocks relationship? What can we do differently to make space for friendship? How might learning to eat together feed more than our stomachs?
Some might say we live in the age of connection, with advancements in technology and vast social opportunities making it easier than ever to connect. But whether we're scrolling through Instagram or standing in a crowd, the data tells us that individualism and isolation are at an all-time high. Is this how things are meant to be? Are we destined to just fend for ourselves? What would it look like to be better together?
As 2019 draws to a close, what can we learn from the year that was? How has God grown us, challenged us, and inspired us to experience more of the life we were created for? Are we in the same place we were a year ago, or have we been shaped into a greater, more loving and grace-based reflection of Jesus? And what will it take to step into 2020 with a clearer vision for God's heart?
Christmas is a magical time, and everything we see adds to the excitement: Christmas lights up and down the streets, trees and decorations filling people's homes, parties filled with the loving faces of family and friends. For kids, from the colourful paper wrapping the gift to the stocking hiding Christmas treats, from the little doors of an Advent calendar to seeing Santa at the mall, there is no end to the wonder of the sights and sounds of Christmas. But what if it is not in the visible wonder of Christmas, but in the invisible that we discover the heart of Christmas, and an invitation to be part of something so much more?
We are called to be ambassadors of hope: to right wrongs, heal hearts, bring peace to chaos, love to the excluded and mercy to the broken. But what does it really take to make the most of our one and only lives? How far can we really take this journey of living on the redemptive side of history? As a community that has become convinced that the best of life is only experienced when we live beyond ourselves, where will God take us if we continue to ask "What's the BEST that could happen?"
It's easy to feel paralyzed by the problems of our world, helpless to make any real difference or affect any lasting change. It's one thing to become aware of devastating oppression and injustice all around us. But once your heart has been gripped by reality of pain and the urgent need for change, is there anything we can actually do about it? How can big problems like these get solved by individual people like us?
It's a classic story. "I never really gave it much thought, until it happened to someone I love." We can so easily walk through life, surrounded by some of the greatest tragedies and injustices, and somehow remain blissfully unaware. Cancer, poverty, sexual violence, bullying... these are all just hypothetical concepts until they come knocking on our door. But how can we be people who don't wait for it to happen to us or someone we love, before we start to care?
You don’t have to look too hard to see how that our world is in crisis. Endless wars, sexual violence, modern day slavery, addiction, depression, debt, disease, from chronic homelessness to hollow materialism, political infighting and environmental emergencies are all bubbling over. But what if the pain, struggle and hopelessness all around us is actually the prime opportunity for God to do His best work in us?
From the world of fashion, music and art to food, technology and design, there’s a common axiom that drives excellence: less is more. Words like simplicity and minimalism have come to define beauty, success and quality. But when it comes the gospel, could it be true that the quality of our faith experience is directly related to the quantity of things we make it about. Spiritually speaking, what if less is actually more? And what subtractions do we need to make in order to experience the addition of pure grace?
From how we celebrate Christmas and birthdays to who sits where at the dinner table, human beings are hard-wired to embrace traditions. Traditions are our link to the past, they remind us who we are and that we're connected to each other through shared memories and experiences. But are all traditions worth preserving? How do you know when tradition and the truth are at odds? What do we do when “what we’ve always believed and done” actually gets in the way understanding the gospel of grace?
It's been said recently that trust is less like a bank account, where you deposit trust points to be withdrawn at a later time, and more like a water balloon, where even the tiniest pin-prick will slowly drain the whole thing and prevent it from every being refilled. If this is true, the church has a big problem. Decades of cover-ups, scandals, televangelists selling miracles, and pastors living in mansions and flying private jets has left the aftertaste of distrust in the mouths of most people who talk about the church. So where do we go from here? Can a church that puts its money where its mouth is hope to earn a new reputation based on transparency and trustworthiness?
According to a recent survey, nearly 90% of unchurched people say that the term "judgmental" accurately describes Christians today and only 20% of outsiders view the church as a place where people are accepted and loved unconditionally. The Christian fixation on sin has left most people feeling criticized, cursed and condemned instead of loved, welcomed and included. The church's exclusion of so-called sinners seems to completely contradict the example of Jesus, who welcomed sinners to such a degree that He earned the nickname, The Friend Of Sinners? How would the watching world respond to a church that adopted the radically welcoming heart of God?
In his book UnChristian, Dave Kinnaman claims that Christianity has an image problem. His leading accusation is that too many Christians are hypocritical, saying, "our lives don’t match our beliefs. In many ways, our lifestyles and perspectives are no different from those of anyone around us." Is that true? And if so, what would it look like for a church to pursue honest, transparent and authentic faith with integrity? How could the hours when it gathered support the rest of the hours of our lives? And how could a church like that change people's perspective on God?
After an inspiring time of music and sharing, part of Vision Night was hearing from each of our departments and what it means for them to be 'faithful in the small' as a part of their goals for this year.
For decades, we've operated under a deeply held belief that, if people saw the God of the Bible as He is, they would run TO him, instead of AWAY from him. The problem is, most people's view of God is shaped by their experience of the church, which more often than not leaves people looking elsewhere in search for meaning, purpose and significance. But what if the church actually resembled the God we claim to believe in? Imagine if, when the world looked at the church, all they saw was the through-and-through, radically inclusive, generous love of God?
If you’ve seen the movie, “Groundhog Day”, you know the feeling of being trapped in an endless cycle of doing the same thing over and over again, every single day. But the surprising twist is that, when you do the same thing again and again, after a while you actually get pretty good at it! What if, more than any of the big one-time decisions that feel so important at the time, it’s actually all the little things we do over and over again, every single day, that have the greatest power to shape us?
Some people say that faith is a personal and private matter. But the Bible is clear when we embrace Jesus we are automatically included in the church as full-fledged family members. So what does it look like to fully embrace our identity and responsibility as members of God’s church? And how can we make the most of our membership in this new community?
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as jumping in a lake, a pool or even a cool shower on a hot summer day. There’s just something about being submerged in water that wakes us up and provides a jolt of energy. The waters of baptism work in much the same way, to not only cleanse us from our past but also to awaken us to the power and presence of God and emerge ready to embrace a new life with fresh faith and spiritual vitality.
We are told that we can do anything, as long as we just believe. But what in the world are we to believe in? If any and all ideas about faith, God, truth and eternity are equally valid, does it really even matter what you believe, or do all paths lead to the same ultimate destination?
It is core to the human experience to at least from time to time wonder if there’s more to life than what we’re currently experiencing. More than waking up, going to work, relaxing with friends, only to do it all over again the next day. But what if we really were meant for a deeper experience of life, a connection to something spiritual? How do we tap into the “more” that we all long to experience?
A true friend is someone who is willing to tell you that you have spinach in your teeth or that those jeans actually do make your butt look bigger. But what about more important truth: when you need to work on your character, end a relationship, make an apology, or deal with a habit? Or the really hard stuff: calling out sin and challenging our choices? What would happen if real friends really cared enough to confront?
It is said that, "Small minds discuss people. Average minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas." But what if there were something even more important to discuss: ourselves. Being honest about ourselves with ourselves, others, and God is probably the most difficult and most important kind of honesty there is. What would happen in and through us if we could learn to put all our cards on the table?
Most of us like to believe we're honest. But then, we catch ourselves saying, "Well, to be honest" or "I swear!" suggesting we're not always as transparent and trustworthy as we'd like to believe. But what if we could break through the deception and denial? What if we could overcome our fear so that the truth can set us free? How can we learn to say what we mean and mean what we say?
Till death do us part... It's a daunting proposition. That's probably why half of marriages (faith-based or not) throw in the towel at some point along the way, and why more and more people are choosing to either put off or pass up on marriage altogether. Is marriage an outdated concept? Can it really work? Can two people actually stay together? What "talk" would Jesus and the Bible have about marriage in this day and age?
There might be no topic more celebrated by Hollywood, but shamed by the "holy." So what is God's vision for sex? How can we follow Jesus with our sex lives? Can we experience freedom and fulfilment instead of restriction and shame? From teenagers testing boundaries to adults asking, "What's the big deal?", to parents terrified of "the talk", to spouses wanting to reclaim the magic, this conversation is for you.
From playing the field to courting till matrimony, there's a variety of perspectives on dating. Whether you're currently single, in a relationship, considering whether to swipe right or left, have friends in "the game," or are a parent biting your nails, how can we develop a more mature expectation and experience of dating? What "talk" would Jesus and the Bible have about dating in 2019?
Some say that "God helps those who help themselves." It is a vision of faith that fits in neatly in our culture, which rewards people who show initiative, take matters into their own hands, and solve their own problems. But how neatly does it fit with the teachings of Jesus? When we're experiencing persistent pain, frustration, and injustice, and it doesn't seem to be going away, is the truth that God is just waiting to help us help ourselves? If not, what is God waiting for?
We're told that "the one who dies with the most toys wins." It's doubtful that many people actually believe that is true, but it doesn't seem to stop many people from living like it is. That’s true even of people who profess to follow the Jesus whose message was “good news to the poor.” Sometimes we refer to the material things we’ve accumulated as “God’s blessings,” but what if that isn’t entirely true? What if the truth about our stuff is more inconvenient than that?
It is said that the best time to plant a tree is 100 years ago, and the second best time is right now. Financial experts, for example,urge investors to plan ahead, set goals and taking practical steps to reach their desired outcomes. The same truth applies to education, vocations, families, and, well, seemingly everywhere. By being careful to plan for the future, we can become the masters of our fate and the captains of our destiny. But what if the truth about our futures is more complicated, and inconvenient, than that?
Easter Sunday is the biggest celebration in the Christian community. But what's the big deal? Is the resurrection of Jesus anything more than a pie-in-the-sky for something--after-you-die fantasy? Or could the risen life of Jesus actually make a difference in the here and now? In my life and yours? What if Jesus actually wants to bring new life on earth just as in heaven?
Good Friday: to some, it's nothing more than a strange tradition marking the death of a religious figure. To others, it's a powerful symbol of forgiveness and grace. Maybe you've never been to a Good Friday service or couldn't imagine attending church twice on one weekend (if you're already coming for Easter), but Good Friday is such a meaningful experience for our community and just might be a time of (extraordinary revival as we encounter the love and grace of the cross. We invite you to join us as we look to Jesus to "forgive us our sins" through song, story, and communion.
We all love things. From ice cream to hockey to music to pets, our lives are full of affection toward the things we most value. But what does it look like to express our affection to God? What does it mean to truly worship? Does worshipping God really make a difference? At the end of the day, is worship worth it?
We all search for wisdom and guidance. Whether Google or Wikipedia, or skimming the latest self-help bestseller, trying to read our way into a better life is quite common. But what about the Bible? Is it still a place worth looking for wisdom? Is it a book that's actually worth reading? Can reading the Bible really change anything at all?
It's not unusual to download our thoughts and struggles, joys and successes, to our most trusted friends; sharing what's going on in our lives in order to gain the support and insight of others. But what about sharing our inner thoughts with God? Is that really possible? And if so, is it worth it? Does God really hear us? Can praying make any difference in my life?
Most of us would admit that our lives are fairly ordinary, even mundane at times. Those who describe themselves as spiritual or religious typically lead similarly unspectacular lives, leading many to wonder if "ordinary" is all there is. Is it possible to actually experience something supernatural and divine in the midst of our otherwise ordinary lives? How does our experience of life and connection with God go from typical to transcendent, from natural to supernatural?
It's a common belief that you have to use your words to get what you want. From arguing to asking, we try to wordsmith our way to get what we're after. But what happens when our arguing with others stands in the way of our asking of God? What does it take to become a voice God can use? Where should we start if we want change the tone of our voice?
We all know the kind of person who, when they speak, people perk up and listen. But how do we become that person? What has to change in order to find the voice of wisdom? What does it take to become the kind of people who only use wise words?
We all strive to be right, to get to the top, and to make the most of ourselves. But Jesus said we should embrace the lowest standing. So how do we actually live this out? What if our life together mattered more than our rightness and promotion? How can we embrace the gospel as humility?
From politics to religion and from business to social settings, fighting to have your say and fighting to get your way seems to be a way of life. But how should we learn to talk if we want to actually have influence? And what should we avoid if we're going to become people who truly find our voice?
Some studies have shown that the average person says more than 10,000 words in a day, but that only 500-700 are words of "significance," as in, communicating something important to an active listener. So what should we think of all this hot air flowing from our mouths? Does it really matter how we use our voice? What does all our talking ultimately say about us?
Friendship is hard work. And sometimes choosing good friends means letting go of others. What if the next step in pursuing meaningful friendships means pruning the less healthy ones in the process? How can our friends help us grow spiritually? What will it take to experience truly life changing friendships?
Friendship would be much easier if our friends could just get their act together. If only they would "this" or "that," then they'd be the friends we really need. But is that the missing ingredient to having better friendships? What will it take to have the friends we've always wished our friends would be?
An African proverb suggests, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." For many of us, our fast-paced lives make it seem like the only option is to go alone, and friendships can get left in the dust of all the other things we're pursuing. So, do we really need friends? What's the benefit of living as though friendship matters?
A new year. A fresh start. A chance to set goals. A chance to dream big. A chance to resolve. But of all life's resolutions, are there some that are more significant than others? What's the most critical resolution of all? Join us for Starting Point as we kick off the year together looking at life's greatest resolution!
To add some “holy” to your holidays, join us for this morning’s service happening at 10:00am across all our locations. As this year comes to an end, what role has God played in your life? And on the cusp of a new one, what role could God play in the year to come? Gathering as a community for a time of music, reflection, story and scripture can help guide our hearts as we make this transition together.
Christmas is seen as a time of joy and wonder, sacredness and significance. But it’s easy to get tripped in the potholes of busyness, consumerism, and worst of all, fights about the “reason(s?!) for the season.” In a world as polarized as ours, one of those traps is the “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” debate. What SHOULD we say? What CAN we say? What CAN’T we say? And most of all, how do we avoid the blow up at Christmas dinner that is anything but “merry” or “happy”? But what if we could go beyond the controversy? What if we could debunk the debate? What if we could actually discover the “holy” in the “holiday?”
In religious circles, the "faithful" seem to be those who consistently plunk themselves into the same seat, pew or auditorium chair week after week, Sunday after Sunday; sitting, singing and praying all the right words at all the right times. But is such a routine actually life-giving faith or dying ritual? How can we save our faith from the kind of faith that will never save us?
It's a common perception that only certain kinds of people can step into a church. Those who have it together. Those who've "paid their dues." Those who are ready and able to put on their "Sunday best." But what if this country club mentality is the biggest faith fail of all? What will it take to steer clear of the sin of "country club" faith?
We've all experienced it... The Facebook rant, the TV preacher, the lunch room diatribe; people who like to spew opinions into the world. And this can seem most frequent with religious people. But is that what religion is about? Saying the right words to anyone who will listen? When all is said and done, what matters most in religion: the "said" or the "done"?
Seeing differently leads to living differently, starting wherever God's placed us. So how can we embrace a lifestyle of mutual mission? How can we begin to make a mutual difference? When we learn to see, what opportunities might be right before our eyes?
As a member of the Southridge community for more than a decade, Allison Alley has recently been appointed the future President & CEO of our global partner, Compassion Canada. It's been an incredible journey of seeing and receiving more than she could have ever asked or imagined, and today we have an opportunity to be a part of the story like never before.
Raised in one of the largest and poorest slums on the African continent, Jey Mbiro has experienced the radical transformation made possible through child sponsorship. But that's not the end of his story. Because not only has Jey been on the receiving end of global mission, he now lives a life of global mission. Join us as he shares his story of hope and possibility.
The gap between the global rich and the global poor is substantial. In North America we "have" a lot, and in some parts of the world, people don't "have" nearly as much. But is this the whole picture? Or are we missing something? What if we could redefine the gap between "rich" and "poor" and realize there might be more than meets the eye?
On October 17th, consumption of marijuana will become legalized in Canada. Whatever you think of this change, we can all agree it's a smoking hot topic. So what does this mean for Jesus followers? What should we do with new found freedom? How do we navigate the variety of opinions and perspectives? And at the end of the day, who's to say whether Christians can get high?
We all want to be happy. But what does that really mean? Do we know what it looks like? Do we know what we're after? What if there's something better to pursue than mere happiness? If so, then where do we look to find it?
When life is hard, we find ourselves asking: Why? Why me? Why this? Why now? Why, God? And the pain of uncertainty only makes the hard things harder. So what can we do with that? How can we better understand God when we can't understand the "why"?
The accumulation of wealth is one of the highest goals of our society, usually out of a desire to gain safety and security for ourselves and those we love. But what do we lose in this process? Is it possible that having less enables us to have more of what really counts?
When life presents obstacles, it can be hard to know where to turn. Difficult circumstances and decisions make us wish we had all the answers laid out in front of us, that we could be absolutely sure of the best way to respond. But when life gets hard, how do you know what to do? Or where to turn? And how can we be sure?
To be happy... It's the pursuit of nearly everyone you meet. It's even built into the fabric of our societies and constitutions. But what does it really mean? How do you actually get there? And what if there is something even better than "happy"?
At all our locations we will gather for this fall kick-off service and the chance to hear from our Lead Pastor, Jeff Lockyer, as he shares our vision for this next season of faithfulness at Southridge.
Our world feels divided as ever and the greatest chasm might be the political aisle. But rather than avoiding the political discourse, what would it look like to talk politics like Jesus? How can politics become a healthy and productive dialogue rather than a rampant and destructive elephant in the room?
They say there's three things you shouldn't talk about at a party: religion, politics and money. But Jesus didn't seem scared to talk about any of them. In fact, the Bible refers to money more than any other single subject. So what do we do with this? How can we change the way we think and talk about money to get the elephant out of the room?
Over the last decade, few things have changed the world more than social media. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to Snapchat there's limitless possibility to posting and scrolling. But what effect has this had on our relationships? What effect has this had on our lives? If he was here today, how might Jesus navigate his online presence?
Studies show that 1/5 people experience some form of mental illness. But with such common occurrence, why is the conversation still rare? What gets in the way of talking about mental illness and anxiety that, if removed, might move us toward greater health? How can our faith help us navigate the challenges of mental health?
Human beings are creatures of habit. Structure, routine and repetition help us navigate the world. But what happens when our habits get out of control? Where can we turn when less-than-healthy habits get the best of us? What would it take for conversations about addiction to be the norm rather than the stigma, so we can all discover the freedom to grow?
Where will you be 10 seconds after you die? It's a question that can spark fear and uncertainty in an instant. And for some, this is the question of faith that drives everything. But is the invitation of Jesus a scare tactic to avoid eternal damnation? Is this what he meant by "good news"? Are we destined to live in fear until the day we die?
For some, a life of faith equals a life of failure; always feeling bad cause you're never good enough. It feels like at best, God is disappointed with us, or at worst, he's all out furious. But is God really angry? Is God trying to shame us into submission? Is feeling crappy really the "good news" of Jesus?
For many people, the gospel is supposed to make people religious. People who truly follow Jesus are devoted to attending Sunday services, volunteering at church, and most importantly, following the rules; constantly trying to prove their worth. But is this what the "good news" is all about? Did Jesus die so that we could all become more religious?
The word "gospel" means "good news." But a lot of times in faith, religion and church, it seems like it's all designed to make us feel bad? What's the deal with that? Is the "good news" not that good after all? How can we escape fake news and false gospels to discover the truth of the message of Jesus?
Not only is the church for everyone, but we believe the church needs everyone. We've said before that it takes everyone's help to help everyone. And that's especially true when it comes to raising the next generation. So what role do you play in helping kids, parents and families thrive? What would it look like for all of us to go all in?
Approximately 17,700,000 women have reported a sexual assault since 1998. If that's not sad enough, there's still countless others who have felt the need to stay silent. Thankfully, the #MeToo movement is changing that, empowering the once voiceless to speak up against sexual harassment, abuse and violence. So what role can the church play? How can we be agents of dignity and respect in all our relationships?
Is God a man? Not according to the Bible... So in an historically male-dominated environment like the church, how we can learn to tap into the maternal nature of God? How can we empower women to be all they've been created to be? Rather than discouraging female empowerment, what if we could inspire a generation of BRAVE women?
In the church, "single" often feels like "second class." But the truth is, many, if not most people, will spend more of their lives single than coupled. So how can we embrace and elevate single life in the church? What unique and necessary role does singleness play? Rather than making singles feel forgotten, how can we grow in single mindedness together?
Some have said "all roads lead up the mountain," and when you look at religions today, they can feel pretty much the same. All seem to be mixed with a bit of good, a bit of bad, and maybe a dose of boring; a mixture of "whatever works for you." But is that true? How are major religions the same and how are they different? What makes faith in Jesus unique from faith in anything else?
If Jesus has really been raised from the dead, then that really changes everything. Not just for us, but for everyone; for the whole world. What if the end of Jesus' story is just the beginning of ours? What does it look like to extend the resurrection?
This much we know: dead people don't become alive again. Yet, the entire Christian faith rests on this single claim. What do you do with that? How can someone believe in Jesus if that means believing in resurrection? What if you could explore for yourself?
That moment that changes everything. When it seemed like it was all over. And then suddenly... astonishing news. A turning point, the beginning of an era where everything is brand new. What if that's exactly what Jesus' death is all about? What if the end is just the beginning?
Easter Sunday is a high point for the church: a day to celebrate our hope and faith in resurrection. But is this just an ancient tradition? Is it anything more than a fairy tale of life after death? What about the here and now? How could Easter create a fresh start in the places we need it most?
Good Friday can be a bit perplexing. To some, it's nothing more than a strange tradition marking the death of a religious figure. To others, it seems a powerful symbol of forgiveness and salvation. So how should we respond to the death of Jesus? Is it nothing more than a mockable failure? Or does it say something astounding about the reality of God?
We're constantly being influenced. When we're aware of it and when we're not, the powers and pressures of culture, relationships, and responsibilities shape our lives. So what will be our greatest influence? Where will we put our loyalty? How will we respond to the power of the cross?
We've all been there; on the verge of hopelessness; when it seems like there's nowhere to turn, nowhere to run, and no way out. Because of mistakes we've made or steps we can't retrace, we find ourselves at the end of our rope. But what if the end doesn't have to be that way? Where can we find hope in our greatest agony?
We've all done it. Wanting to be the hero. Wanting to make the grade. Wanting to live up to the highest expectations. Our own. But we've all dropped the ball a time or two. So what can we learn from one of Jesus' closest friends who felt the weight of failing when it mattered most?
At the centre of every great story is a protagonist. But the greatest stories are about the heart and not just the who. So why did Jesus really end up on the cross? What was at the heart of his heart in his final days? And how did his agony become the "protagony" of the story?
The night before he died, Jesus shared a meal with his closest followers. Ever since then, billions of people over thousands of years have looked to this meal for significance. But why? What did it mean to them and what could it mean to us?
An unlikely character fulfilling an unlikely act that was mostly un-liked by the people around her. What can we learn from her story and where might it connect with ours? What if it's the most unlikely that matters most?
Interest in organized religion is decreasing while interest in spirituality seems as common as ever. It begs the question: if I'm spiritual, do I really need religion? Or more specifically, if I'm spiritual, why would I bother with church? Besides, it's easy to like Jesus, but church feels like another conversation. So what's the point of church anyway and could it really be a place for me?
Faith and parties; opposing forces or a perfect match? How can parties change the way we think about God? And what does God think of parties? At the end of the day, where can God be found in the midst of the party?
There can be lots of reasons to celebrate: a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation or a milestone achievement. But is there such a thing as a party for "no good reason?" When it comes to following Jesus, what's the point of a party?
What’s the best way to share the love of Jesus? Invite someone to church? Give them a Bible? What about throwing a party? Maybe more than anything else, Jesus was known for partying. So what does that mean for his followers? What if we start the party and find out?
At the outset of a new year, we tend to think of resolutions, goals and fresh starts. From diets to habits to relationships, we consider how life might be better in the year ahead. But what about our spiritual lives? What about the health of our soul? What about the condition of our faith? As we kick off 2018, how can we grow spiritually?
We hope you'll join us on New Year's Eve as we host a morning service at 10:00am in each of our locations. As we get ready to turn the calendar, we look forward to celebrating God's faithfulness, reflecting on his presence in our lives and looking to the new year with hope and anticipation!
You're invited to celebrate Christmas at Southridge. Whether you've been to church before or are new to the idea, we hope you'll join us for a fun and meaningful experience. Come and celebrate the gift of a bigger and better love and life than you could ever imagine.
We're constantly faced with choices and sometimes it's hard to know how to make the right one. So how do we choose hope? How do we choose kindness and love? Where do we go from here? What next deed can change the world?
Ghandi, Mandela, Theresa... Those are the names of difference-makers. But what about me? How does one seemingly insignificant person make any difference in a world of hurt? Is there hope for me to be part of hope for the world?
In his 1937 novel The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien is famously quoted as writing: "It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." But in 2017, it can seem like the world is too hopeless for kindness and love to prevail. Could Tolkien's ideal still be true? In a world that's crumbling, what will it take to build hope?
Starting Point are services with topics for anyone who may be new to church and faith, specifically in mind. Each time we plan these, we consider: what topic could we address that people outside the church wish the church was talking about? An issue that has recently come to mind is race relations. In America these days, it seems race equals tension. From #blacklivesmatter to #charlottesville to #takeaknee, the tensions are rising, the poles are dividing, and human beings seem to be evaluated as much by the colour of their skin as the content of their character. But is this an issue in Canada? What about in the church? And what should the church be doing about it? If you or anyone you know has ever felt the tensions of racism or wondered what the church has done or should be doing about it, join us for a conversation on race relations as we strive toward the love, inclusivity and unity of Jesus. Let's extend an invitation this week to Starting Point!
The "bucket list": the goals, dreams, and experiences we want to cross off before we kick the bucket. These are the things that define us. These are the things we spend our life on. But what is on Jesus' bucket list? If Jesus wanted to add one thing to your bucket list, what would it be?
From real estate to RRSP's, we all want a good return on our investment. But how can we invest our time, talents and treasures to ensure the best return when the time comes?
For anyone who has planned or helped plan a wedding, the details are endless and the deadlines can be stressful. But the anticipation is thrilling. What if life was more like that; prepping for an event and anticipating the big day? How can we live ready, rather than not?
From billboards to movies, some seem to think that the end is near and apocalypse is now. But is the end really in sight? Can anyone know when and how it will all go down? And how should we live in the meantime?
Sometimes life's a you know what... But shouldn't following Jesus make it easier? Or does it? What happens when the going gets tough in a life of faith? What's it take to stay faithful to the end?
There's a lot that's happened around our world in the last few months: hurricanes, earthquakes and nuclear conflicts to name a few. It might cause some to think that waiting until "kingdom come" won't take that long? But are these really signs? What would Jesus say is the sign of the times?
The next job, the next relationship, the next gadget, the next upgrade to my status or lifestyle... Is this all there is to life? Are these the only things worth living for? Or is there a bigger difference we can make? A higher purpose we can find? A life mission we can embrace? What if the invitation of Jesus is to live beyond ourselves, to make a lasting difference in the world, and to enjoy his purpose our lives?
Like turning on your cell phone after getting off a plane, we're all searching for connection; for a true experience of authenticity and belonging with the people we love. But too many of our relationships skim across the surface or slowly dissolve, leaving us lonely and isolated. But what if there's a different way to relate? What if the invitation of Jesus could transform our sense of connection?
Deep inside, we all long for something more: a feeling of transcendence, a sense of the divine, a connection to God. But in reality, God often seems far away, out of reach and out of touch, obscured by confusing ideas and religious activities. So is this all there is to a life of faith and religion? Or are we meant for something more? How does the invitation of Jesus change the way we experience God?
If someone asked you what it means to have faith in Jesus, what would you say? That it's based on outdated rules and religious routines? That it's nothing more than a "get out of jail free card" for after you die? That it usually seems to do more harm than good? But what if the so-called "good news" of Jesus is even better than most of us imagine? What if a life of faith is actually an invitation to a new kind of life? What if this invitation is something you've always been looking for?
September marks the end of summer, but a new season at Southridge. You won't want to miss Vision Sunday on September 10th as we come together to be inspired and ignited around God's vision for our church.
Have you ever felt helpless? Like you're too small, too weak, or too insignificant? Maybe when you think about God, you feel this even more. But what if God sees something different in us? What if he wants to use our weakness as his greatest strength?
Sometimes life has more questions than answers leaving you full of doubt and confusion. So where can we turn when we get pushed out of our comfort zone? How can we stay full of faith when life wants to suck it right out of you?
Busy, anxious, and stressful. Sound familiar? Our world moves at a pace that makes stress seem like a necessity. But does it have to be this way? Are stress-balls our only hope?! How can we find peace that rises above our anxious lives?
Life can throw a lot of curve balls. It isn't always a pleasant experience. So are we destined to sadness and sorrow? Or is it possible to find contentment and joy, even when things aren't easy?
As part of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, Aaron Niequist has had a lot of exposure to what it takes to inspire a large church on Sunday mornings. But recently, he's been on a journey of asking why we go to church in the first place. What's the point? Why should we do it? What should we expect to get out of it (and what shouldn't we)? If you've ever wondered, "why would or should someone go to church", we think this conversation will be extremely worthwhile.
As a prominent church leader in Canada and a teaching pastor for over 30 years, Tim Schroeder knows a thing or two about the Bible and how it relates to normal life. But sometimes it feels like the Bible is losing its relevancy. If you've ever felt that, you don't want to miss this conversation.
Ted Mouradian has been a good friend of our church for a number of years and a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community in Niagara for even longer. As we continue to navigate what it means for the church to become the safest place in the world, join us as Ted shares his own story, how he and Jeff Lockyer have developed a meaningful friendship, and what Southridge needs to know in order to keep growing as a safe space.
Krista DuChene was the one of the first Canadian women to run the Olympic Marathon in 20 years when she qualified for and competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. But running isn't her first passion. For Krista, faith and family come first. Join us as she shares what marathoning has taught her about running the race of life and faith.
We kick off our "It Takes a Village" series with a conversation between Jeff Lockyer and St. Catharines, Mayor, Walter Sendzik discussing what it means to be a compassionate city and how the community of faith plays an important role. As part of the Canada Day long weekend and Canada 150 celebrations, this will make for a great conversation about how we can follow Jesus as citizens in Niagara.
They say anything worth doing isn't easy. So what about our relationships? What happens when it gets tough? When it's harder than we expected? Can we hold on? Can we hang in there? What if messier than expected could mean better than expected too?
Despite what we learned on the school yard, sticks and stones seem to cause less harm than words for most of us. It goes to show that our words matters. So what's the language of togetherness? How must we speak if we we're in it for the long haul?
There's something magical about "forever friendships". But can our relationships only survive until the magic wears off? What if there's more to being the kind of person who hangs in there? What's at the heart of staying together?
Our world seems more divided than ever. From politics, to platforms, to pulpits, lines get drawn and sides get taken. But it doesn't stop there. Our friendships drift, our marriages split, our teams fold, and our neighbours move. Is this just how life works? Or is there another way? What if we could stick it out? What does it take to stay together?
Things can get pretty messy when people claim to "speak for God". So how does Jesus invite us to handle these situations? How can we know who God is speaking through today? And how do we discern what he might be trying to say?
Has Christianity ever felt like a pyramid scheme, rather than a genuine invitation? That if you would just buy in, everything will go well with your health, wealth, and relationships? Is this really what Jesus offers? Or is there something deeper to be discovered?
Why does it sometimes seem like all God wants is our money? Could Jesus just tell us how much we really have to give? But what if Jesus is more concerned with "how" than "how much"?
White lies, subtle exaggerations, and loopholes; there are countless ways to play games with the truth. But few of us do this intentionally. Or do we? What if we're dishonest more than we realize? What if we tell our best lies in the name of Christianity?
When we're certain we're right, we'll fight to the death to make our case. But is this how Jesus wants us to represent our convictions? What if taking the high road sometimes means lowering the value we place on our opinions and perspectives?
Nobody likes a hypocrite. So what did Jesus do when the religious leaders of his day were more "sizzle" than "steak"? And how can we avoid falling into the same trap?
An early Sunday morning that changed the course of humanity: that's what we celebrate at Easter. There's no weekend more significant in the life of the church and we invite you to join us, capping off the Easter challenge by celebrating the resurrection of Christ and our new life in him. We'll hear stories of faith and transformation, we'll celebrate new decisions through baptism, and we'll enjoy some Easter treats along the way. We can't wait to be together for Easter at Southridge!
Christianity is filled with teachings and ideals, but one claim stands out: that the self-proclaimed Son of God not only died, but came back to life three days later. But is there any reason to believe that the resurrection actual happened? Can a rational person put their faith in something so supernatural? What difference does this make to Christianity and what difference could it make for me?
If there's one thing that's certain, it's that none of us live forever. But what makes the death of Jesus so significant? Why did such a nice guy end up getting killed? What difference does the fact that Jesus died 2,000 years ago have on my life? What's the big deal about his death on the cross?
More often than not, when Jesus was asked a question, he responded with one of his own. So after all these answers, what would Jesus ask? And how will you respond?
The Bible is full of commandments; hundreds of pages of hundreds of instructions about life, faith, right, and wrong. But what if it could all be boiled down into one single idea? What would Jesus say is the greatest command?
Every generation has wrestled with the question: what happens 10 seconds after you die? This was no less true in Jesus's day. So what would Jesus say? And what about all the seconds between now and then?
They say there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. The latter is never more true than this time of year. But what do taxes have to do with faith? What did Jesus say when he was asked whether it's right to pay taxes?
Our Starting Point services are intended to be just that: a starting point for a conversation about faith. In these services we explore topics, questions, and current events that could help someone start a journey of faith. On Sunday, February 26th, we'll address the question: Why is there so much pain in the world? Especially if God is supposed to be good, loving, and sovereign, why is there so much brokenness? How can I put my faith in God when I experience so much pain? Why would God allow it? And in the midst of it all, where can we find comfort? If you've ever wrestled with these questions, or find yourself in a painful season, we hope you'll consider joining us. Feel free to invite your friends and family.
We’re not all married. We don’t all have kids. So what about family life for the rest of us? How does faith play a role around the dinner table in unique stages and situations?
No matter how many books you read or seminars you attend, any would-be or long-time parent will tell you there's no secret formula to parenting. But what if there are simple ways we shoot ourselves in the foot? Wouldn't it be nice to avoid them? How can faith keep us from falling into a common parenting trap?
Online dating, romantic comedies, and love at first sight have made us believe the perfect person must be out there. But if they are, why are they so hard to find? Could there be a different approach? Have you ever considered whether you're the person the person you're looking for is looking for? What do we do if we're afraid we will (or already did) marry the wrong person?
Our Starting Point services are intended to be just that: the starting point in a conversation about faith. On January 29th, we’ll explore the question: "Can I be good without God?" We'll consider what it means to be good and whether God is a necessary component for someone's goodness. We'll also beg the question, why would someone need Jesus? We expect it to be an intriguing and in-depth conversation. Plan to join us and invite your friends
If you haven't grown up in faith or church, you might feel like you're an outsider (stranger?) at the party. But how do really you get "in" with God? Who's invited to the party and what does it look like to RSVP?
How can you tell if someone's a Christian? Better yet, how do you know if you're a Christian? Is it by knowing the right things or checking off religious boxes? What does God actually expect from Jesus followers?
When it's all said and done, with some Christians a lot more seems to get said than done. Why is that? Is that what God wants: lots of lip service, but very little actual service? Is that all faith is about?
Join us to celebrate Christmas at Southridge to embrace the gift of the season together.
Life in the kingdom means service to the king. But it doesn't always seem like everyone agrees on what loyal service looks like. So if God's kingdom is real, what does it mean to live within it? How can we make his magic kingdom a reality?
A kingdom is made of its subjects, those under the authority and influence of its rule and reign. But who are the subjects in the kingdom of God? Who's in and who's out? And what does a king do when not everything is going according to plan?
"Once upon a time in a land far, far away..." Sometimes God and faith feel like nothing more than a fairy tale. But with so much chaos and confusion in the world, especially among leaders and authorities, shouldn't there be a better way? Could there be a new kind of king and new kind of kingdom? Not just one reserved for fairy tales? Could life with Jesus be more than a magic kingdom?
Our Starting Point services are intended to be just that: the starting point in a conversation about faith. On November 20th, we’ll explore the topic of church and state. It’s been quite a year on the political scene and so we’ll consider how we make sense of it all and what role Jesus could play in the midst of it.
Sometimes it feels like the most obvious imbalance between rich and poor is seen globally. But what if we can bring hope to global poverty? How can we extend love and compassion to change lives, families, and communities in other parts of the world?
Rights, privilege, and injustice create no shortage of controversy and polarization. So where do should fit in the mix? How does Jesus want to bring hope to such challenges? What if the greatest obstacle and greatest opportunity is closer than we think?
Why would someone have faith in God? Is there really anything out there to believe in? Doesn't religion seem to do more harm than good? Bring along your friends for Starting Point as we explore these questions in a conversation with local newspaper columnist and self-proclaimed atheist, Grant Lafleche. A chance for us all to consider, "Why believe?"
We all want our lives to be great, to be welcomed into positions of significance and honour. But what does greatness mean in God's kingdom? What does it look like to live a life of spiritual success? What does it take to win in God's eyes?
Nothing in life is free. If you want it, you have to work for it. You deserve what you get and you get what you deserve. But is that true in our spiritual lives? How hard do you have to work to earn God's approval? How does Jesus measure our value?
In our culture, winning equals wealth. Net worth is the measure of significance and importance. The one who dies with the most toys wins. But do dollars and cents mean anything in God's economy? Does the pursuit of wealth help or hurt spiritual health? Where does Jesus rank the rich?
In faith, religion, or church, it's easy to see who's in and who's out. Some people know all the right things to say, do, and believe, others don't. Some people make an enormous difference, others don't. But what does Jesus think about all that? What would he say to the "innies" and the "outies"?
There are many ways to define status and rank in society, not the least of which is our "relationship status." But how does it work in God's eyes? Are the marrieds really more important than the singles? Do the singles matter more than the divorced? Who matters most to God?
September marks the end of summer, but it also marks the beginning of a new season at Southridge. You won't want to miss Vision Sunday on September 11th as we come together to be inspired and ignited around God's vision for our church. We'll also celebrate with a community lunch after the service. Everyone is invited!
The deepest fulfilment in life comes through our connections with others. But more often than not we feel isolated, lonely, and like we have to go it alone. So what would it take to improve our friendships? How can we experience the fullness of true community?
One of the top regrets of the dying is not having the courage to truly live; to take risks, to try new things, to deal with pain or discomfort. So how do we overcome our fears and anxieties, our baggage and brokenness, to truly live life to the full?
"Keep up with the Jones's", "make equal monthly payments", and "all this can be yours": messages promising fulfillment but leaving us out of control and unsatisfied. So what if there's a better way to manage our stuff? How can we find joy within our means?
The only thing worse than being lost is not knowing where you're going in the first place, especially on the road of life. So how do we find a grander purpose and clearer direction?
Over-scheduled, exhausted, and burnt out. Does this sound familiar? Too familiar? Is life intended to run on fumes? What's the one change you could make to keep your tank full?
Forgiving someone isn't always easy, especially when they don't deserve it. So how many times do we have to forgive? What if the way we do (or don't) forgive could be the greatest sin of all?
Dealing with conflict is hard, but pointing out someone else's mistake... Now that's a piece of cake. Or is it? How does Jesus tell us to handle sin and conflict, and how might we be getting it wrong?
Usually we think of sin as all the things we shouldn't have done. But what about the things we've left undone? What if these matter most to Jesus?
All you need to worry about is being good with God, right? But what if your "goodness" with God causes someone else to stumble? What responsibility do you have for the "goodness" of others?
Who is greatest in God's eyes? Somebody's or nobody's? What if trying to be a somebody finds you on the outside looking in?
The Bible has been printed more than any other book. But is it still relevant? What can we know for sure about the Bible? How can this book anchor our lives?
God, Jesus, and... the Holy Spirit?! Is the Holy Spirit real? If so, what (or who) is it? Where can it be found? How can God's Spirit bring purpose and power to our lives?
Jesus is as famous as they come. But who was he and does it matter? Is he the same as God? Or was he just a man? How can faith in Jesus make a difference today?
There are as many questions as there are ideas about God. Does he exist? Does he care? Is he in control? How can we anchor ourselves through faith in God?
Following Jesus means living as a child of God. So what kind of Father is he? How does he relate to his kids? How can we follow the Son in the way of the Father?
The way of Jesus is said to be narrow, not easily followed, and more difficult than a camel passing through the eye of a needle. But then how can anyone live it? What does it take to go this way?
To experience the glory of God is to encounter God's goodness, truth, and beauty, even as it shines through your life to be experienced by others. But how do we come to radiate God's glory from our lives? How do we find it in the midst of our messes?
When you follow Jesus, where does it take you? Does life get easier or more difficult? Is the path well worn or treacherous? What does it mean to go his way?
There may be no idea more intriguing and more compelling than the resurrection of Jesus. This is the foundation of the church and the cornerstone of our faith. But what does this idea - this faith - mean for us today? How can the hope that Jesus is alive transform our lives?
We live in an "us and them" world where we fight for the rights, privileges, and advantage of people who think like us, believe like us, look like us, and live like us. But what about "them"? What about people who think differently, believe differently, look differently, and live differently? What about their rights and privileges? What if "us and them" could become "us for them", or better yet, "just us"?
As in Euchre, sometimes we think we score the most points by going alone. We think we have no use for others, or at least not those who we see as different or lesser in some way. But what if that's just plain wrong? What if those are the people we most need in the journey of faith? How can we learn to live the gospel as mutuality?
When you're friends with someone on the opposite side of a belief than you, one of you is bound to get hurt. So how do we respond? How do we hold our convictions with grace, forgiveness, and understanding? What does it look like to live the gospel as peacemaking?
Jesus once said, "When you throw a party, don't invite your friends. Rather invite the homeless, the outcast, the stranger, and the down-and-outer." But did he really mean it? Doesn't that seem a bit ridiculous? But what if we could truly embrace the gospel as hospitality?
God is doing some incredible things in the lives of families, marriages, kids, and youth. As a church family, we want to share and celebrate what he's up to. Join us this Family Day weekend to be together as a church family and be inspired by the difference God wants to make in our own families.
After all is said and done, between the miracles and the mysteries, who is Jesus? How can we discover his true identity? What if we could see him for who he really is? And if we do, could that change everything?
Jesus is known as the most famous religious figure. But the truth is: he didn't always get along with the religious people of his day. So did he come to start a new religion? Is following Jesus about never breaking the rules?
Sometimes it seems like Jesus "works" for some people but not others - that he only helps 'religious people' or 'faithful churchgoers'. But is that who Jesus came for? Is everyone else left out? Who else is welcome to the table?
Jesus did some incredible things and even helped other people do incredible things too - walking on water as a prime example. But could Jesus really help me? Could Jesus really do incredible things in my life?
Jesus is known for miracles, maybe none more famous than feeding multitudes of people with only a few loaves of bread. But are these miracles really possible? And if so, what do they mean for us today?
God is doing some incredible things in the lives of families, marriages, kids, and youth. As a church family, we want to share and celebrate what he's up to. Join us this Family Day weekend to be together as a church family and be inspired by the difference God wants to make in our own families.
Christmas is a special time of year -- and not just because of the fun and festivities of the season -- but because it marks the occasion when God broke into the world in the form of a person, a person who has changed all of human history. As a church, we believe this incredible event calls for an incredible celebration, and that's why Christmas is special at Southridge. More than any other season, Christmas presents a unique opportunity to share the love of Jesus and the difference that he makes in our lives. So we invite you and your family to join us for Christmas at Southridge and we encourage you to bring along friends, neighbours, classmates, and co-workers!
Amidst all the debate and the myriad of beliefs, is there one conviction we can cling to more than any other? Is there one source of a love that is truly beyond belief? Is there one gospel that brings all this together?
Many prefer to live in a world where everything is black-and-white. But what do we do when even the Bible has grey areas? How do we know what is up for debate and what isn't? Can we do better than just agreeing to disagree on these matters?
There are as many opinions and interpretations on the Bible as there are people who have tried to read it. But is there anything we can all agree on? Are some truths more important than others? What would Jesus say is the greatest belief?
We hold few things more dearly than our beliefs. But what do we do when our convictions create conflicts? Does loving someone I disagree with mean compromising, or disregarding my beliefs altogether? Does what we believe really even matter?
With so many conflicting opinions, values, and philosophies, sometimes it seems like we're in a war of acceptance versus agreement, truth versus grace, and love versus belief. But can anyone really win? Where is Jesus in it all? What does it mean to love beyond belief?
It's been said that one of the greatest gifts is to be seen. But we cannot give what we haven't yet received. So what would it mean to receive this gift from God? How do we respond to the God who sees?
We are called to love, but sometimes it's hard to simply love better. But what if loving others has as much to do with our eyes as our hearts? What if seeing better means loving better too?
We all dream of winning the lottery, hitting the jackpot, or striking it big. Just imagine; anything would be possible; the sky is the limit. But what's it look like to hit the spiritual jackpot? What would you be willing to lose if it meant the ultimate spiritual gain? What is the one thing worth everything we'll ever have?
We live in a world of "now". Instant messages, instant coffee, instant downloads, and instant gratification. But what about the adages such as "good things come to those who wait" or "Rome wasn't built in a day"? How do we reconcile the instant with the slow and steady in our spiritual life? What is our hope for the future of God's kingdom?
Life isn't easy and doesn't always go the way we want, or even the way God would want for that matter. Why is that? If God wants to bring goodness and love into the world, why is there so much pain, struggle, and tension? What do we do with the weeds in the garden of life?
There's something fascinating about a farmer's ability to cultivate a crop out of the dust of the earth. But it's not always as easy as it looks. The quality of the soil affects the health of the harvest; bad soil equals bad results. But with good soil, with a rich and fertile source, the abundance is exponential. So what does this mean for our lives and ultimately our hearts when it comes to cultivating our faith in Jesus?
Everyone likes a good story... Except when that story is hard to understand. Jesus liked to teach through stories, but sometimes the lesson just wasn't clear. So what do we do with the parables of Jesus? How can we discover the mysteries of the greatest story ever told? What if we could find a hidden treasure worth more than we'll ever know?
We're kicking off the fall with Vision Sunday. Join us as we rally around the vision and heartbeat of our church for the season ahead. We believe Jesus is calling us to expand our love for him and our love for others like never before! We invite you to take part and consider, "How big can your heart get?"
Most people understand the Bible to represent a religion: a series of beliefs to be adopted and behaviours to be employed. But could there be something more to this ancient book? Could there be a greater mystery still being revealed on its pages? What if we could look beyond the scriptures and read between the lines of our Bibles to see "the Word" for what it really is?
Sometimes we treat the Bible like a rulebook: a clear cut guide for what's right and wrong in every situation. But what happens when the rules don't seem to apply or even conflict? After all, when Jesus was asked to clarify the most important rule, his answer made the interpretation of the rest of the rules a little more complicated. So how can we learn to obey and discern, understanding the rules but also the rationale?
Life is so much easier when we have all the answers, and for the most part, we expect the Bible to provide the answers we're looking for. But it seems the answers in scripture aren't always as cut and dried as we'd like them to be. After all, countless people draw countless conclusions from this same book. So how do we wrestle with these tensions? What do we do when we have more questions than answers?
Many skeptics have pointed out the discrepancies in the historical accounts of the Bible, while advocates for faith have worked hard at creating synergy and accounting for historical flaws in order to maintain the Bible's credibility. So what do we do when the "facts" of the Bible seem more like "fiction"? Should we discredit the Bible altogether? Or is there another explanation?
There's a long history of the debate between faith and science, and many people feel that the two are incompatible. But if God is a God of truth, and if faith and science are both intended to point to truth, shouldn't there be a better way? How do the science and the stories of scripture make sense of our world today?
Bible scholars estimate there were about 40 authors throughout history who contributed to the 66 books that make up the Bible. But isn't the Bible "God's Word", the "Holy Bible", and the "Sacred Scripture"? How do we reconcile the "holy" and "human" aspects of the Bible? How to we begin to read the Bible for all it's worth?
It's often been said that blood is thicker than water, meaning that family always comes first. But could there be ties that bind us closer than our own flesh and blood? How did Jesus relate to his family? And what would he say about the kind of people who should have our loyalty and allegiance?
Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Do you ever wish you could hear the audible voice of God? The Bible says that Jesus walked on water, healed disabilities and diseases, and even raised the dead! But what if these miracles are nothing compared to what we're supposed to experience as Christ's followers? Maybe the problem is that we're looking for signs and wonders in all the wrong places.
We've all been there: before we even realize our lips are moving, something stupid, senseless, or hurtful is coming out of our mouths. Are we just careless and clumsy, suffering from a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease? Or do our words reveal more about who we are than we realize? If the eyes are the window to the soul, maybe our mouths are the window to something deeper. Perhaps our foot is not the only body part getting stuck in our mouths.
Few of us would claim to having kept the Ten Commandments perfectly, never mind the more than six hundred other rules found in the Bible. (Have you ever worn a cotton-polyester shirt or eaten shrimp?!) But is Jesus' highest priority that we be fanatical rule-keepers? Or is there more to the story? Could there even be rules that are meant to be broken?
When our relationships are struggling and life gets messy, it's amazing how easy our family feels like a foe. Suddenly we find ourselves turning against the ones we hold most dear. But is our spouse or are our kids, parents, or siblings really the enemy? Shouldn't we be on the same team? What does it look like to choose your battle and fight for the future of your family?
Four of the most dreaded words in the relationship vocabulary: "We need to talk." Most of us are terrified when it comes to conflict-oriented, tension-filled, crucial conversations. But what if our ability to communicate is the make or break ingredient to a thriving family? How can we get better at communicating with our kids, parents, spouse, or siblings, especially when the stakes are high? Let's face it, "we need to talk".
Our family relationships would be so much easier if our spouse, kids, parents, or siblings weren't so difficult, right? If only they were better listeners, more attentive to our needs, and trying to be more of who we want them to be, then everything would be smooth sailing, wouldn't it? But what if the problem is closer to home? What if it starts by looking in the mirror? What if the key to healthy families starts by putting others first? Maybe it's time to say, "it's not you, it's me".
The picture perfect family. We've all seen them. Pinned on Pinterest, posted on Facebook, and smiling at church on Sunday. Meanwhile, we can't understand why our kids, siblings, parents, or spouse can't get their act together and start being a little more perfect themselves. But does the "picture perfect" family really exist? Or behind the highlight reel status updates and the family photo shoots are we wrestling with conflict, baggage, and families that are struggling to survive let alone thrive? Is there such a thing as "home sweet home"?
Even when we're doing our best to live for God and follow him, it's easy to turn back to old habits - habits that bring hurt, pain, and destruction to our lives and relationships. So how do we leave these old ways behind? How do we experience the healing, freedom, and forgiveness that God wants to provide? What does it take to turn from our ways?
It's easy to feel like prayer doesn't matter or make much of a difference, especially when we think we can get by just fine on our own. But if God is really God, wouldn't we live and pray as though everything depends on him? Wouldn't we orient our hearts around an ongoing relationship with him? What does it look like to pray in an 'only God' kind of way? What does it mean to turn our lives to prayer?
It's easy to feel like prayer doesn't matter or make much of a difference, especially when we think we can get by just fine on our own. But if God is really God, wouldn't we live and pray as though everything depends on him? Wouldn't we orient our hearts around an ongoing relationship with him? What does it look like to pray in an 'only God' kind of way? What does it mean to turn our lives to prayer?
If God up and disappeared from your life, would anybody notice? Would you notice? Many of us say that we believe in God and want to relate to God, but do we live like he actually exists? Do we live like he is the most important thing in our lives? Do we live like we desperately need him, day-by-day, moment-by-moment? If not, why not? What's getting in the way? Where should we turn to experience God for who he really is?
It's cute, or downright impressive, when we see kids excel at things that are often reserved for adults. Whether sports, arts, or academics, it's inspiring to see kids give it their all. But we tend to have lower expectations on these achievements, cause after all, it's not the 'big leagues'. But what if the 'big leagues' of faith actually look a lot more like the 'little leagues' of life? What if little league faith is the most heavy weight faith of all?
We've all done it: criticized or questioned the actions of others from a comfortable seat on the sidelines. Whether a backseat driver, water-cooler politician, or armchair quarterback, sometimes we think it's easier to make the 'right call' when we're not actually in the game (just ask Pete Carroll). But what happens when we treat our faith this way? And what would it look like to get off the sideline and into the game?
Easter Sunday marks the highpoint in the story of God, the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. But it's not just a story of the past, it's a story for our present. So what does this mean for us? What about the things in our lives that have died? Maybe our aspirations, our relationships, our identity, or our self-worth? Can these be brought from death to life? What does resurrection mean for us?
We live in a culture obsessed with the new and improved. From careers to cell phones, we're always looking for the next best thing. This is applies to our relationships. Whether grudges, irreconcilable differences, or matters of opinion, when the going gets tough in our friendships, marriages, and churches we're quick to get going in a search of something new. But what if we could stick together? What if when the going gets tough we knew that we weren't going anywhere? How can we experience relationships where loyalty and commitment is the norm rather than the exception?
Family is supposed to be a place of safety, a place where we are loved and accepted in spite of our quirks, flaws, and imperfections. But outside our families, we tend to keep these characteristics hidden, out of fear of rejection or ridicule. At the same time, we have a tendency to avoid, exclude, or lose patience with anyone who rubs us the wrong way or doesn't live up to our standard. But what if we could know that we're loved and embraced just the way we are? And what if we could be the kind of people who treated others the exact same way?
We've all heard stories of the parent who did whatever it took to see their kid succeed. From athletics to academics and everything in between, stories of high achievement are often backed by a family who pulled out all the stops. Maybe you've experienced this for yourself, or maybe you're wondering who will ever do this for you. But what if someone already has? And what if you have what it takes to be that person for someone else? How can we have the kind of relationships where we are in each other's corners?
We all take our earliest cues from the parents or family who raised us. For good and for bad, we tend to resemble, at least to some degree, the characteristics and behaviours that surrounded us. So how does this affect the relationships outside our family? How does this help or hurt the health of our friendships? And ultimately, who should we seek to resemble if want to experience relationships the way God always intended?
There is a lot in our world that competes for our attention and devotion, promising all sorts of rewards, benefits, and accolades. Every advertisement we come across promises something that will make our life better and more worth it. But what about a life of faith? As we've discovered, following Jesus comes with high demands? So what's the promise that makes a life of faith - a life of mission - worth it in the end?
Whether you're thinking of losing weight, going back to school, learning an instrument or language, it seems that anything worth doing is difficult. Faith can be that way too. Following Jesus isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it's downright hard. But what do we do when it seems too difficult? How can we stay the course when the road gets rough?
There's no worse feeling than not knowing what to say. Whether it's needing the right words in a time of crisis or grief or the impossible spiritual question from a co-worker, it's uncomfortable, humiliating, and even terrifying when our mind draws a blank and our tongue gets tied. Sometimes we'd rather say nothing and be thought a fool, than open our mouths and remove all doubt. What if we could have the right response at just the right time? What would it take to live with the confidence that helps us get "tongue untied"?
There's plenty in life that we put off until we're financially "established" - going to school, getting married, having kids, traveling, embracing a hobby, or starting a business. Sometimes we even do this with our faith: pursuing our calling, just as soon as we are out of debt, working full time, have some savings, or retire. But can Jesus' mission really wait until our finances are in order? What does it look like to "be responsible" AND "be radical" in our devotion to Jesus?
Have you ever been given a task that seemed way over your head? In these situations, we've all made excuses as to why we can't do it. I don't have what it takes. I don't know the right people. I'm too ordinary. But what if being ordinary is exactly what Jesus is looking for? What if the most critical mission depends on the most ordinary people? What if Jesus is looking for someone just like you?
When you look at the world, what do you see? What stands out? What catches your attention? We all see the world through a particular lens that affects how we think, how we feel, and ultimately, how we live. So how did Jesus look at the world? What did he see and how did it make him feel? What does it look like to open our eyes to the mission before us?
Christmas is a wonderful time of year to celebrate an incredible story. But sometimes stories don't seem like enough. Sometimes words can only go so far. After all, aren't we really looking for a 'show me, don't tell me' kind of faith? A 'show me, don't tell me' kind of love? A 'show me, don't tell me' kind of God? This Christmas, why not let actions speak louder than words?!
We all like to know when we've done something helpful. Whether it's the money we give, the time we volunteer, or the causes we promote, it's a good feeling to be charitable. But what if our helpful intentions lead to unhelpful consequences more than we realize? Is it possible that our help can be both good and bad? How do we know when our helping might hurt? And what does it look like to love, serve, and help in a way that actually helps?
Our culture has an incredible influence on our lifestyle - from how we spend our time and money, to whom we choose to hang out with, to how we pursue careers and past-times. Usually these influences promise excitement and fulfillment, but often result in mundane motions that make us feel more like we're running on a treadmill than living life to the fullest. So what would it look like to really embrace a life of adventure? How can we know that our lives are making a difference? How would things change if we lived every moment of every day like a hometown missionary?
When we think of a "missionary" we tend to think of someone who has abandoned the North American way of life to move to a remote and needy part of the world in order to bring help that wouldn't be there without them. We tend to think of these "missionaries" as having a high calling, and for the most part, we're comfortable leaving the missionary stuff to those who have received "the call". But what if being a missionary is the one thing that every Jesus-follower should have in common? What if being a missionary looks drastically different than we think? What does it mean to be a "hometown missionary"?
We live in a culture of comparison. Against a variety of standards, whether economic, social, moral, or ethical, we're constantly evaluating those who measure up and those who don't in our "humble" opinion. We even do this to ourselves, regularly wrestling with questions about whether we're in or out from other people's perspectives. But is this how Jesus looks at us? Who does he consider to be 'acceptable' or the 'in crowd'? What do we do if we don't feel like we measure up? And what does it look like to embrace his version of acceptance?
We live in a culture of comparison. Against a variety of standards, whether economic, social, moral, or ethical, we're constantly evaluating those who measure up and those who don't in our "humble" opinion. We even do this to ourselves, regularly wrestling with questions about whether we're in or out from other people's perspectives. But is this how Jesus looks at us? Who does he consider to be 'acceptable' or the 'in crowd'? What do we do if we don't feel like we measure up? And what does it look like to embrace his version of acceptance?
For the most part, we like to maintain control of our lives and manage our lifestyles in order to make sure that everything is just the way we like it. We have a vision of the "good life" and we know what it takes to get it. Is that true of our life with Jesus as well? Though we may believe that Jesus offers a superior way of life, how much would we prefer that he doesn't interfere with our own. What happens when Jesus's way disrupts our way, when his agenda interferes with our agenda? What if allowing Jesus to turn my world right side up means turning my world upside down? Would I still be ok if Jesus's way changes absolutely everything?
We've all experienced the 'storms of life'. Whether a dismissal or a diagnosis, a breakup or a breakdown, a crisis or a curve ball, none of us are immune to what life may throw our way, and none of us are truly prepared when it does. Sometimes in these moments it can feel like Jesus is asleep at the switch, slow to respond, maybe even blissfully unaware of our problems. Where is Jesus when the storms of life hit? How can we have faith when life goes off the rails? Where can we find peace in the midst of chaos? How do we trust when all hope seems lost?
When we want something bad enough, we're willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Whether it means forking over a few more dollars for the latest model, working extra hours to earn the promotion, embracing new hobbies to impress that special someone, or pulling the all-nighter to ace the exam, when something of value is on the line, we do whatever it takes. But is that true when it comes to following Jesus? Though we want what Jesus has to offer, do we prefer to keep the relationship on our terms, maximizing the benefits and minimizing the cost? What would it look like to follow him on his terms?
The identity of Jesus, who he really was and what he really did, is one of the perennial questions of thoughtful people, one that seems to resurface in new ways in every era. Some people imagine Jesus as a great teacher, others as a fiery prophet. Still others think of Jesus as an amazing miracle worker or a spiritual guru or an inspiring example. Who does the Bible portray Jesus to be? And what difference does it make to us? How does the question of Jesus's identity change how we respond to him?
The question is often asked, how is believing in a man who lived and died two thousand years ago relevant to my life today? Does who Jesus is and what he did still have any impact on our time, our culture, our lives, and our future? Why should we bother trusting in him or try to follow his lead and emulate his example? What difference will it make if we do?
First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?
First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?
First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?
Jesus said that whoever believes in him will be saved. But he also said that unless we leave our old life behind and follow him we won't experience all he has to offer. So do we have a choice between salvation and surrender? Does God love and accept us only if we change? What if God loves us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us there?
Some people say they love Jesus but have no need for the church. Others seem to think that their faith depends on participation and involvement in a faith community. So which is it? Can I follow Jesus all on my own? What does my faith have to do with everybody else?
Christianity is about everyone believing the exact same thing, right? Then why does there seem to be so much disagreement among denominations and different churches, let alone people within the same faith community? What do we do when we can't all agree?
When it comes to faith, some people seem to think that everything is black and white. Others seem to suggest that everything is grey. So how do we ease the tension between the absolutes and the grey areas? How do we find God in the black, white, and the grey?
Sometimes it feels like life just happens. Day after day much is beyond our control so we simply eat, sleep, work, and go with the flow. But what if we looked at our lives as an endless series of choices being made in every moment of every day? What if we are constantly faced with the choice to follow Jesus' footsteps or not? You have a choice... What will you choose?
The difference between right and wrong has been debated throughout history, often resulting in countless "dos" and "don'ts" that must be carefully adhered to. But is navigating a laundry list of rules in every decision and interaction really the way to live? What if there's a simpler way to get things right?
A life devoted to the teachings of Jesus is a tall order. When you discover Jesus' high standard for our behaviours as well as our attitudes, perspectives, and motives, it can seem nearly impossible to live up to. But what if there's a key to unlocking a Jesus-shaped life? What if there's a simple solution to getting this right? What if we could find everything we need to follow everything Jesus said?
There's no use putting lipstick on a pig. No matter how much you dress it up, it's going to roll around in its own slop and filth, ruining any attempts to improve its image. So why do we think we can dress up sin to make it appear as something better than it is? What if we saw ourselves as the precious pearl that we are; would we be less careless with the treasure we've been given? Hear what Jesus has to say about why pearls have no place on pigs.
Sometimes the smallest cuts can hurt the most. And like a tiny sliver, the small issues in our lives can consume our full attention, so much so that we don't even notice the very large issues that threaten our spiritual well-being. As Jesus teaches us how to deal with the sin in our lives, he reminds us to not miss the forest for the trees by focusing on the slivers and forgetting the stumps.
A walk in the woods can be very peaceful. As the birds sing and the animals play, there's no anxiety about where their next meal will come from. Trees and flowers grow big and beautiful without so much as a thought about self-improvement. Most living things enjoy such a carefree existence that it makes you wonder if we, humans, have got it all wrong. We labour and strive, hurry and stress, piling up worry upon worry. But are we any better for it? Perhaps we have something to learn from the birds and the trees.
Most of us are totally confused when it comes to knowing how much to spend, save, or invest wisely. We all want to get ahead, but these days it seems you need a whole lot more, just to have enough. The more you earn, the more you get taxed. The nicer your house or car, the more you pay for upkeep and insurance. All the while, our assets depreciate and our interest is devoured by inflation. But believe it or not, Jesus has invaluable advice about protecting your investments from the gnawing and nibbling of moths and mice.
There is one thing we all have in common: a mother. For some our mom means fond memories of a nurturing and caring spirit, for others, our relationship with our mom was defined by difficulties and challenges. But whatever the case, we all share a picture and desire for who only a mom can be in our lives: and it may be the toughest job on the planet. So how do we best honour our moms on a day like Mother's Day? What can we learn about God from our moms? Does God really have a maternal side?
Having given His life on the cross and then risen from the dead, Jesus rallied His newly inspired followers around a brand new vision for life on earth. It was a vision defined by all-consuming, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. He commissioned this fledgling community to change the world, even predicting that the impact of their love would exceed His own. It's hard to imagine how this could possibly be true. Could Jesus love us this much to include us in His vision? But what if Jesus' prediction could come true in our day and age, in our lives?
Having given His life on the cross and then risen from the dead, Jesus rallied His newly inspired followers around a brand new vision for life on earth. It was a vision defined by all-consuming, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. He commissioned this fledgling community to change the world, even predicting that the impact of their love would exceed His own. It's hard to imagine how this could possibly be true. Could Jesus love us this much to include us in His vision? But what if Jesus' prediction could come true in our day and age, in our lives?
His message was misunderstood; His miracles were forgotten. He was rejected, betrayed, and abandoned, and was ultimately executed as a common criminal. But what happened next changed everything! The resurrection was His greatest miracle and is the defining moment in all of history. It is also what separates Christianity from every religion, philosophy, and way of life. But what do the events of the first Easter Sunday mean for us today? How does the resurrection affect our daily lives?
"This is the last time... I promise!" The heart-felt but hollow words of a person who has messed up again. It's easy to write each other off, especially when we make the same mistakes over and over again. So, what happens to God's love for us when we constantly disregard, disrespect, and disappoint Him? How can we be sure He still loves us after all we've done?
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you love the image staring back at you, or do you only see all the flaws and shortcomings? When we focus on our errors and imperfections, it's hard to see how anyone could love us... especially God. But what does He see when He looks at us? Are we His biggest mistake, or His greatest masterpiece?
It's a classic movie scene: the plane is going down, and as a last resort, the otherwise agnostic character suddenly prays to God for help. What is it about being in trouble that turns our attention to prayer? And does God actually tune in to hear these distress calls? What if we were aware of the darkness and desperation all around us? Would we turn to prayer and find deliverance?
The "Jesus Prayer" is one of the most commonly recited prayers around the world. It simply asks, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." For many of us, the most natural thing to ask God for in prayer is forgiveness. We've all made mistakes; we all need a second chance. But is there a way to ensure that God will show us mercy? How can we guarantee that our sins will be forgiven?
Have you ever secretly prayed to win the lottery, get a promotion, or have your favourite sports team win? When we pray, the Bible tells us, "ask and it shall be given." So why don't we always get what we ask for? Why is my wish list still unfulfilled? Is there some secret to getting what you want from God? How do we get our requests to the top of God's "to do" list?
We often view prayer as a way of persuading God to act on our behalf, to see things from our perspective, solve our problems, and steer our circumstances. It's almost as if we treat prayer like it's God's suggestion box. But does God ever really change His plans because of our prayers? Can we actually influence His decisions? Is prayer about convincing God to advance our agenda, or does it have a higher purpose?
It's natural to want to make a name for yourself. Our name represents who we are, our reputation, our character, and status. For instance, God is called by many names: Jesus, the Almighty, the Lord, and the Man Upstairs, just to name a few. But does it matter how we refer to him? Or her? Or it? Does God have a preference? And why should we care about God's name anyway?
What would it look like if nobody was lonely? What would it be like if everyone in our neighbourhoods, schools, sports teams, families, and churches felt like they belonged and had friends who really care for them? What would it feel like if each person who came to Southridge was included into a community of meaningful and authentic relationships? And what if God is inviting each of us to be part of shaping this reality?
In our relationships, the opportunity to invest in the life of a child is so important. The job of parents is to provide for physical, mental, and emotional needs, but making a positive spiritual influence in the life of a child is the job of the church, right? Or is it? What if there's a way for the church and the family to work together to fight for the spiritual future of the next generation?
Some of us feel like the job of inviting and including people into our social circle is best left to someone else: the extravert, the people person, or the leader-type. But what if God has a very distinct purpose for each one of us as part of His plan to include outsiders? What if God actually needs you to play a specific role in inviting others into His way of life? What if we could finally see ourselves the way Jesus does?
There are many things that get in the way of including people in our lives. If we're honest, we all have a tendency to make judgments on the people around us, and these judgments often lead to excuses of why we're better off keeping certain people at a distance. But what if we saw people the way God does? What if we saw people the way Jesus looks at us? That might change everything about who and how we include.
The heart of God pursues us, invites us, and includes us in an incredible way of life; a life of freedom, abundance, and purpose. In fact, God won't stop at anything to include us in His plan and His purpose for the world. And God's greatest invitation might just be for us to imitate and reflect His heart for inclusion to those around us. So what would it look like if we could embrace the heart of a God who always includes?
We live like no one ever has. We have so much at our fingertips: so much food, entertainment, technology, information, and choice. So much of everything. It's hard to resist the impulse to overindulge. And when we see people intentionally going without, they tend to stand out. We admire those who live without a cell phone, without TV, without two cars, without... And when it's done for reasons of faith, they seem like radicals or saints, people who are really "going for it " with God. But is this what God wants? What does Jesus have to say about our fasting?
It's better to give than to receive, especially when other people notice, isn't it? Whether it's the name on a new building, a plaque on the wall, a "thank you" in a speech, or a paper heart at the checkout line, we all appreciate being recognized for making a donation or supporting a cause. It's nice to have those efforts rewarded, to feel like what you gave mattered. But what if there's a greater reward for our giving? What does it look like for God to "like" our giving?
It's better to give than to receive, especially when other people notice, isn't it? Whether it's the name on a new building, a plaque on the wall, a "thank you" in a speech, or a paper heart at the checkout line, we all appreciate being recognized for making a donation or supporting a cause. It's nice to have those efforts rewarded, to feel like what you gave mattered. But what if there's a greater reward for our giving? What does it look like for God to "like" our giving?
The Christmas season is full of traditions. From trimming the tree to putting up lights, from carolling with neighbours to attending the office party, from baking ginger bread to re-gifting fruitcake, the holiday season has no shortage of memorable and repeatable festivities. But what's the point of all these traditions? Where do they come from and what do they mean? Is it possible that in the midst of our traditions we can lose sight of the reason for the season? What would it look like to get "untraditional" this Christmas?
At some level, everybody has an "us" and "them" reality. There are people who are "for" me, that have my back and are in my corner, and there are people who are "against" me. Maybe it's a feuding family member. Maybe an ex who lives to see you suffer. Maybe a boss or a teacher who, for some reason, has your number. Or maybe a friend who has disowned you. So what do we do with the "them's" of our world? How does Jesus expect us to treat our enemies?
Have you ever been hurt by someone so badly that you just had to have revenge? Because of the way you were treated, the only restitution was to get back at them in the same way. Sometimes this seems right, just, and fair, doesn't it? But is this really the best way to respond? Is getting revenge actually a better way to live? How does Jesus expect us to react when we're mistreated?
Are you an honest person? I think most of us would say we are. But what if truth telling isn't as common as we'd like to think? One study suggests that the average person lies once every three minutes! If that's the case, why are we compelled to avoid the truth? Why do we fudge the facts even when we have little to gain and much to lose? What does Jesus have to say about telling the truth?
Despite the feeling we get from the average romantic comedy, falling in love is hard. But staying in love is an accomplishment of epic proportions. Anyone who's been in love, is in love, wants to be in love or has seen someone in love knows it's true. And you've watched some relationships beat the odds while others haven't. So what does it take to overcome the odds? What does Jesus say about living out a commitment to love?
"Sex sells." In our day, that phrase is less of a marketing truism, and more of a philosophy of life. It's what it means to live in the Western world. We're a sexual culture, on the big screen and on little screens, in novels and video games, in print, online, in ads, and music videos. So what is all this "sex" doing to our hearts? What does it mean to follow Jesus with our sex lives?
Many of us live with tension-filled relationships. Someone has hurt you and the wound festers. Someone has misunderstood you and nurses a grudge. Or you've accidentally hurt someone and their anger is simmering just beneath the surface. But in all this tension, you've never lashed out. Instead, you've done your best to keep it all inside. This is what Jesus wants, right? Or is it? Let's get to the heart of our anger.
Imagine the most religious person you know, someone you look up to because of how good and devout they are. What is it about them that you admire? Maybe it's their vast knowledge of the Bible or their eloquent prayers. Maybe it's their perfect marriage or perfect kids. Or maybe they just seem perfect in every way. Now what if Jesus said, that in order to please him, you have to be even better than they are? Is that even possible? How could Jesus expect that from us? What is it that Jesus is really after? Maybe it's what's inside that really counts.
We believe that Jesus is the hope of the world and that He is bringing this hope to the world through the local church. It's an incredible adventure that is for you, me, and us together. When it comes to bringing hope to the global poor and marginalized, we also believe that God has a profound plan and purpose for the Southridge community, using us in a unique and powerful way to make a world-changing impact. Join us as we conclude our Hope Lives series by sharing the heart and vision of our global missions strategy, and discovering how each of us can live like "Good Samaritans" and global missionaries!
It's easy to find ourselves using "us" and "them" language when we think about different people. Too often we can find ourselves using this language as it relates to those who happen to be living on the margins or appear to be in great need. But what makes us think that there are so many barriers between us? What would it be like to see one another differently? What if we were to get rid of "us" and "them"? When we learn to live like a "Good Samaritan" we'll begin to realize that we're all the same!
In both the good and the bad, and the ups and the downs, we are faced with a choice. We can become bitter and entitled, or we can choose contentment and gratitude. Together, we want to embrace the heart of a "Good Samaritan" to love and serve others, and in the process, find unending joy. Don't miss our Thanksgiving celebration as we express gratitude to God and hear incredible stories about how He is changing lives in our community. Let's all make the choice to be thankful this weekend!
Most of us in Niagara probably consider ourselves to be somewhere in the middle class. We've generally got what we need, but often feel like we could use a little more as we try to keep up with the "Joneses". But is this really what life is about? What if, instead of competing with our neighbours, we began to care for our neighbours? Join us as we kick-off our Hope Lives series by unpacking the idea of the "Good Samaritan" and what it means to become more like one.
A life of fitness demands commitment, and there's no greater way to solidify our commitment than to go public with it. When we set big, audacious goals and declare them to our friends and family, we make a commitment to not just get in shape but to embrace a lifestyle of fitness. So at the end of this series, we want to set spiritual goals and embrace a lifestyle of spiritual fitness together. Join us as we cap off "Boot Camp" in style with a baptism celebration!
When it comes to getting in shape, training partners are critical to success. When you train by yourself, you limit your transformation to your own ability, performance, and perspective. But when you have a training partner to provide encouragement and accountability, the potential for growth and transformation is incredible. So what does that look like in our spiritual lives? How can we train together toward spiritual fitness?
Anyone who has tried to lose a few pounds knows that it takes discipline. Discipline to stop eating certain foods and start eating others. Discipline to get off the couch and onto the treadmill. The truth is, when we want to mature and develop an area of our life we generally require structure and routine to help us. So what does this look like in our spiritual life? What kinds of disciplines do we need to adopt and how do we go about developing them?
We live in a culture that tends to value a healthy lifestyle. People spend time and money at the gym, on diet programs, in exercise regimes, all in an effort to get in or stay in good physical condition. But what about spiritual fitness? Should we care about that as well? What does it look like to value our spiritual health?
At the end of the day, callings can be tough to discern and can, at times, be even harder to live out. So what do we do with that? Where do we go from here? What if we thought we were "called" to one thing and now we think we might be "called" to another? Let's unpack some of the common complexities surrounding callings.
God has a specific plan and purpose for every single one of us. But how do we know if we're living it out? How do we determine what our calling is? What if you're missing out on God's purpose for your life? Let's take the mystery out of what it means to embrace God's unique call on your life.
There is an invitation from God that has been extended to every single person who has ever walked on planet earth. A call to participate in a plan that is literally changing the world. It's a call that is profound, yet simple? Beyond our imagination, yet right within our grasp? Readily accessible, yet too often abandoned? It is a call for you. It is a call for me. It is a call for all of us together. Let's answer the call!
Most of us aren't "called by God", are we? I mean, how can you really know if He has placed a calling on your life? I suppose if you're a priest, pastor, saint, or missionary then surely God must have a calling on your life. But what about the rest of us? Do we have a calling? In our gut, don't we all desire to fulfill our destiny and leave a legacy? What do we do with this deep longing and desire in our heart?
Blessed are those who mourn. Is that really true? How could that be? Nobody wants to deal with pain, grief, or sadness. But what if there's an upside to being in a state of brokenness? Let's embrace the downside up good news for "the mourners".
When life feels hopeless and you realize that you're spiritually bankrupt, that's when you're ready for God's Kingdom. Because God is all you need when God is all you've got. Let's embrace the downside up good news for "the poor in spirit".