Community Church: Recent Episodes
Community Church, Long Island
It’s easy to turn faith into a scorecard. Do the right things. Follow the rules. Be a good person. And somewhere along the way, we can start believing that our performance is what earns us something from God.
But the story of the older brother reminds us that the Father was never looking for perfect performance. He wants relationship.
Because you can follow all the rules and still miss the heart of the Father. What He wants most isn’t what you do for Him—it’s you.
We often think we have to get our lives together before we can come back to God. Change first. Clean ourselves up. Become someone better.
But Jesus tells a different story.
No matter how far you've wandered, your Father isn't waiting with crossed arms—He's waiting with open arms. He isn't asking you to fix yourself before you come home. He simply wants you.
Because His grace is greater than your past, and His love never runs out.
We're all building something with the way we live.
Jesus invites us to live with eternity in mind—to use our time, gifts, resources, influence, and the way we treat others to bring a glimpse of God's kingdom into the world around us.
The choices we make today may seem ordinary, but they have the potential to leave an eternal impact.
It's easy to focus on what someone has done to us. But Jesus reminds us that on the other side of the hurt is a person deeply loved by God—someone with a story, struggles, and a need for grace, just like us.
Forgiveness isn't just for their sake—it's for ours too. When we choose empathy over resentment, we make room for healing, freedom, and relationships that reflect the heart of Jesus.
We tend to overlook the small things. The small decisions, brief conversations, simple acts of kindness, or moments that seem insignificant at the time.
But Jesus often pointed to ordinary things to reveal extraordinary truths. A mustard seed may seem small, but it carries the potential for far more than anyone would expect.
Sometimes the things that feel insignificant today become the very things God uses in a significant way tomorrow. Because when God is involved, small beginnings can lead to something much greater than we can see.
Relationships in this life often feel transactional. We bring something to the table, prove our worth, and earn our place.
But Jesus paints a very different picture. One that isn't built on what you can do for Him, what you've accomplished, or what you have to offer. The invitation of Jesus is surprisingly simple: come as you are. Not with a perfect track record or an impressive résumé, but with your whole self. Because what He wants most isn't what you bring—it's you.
Some passages make us pause. They seem confusing, uncomfortable, or hard to reconcile with the God we know. Sometimes what first appears harsh or confusing reveals something deeper when we stay with it long enough. And maybe that's true of some seasons in life, too.
Maybe you're waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, or a prayer that feels unanswered. While things don't always unfold the way we hope, we're reminded that God is still good, we can trust Him, and one day all things will be made right.
Until then, there can be purpose in the waiting.
Faith can feel intimidating when we think it requires certainty, confidence, or having it all figured out.
But Jesus points to something much smaller—a mustard seed. A reminder that faith isn't about how much we have, but where we place it.
Sometimes we struggle to believe that change is possible, that God can work in our circumstances, or that He can do something meaningful in us. Yet Jesus sees more in us than we often see in ourselves. He specializes in taking small beginnings and doing what seems impossible.
Because sometimes all it takes is a mustard seed of faith to trust that God is still at work.
Following Jesus often sounds inspiring—until we come across a teaching that feels costly.
If God is truly good, if He is for us, and if He can be trusted, then His invitations aren't leading us away from life—they're leading us into it. Sometimes the hardest teachings of Jesus begin to make more sense when we view them through the lens of God's character rather than our fears.
Because trusting God means believing that what He asks of us is ultimately for our good, even when we don't fully understand it.
You know those passages we highlight, memorize, and come back to again and again. And then there are the ones we skip. The verses that confuse us, make us uncomfortable, or seem impossible to reconcile with the God we know.
When we come across a verse that doesn't seem to fit, it's important to remember what we already know to be true about God: He is good. Sometimes understanding a difficult passage begins not with having all the answers, but with holding firmly to that truth as we continue asking questions and seeking understanding.
It’s easy to focus on what’s frustrating, disappointing, or not going the way we hoped. Complaining can become so normal that we don’t even notice how much it shapes our perspective.
But Jesus invites us to hold firmly to the good—to live with gratitude, grace, and an awareness of what we’ve already been given.
Because what we continually focus on doesn’t just shape our attitude… it shapes the way we experience life and the people around us.
We often hold back encouragement because we’re thinking about the short term. What if it’s awkward? What if they don’t respond the way we hoped? What if it feels uncomfortable to say out loud?
But encouraging words have the power to do something much deeper over time. They can shape confidence, strengthen people, and remind someone they’re seen and valued in moments they may need it most.
And it doesn’t just change the other person—it changes our relationships too. Because the words we choose to speak today can help cultivate the kind of connection we experience tomorrow.
We live in a world where words are thrown around casually, promises are broken, and honesty can feel optional. But Jesus teaches that our words are meant to carry weight.
He invites us to become people of honesty and integrity—people whose words can be trusted. Not just in the big moments, but in the everyday conversations and commitments that shape our relationships.
Because when our words lose their weight, trust begins to disappear with them.
Our thoughts move fast. Reactions come even faster. And if we’re not careful, what we think in a moment can shape what we say—and how we show up in our relationships.
Jesus invites us to pause. To pay attention to what we’re thinking, and to take our thoughts captive before they turn into words.
Because even a brief moment of awareness—asking why am I thinking this? and do I want to respond from here?—can begin to change the direction of a conversation.
Try it: think about what you think about.
We all have things we’d rather keep hidden. Things we justify, ignore, or hope will just go away on their own.
But what if holding onto it is actually what’s keeping us stuck?
Jesus invites us into a different way—one marked by honesty and confession. Not to shame us, but to free us. Because bringing things into the light doesn’t just bring healing to others… it brings freedom to us.
Confession isn’t weakness. It’s the beginning of real change.
Conflict is inevitable. Misunderstandings happen. People say things they don’t mean—or don’t say what we needed to hear. The question isn’t if conflict will come, but how we choose to handle it when it does.
Jesus invites us to approach conflict differently—not with defensiveness or assumptions, but with humility, honesty, and a desire to restore.
This week, we walk through a better way forward:
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Check your motive.
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Check your story.
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Share your motive.
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Share your story.
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Listen to their story.
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Own your part (even if it’s just 1%).
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Ask for what you need.
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Take action and follow-up.
Because it’s not about being right—it’s about getting it right together.
We’ve all felt it—the weight of words. The ones spoken over us, and the ones we speak to others.
Jesus calls us to recognize the power our words carry—that they can speak life, or cause more damage than we realize. He invites us to slow down and consider the person in front of us, the moment we’re in, and what’s actually needed to build others up.
Because our words don’t just reflect what’s happening inside us… they help shape what happens next.
What do you actually lose if you lose sight of Easter?
For some people, Easter is everything — it shapes how they see every day. For others, it's more like an annual tradition: you go, you eat, you move on.
This message explores three parts of the Easter story that bring three real questions to the surface.
Questions that — whether you grew up in church or haven't been in years — you've probably felt before, even if you didn't have the words for them.
Can I trust him? Does any of this actually matter? And what does it mean for right now?
If your faith has weak spots, if you're someone who could take or leave Easter, or if you've always believed but you're not sure you know why — this one's for you.
Happy Easter from Community Church.
In Part Three of Unnecessary, we’re faced with a question we don’t always like to answer — who are we really letting lead our lives?
We’re used to calling the shots, protecting ourselves, and making our own way. But what if real life starts when we stop trying to be our own king?
What if letting go isn’t losing control, but finally trusting the One who actually knows what’s best for us?
In Part Two of Unnecessary, we look at a moment in the Gospel of John where a woman burdened by shame encounters Jesus.
Instead of avoiding her or shaming her like everyone else around her, Jesus meets her with kindness, patience and compassion. What is even more striking is how he treats her so differently even though he already knows exactly what's causing her shame.
In Part One of Unnecessary, we’re exploring a question many people live with — is Jesus necessary, or just an optional addition to life?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd — someone who knows His sheep, cares for them, and leads them toward life. Not as an extra or a “nice-to-have,” but as the one who actually guides and sustains us.
Jesus isn’t meant to be the cherry on top of an already full life. He invites us into a real relationship with Him — one where we’re known, led, and cared through that relationship, He promises something deeper: life to the full, here and now.
In Part 8, Jesus describes two paths — one wide and easy, and one narrow that leads to life. Many choose the easy road, but Jesus invites us to something deeper.
He challenges us to look beyond what we say we believe and consider how we’re actually living. A life shaped by His words is one that’s lived out, not just agreed with.
The good life Jesus describes is built intentionally — choosing the path that leads to something real and lasting.
In Part 7, Jesus speaks directly to the way we judge others. It’s easy to compare, critique, and measure the people around us. But He invites us to look inward before pointing outward — to examine our own hearts first.
This isn’t about perfection; it’s about humility. When we release judgment, we make room for grace — for others and for ourselves. The good life begins not with fixing everyone else, but with taking responsibility for what’s happening inside of us.
In Part 6 of The Good Life series, we continue through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and step into one of His most challenging invitations — how we relate to money, security, and trust.
We all feel the pull to hold tight, to protect, to make sure we’ll be okay. But what if the good life Jesus describes feels lighter than that? What if freedom from worry is connected to something we’ve been gripping too tightly?
This isn’t just about finances. It’s about the heart — what we believe about God, about provision, and about where our security really comes from.
In Part 5 of The Good Life series, we turn our attention to the prayer Jesus gave us — often called The Lord’s Prayer or Our Father.
For many of us, these words are deeply familiar. But what if we’ve been moving too quickly past something that was meant to shape us more than we realized? There’s a depth here that’s easy to miss.
This week’s challenge:
Pray The Lord’s Prayer three times a day — morning, midday, and evening. Let it reshape your perspective on who God really is and notice what begins to change.
In Part 4 of The Good Life series, we explore a shift from living for approval to living from a deeper place of relationship.
It invites us to consider how the quiet, unseen parts of our lives shape our hearts, and how where we place our attention slowly forms our sense of value, peace, and purpose.
The good life Jesus describes isn’t built on being noticed or getting it right—it’s formed in the hidden moments that draw us closer to God.
This week’s challenge:
For seven days, do one intentional thing each day that’s just between you and God. No credit. No recognition. Simply notice what it does in you.
In this week's bonus content, we're diving into Jesus' teaching on the weight of words. We're looking at the profound impact of choosing to value the truth and exploring how to build a foundation of trust and integrity in our daily lives.
⭐️ More Resources – https://communitychurch.net/the-good-life
What do you do when someone pushes your buttons, takes advantage of you, or treats you unfairly?
In Part 3 of The Good Life series, we explore one of Jesus’ most challenging and often misunderstood teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. This message invites us to rethink our natural reactions and consider a different way forward when relationships get tense.
Jesus paints a picture of a life that is deeper, stronger, and more hopeful than simply getting even or shutting down. It is not easy, but it might be the kind of life we are actually longing for.
When it comes to the good life, how you handle the what's in the Bible is just as important as what's in the Bible. This week, we're talking about the role of the rules.
We're talking about the unique place of the Sermon on the Mount in ancient history and the people Jesus referred to as "blessed." If you missed the message from this weekend, you're going to want to watch that first.
👉 https://youtu.be/9i-qmVcmd9w?si=RzH87M7Vp2kYBB3D
We’re starting a brand new series on what might be the most influential set of teachings in human history. They’ve shaped how people think about meaning, purpose, and what the good life actually looks like. This week, we’re looking at how this message fits into the larger story of Scripture and why it matters for us today.
God’s love for you is so big that He gave everything so you could have life—real, full, abundant life that starts right now, not just someday later. Life filled with purpose, peace, joy, and closeness with Him today.
Know this, He wants more for you than just getting by—He wants you to thrive in the richness of trusting Him, starting this very moment.
What would “life to the full” look like for you today?
Faith grows in more practical ways than you might think. This week, we're taking a closer look at five things that have the potential to jump start the growth of your faith.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether or not God is real—but whether or not God is good? To celebrate our sixth birthday, we're asking one of the questions that started it all.
Christmas gets loud fast. Lights, trees, movies, shopping, parties, traditions, the same songs on repeat. And at some point, a fair question shows up: What is all of this for?
In this Christmas message, we start there, with the December chaos and a story that makes the question impossible to ignore. And then we look at one unexpected part of the Christmas story that has a way of pulling people in or pushing them away, depending on how you understand it.
If you’ve ever felt like faith is mostly about what’s required of you, this is worth a listen.
Does it feel like there's a hero in your story? If not, why not? This weekend, we're talking about the importance of understanding the heat of the threat. What exactly does Jesus offer to save people from?
Mary didn't want a manger in her story. It wasn’t meant to be the centerpiece.. It was the last stop in a long line of things going wrong, the proof that none of this happened under ideal conditions. And that’s exactly where God showed up.
The Magi were people who didn’t fit the mold, didn’t have the right background, and weren’t following all the rules. Yet somehow, they’re invited straight into the center of the story. The first Christmas wasn’t polished or predictable. It was messy, surprising, and full of people you'd never expect to see. But maybe that's the point...
When life gets confusing and faith feels thin, is there a play you can run that gives you the best chance of making it through the depths of your doubt?
That’s the tension driving this message. We look at the moment Thomas hits the lowest point of his spiritual life, and yet finds a way forward — not by getting all the answers, not by forcing certainty, but by doing one simple thing most of us overlook.
If you’re in a season where something God said would be true hasn’t shown up in your life yet, this is for you.
We all face moments when the waves feel louder than God’s voice. Not because we don’t believe in Him—but because we’re not sure He can really work through us.
In this message, we look at Peter walking on water and see doubt for what it really is: not a flaw, but an invitation. Peter didn’t question Jesus’ power—he questioned his own ability to do what Jesus called him to do. And that’s where most of our doubt lives too. Real faith isn’t pretending the waves aren’t there. It’s choosing to look at Jesus anyway. Doubt doesn’t disqualify you. In fact, it might be the very thing that drives you closer.
Key takeaway:
The waves are not proof that you can’t—they’re the backdrop where Jesus shows you that you can.
Try this:
Don’t ignore the area where you feel most unsure. Bring it to God honestly. Pray, “Lord, if You’re calling me, give me the courage to step out.” Then take one small step—have the conversation, apply for the thing, say yes to the nudge you’ve been resisting. See what happens when you trust Him more than the waves.
Life can take unexpected turns. In John 11, Martha and Mary both trust Jesus, yet neither can make sense of His timing or what feels like absence. Their beliefs and emotions collide with loss, and everything feels off-balance. What do you do when what you know about God doesn’t seem to fit with what you're experiencing?
Key takeaway:
When circumstances create doubt, hold on to who Jesus is, not just what you hoped He would do.
Try this:
Name one area where life hasn’t gone as expected. Tell God honestly how that makes you feel. Then reread John 11 and notice how Jesus meets each sister differently, because He meets you that way too.
We all have questions we can’t quite shake. Some come from curiosity, others from skepticism. In this message, we explore why doubt isn’t something to hide but something to engage. In the book of Acts, we see how one group of people didn’t just accept what they heard—they questioned it. Real faith isn’t blind belief. It’s tested, explored, and proven over time.
Key takeaway:
God is not afraid of your microscope. The closer you look, the more impressive he is.
Try this:
Don’t bury your doubts—investigate them. Pick one question and go after it. Open Scripture, watch a teaching on RightNow Media, or try living out one principle that feels hard to believe. See what happens when you engage instead of avoid.
We all drift between belief and disbelief. Doubt lives in that in-between. This message opens a series all about doubt. What happens when you bring your questions into the light? Let’s find out.
Key takeaway:
Your doubts don't discredit your faith. Your doubts about God don't change his feelings about you.
Try this
Write one doubt this week. Pray it. Share it with a trusted friend or your group. Ask God for clarity.
Have you ever realized you already had something powerful right at your fingertips, but weren’t using it? In this message, Greg Lee shares a powerful reminder about the progress of our faith.
Through Peter’s encounter with Jesus in Luke 5, we see the progression of experiencing God: I’m open. I’ll adjust. I’ll trust.
Discover how opening yourself to God’s direction, making small adjustments, and taking steps of trust can unlock the miraculous in your own life and in our church.
We're wrapping up the "Real Mature" series with some bonus content! Here are two big ideas that weren't covered in weeks one and two.
They're practical, challenging, and a perfect follow-up if you’ve been growing through this series.
*Questions about Bible translations?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmO0Fwa74QM
When faith grows, what does it actually look like to the people around you?
Lou closes out our “Real Mature” series with a challenge to live a kind of faith that draws people in, not through pressure or perfection, but through the quiet power of a life well-lived.
Key Idea:
Let the goodness of your life point to the goodness of your God.
What comes to mind when you someone who's "all-in" for Jesus? For a lot of people, that picture isn’t all that appealing.
In this message, Lou kicks off a brand-new series called “Real Mature” by exploring what genuine spiritual growth actually looks like, and how becoming more like Jesus leads to a feeling of freedom, not pressure.
This week’s talk challenges the “Domino’s Pizza version of Christianity” and helps us see that real maturity isn’t about trying harder.
Ever feel like you’re just watching life from the valley instead of climbing the mountain?
In this message, guest speaker Carl Kuhl shares stories—from Yosemite hikes to Navy SEAL missions—that point us to something bigger: following Jesus means stepping out of comfort, giving up control, and saying yes to a better way of life.
Carl challenges us to move from being spectators to participants—because when we serve, when we risk, and when we say yes, we discover the kind of full life Jesus talked about.
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This week’s message isn’t part of a typical series. It’s a look behind the scenes, a reminder of who we are, why we started, and the next step we believe God is calling us to take.
If Community Church is your home, this is a message we don’t want you to miss.
If you’re new or just curious, this is a perfect week to tune in. You’ll get a clear picture of what kind of church this is and the kind of future we’re hoping to build together.
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We’re wrapping the series by learning a simple filter you can run on any decision. It’s practical. It’s uncomfortable. And it has the power to change the climate at home, at work, and on your team. By the end, you’ll know how to use it this week on one real situation.
💪 Serve At The Fair
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Asking if it's right or wrong isn’t always helpful. Sometimes the better question is about wisdom. In this week’s message, Tom shares a simple but powerful filter for decisions that can shape the direction of your life.
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We all have moments when something inside us feels unsettled. A quiet nudge. A tension we can’t ignore. In this message, Lou shares the third question from the What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do series: Is there a tension that deserves my attention?
Learn how to recognize those inner signals before they become regrets and how they can guide you toward choices that are good, life-giving, and true.
How do you make decisions you’ll be proud of later?
In part two of What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do, Lou shares a question that can shift your perspective—helping you step out of the moment and into the bigger picture of your life. Using the story of Joseph, we’ll see how to make choices today that you’ll be proud to tell tomorrow.
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Most of us don’t realize it, but we’re experts at self-deception. We talk ourselves into things we’ll later regret. In this message, we explore the first and hardest question to ask when you don’t know what to do: Am I being honest with myself… really? Through a powerful story from Genesis, we learn how self-examination can redirect our lives, prevent regret, and lead to personal and spiritual clarity no matter where you are in your faith journey.
If you’ve ever asked, “What is God’s will for my life?”—you’re not alone. In this final message of the Jargon series, we explore how the phrase “the will of God” has become mysterious and overcomplicated. This message offers a refreshingly simple shift in how to think about it.
Some names open doors. Some carry weight. What if your name wasn’t the one that mattered most? In this message, Lou unpacks the deeper meaning behind living “in the name” of someone else—and how it shapes the way we pray, act, and show up for people. It’s not just a church phrase. It’s a whole way of living.
Ever heard the phrase "Jesus saves" and wondered what it really means—beyond the bumper stickers or t-shirts? This message kicks off our series on church jargon by unpacking how words like "saved" can be misunderstood or lost in translation, and why the real meaning is more relevant (and hopeful) than you might think. Discover how the idea of being “saved” is about more than a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process that impacts our everyday choices and the hope we hold for the world.
This weekend, we’re celebrating what God is doing in our community and taking time to appreciate the people He’s doing it through.
In this special online service, you’ll hear two interviews with people from our team, plus a behind-the-scenes, mic’d up moment from a Sunday morning. It’s real, fun, and a reminder that church is more than a service—it’s a community.
Thanks for being part of it.
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The hardest part of doing something meaningful is often just staying with it. In this final message of the BC series, we look at Nehemiah—a man who refused to be pulled off course. His story gives us a powerful, repeatable phrase: “I’m doing a great work and I cannot come down.” If you've been distracted from something important—whether it's a relationship, your mental health, or a calling that won’t leave you alone—this message will help you refocus and stay the course.
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We’re taking a deeper dive into the parts of the last message that didn’t make it into the final cut and exploring the rest of God’s self-description to Moses in Exodus 34, including the confusing and often misunderstood part about punishing future generations. What’s actually going on here? And how does this fit into a picture of a good and loving God?
If you haven’t watched or listened to the last message yet, check that out first—it sets the stage for everything we cover here.
In seasons of uncertainty, the most helpful thing may not be answers or clear outcomes, but a clearer picture of who God is. This message begins with the ancient prayer, “Show me your glory,” and explores God’s description of Himself: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. These traits provide a solid foundation for trust when everything else feels uncertain.
Ever feel like life was finally clicking—then suddenly everything fell apart? This message dives into the story of Abram, an ancient figure who hit a major roadblock just as things were going right. It’s not just about old stories—it’s about what we do when our plans unravel, and how looking back at moments that grounded us can actually help us move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: “What do we do when things don’t go according to plan?”
8:02 – God calls Abram; he builds altars
13:05 – The famine hits; Abram goes to Egypt
17:53 – Egypt detour unravels; God intervenes
22:23 – Abram returns to the altar—why it matters today
29:15 – Practical application: Building altars in your life
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In this message from the B.C. series, we dive into the remarkable story of Esther—a biblical book where God is never mentioned. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in your chaos, silence, or uncertainty, this message will resonate.
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We kicked off our new series, “B.C”, we explore the Genesis story of Adam and Eve—not as ancient myth, but as a pattern we all repeat. At the core is a question we still face today: Who defines what is good—us or God? Jesus steps in as the true image of God, inviting us to trust Him with the definition of goodness.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 We’re all chasing the blessing—goodness, purpose, peace—but how we chase it changes everything.
🔹 The image of God isn’t just a theological concept—it’s an invitation to bring life wherever we are.
🔹 Jesus redefines power and goodness by going down so we can go free.
Timestamps:
0:37 – Why ancient stories still matter
3:05 – Adam & Eve: more than a Sunday school tale
10:00 – What it means to be made in God's image
22:57 – The pattern we all fall into: see, take, regret
30:00 – Jesus as the true image of God
Resources & Next Steps:
Have a decision to make? Considering baptism or want to talk to someone about next steps in your faith? Connect with us here: https://communitychurch.net/connect
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In the final message of the “To & Through” series, we explore the radical idea that God has entrusted us with what we have, not just to manage it, but to reflect His character through it.
We’re looking at what it means to live as ambassadors and stewards—people who use what they’ve been given to show the world what God is like.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Chasing Growth the Wrong Way
3:45 – Why Jesus Talked About Money So Much
8:30 – Identity Check: Ambassadors & Stewards
15:00 – Your Generosity Reflects God’s Generosity
34:00 – What If: A Dream for the Most Generous Church
Resources & Next Steps:
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🎧 Bible Project: God & Money
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What if the biggest threat to your peace isn’t pressure—but misplaced trust?
In this message, we launch the To and Through series with a surprising metaphor from a children’s book: a pigeon that insists on driving the bus. It’s a light-hearted picture of a deeper truth—how something persistent and persuasive (like fear, control, or even our pursuit of provision) can start steering our lives. Jesus invites us into a better way: to live from abundance, not anxiety. This isn’t about giving something up—it’s about taking hold of a life rooted in trust and radical generosity.
Key Takeaway:
You can’t serve both God and something else—not because you shouldn’t, but because you can’t. This message will help you reclaim who (or what) drives your life, and how generosity can actually grow your faith.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”
02:00 – Who or What is in the Driver’s Seat?
06:30 – The Connection Between Trust and Generosity
13:00 – Why Generosity Frees You to Live from Abundance
20:00 – A Better Way: Life That Is Truly Life
📌 Resources & Next Steps:
• Want to grow in generosity and trust? Start here: https://communitychurch.net/give
• Looking to connect or join a group? https://communitychurch.net/groups
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When church becomes a place to pretend, everyone loses.
In Part Three of our Church Hurt series, we dive into one of the biggest reasons people walk away from church: hypocrisy. Jesus didn’t come for those who have it all together—He came for those honest enough to admit they don’t. This message explores the pressure to perform, the harm of image management, and the freedom to embrace your imperfections. You don’t have to fake it. You can bring your hurt to church.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – A Place for the Hurting or the Performing?
5:51 – Jesus Calls Out the Fakes
10:02 – Red Flags in Church Culture
17:05 – The Crushing Weight of Image Management
25:30 – You Can Be Flawed, Just Don’t Be Fake
📌 Resources & Next Steps:
→ Series Resources: https://communitychurch.net/series-resources
→ Connect With Us: https://communitychurch.net/connect
What do you do when the place meant to bring hope ends up causing pain?
In this message, Lou walks through four levels of church hurt—from tough love to deep wounds—and offers a path toward healing. Whether you’ve experienced shame, betrayal, manipulation, or even abuse within the church, you’re not alone. And it was never supposed to be this way.
This message isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about finding clarity, healing, and the kind of honesty that creates healthier communities.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Jesus’ vision for the Church
06:00 – Four types of church hurt
07:15 – Tough love (why it stings but helps)
12:00 – Frustration (the cost of community)
18:00 – Pain (when trust is broken)
24:44 – Abuse (when authority is misused)
35:00 – Real steps for healing
📱 Need someone to talk to?
Text HURT to 631-600-7880 for support from a trained listener or a counselor.
Prefer to stay anonymous? Visit communitychurch.net/resources
We all wrestle with shame — but what happens when shame finds a home in the very place that’s supposed to heal it? This message kicks off a new series on Church Hurt and explores one of the deepest dysfunctions that can quietly take root: shame. Pulling from the Genesis origin story, modern research, and real life experiences, this message uncovers why shame thrives where performance matters more than progress — and why the Gospel offers a radically different story. If you've ever felt "not enough," doubted your worth, or wondered if you truly belong, this is for you. You are deeply loved, even at your lowest, and the church should be the safest place for you to bring your whole self.
Timestamps:
3:50 - How Dysfunction Hurts the Church
7:00 - Humanity’s Origin Story & Shame's Entrance
13:00 - How Shame Speaks into Our Identity
20:00 - When Churches Reinforce Shame Instead of Healing It
29:00 - Why Your Worst Moment Doesn’t Define You
Resources & Next Steps:
• Dive deeper with resources at communitychurch.net/series-resources
• Find your next step at communitychurch.net/connect
👉 If this encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it! Subscribe here: youtube.com/communitychurchli?sub_confirmation=1
Jesus told his followers that they’d respond to his resurrection with joy… but initially, none of them did.
This Easter, we’re talking about the way the people closest to Jesus responded to the resurrection—and more importantly—how he responded to their responses.
Whether you're disappointed, skeptical, or just unsure about the whole thing, this message reminds us of one powerful truth: when we show up, he shows up.
If you’ve ever felt like you owe God, this is for you.
In Part Two of Table Manners, we explore the meaning behind Jesus’ words at His final meal. Communion isn’t about earning grace or paying God back. It’s a moment to reflect on what has already been accomplished. This isn’t a transaction—it’s an invitation to rest in grace.
What would you do if you had all the power in the world? Jesus' answer flips everything upside down.
In this kickoff to our series “Table Manners,” we take a closer look at one of the most unexpected, awkward, and countercultural moments in Jesus’ life—the moment he washed his disciples’ feet. He wasn’t just being nice. He was making a point, and the message still hits today: if you want to follow Jesus, it starts with humility, sacrifice, and serving even those who least deserve it.
Rob Morris, founder of Love146, takes us deep into the heartbreaking reality of child trafficking—and the hope of what happens when people of faith show up in the mess. This isn’t just about awareness—it’s a call to action. The world doesn’t change with comfort or convenience. It changes when we choose to care—and act.
What if following Jesus isn't just about what you believe or where you go on Sunday... but about who you're becoming and what you're doing?
In the final part of our series The Way, we explore the third and final goal of following Jesus—doing what He did. This message connects the dots between being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and carrying His work forward in our everyday lives. This isn’t about pressure—it’s about purpose. Jesus invites us into a story that’s bigger than ourselves—and better than we imagined.
Whether faith is new to you or you’ve been around church for a while, this message will help you see why your everyday life matters more than you think.
In Part 3 of The Way, we explore what Jesus truly offered: a path to becoming like Him. Many of us have adopted a version of faith that focuses on behavior, beliefs, or rituals—but Jesus called His followers disciples, and that word meant something powerful. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about becoming.
What if the key to a thriving faith isn’t about what you do, but who you’re with?
Jesus’ followers were literally with him–in his presence. But what does that mean for us today? Fortunately, Jesus offered us a way to be with Him, and when we live with an intentional awareness of His presence, everything changes.
Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome & Series Recap
1:04 The Big Question: What Did Jesus Actually Come to Offer?
4:49 Jesus’ Invitation: A Way to Follow
9:45 The One Key Mark of a Disciple
17:16 Remaining in Jesus—What It Really Means
26:04 The 40-Day Challenge: Start-Up & Check-In
What if we’ve misunderstood what Jesus came to offer? 🤔 For so many, faith has been reduced to a set of rules to obey, beliefs to adopt, or boxes to check—but what if it’s something so much bigger, so much more compelling?
In this kickoff to our new series The Way, we dive into what Jesus actually invited people into: a way to follow. Just like a rabbi with disciples, Jesus didn’t just hand out a rulebook—He called people to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. And the best part? He didn’t pick the best and brightest; He chose ordinary people like you and me.
If you’ve ever felt like faith was just about “getting to heaven,” or if you’ve been searching for more, this series is for you. This week, we explore what it truly means to follow The Way—and why it leads to the life you’re looking for.
📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
3:30 - The Common Misconceptions About Faith
17:30 - What Jesus Actually Offered – A Way to Follow
20:21 - Why The Way is Different (and Life-Giving!)
30:00 - Next Steps – How to Start Following The Way
Still hitting roadblocks? Maybe the problem isn’t them…
We’re wrapping up Hot Mess by talking about one of the biggest relationship killers—and it’s something we all do without even realizing it. Jesus had a lot to say about how we judge, criticize, and assume things about others—and (spoiler) we’re way more confident than we are capable when it comes to understanding people’s intentions.
So what if the best way to fix your relationships isn’t about fixing the other person at all?
📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Intro & Series Recap
7:19 - Jesus’ Teaching: The Truth About Judgment & Criticism
15:43 - The Speck & The Plank: How to Actually Strengthen Relationships
25:04 - What a Blind Man Can Teach Us About Perspective
30:22 - God Is a Coach in Your Corner, Not a Critic on the Sideline
What do you do when things go wrong–when you're hurt, insulted, offended or let-down? How do you move forward without falling apart? This week, we're talking about the importance of handling conflict, and we're exploring the steps that lead to reconciliation.
The Process:
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Know your motive.
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Know your story.
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Share your motive.
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Share your story.
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Listen to their story.
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Own your part in the story.
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Ask for what you want.
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Take action.
List adapted from: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Emily Gregory ➡️ 📔 https://a.co/d/fZO2vS3
Simple Rules for Conflict in Relationships
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One issue at a time.
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Address the action, not the person.
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Speak to heal, not to hurt.
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Call time-outs.
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Be careful assigning motives.
Loving well requires learning well. Healthy relationships aren’t copy-paste—they’re custom-built. Are we looking beyond our own perspective and considering how our actions and words are received by others? Are we speaking in a language they understand? Are we meeting their specific needs for love and respect?
By learning to serve one another and communicate effectively, we can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships—ones that truly reflect God’s love in our lives.
According to an 85-year Harvard study, the quality of our relationships is the biggest factor in our overall life satisfaction. But as we all know, people are complicated, and relationships can get messy. We’re looking at how our desires can shift to expectations in relationships over time—leading to frustration, disappointment, and even resentment.
Paul’s teaching on mutual submission offers a different approach. Instead of aiming for a 50-50 balance, he introduces a model that gives 100-100—fully showing up for each other, not out of obligation, but out of love. This mindset shifts our focus from keeping score to building trust, gratitude, and deeper connection. When we approach relationships this way, they become stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling.
In the conclusion of the series, we explore the transformative power of faith and its ability to make a real difference in our lives. Through two contrasting stories—the centurion’s great faith and Jesus’ hometown’s lack of faith—we see how our internal beliefs can profoundly impact external circumstances.
Key Takeaway: Faith isn’t about specific outcomes or emotions. It’s about confidence in Jesus, rooted in knowing and trusting God. As we deepen our relationship with Him, His presence works more powerfully in our lives, even when circumstances don’t match our expectations.
This message challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey and invites us to cultivate deeper trust in God.
Jesus gets angry, at times very angry. Whether we see this as good news or bad news is completely dependent on understanding why.
Have you ever wondered if Jesus experienced worry about what was ahead? This week, we're exploring the very real, very human emotion of distress and what it reveals about who He is.
Have you had an emotion so strong that you felt it in your gut? This week, we're talking about Jesus' compassion--who it's directed toward and why.
Is what we're really celebrating worth really celebrating? How you understand the different aspects of the Christmas story will determine how you answer that question. Come celebrate Christmas with us.
Is it always better to have more? This week, we're talking about a powerful and practical way to grow your faith and make an impact in the lives of those around you.
It lurks beneath the surface and leaves behind a wake of destruction. This week, we're looking at a toxin that lives deep within the motivational structure of the heart.
What do we do when others get what we want or feeling like we don't measure up? This week we're exploring how to escape the trap of comparison and learn how to not get what we want.
What happens when we carry the "naughty or nice" framework many of us grew up with into our adulthood? This week we're talking about the problems we encounter when we mix what we learned about Santa Claus with how we understand God.
What does it take to develop great faith? How do you become a person who has real confidence in God? As we launch our first Thursday night service, we're taking a look at the way real people with real doubts become real followers of Jesus.
You're part of a worthwhile purpose, you're in the right position, but what if you're not making progress? This week, we're talking about the picture of progress in the church.
Finding your work unfulfilling? There may be a reason for that. This week, we’re talking about the importance of playing not just a part, but your part, in a cause that’s bigger than yourself.
Strength and Personality Assessments: https://communitychurch.net/me
When's the last time you thought about what you're living for? This week, we're talking about Jesus' paradoxical way of looking at life, and what that means for us today.
Are we lab rats in some kind of divine experiment? To close the series, we're discussing the different ways faith can be tested, and the role God plays in all of it.
Why are we talking about food? This week, we're looking at God's generosity and his desire to help in our relationships.
What do Spotted Lanternflies have to do with the way you see the world? Find Out in part three of More Than Words.
Who you're speaking to determines what you say, how you say it, and how you feel when you're saying it. This week we're talking about the importance of understanding lines one and two.
We've been given a tool that has the ability to shift the way we see the world--and yet for many, it's value has been lost in meaningless repetition.
What makes a life great? What makes a church great? This week, we’re talking about another seemingly paradoxical teaching of Jesus.
Sign Up Here ➡️ https://communitychurchli.churchcenter.com/people/forms/801388
Why does serving God often feel like just another chore? This week, we're diving into one of Jesus' final stories to discover how we can shift from seeing it as an obligation to embracing it as an opportunity.
Why by God's rules? This week we're looking at a famous story that reveals the surprising reality of listening to what God says.
How do you respond when someone has hurt you? What about when someone has helped you? This week we're looking at a story that exposes a potential flaw in our reflexes.
We're looking at a story about two different people with two totally different ways of life... who ended up being more like each other than they thought.
We tend to measure and remember our lives in moments. This week we're talking about two moments of disproportionate influence that are key to the development of your faith.
We made a whole video about one question...but it's a big one. In this segment, we're looking at faith–what it is, how Jesus responded to it, and how you can make sure yours is continuing to grow.
One-Week Reading Plans:
🔴 The Gospel of Mark
🔵 Ephesians
🟣 Philippians
🟡 Colossians
🟢 Galatians
How should we understand the events recorded in the Bible? Did they really happen? Should the Bible be taken literally? Is there a question beneath all of these questions?
One-Week Reading Plans:
🔴 The Gospel of Mark
🔵 Ephesians
🟣 Philippians
🟡 Colossians
🟢 Galatians
At the end of our Making Sense series, over one-hundred of us read through the Gospel of Mark together. During that week, there were lots of questions. Here are a bunch of them.
One-Week Reading Plans:
🔴 The Gospel of Mark
🔵 Ephesians
🟣 Philippians
🟡 Colossians
🟢 Galatians
God does great things for us and great things in us… but does it end there? This week, we are talking about the opportunity we have to make an impact that goes beyond personal benefit.
In part two of the series, we’re talking about “Grandpa God.” He’s the god who just wants you to have fun. This kind-hearted deity starts out great, but ends in disappointment. Faith in Grandpa God crumbles when life gets hard. This week, we’re talking about the difference between immediate fun, ultimate flourishing, and the way to understand the unexpected curveballs of life.
Welcome to the final part of our series, “Making Sense of the Bible.” In this message, we dive into Paul’s letter to the Galatians, exploring his fiery tone and the reasons behind his frustration. Join us as we discuss some tools for accurately interpreting New Testament epistles, while also unpacking the profound insights from one of Paul’s most passionate letters.
🔴 More Resources
Jesus said some wild things. One time, he told a man to sell everything he had and THEN come follow him. What does that mean for us? Garage sale? The answer may surprise you.
🔴 More Resources
The Old Testament is filled with poetry. Knowing how to read and understand these ancient Hebrew texts can make all the difference in seeing what the writers wanted us to see.
The stories in the Old Testament can be inspirational at some times, and confusing at other times. This week, we're talking about some tools for interpretation and applying them to a classic Old Testament story.
The Bible says... a lot of things that don't make sense on their own. This week we're covering the entire story of the Bible, from beginning to end.
This week, we're talking about the self-destructive effects of shame on our relationships. When you hear blame, look for shame.
You Are Special
By Max Lucado
Illustrated by Sergio Martinez
Read with permission from the author.
Identity Management - It's our first and most distinctive response to feeling shame. This week, we're talking about the things we use to cover our inadequacies and a far better alternative.
What does God do when we blow it? This week we're talking about God's response to our shame.
Extra Resources:
The Soul of Shame - Curt Thompson | https://a.co/d/5V15anh
Daring Greatly - Brené Brown | https://a.co/d/5OIkXU2
Looking Shame in the Eye - Simon Cozens | https://a.co/d/iIJdh13
This week we are taking a week to talk about some exciting news and updates about what's happening in our Community.
Jesus said his resurrection would result in joy no one could take. Has that been your experience?
What’s too broken to be repaired is not too broken to be redeemed. This week’s hero was both the most heroic and the most broken—but his brokenness was by choice.
How is it that sometimes when we aim to do good things for the people we care about, it ends so poorly? This week we're taking a look at the life of Moses and how one desire produced two different results.
Imagine getting to the end of your life, looking back, and concluding that so many of your pursuits were meaningless. This week we're looking at some wise words from the life of Solomon.
He went from hero to villain in minutes, and no one saw it coming. This week we're looking at David's story and the things that led to his downfall.
What can we do to maintain peace and prevent catastrophe in our relationships? This week we’re taking a look at the role of our words in the pursuit of peace.
Where there are people, there will be problems. When there is connection, there's potential for conflict. So, how do you handle your sticky situations? This week, we're looking at some of the things Jesus said about making peace with one another.
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Check your motive.
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Master your story.
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Share your story.
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Listen to their story.
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Take responsibility.
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Ask for what you want.
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Move to action.
**Based on information from Crucial Conversations by Grenny, Paterson, McMillan, Switzler, and Gregory
How should followers of Jesus treat people in their lives who don't do what they're "supposed" to do?
We covered the motive behind the things. We addressed the one thing that captures all the things. This week, we're talking about the consequences of choosing to break the things.
This week, we're talking about the one thing that includes all the things. If we miss this, we've missed it all.
What do you do when you're told what to do? This week, we're looking at the things God says in light of the bigger picture.
Have you ever gotten tired of trying to do the "right" thing? This week, we're looking at a better, more effective way of making decisions.
Why Community Church? What are we trying to do? What’s happened so far?
It’s Community’s 4th birthday and there is much to celebrate.
We've all heard that Jesus is the Reason for the Season, but what if there's more to it than that?
You don't feel the need for the hero if you don't feel the heat of the threat. So, who is the hero? And what's the threat?
What if the last place you want to be was the exact place you need to be? What if there is a purpose to the position you're in?
Silent night? Peace on earth? Not in the way you might think. This week, we're looking at what the manger tells us about the Christmas story.
There are people in your life who need to know you see the good in them. It’s not enough to see something, you have to say something.
This week, we're talking about how spam filters and the game of Tetris affect your ability to experience feelings of gratitude.
Jesus finally addresses his loudest critics and shows us how to avoid making the same mistakes.
Why is Jesus hard on some and easy on others? This week we're looking at a process that brings clarity to the confusion.
Things get awkward when Jesus accepts an invite to a party none of his religious friends would dare to attend.
What prevented kids from connecting with Jesus? According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it was the grown-ups.
Have things changed, or are the grown-ups still preventing kids from connecting with Jesus?
How do you measure the impact of a life? Here's a hint: It's the same way you measure the impact of an organization.
How can you make sure this year is better than the last? The answer may challenge the way you've come to understand church. This week, we're looking at our origin story in combination with one of Jesus's final wishes for the church.
What will you do with what's been given to you? Susanna Wesley's answer to that question influenced her children's lives, and resulted in changes that have transformed the world in ways that are still felt today. How will you answer that question?
What does strength look like to you? Is it simply a display of power... or is there more to it than that? Jackie Robinson displayed the upside-down paradoxical strength that Jesus introduced to the world, and it changed Major League Baseball forever.
What do you do when nothing's in it for you? This story of radical forgiveness presents us with a vivid picture of genuinely sacrificial love.
William Wilberforce asked himself a question that ultimately ended up changing the world. What if we asked it ourselves?
Stop and think about how many of your favorite love stories end with a fairy tale wedding. In other words, the drama, the hurt, and the heartbreak occur before the wedding–before the "happily ever after." But, how does this idea hold up in real life? Spoiler: It doesn't.
It's a tale as old as time, but is it true as it can be? This week we're looking at the problem with a popular theme found in Beauty and the Beast.
What if those beloved love stories we enjoy aren't telling us the whole truth about relationships? We're diving into some of your favorite films to find out.
You may have been told to follow your heart. You may have tried it. It may have worked.
But what about when it doesn't? How do we explain the inconsistency when it comes to your heart and its ability to inform your decisions? The answer may surprise you.
Up to 40% of our decisions are made out of habit. In other words, our habits make us the way we are. But...what if the way we are isn't currently leading us the way we want to go?
It's ruthless, sleepless, unsmiling, and it can completely hijack the direction of your life. This week, we're exposing the hijacker.
King Solomon says that wisdom starts with "the fear of the Lord." Are we being told to be afraid of God? Is God the threat in your story?
Is baptism a Christian practice simply because Jesus said to do it? Or is there more to baptism? This week, we will explore the idea that Jesus gave us baptism for our good.
Can a church get away with not asking for money? The early church did. What does that mean for us, and what can we do about the church's reputation for being money-hungry?
Is going to church just a part of your crazy list of things to do during the week, or is it something that supports you through the craziness of the week? This is the shift that will take your church experience from boring and irrelevant to life-changing.
According to some surveys, the most common objection to church has to do with Christians being judgmental. Does this come with the territory? Was it supposed to be this way? Or has something gone horribly wrong?
Have you ever found yourself repeatedly saying sorry for the same shortcoming or received an apology for the same issue multiple times? What if there was a way to make serial apologizing a thing of the past?
What role does God play in temptation? How does he want us to understand sin? What if we've been wrong about what it means to be wrong?
If you've ever assembled furniture, taken a journey, or even baked a cake, you know the importance of not only doing the right things, but also doing them in the right order. Do the right things in the wrong order and sometimes it's enough to mess everything up.
Believe it or not, this principle is just as important when it comes to understanding a relationship with God.
Don't worry...just pray. But what if that doesn't work? Is that enough? This week, we're talking about breaking the pattern of worry.
This week, we're talking about a pattern that casts a dark cloud over all the good in our lives. It's a habit that can be broken...if you're up for the challenge.
This week, we started a new series about unhealthy and often unaddressed patterns of thinking. First up, is cynicism–the tendency to see the worst in people. When you’re left to write your own story, why kind of story do you tend to write?
What does it take to follow Jesus? Radical devotion? More discipline? Unwavering determination? The answer might surprise you.
Today, a lot of church activities are done to "check the box." Is this what God wants from us? Is this why we believe in Jesus? Could it be better than that?
Jesus told his followers that they should consider themselves servants of all people. Are there boundaries to this? What are the limits? Or, are we just supposed to let people walk all over us?
Jesus was quoted saying, "Sell everything you have." But who did he say it to, what did he mean when he said it, and what does it mean for us today?
Why would anyone want to go to church? Surprisingly enough, it's the idea behind this question that resulted in the birth of a new church.
The arrival of Jesus was first announced as "good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Yet, for a lot of us, few things that have to do with Jesus actually bring us joy. So, what happened? One simple shift in the way we think about God could change everything.
It's easy to have hope when everything seems to fall into place. What about when it doesn't?
How do we go from experiencing joy in a moment to maintaining joy for a season? Is there a practical way to make sure this Christmas season is a joyful one?
How to we go from clarity and confidence to doubt and uncertainty? The answer is less spiritual than you might think.
Have you ever found yourself wishing you could just believe–as if it were as easy as flipping a switch? While there may be some people that seem to be able to do that, most of us can't. Most of us have questions that need to be answered. So then, what do we do with those questions?
How does God respond to our doubts? A surprising exchange between Jesus and one of his most loyal followers shows us something when can't forget during seasons of doubt.
What if the church became more than a home for the hypocrites? What if the church became a hospital to heal the hurting? When the carnage of war broke out on D-Day, the wounded were brought to an empty, nearby church and laid on the pews so medics could treat them. When the war was over, and the blood-stained pews discovered, the townspeople decided to preserve the stains to remind all who would come afterward: This is the place where the wounded are welcome.
This week, we're talking about the final and most important question. It's the question to ask when you forget the rest of them. If you're brave enough to ask this question and act on it, you'll be glad you did.
"Is it wrong?" To some extent or another, that question plays a role in everyone's decision-making process. This week, we're looking at a more liberating version of this same question.
How well do you pay attention to your internal warning system? This week, we're talking about a question that challenges us to press pause and pay attention to the tension.
Emotions play a powerful role in the process of decision-making... and it's not always a bad thing. Our second question allows us to use our emotions to our advantage when it comes to making better choices.
Your decisions determine the direction and quality of life. Over the next five weeks, we're looking at five questions that will help you make better decisions. This week, we're talking about a deceiver–one that's closer than you might think.
Wondering how we got here, what we're doing, and where we're going? Here's the Scoop...
How do you think God wants you to "present yourself" to him? What do you think he wants to see when he sees you?
In a culture that was well acquainted with the practice of prayer, Jesus offered a better way to pray. This week, we're talking about the place to start.
There are things we do in church that can seem pretty weird, especially if you didn't grow up going to church. One of those things is baptism. This week, we're talking about the importance, excitement, and benefit of being baptized.
How do you respond when you don't agree with what God is doing? In December of 2020, Doug Jansson almost lost his life in a battle with COVID-19. This week, we have the opportunity to hear a little of what he learned through his experience.
Have you ever gotten tired of trying to do the "right" thing? This week, we're talking about a choice David made when faced with an opportunity to do what's "right".
Why does faith seem to work for some and not for others? Why is it a source of strength for some and repeated disappointment for others? The secret is knowing when you should trust God and when you shouldn't.
We've all faced ruin. We've all witnessed damage and brokenness that appears beyond repair. What do you do when you're forced to face ruin? How can we hold on to hope?
We don't trust what we don't know. This week, we're talking about how this obvious reality applies to the way we understand God.
What do you do with people who don't agree with your faith? How should you act toward those who don't support what you believe?
When there's not much you can do–when it won't make much of a difference–what do you do?
From start to finish, John Ulin shows us how life got mixed up and how the gospel sorts it out.
How do you handle a situation that lacks an explanation? What kind of story do you tend to write? Your answer to this question can radically change your relationships.
Familiar with the "swing-and-miss"? Have you ever gone out of your way to make your partner happy only to find out that it didn't make them happy? The Apostle Paul has some wise words that may clear up the confusion.
How do you love someone who doesn't deserve it? How do you continue loving someone when they continue to not deserve it? Maybe you've been looking for love in all the wrong places.
Relationships are complicated. This week, we're talking about a subtle change that can cause a relationship to break.
Many of us know the facts of the Easter story, but what about the feelings? Jesus explained what Easter was supposed to feel like... and that's what we're talking about on Easter Sunday this year.
Jesus said we could "take up his yoke." What's a yoke? And how do we "take it up"? The answer is more practical than you might think.
No one likes feeling alone, and yet, in the wake of the pandemic, more and more of us are struggling with feelings of loneliness. This week, we're talking about friends.
The state of so many aspects of our lives can be traced back to the rhythms that form them. Jesus gave his followers a chance to establish a rhythm that led to a sense of rest deep within the soul. How do we get there? This week we're talking about the best way (and day) to start your rhythm of rest.
Have you ever broken something that can't be fixed? Have you ever been in a situation when "sorry" doesn't make it better? Have you ever messed something up that'll never be the same? This week, we're talking about what grace does with our broken pieces.
To start the series, we talked a lot about God's grace–the fact that God is in your corner and there's nothing you can do to get him out. Now, how do we go from believing that it's true to living as if it were true? How does it move from the head to the heart? How does this life-changing idea become real to us?
Where does God stand when your situation "hits the fan"? When you've blown it, when it's your fault, when you've been caught and it's time to pay the piper, what does God have to say?
Our circumstances are often unfair, illogical, and unexpected. Is there something we can do to avoid becoming bitter, angry, burnt out, and hard?
What do you do with your worry? Is God in control? Are you? This week, we're talking about the most common disturbance of peace.
We have a problem–it's in our heads, in our homes, in our churches–and it's disturbing the peace.
More Resources: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Looking Shame in the Eye by Simon Cozens The Soul of Shame by Dr. Curt Thompson
When's the last time you acted out of anger? How did it work out? This week, we're talking about how anger relates to what you really want.
What disturbs your peace? Family issues? People issues? Societal issues? What if the sources of the issue is found within?
Have you thought about where you are, where you're going, and how you're going to get there?
In this unusual part of the Christmas story, God speaks to two different groups of people. You might be surprised who listened and who didn't.
Everyone loves when a story comes full-circle–when every tension is resolved and every loose end is tied. This week, we’re talking about loose ends, unresolved tension, and the story of Christmas.
This week, we're talking about the surprising connection between prayer, sleep, and how you understand your place the story.
To wrap up the series, we're talking about how changing your seat can totally change your approach. There's a better way.
The church has earned itself a reputation for judging the world. Here's why this should have never happened.
In one of his most brilliant metaphors, Jesus compared judging someone to getting in their personal space. The parallels are amazing. This week, we're looking at the second way to beat the blame game.
The church as earned itself a reputation of being judgmental. Combine that with all the finger pointing lately and we've found ourselves in a culture that has become defensive and divisive. Is there a better way?
Imagine life with peace. Is it possible to have peace on the inside when there isn't peace on the outside?
Difficult times and unanswered questions cause some people to find faith and others to leave it. What determines whether pivotal circumstances make or break your faith?
When we think of growth, we often think of major overhauls and huge commitments. What if growth is more about small habits than big changes? This week, we're talking about our fourth faith catalyst.
Have you ever felt limited by your position, resources, or circumstances? Have you ever wanted to do more, give more, or be more? This week, we’re talking about how to turn these obstacles into opportunities–how these apparent limitations can cause your faith to grow in amazing ways.
Some people believe that going to church, reading the bible, and trying to have faith is useless. Sometimes, those people are right.
What does the front porch have to do with increasing your confidence in God? This week we’re talking about the role that relationships play in the grow of your faith.
There weren’t many things that impressed Jesus. Actually, as far as we know, there was only one thing–faith. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be asking some questions about faith: What actually is it? How can we have it? How can we cause it to grow?
If you were about to enter a difficult season of life, and you had one wish, what would you wish for? This week, we're talking about the word "glory".
When you check your heart, what are you checking? When you follow your heart, what are you following? When you’ve had a change of heart, what changed? This week we’re looking at something within us that is responsible for much more than we think.
What's the difference between someone who finds enjoyment in his or her faith and someone who doesn't? Why do the beliefs of some cause them to love so much and the beliefs of others cause them to judge so much? This week, we're looking at the life-altering power of a story.
Have you ever felt like God was holding out of you–like there was fun to be had, but God didn't want you to have it? This week, we're talking about one of the most misunderstood concepts in the church.
If you had to be "holy" for the next 24 hours, what would you do? Where would you start? What does that even look like? The answer may surprise you. This week, we're taking a closer look at a term that has come to describe just about anything religious. Is there more to it than that?
In a plot twist, Jesus affirms something unexpected and suggests a savvy way to live. Trade up.
Does it matter how we approach God when we pray? Formal? Informal? This week, we're looking at a story a man who makes a request with no ground to stand on.
What does it actually look like to love others as yourself? This week, we’re talking about the Golden Rule.
"Would" and "should"–two words with dramatically different implications. This week, we’re talking about how going from "should" to "would" can totally change the way we understand God and all that he offers us.
Stories have an amazing ability to grip our emotions. They force us to feel. This week, we're looking at few stories Jesus told to help his listeners feel the way God feels about people who aren't where they should be.
"God wants me to do what's _____." How you answer this question will say a lot about how you understand God.
Can money buy happiness? It may play a much larger role than you think. This week we're talking about money's role in your pursuit of happiness.
Could it really all come down to one thing? This week, we're talking about one of the huge things that happiness and following Jesus have in common.
How should we handle anxiety? What do we do with stress? Should we pray harder? Should we work harder? Is God in control? Are we in control? This week, we're talking about the role of control and how we can actually live with a sense of inner peace.
Just about all of us are in some kind of pursuit of happiness. What if we stopped the pursuit? This week we're talking about the power of seeing what's right in front of you.
Is God in the way of your happiness? Is he holding you back from the things that you'll really enjoy? This week, we're diving into an idea that many have felt, but few have shared.
Have you ever struggled with the idea that God commands people to praise him? Doesn't that seem a little narcissistic? This week, Tom unpacks the idea behind all of this. The answer might surprise you.
Where are you? How did you get there? We're asking some honest questions about the effects of shame on our lives.
Shame is a feeling about the self, but that doesn't stop it from doing damage to others. We're talking about the side of shame that does the most harm to our relationships.
In which areas of life are we the most susceptible to feeling shame? This week, we're talking about how to find out and what to do about it.
This week we're talking about the universal, toxic, unquenchable feeling of "not enough."
They get us out of bed, they drive us to succeed, they help us to make the most out of our lives, and yet, they also have the power to destroy us. This week, we're talking about the deceptive power fo desire.
It simmers beneath the surface but it can flare up in a second. This week, we're talking about anger–where it comes from and how to deal with it.
Why do we do the things we do? Where do these things come from? And how do we change them? This week we're kicking off a brand new series all about the heart.
We're re-launching in-person services, and to make sure we start things off right, we're starting in the same place we started a little over one year ago.
There are few things more frustrating than hard work with no results. This goes for relationships too. Have you ever felt like what you were doing wasn't working? This week, we're talking about why.
This week we're talking about an unpopular idea that has proven the test of time–the paradoxical power of submission.
In part two, we're looking at a powerful, counter-cultural change of perspective that has the ability to totally change your relationship.
Is love a choice? Is it a feeling? This week we're kicking off a brand new series on relationships.
A lot of us want to feel closer to God. Most of us have been told that the way to do this is with more: more prayer and more Bible. But what if there's more to it than that?
Some people like to pray for a long time. Some like to pray in public. Others like to get fancy and poetic. Is there a right way and a wrong way to pray? This week we're looking at some practical ways to pray, straight from Jesus.
Have you ever wondered if you could be confident in the things that God says? Have you ever wished that you were more confident in the things that God says? This week we're talking about how praying "by the book" can give us confidence about the future.
This week we're looking at arguably the most famous prayer of all time, and how one word can dramatically alter the way we feel about prayer.
What's 2021 going to look like for you? This week, we're looking at some questions that can dramatically alter the year ahead.
Let's face it, for a lot of us, going to church around Christmastime is something we feel like we're supposed to do. There are parts we get excited about, and parts we put up with. But what if the story about a baby in a manger is more than "the reason for the season?" What if it's actually good news?
Listening to the Christmas story is something so many people enjoy doing every year. Living through the Christmas story, however, was anything but enjoyable. It’s amazing how knowing the end of a story can totally change the way we feel about it.
Everyone likes a movie with a good twist. The Christmas story so many of us know so well actually contains a crazy unexpected twist. Did you catch it?
Is the journey really more important than the destination? In this message, we explore where the journey of faith is supposed to take us.
What role do circumstance play in our ability to practice gratitude? What about someone else's circumstances? This week we're talking about yet another way to ruin thanksgiving.
Psychologists continue to discover the mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of gratitude. If that's true, then why doesn't gratitude come more naturally? Maybe we need to readjust the way we understand what it means to be grateful.
Jesus told one guy to sell everything he had. Are these instructions for people today or is there something else going on here?
If Jesus were around today, what kind of people would he spend his time with? What does that mean for the church today?
After making what probably turned out to be the biggest mistake of her life, she's dragged out in front of her friends, in front of her family, and in front of Jesus. This close encounter is unforgettable.
Most big decisions require a lot of thought and analysis. What about when it comes to decisions about God? The answer might surprise you.
Last week, we talked about the importance of being able to disagree politically while still loving unconditionally. This week, we'll talk about how.
Starting a church has been one unbelievable journey. This week, we're taking you behind the curtain. We're looking back, we're looking forward, and we're hoping you'll be a part of this unforgettable story. We believe that together we'll see that God is "able to do immeasurable more than all we can ask or imagine."
Let's face it, some of the things we do in church are a little different. If you've been on the inside long enough, you're used to them. But to outsiders looking in, these things can be a little...awkward. This week we're talking about worship. What is worship? Why bother? What is the point of worship?
Let's face it, some of the things we do in church are...different. If you've been on the inside long enough, you're used to them. But to outsiders looking in, these things can be a little awkward. This week we're talking about going to church, or more specifically, meeting together. Does God really care about us showing up on Sunday morning? Is there more to life in the church than a few hours Sunday morning? Is it possible that the church offers us something that we're already looking for?
Let's face it, some of the things we do in church are a little different. If you've been on the inside long enough, you're used to them. But to outsiders looking in, these things can be a little...awkward. This week we're talking about baptism. Is it for infants or adults? Does it require a lot of water, or just a few drops? And why would a rational God care so much about this ancient ritual?