Do Life Different - An 11|28 Community Podcast: Recent Episodes
11|28 Community
Who really is your neighbor? In a world divided by differences, Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan calls us to a radical, boundary-breaking kind of love. Pastor Ed Cook explores Luke 10:25-37 as we discover what it truly means to show mercy and compassion to those around us, especially to those who are different from us.
In this message, you’ll learn:
- Why Jesus told this story in response to a question about eternal life
- How our definition of “neighbor” can limit or expand our impact
- The surprising hero Jesus chose and why it matters today
- Practical steps for living out mercy and love in your everyday life
Whether you’ve heard this parable many times or it’s new to you, you’ll be challenged and inspired to see others through the eyes of Christ.
Too often we blend in, stay quiet, or keep our relationship with God private because we're afraid of what others might think. But Jesus invites us to live differently, to let our lives point people toward Him.
In part four of our series, Divine Stories, you'll discover what it really means to let your light shine, why your everyday conversations and actions matter, and how God can use ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact. Whether you're struggling with fear, comfort, or simply wondering how to live out your faith more intentionally, this message will encourage you to stop blending in and start shining where God has placed you.
In Part 3 of our Divine Stories series, 11|28 Board member, Nick Galezewski, explores one of Jesus' most well-known parables. While we often think this story is about abilities, Jesus was actually talking about something much deeper... faithfulness. God has entrusted every one of us with something valuable: our time, relationships, experiences, influence, resources, and spiritual gifts. The question isn't how much you've been given.
If you've ever compared yourself to someone else, felt like your gift wasn't enough, or let fear keep you from taking the next step, this message is for you. Discover why God never compares His children, why "unfinished doesn't mean unusable," and how faithfulness matters more than perfection.
We continued our Divine Stories series by looking at one of Jesus' most challenging parables in Luke 7:31-35. Why is it so easy to become critical? Why do we pray for God to move, only to criticize the way He moves? Through this powerful story, you'll discover how our preferences, expectations, and opinions can keep us from recognizing God's work right in front of us.
If you've ever wondered why God isn't answering your prayers the way you expected, or found yourself becoming more critical than curious, this message is for you. Follow along as we learn how to trade criticism for curiosity, surrender our expectations, and become people who recognize God's work wherever and however He chooses to move.
In this first message from our summer series, Divine Stories, Mike unpacks one of Jesus' most overlooked parables and explores the difference between grace and permission. Through the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree in Luke 13, Jesus reveals that God's patience is an incredible gift but we've got to do something with it.
If you've ever wondered why God seems patient with your failures or what repentance really looks like, this message will challenge and encourage you. Join us as we explore how Jesus' teaching in Luke 13 calls us beyond comparison and complacency into a life that bears fruit for God's Kingdom.
Glenn Derby is an author and former NFL player with a story that reminds us that God's love is greater than our greatest failures. Angry as a child, a teen alcoholic, searching for approval and acceptance Glenn took out his anger on the field and on those closest to him. Broken relationships and reckless living brought Glenn to a breaking point where he came to understand the love of Jesus.
Have you ever wondered if God can restore what you've lost? Wonder if God doesn't simply bring us back to where we were, He moves us forward into something even greater?
In Part 3 of our RE series, Mike explores the incredible promise that God makes after the years that seem wasted. If you've drifted in your faith, settled for an ordinary life that doesn't revolve around God, or wondered whether it's too late to come back, this message is for you. God isn't finished with your story. He doesn't just restore what was lost, He renews, empowers, and propels you into the life He created you to live.
"God isn't asking for a performance, He's asking for your heart."
Most of us can point to the best days of our lives, a graduation, wedding, new job, championship victory, or major milestone. But given enough time, even those moments begin to fade. The people of God discover that the things they depended on can disappear overnight. Joel issues a powerful invitation: return to the Lord with all your heart.
In this message, Mike Francisco explore's how repentance is more than religious activity or outward performance; it’s a change at our core. God isn't asking for a performance, He's asking for your heart. Listen in as we discover how lasting joy is found not in changing circumstances, but in a relationship with the God who never changes.
"You can't experience renewal if you refuse to remember."
Wonder if today is the most important day of your life? In this message from Joel 1, Pastor Mike Francisco explores God's invitation to remember what has been broken, lost, or neglected; not so we remain stuck in the past, but so we can experience true healing and renewal. Through the biblical practice of lament, we learn how bringing our pain, grief, disappointment, and unanswered questions to God can become the first step toward restoration.
Pastor Ed Cook, of Revive LTC in Milwaukee, shares a powerful message about "the drift" that happens in the life of a Christian. He calls us to be changed and transformed through the Spiritual Factory Reset of being reborn again.
"If you live for their approval, you'll die by their opinion."
Living for people’s approval is exhausting but living with God’s approval is freeing. Pastor Mike Francisco reminded us that you don’t have to earn what God has already given. In fact, God doesn't see things the way you see them, God looks at the heart.
"Offense is an event but bitterness is a decision"
Offense can be unavoidable… but staying offended is choice that ultimately determines our trajectory and health. On Mother’s Day Colleen explored the power of forgiveness and how holding onto hurt only holds us back. Freedom begins when we choose to release what we’ve been carrying.
"Control is a cheap substitute for trust."
Mike talked about worry, while exploring Jesus' words from Matthew 6, and our natural response to try and control outcomes. We saw that surrender isn’t losing it’s learning to trust God with what we were never meant to carry. The tighter we grip, the more we miss what God is doing.
"God's not asking for adequacy, He's looking for availability."
God never asked Moses to be enough, He simply asked him to trust. Our inadequacy doesn’t push God away; it creates space for His power to show up. If you’ve been holding back because you don’t feel ready or capable, this is your reminder: God isn’t looking for your perfection, just your availability. What step might He be asking you to take this week?
"Christ restores the least and sends them to reach the lost."
After denying Jesus three times while Jesus was on trial, Peter carried deep shame and regret. Something we’ve all experienced in life.
Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter; He also gave him purpose. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus told him, inviting Peter into the mission of the kingdom. Our failures don’t disqualify us they become part of the story God uses to bring hope to the world.
"The risen Christ still seeks the lost"
Two discouraged disciples walked away from Jerusalem. The risen Jesus met them, listened to them, and blew their minds. Even when we feel lost or confused, Jesus still comes looking for us.
"Jesus came for the least and lost and the cross has no power over Christ"
Easter begins on the cross where Jesus was crucified between two criminals, mocked by crowds, and seemingly abandoned. What looked like defeat was actually the clearest picture of God’s love for humanity. The climax of Scripture is at the empty tomb on Easter morning when Jesus proves he is the Christ, and no one is beyond his reach.
"The Kingdom of Jesus begins where the world stops looking"
The crowds expected a conquering king who would overthrow Rome and restore national power. Instead, Jesus arrived on a humble colt, surrounded by ordinary people and welcomed by those society often overlooked. From the very beginning, Jesus showed that His kingdom operates differently than the kingdoms of this world.
"Hope isn't fleeting when it's rooted in the person of love"
As Mike wrapped up our Built Different series, we saw how Haggai points beyond his present moment to the future overthrow of evil, and fulfillment of God’s promise.
We have the benefit of knowing that Jesus was and is the true and better King they were waiting for, the Messiah who defeats sin, death, and the grip of evil. As we look ahead to Easter and the resurrection, we’re reminded that the victory Haggai pointed toward has been fulfilled in Christ, giving us real hope both now and for our own futures.
"The right thing with the wrong heart blocks the blessing."
Mike continued in Haggai on Sunday. Following his earlier encouragement with a clear call to repent and return to faithfulness. God invites His people not just to keep building, but to examine their hearts and realign their lives with Him.
Haggai shares a parable to illustrate a powerful truth: obedience leads to blessing, while faithlessness leads to decline. We were all reminded that God desires more than outward action; He longs for faithful hearts fully devoted to Him.
“Don’t give up, God keeps his promises”
On Sunday Mike returned to the book of Haggai, where the rebuilt temple seemed small and unimpressive, especially compared to the glorious temple built under Solomon. The new build didn’t meet expectations, and discouragement was beginning to erode the people’s morale.
Through Haggai, God reminded them of His promises about the future Kingdom and assured them that this seemingly modest work would one day become a place of transformation for the world. The call was clear: keep building in hope. Even when the work feels small or disappointing, God is still at work, and faithfulness today matters for His greater purposes tomorrow.
“Start doing the hard right thing”
On Sunday Mike turned to the book of Haggai, where God confronts His people about misplaced priorities. After returning to Jerusalem from decades of exile in Babylon, they slipped back into old patterns, focusing their time, money, and energy on building comfortable homes while the Temple remained in ruins.
Through Haggai, God challenges them to examine what comes first. Mike invited us to consider whether we’re pursuing our own comfort or faithfully building what God is calling us to build. Are you willing to do the hard right thing?
“We don’t invite God into our relationships, we build them around Him”
Pastors Mike and Colleen journeyed with Abram and Sarai through several chapters of Genesis. Their relationship was filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, betrayal, hurt, lies, trust, longevity, and God’s faithfulness. They journeyed the full spectrum of human love together.
Building relationships around God is easier said than done, because people always seem to mess things up, circumstances change and life happens. No matter if you’re in love, have loved, or want to find love, there are some basic principles and truths we can learn for ourselves.
"Obedience flows from being loved"
Grace is an opportunity to submit, not a “get out of jail free” card. God says, “I have loved you”... and Jesus follows this up in John saying “if you love me, keep my commands”. When we experience the fullness and depth of God’s grace for us, we will be compelled to keep his commands. In other words, our obedience flows from being loved by God.
If you’re tired of trying to figure out your life and feeling stuck in the same situation on repeat, somethings gotta give, somethings gotta change and this might be your invitation to experience something different.
"Our "stuff" competes for God's place in our heart."
It's easy to think that we're blessed when we have more stuff, when actually to Blessing = More God, not more stuff. Mike continued the journey through the book of Malachi with the famous chapter 3 section talking about tithes and offerings. He broke down the history behind the words Malachi used and compared that to the words Paul uses in 2 Corinthians.
Our generosity is a reflection of God's place in our heart. Is he King of our hearts and Lord of our lives? Is he at the center of it all or just the parts that are comfortable?
Mike gives us three potential outcomes and asks for 100% participation.
1) If you're unsure life is better with God at the center of your finances, start praying about that and ask God to clearly answer that.
2) If your finances are a mess, reach out and get connected to the right resources to help you fix your finances and honor God in the future.
3) If you're giving out of obligation or guilt, stop doing that and start giving in a way that truly reflects God's place in your heart. 10% is the starting point Mike & Colleen use, but you should prayerfully trust God with your gift.
If you'd like to set up giving to 11|28 Community Church you can do that at www.1128community.org/give
Return to me. It's not just God's plea, it's his desire. In Malachi's time, God's people had fallen away. They remembered what God had done for their ancestors but God felt distant or not even there for this generation. They were casual, maybe even filled with unbelief, and they didn't realize how they'd fallen away or disconnected from God.
God continues to invite us to "return to me". It's an idea that we believe in when bad things continue to happen in our world, but then we do nothing to change. Join with us this week as we took time to pray specifically and personally for a return to God.
Pastor Mike Francisco unpacks Malachi 2:17 - 3:5 and its application for us today. Malachi says you have wearied God with your words; your insincere prayers and mechanical worship.
In keeping it simple Mike said that we cannot claim to love God while continuing to sound like the world. Something's got to change.
“Start honoring God by honoring others”
Pastor Mike Francisco gave us a really hard truth on Sunday: we can’t claim faithfulness to God while being unfaithful to people. We cannot compartmentalize our Sunday morning worship from our midday Monday interactions. Ultimately, integrity isn’t just about morals, it’s about being whole and undivided. So how we treat our spouses, families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors says a lot about how we honor God. A lack of honor always leads to a lack of integrity. God invites us to stop living compartmentalized lives and instead living full, integrated lives.
“How you treat God determines your experience of Him”
Pastor Mike Francisco opens up a new series by asking the hard question… “how did you do at honoring God last year”? Most of us probably didn’t do as well as we would have hoped. If we’re honest with ourselves, we probably only honored God in ways that were convenient and comfortable.
Similarly, Malachi, the prophet, spoke to God’s people about their lack of honor and respect for God. His words cut deep and challenged the casual relationship they had grown accustomed to with the Lord. It’s a new age, but the message translates… God doesn’t want us to treat him as common. Ultimately, we hinder our experience of God’s love, grace, and blessing in our lives when we treat him like just another guy.
Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco remind us that Christmas is a story of journey, light, and grace. It's a story of humble beginnings. A story of the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel; born not in a palace, but in a stable. A signal that this King and His kingdom will be different.
Shepherds saw heaven break into the night sky. Wise men followed a star. Promises spoken centuries earlier came true. Jesus came as grace upon grace... new grace replacing the old, light overcoming darkness, God with us. And that light didn’t stop at the manger.
Today, we carry it.
We live it.
We shine it.
“There’s hope today because God with us sent the Spirit to dwell within us”
Immanuel. God… With… Us. God incarnate. He put on skin and bones and made his dwelling among us. God stepped into our mess, chose us, understanding the costs, knowing our past, where we’ve been, what we’ve done and who we’ve hurt. He became God with us…. The lost sheep, the prodigal sons, the thief on the cross, the plain jane and the common robs, the liars, cheats, and addicts. God chose us.
The hope of Christmas long ago doesn’t grow faint, isn’t a memory, a reflection, or a feeling. The hope of Christmas is with us today, and goes with us into each and every moment because God with us sent the Spirit to dwell within us.
Peace isn’t the promise of an easy life, it's the promise of a present God.
Immanuel, God with us. With us in the overwhelm. With us in the joy. With us in the fear. With us when we can’t walk inside. With us when the tree is glowing but our hearts aren’t. And this is why the angels declare “Peace on earth.” Not because the world suddenly became peaceful… but because the Prince of Peace entered the world.
11|28 Board Member, Natalia Roman, shares that peace is possible where God is and he is here. Natalia reflects on here own Christmas journey last year and what it took for her to experience the Peace of God as life swirled around her.
"Open handed living is a joyful existence"
Mike Francisco opens up our Christmas series with a look at the responses of Mary and Joseph as they each told about the arrival of Jesus. The timing wasn't perfect, the idea of having a child before marriage unacceptable, and other questions and concerns may have been present... but they said yes. The first sign that the Good News would be all about sacrifice.
"Prayer is using what you know, but never settling for the way it is."
Pastor Brian Hofmeister (Lakepoint Church) helps us understand the power of intercessory prayer, the prayers in the middle. Brian reflects on his own life, his own kids, and his own prayer journey while unpacking the prayers of Moses when he changed God's mind.
"When you feel like giving up, God gives you rest and restores your soul"
Even in our lowest moments, when we feel exhausted, afraid, and alone like Elijah, God meets us with gentle care, restores our strength, and reminds us that we still have purpose. When we are depressed or drained, God doesn’t abandon us–He restores us gently and leads us forward with renewed purpose.
“You can be effective and still hurting.”
Jonah chapter four wrapped up our series with drama, frustration, and God’s mercy. Pastor Mike Francisco suggested Jonah 4:12… the verse that isn’t there may be the most important verse in the chapter. Jonah’s silence reminds us to let God have the last word in our lives.
“God calls back and gives second chances”
Mike Francisco unpacked Jonah chapter three and the power of God’s second chances. After running from God and experiencing the consequences, Jonah receives the Word of the Lord a second time and obeys, going to the wicked city of Nineveh. Like Jonah, God meets us in our failures, calls us to obedience, and offers grace and compassion again and again. No matter your past, His call to turn, trust, and follow Him is always renewed, and His mercy is always greater than your mistakes.
“Stop wasting the wait time, start practicing prayer and praise”
Jonah was swallowed by a huge fish, helpless, and alone but he prayed, and God heard him! Pastor Mike Francisco reminded us that even when life is messy, God provides in ways we don’t expect. No matter your situation, God is working, and He can turn your mess into a testimony.
“Stop being okay with running from God”
Pastor Mike Francisco kicked off our Jonah series and explored what happens when we run from God. Jonah tried to escape God’s call to preach to Nineveh, and his disobedience caused a storm; not just in his life, but for those around him. Even in his rebellion, God’s grace and power were at work, calling him back. It’s a reminder for us to reflect: where are we running from God, or rationalizing sin in our own lives? The good news is that God is ready to meet us, guide us, and restore us when we turn back to Him.
"The Gospel turns off the dark for good."
Mike Francisco talks about hard things because we all experience them. Sometimes it feels like dying, decay and darkness steal our hope, take our joy, and leave us feeling ready to call it quits.... because life is hard at times. So how do we navigate life's hardships while holding tightly to the message of hope and good news that the Gospel is? How do we turn off the dark today as Christ followers?
"The Gospel is more than good news, it's the greatest love story."
We love a good love story. They draw us in, captivate our imaginations, give us hope, and leave us feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The greatest love stories that we can think of have nothing on the story of love found in Scripture and lived out daily.
Pastor Mike Francisco gives us a big picture of the ultimate love story, the story God began before time and continues writing today.
"The ideal Christian is moved by obedience to live out love, hospitality, and service."
Pastor Mike Francisco works through what baseline obedience should look like for a Christ follower. Using the words of Peter to the Jew and Gentile Christians scattered in Asia Minor, Mike lays out why our obedience matters and how it might impact the world around us.
"God's grace births your holiness journey"
Mike works to identify what most people think the "ideal Christian" looks like while acknowledging that we'll fail to meet the standard every time. In fact, no matter how hard we strive, the boxes we check, or the self improvement plan we create... we'll never hit the mark.
Which begs the question, how do I become holy? Or what do I do to be set apart? Maybe even, where do I begin?
"The clearest Gospel is seen before it's heard"
Pastor Mike Francisco recaps Titus chapters 1 & 2 before unpacking the vision Paul has for the Cretan church and it's impact on society. Paul envisions a church where maturing, changed, and transformed Jesus followers stand apart from the culture of the day. They are living out the good news of the life found in Christ and it's attractive to others.
"The grace you've experienced should cause you to live differently"
Pastor Mike Francisco works through Titus chapter 2 while reflecting on the local flooding that has left many people in need. As Paul writes to his friend Titus he tells him that the being different matters because it brings the good news to life. Paul reminds Titus that our experience of God's grace should cause us to live differently, towards good deeds and a servants heart.
"The Church can only be as healthy as her people."
Pastor Mike Francisco begins a three part look at the book of Titus in a series called "Spot The Difference". This short book is a letter from Paul to his friend and co-worker Titus who is living on the island of Crete. Paul tells Titus things need to be reset, the church is unhealthy and has found itself in a place where it's not recognizable any longer. Titus' first task, raise up healthy leaders.
Mike reflects on these words from Paul and compares and contrast the Cretan church to the Church of today.
Pastor Troy Cotton Jr closes out the Kingdom People series with a trip down the narrow road. Jesus tells us that the life of a kingdom person is a hard road to travel, a narrow path that few will take. Troy shares from his personal life and the road he's traveled and challenges us to be focused on the road Jesus invites us to walk as well.
"Kingdom People lead with love and extend extra grace to all."
Pastor Colleen Francisco looks at Jesus' words on judgment in the Sermon on the Mount. Colleen references current events and major stories where we passed judgment and challenges us to re-posture ourselves to see all people as worthy and deserving of God's grace. She wraps up by encouraging us to read a few verses from Psalm 139 to reposition our hearts towards God and others
"Kingdom People fully trust that God is enough"
Mike reflected on the real life worries that get to us. From things like wars and legislation, to natural disasters, violence and our kids. There's a lot to worry about in life but Jesus tells us "do not worry about anything". So what do we do with that and why does it matter?
“Kingdom life is about becoming (people who are) good news.”
Pastor Mike Francisco breaks down the next section from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 6. As Mike unpacks who Jesus was talking to and what he was challenging, he digs a little deeper into the shows church people often put on. Ultimately, Jesus is calling out our inner motivations and challenging us to come back into alignment with the heart of God.
“Life in the Kingdom isn’t about rules, it’s about becoming more like Jesus.”
Church Planter and friend, Troy Cotton Jr, explores the next section of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”. Ultimately, Jesus wants us to be true disciples. Troy challengesus to check our ego at the door and take up a posture of humility. Jesus doesn’t want us to miss out on the relationship because of the rules.
“Kingdom People stand out, bring hope, and love our enemies.”
Pastor Mike Francisco explored the qualities of Salt and Light and what Jesus was asking of Kingdom People when he commissioned them to like salt and light in the world. Ultimately Kingdom People are supposed to have an effect on the environment around them, bringing out the goodness and love of God. Offering hope, peace, and reconciliation to those who are hopeless, restless, and broken.
“A Kingdom person lives by a different set of values.”
Mike Francisco worked through the first part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount where he outlines who will be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven. The blessings Jesus outlines don’t look much like the definition of blessings as defined by instagram and the world we live in. So what are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to live in this alternate, different, unique kingdom that Jesus invites us into? Mike unpacks that here.
“Kingdom People are led by Jesus, shaped by grace, and moved by love”
Mike kicked off our summer series called Kingdom people by examining the context of Jesus’ announcement that the kingdom of heaven had come near. Jesus is about to give a vision and a mission for this kingdom that will shape us and move us to live as Kingdom People.
Pastor Mike Francisco looks at the competitive history between faith and science and asks us to consider that maybe they are actually collaborative. Maybe science helps us understand our faith?
“Your future is an exclamation point in God’s redemptive work”
Pastor Colleen Francisco brought a Mother’s Day message not just for moms but for anyone that has a past. If you’ve ever felt like your history is too far gone, you’ve made one bad decision more than you should have, or you can’t seem to get life right… you’re future can still be an exclamation point in God’s eyes. Through the redemptive work of Jesus, our futures can be an exclamation point, a story of how God transforms and changes the lives of those who trust him. Our stories can become the inspiration that leads to more exclamation point moments in the lives of those we care most deeply about.
“Put your faith in Jesus rather than his followers”
Pastor Mike Francisco shared a very personal reflection about being let down by a Jesus follower. He shared about the doubts, questions, feelings, and emotions that followed. And in the same way that we’ve all been hurt by hypocrites, we’ve also all been hypocrites. Hypocrisy is a lose-lose way of living. It upsets God and it hurts people. It’s through our own confession and healing others might become healed as well.
“God loves to use those who are overlooked.”
On Sunday morning Pastor Mike Francisco shared about his own feeling of being an imposture and how that impacts his faith. He’s not alone in that feeling though as he showed us throughout Scripture. If you struggle with self doubt and insecurity, remember that God has gifted you uniquely.
“Doubt is an invitation to something deeper”
On Easter morning, Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco explored the first doubters of the resurrection. Those who needed to see and touch the holes in Jesus’ hands. They offered up hope and encouraged us that faith, and navigating doubts, is a journey worth taking.
“Change your source to change your thoughts.”
On Sunday Pastor Mike Francisco asked us to consider our sources, especially our spiritual ones. If we’re going to have a healthy thought process around our doubts, we’ve got to have healthy and helpful sources we rely on.
“It’s better to hurt with a purpose than exist without one”
Jeremiah is a story of deep grief and anguish as God’s people refuse to turn back towards God. God’s heart was broken as was Jeremiah’s. Mike Francisco shared about his own heart break and how God has softened and challenged him in recent years. Is God softening you? Does your heart break for the things of God?
“Speak Lord your servant is listening”
Pastor Mike Francisco asked us why we don’t hear from God before sharing about Samuel, a prophet who delivered a hard message to his superior. Before he understood the message he was supposed to share, he had mistaken who was speaking to him. Once it was sorted out, his ministry began and God used his life in significant ways.
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable”
Pastor Mike Francisco says that if we’re going to be bold we’ve got to become comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s an awkward space to be but it’s one that produces fruit. The greatest growth often happens in the spaces that make us most uncomfortable.
“God’s fingerprints are on every detail of your life.”
Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco explore behind the scenes of life. Sometimes our story feels upside down and falling apart when it takes an unexpected turn. God’s not surprised by the script flip.
“There’s only one position that matters to God”
Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco wonder if it’s coincidence or something more while digging into the story of Esther. In fact, God often works behind the scenes and puts us in positions where our influence could change the trajectory of someone else’s life… if we’re willing to speak up for the least, the lost, and the vulnerable.
“Humility leads us to free and light living”
Pastor Mike Francisco wrapped up our “Get Outta My Head” series with a message exploring the result of Peter’s most pivotal moment in life. Mike admitted that he struggles to relate with Peter as a fisherman but does relate with his feelings of letting people down and wondering if he is worthy. Thankfully, Peter uses his own story to encourage us to get out of our heads.
“God’s not surprised by any of it”
Niki Schabo, who leads our 11|28 Prison Ministry, continued our series “Get Outta My Head” with a timely message about resourcing ourselves for the unseen battle that rages internally and spiritually. Niki’s history of coping with prescription medications and drug abuse found her in a very dark place. Now as a mom who’s dealing with anxiety, depression, mental fatigue and self doubt she has discovered the way out that God offers each of us.
“God will get you through”
Church Planter, Troy Cotton Jr., shared his personal experiences as a professional basketball player and as someone dealing with an extreme health crisis and how God got him through. Contrasting his own story with the trials, triumphs, and challenges of King David, Troy left us encouraged and ready to face the obstacles in our own lives.
"Peace is just a thought away"
LaMeka McKinnie, from Revive Life Transformation Church, kicked of our series "Get Outta My Head" with a bit of peace. LaMeka shared from her own personal struggles with anxiety, fear, and worry before giving us some practical helps from scripture as we seek to take captive our thoughts.
“God has provided everything, what are we going to bring forward”
Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco we’re joined with special guest Lucia Loza-Galzewski on Sunday and shared a renewed energy and dreams for our future! They explored Exodus 35 and the offerings that were brought to build the Tabernacle where God would meet with His people in the wilderness. The people of God we’re bold and trusting with what they brought forward to see the vision come to life. 2025 is our year to be bold, to take risks that help us double in size so that we can sustain having a permanent home in Oak Creek eventually. Bold risks will also expand our partnerships in Milwaukee and Racine counties as well as Puebla Mexico to which we’ve budgeted giving $16,000 in 2025.
Please watch the recording and then fill out your response card (www.1128community.org/my-response) to help us know the role you will play in seeing the vision come to fruition.
“If you want different results this year, you’ve got to remove the trigger”
Pastor Mike Francisco teamed up with Niki Schabo (Prison Ministry lead) and looked at two stories that dealt with bad decisions. We don’t end up in the wrong place because of one bad decision, we end up there because of a series of small decisions. If we’re going to change, we’ve got to identify what needs to be removed and then make it happen.
“My future is blessed because I'm faithful today.”
Pastor Mike Francisco reminded us that Daniel was spared, protected, saved, and blessed because of his faithfulness. Small habits done consistently over time lead to a higher rate of success when it comes to change. As you consider your journey of faith this year, what are a few small habits that could ave a GIANT impact?
“When you know who you are, you know what to do.”
Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco explored the words of Paul in Romans as they discussed knowing who we are. Our identity informs our actions and what we believe about ourselves. The greatest change we can actually make this year is understanding who we really are.
"All He wants for Christmas is you"
On Christmas Eve Pastor Mike Francisco reminds us of that God hears our hearts cry and responds with greatest gift of love we could imagine. Mike traces the family tree from the time of King David to Jesus and helps us see that we are included in the promises for renewal, redemption, freedom and healing.
“You need a hero you can believe in”
Pastor Mike Francisco offers up someone worth believing in in a world full of letdown. Unfortunately more often than not, people fail. In the Old Testament King David repeatedly failed and let down those who he was leading. He failed his family, his kingdom, his army, even the woman across the street. Letdowns leave us afraid to trust again, thankfully God gets us.
“There’s a fresh start for you and it’s the bestest”
Pastor Mike Francisco connects the dots between Isaiah’s prophetic words and the Gospel writers of the New Testament. He suggests that you can have a fresh start and restoration this holiday season.
“There is Good News and it's worth sharing”
Pastor Mike Francisco explores the comforting words found in Isaiah chapter 40 and offers up some hope in a world that often lacks good news. There’s good news this holiday season. There’s comfort to be found. There’s hope and healing available to you!
"Your generosity journey leads you to surrendered living"
The woman who put everything she had in the collection bin gave her all. Jesus said she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford while others gave what they'll never miss. King David gave his own personal savings to build the temple because of his devotion to God. Where is your generosity journey leading you?
"God deserves our first and our best not our last and our leftovers."
Our 11|28 Teaching Team and Church Board member, Natalia Roman-Galarza, continued The Generous Life series on Sunday. Natalia does a deep dive into the generosity of the boy whose meal fed thousands. Leaving us to ask ourselves what systems need to be put in place for our giving to be a priority.
"Funding the work of God is worth putting on repeat."
Mike looks at the parable of the Good Samaritan as well as the reality of those who traveled with Jesus. In both instances they funded the mission, they gave generously towards the healing and hopeful work that was needed.
"Genuine generosity begins with a change of heart."
Mike Francisco shares how he grew up with an understanding that you give to the church, you save, and then you can spend what's left. But the realities of life as you get older don't fit so neatly together like they did as a kid and we end up cheating either what we give to the church or what we save. Luke 19 helps us understand that an encounter with Jesus can change our hearts, and generosity flows out of a changed heart.
"you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
We're all asking the question "what's next". What's next for my family? What's next at my job? What's next in my marriage? What's next with my church?
Mike Francisco and the 11|28 board have been asking that question for our three year old church all year long. Mike shares what's next HERE in Oak Creek (Jerusalem) and the potential to impact our community more.
I wasn’t gonna have my last homecoming, I wasn’t gonna have my last winter formal, wasn’t gonna have any of my last anythings because of Covid. I was definitely feeling very down and lonely. Also, everything was virtual. I obviously didn’t feel connected because everything was through FaceTime and I don’t see the person right here in front of me just through like an iPad screen or computer. I was just like very iffy on everything, not really feeling connected during that last year with Covid.
Aylani Roman has grown up with 11|28 over the last few years. She was in her last year of High School as the team began to form and played an important role working with young kids! Even now as she's out on her own, Lani is connected and serves with kids in the nursery. If you've dropped your kids off on a Sunday at our nursery area, you've probably met Lani.
"I remember that Tuesday evening that I was just like I have nobody. I don’t know who my friends are, nobody’s answering and I was sitting in a jail cell and I said I have nobody. You literally don’t have much in a jail cell, but I had this little concrete table and at that moment, when I said I had nobody, I looked and I was like I do I have a Bible and I know I still have God. And that's where this all started"
You may remember a month back when we shared our shortest episode ever. Mel Olson shared the short version of her story on August 24th at our Baptism and Reunion party with our partner church Lakepoint and Revive. We said we'd love to get Mel back to share the fuller context of her story, and here it is. Mel is still living with a lot of unknowns as she waits on court dates, housing opportunities and potential jobs but one thing is certain, she's not alone.
We’re not just called to receive love, we’re actually called to show love to one another.
We got married and we were 19 years old. So my early 20s were a struggle because we had adult things to do when we weren’t really financially equipped to be adults. Those years were a big struggle, I was going to college and I was working. I’d go to school all day and I was working full-time at night, so yeah it was hard. It was hard but that’s kind of what set me on my current path.
Shawn Petersen has been a part of 11|28 since early on. She first came out to a Sunday gathering within a few weeks of us getting started in late 2021. Shawn serves on our guest services team on Sunday mornings, and is always willing to help in other places as needed. She's found a group during the week, and was recently baptized at our "family reunion" in August!
The Way of Jesus is upside down.
Mike unpacks Matthew 16 and talked about what it really means to take up your cross and follow Jesus. It’s all about surrendering the things we’re holding too tightly—our worries, plans, and even our dreams—so we can live in the freedom God promises.
One of my friends was going to a psychic medium and I was like you know, just out of curiosity... I’ve got a healthy dose of skepticism there right, but she’s this sweet little grandmotherly figure I adore and I said make an appointment for me too. So I went and one of the main pieces of advice for her was you need to find a church, so I took it to heart because I love this lady and I was willing to try. So that was the nudge, from a psychic... the Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
Nancy Ashmore has been a part of 11|28 since April of 2024. She found us online after moving to the area and has consistently attended on Sunday mornings ever since. Nancy recently joined a group and is exploring what it might look like to be a part of a serve team. Nancy loves to help people and wants to make the world a better place by offering up her skills, talents, and knowledge for that goal.
Believing can change your life, but trusting initiates your healing.
Mike Francisco walked through Jesus' interaction with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. Mike compared Nicodemus coming to Jesus in the darkness to our own seasons of wandering and searching. Many who call themselves Christian are spiritually dark. Jesus, the light of the world, invites us to move beyond belief into a place of trust, and a place of healing.
I was 16 years old and I got robbed at gunpoint at a store. That day I literally thought I was done. Literally one of the guys had the pistol right next to my head and it was just such a scary moment. I was just praying at that moment, like I just knew to go into prayer. My mom, you know, at that moment was a single parent and I was just thinking 'oh my gosh what’s gonna happen to her when she finds out that, you know, I was murdered'.
Joél and his family have been with 11|28 since before it had a name back in 2018 when it was just a dream. Joél is super generous with his time, often helping behind the scenes during the week with our mobile church carts, setting up or tearing down on Sunday mornings, or running the lyrics presentation. He loves singing and offers up his voice too.
Truth isn't a what, it's a who.
Mike Francisco brought a message from the book of John where Jesus told his followers that he was the way, the truth, and the life. Mike contrasted that with today’s world and the constant need to “fact check” everything. In a world where we don’t know what’s true or what’s good, we need a true north. Jesus provides for us a true north. A guide post. A direction. Jesus promises us that if we know him, we know God.
It was like six months of us hanging out and now like I’m gonna have a kid. It just really caught me off guard, you know. I kind of think that was God’s way of saving me because it was like the second I found that out, there was no more drinking. Realizing how much I was drinking at the time, it was just an eye-opener for me and where I was at that point in life and I needed that change.
Nichole has been a part of 11|28 for the last two'ish years along with her family. Nichole regularly serves on our music and creative team, volunteers her time for extra events, and shows up to just about everything!
This one is different. It's too fresh and too raw to fully describe and capture in just a few paragraphs. It's powerful and emotional. It's definitely worth the 6 minute listen.
Mel shared her story before being baptized at the Reunion and Baptism party on Saturday evening and was willing to have it shared on the podcast as well. Like all of us, Mel's story is still being written and has many unknowns. But she knows now that Jesus walks with her through it all.
A year after choosing faith in Jesus I was diagnosed with cancer. Tumor the size of a golf ball hanging out of my thigh. I noticed it playing sports and just wasn’t functioning as well. At the end of the day it was friendly cancer, as friendly as cancer can be. No chemo no radiation, just one bad surgery where they did a number on my leg.
Leading up to our Reunion and Baptism party this Saturday with Lakepoint and Revive we're listening in on a few stories from our extended family! Brian Hofmeister launched Lakepoint Church in his hometown of Muskego in 2012. Brian is passionate about helping people live out their Jesus mission in their everyday life and everyday circles.
Pastor Brian Hofmeister from Lakepoint Church in Muskego wraps up our Raised in the Likeness series before the baptism celebration with our family of churches on August 24, 2024.
Brian got into what Baptism represents, who should be baptized, and challenged us all to take a next step of faith in our journey with Jesus.
I had to trust what God said and that I would take a six figure pay cut and my family wouldn't suffer, that we wouldn't lose our home and we wouldn’t be living in the alley next to the church. So I said okay I’m gonna quit and I quit. That was that next level because my faith would’ve plateaued.
Leading up to our Reunion and Baptism party on August 24th with Lakepoint and Revive we're listening in on a few stories from our extended family! Ed Cook launched Revive church in September of 2023 as a part of our family tree of churches. Ed is passionate about teaching and preaching and helping people discover their purpose and how to use it.
Mike Francisco continued our "Raised in the Likeness" series leading up to the "family reunion" celebration with 11|28, Lakepoint and Revive on August 24, 2024.
Mike brought a message about the importance of repentance as it relates to baptism. Mike challenges us to consider what John the Baptist meant when he said your life must change not just your skins (Matthew 3 MSG).
I’m glad that we found a community that we are a part of. I’m glad that we're part of a life group, like I never thought I would’ve been part of a Bible study group three years ago. Three years ago I never would’ve thought that, but I’m glad we are. I think it’s just taking steps, seeing if it’s for you and then when you get to a point where you’re feeling comfortable then take the next step thats in front of you.
Nick Schilling has been coming to 11|28 for the last 2.5 years after hearing about us at the 4th of July parade. Nick has been taking small steps one after another, exploring faith, and discovering something that makes sense for him. Nick serves regularly at the front door and attends a LifeGroup every other Wednesday with others who are seeking the same kind of answers as him.
Pastor Ed Cook from Revive Life Transformation Church in Milwaukee kicks off a new series leading up to the "family reunion" celebration with 11|28, Lakepoint and Revive on August 24, 2024.
Ed brought a message about Baptism by the Holy Spirit and the life change and transformation that takes place within a person when they receive the gift of God's presence into their lives. Ed shares his own experience and encourages us to make a commitment for ourselves.
Since there is no cast, I couldn't show them and be like this is what’s wrong with me. It was really difficult to explain to people because I didn’t know if I was overreacting or even underreacting in a sense. It definitely was more serious than I was making it.
Eli Pavlik comes to our Monday evening student group and often takes on a leadership role among his peers in the discussion groups. Eli loves soccer, his friends, and being the oldest sibling. He's experienced significant health challenges in the last year but believes that you can't hide your pain from God.
Christ's love encourages us to live better lives, not just for ourselves, but for others too.
Natalia Roman-Galarza, from our teaching team, wonders why the Hebrews author finishes up with a stern (maybe even mean?) final chapter. Natalia talks about her family, praying for leaders, and finally, the nutrition that Christian's need to experience the life God invites them into.
"I feel like a lot of people think of Christianity like it’s so judgmental, which it isn’t and it shouldn’t be. I mean, what Jesus said is to love your neighbor and I feel like people need to hear that and see that. I want to live by that and show people that that’s what Christianity is all about".
Nate Lang has been attending 11|28 for the past year after realizing we meet on Sunday mornings at the high school. Nate is a recent graduate from Oak Creek High School just a few weeks away from beginning his freshman year of college. Nate's story will inspire students who are trying to figure out faith and parents who want more for their kids.
Faith is a bold dare on the unseen.
Pastor Mike Francisco talked about his daughter learning to swim and how it's like our faith in a lot of ways. Hebrews 11 descrbed the faith of Old Testament heroes and challenged us to live by faith today.
"Seeing them do that was cool but I was like I don’t wanna do it just to do it. I really wanna do it cause I believe. I'll do it when I’m ready. We were gonna be at this new church and we started like having all these ideas and all these new people. It felt like the right time and I did it."
Joèl Galarza Jr, as a thirteen year old, was the first person baptized at 11|28 in 2022. He's been an active part of the 11|28 student group on Monday's, helps lead younger kids on Sunday mornings, and is always willing to help wherever it's needed. Joél is outspoken about his faith and loves to bring friends around to groups and events 11|28 is hosting.
What guilt destroys, the gospel rebuilds even better.
Mike Francisco got into Hebrews 9 with a detailed look at the Temple, The Holy of Holies, and the High Priest. The one thing that we need most, these things could not offer.
I was trying to do, you know, one foot in the church one foot out. I mean, I feel like I failed them, like I failed my parents, I felt like I failed her parents. At the time we were at the same church all doing ministry together so I was like, well, now I can’t do this and I can’t do that.
Miguel Cruz has been with 11|28 for just a few months playing music and helping behind the scenes with our band. Miguel is a super talented musician who loves to serve, loves to help others, and hopes to grow the culture of worship at 11|28. Miguel plays in multiple bands and gigs several nights a week.
The new covenant in Jesus Christ is not just better, it's the best.
Niki Schabo, of our teaching team, continues our Hebrews series with a look at Hebrews 8. Niki reminds us of the original covenant requirements and then helps us understand how Jesus fulfills those requirements perfectly in order to establish something new and better.
A faith that saves us is a faith that endures.
Continuing in our "Better" series, Colleen Francisco opens up Hebrews chapter 6 and the writers message to the early church. These early Christians we're struggling to hold on to the faith that they'd received and needed guidance, encouragement, and a kick in the pants.
It was really hard to have a lot of peace about it. 'Cause if something were to happen and if I’m in California that’s easily a whole day gone trying to get home. It made me reevaluate how much time I should really be gone in a month. Between Bethany's [health] struggles and my kid's needs, I knew it wasn’t gonna be enough because time is precious.
Dan Crawford joined up with 11|28 as a part of the launch community in 2021. He's a hard working husband and father who wants to provide for his family well. Dan's the guy that returns home from a work trip at 2am on a Sunday morning and shows up to set up church a few hours later at 7:30.
You can listen online or subscribe to the Do Life Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon at www.1128community.org/52stories
Jesus offers better hope and the perfect sacrifice.
Continuing in our "Better" series, Mike Francisco did a deep dive on the Old Testament priest, Melchizedek, referenced in Hebrews 5 & 7. Melchizedek wasn't your typical Old Testament Jewish priest which helps connect the entirety of scripture to Jesus.
I can tell you with certainty Jesus was right there next to me. We made eye contact, I had my gun in my hands, and I was like I’m not gonna shoot this guy. I could see his hands, I could see what was happening with the truck and I was like oh we’re good here. Yeah Jesus was watching out for me, like hey Kyle, it’s okay you’re good.
Kyle Owens is an Air Force veteran and currently serves as a police officer in Oak Creek. Kyle and his family have been at 11|28 for two years after checking us out the first few months we existed. Kyle is always willing to jump in and help, he loves people, riding his bicycle, air-soft and more. Kyle is one of the first faces you see when you join us on a Sunday. He's usually opening the door and greeting you as you enter.
Better rest goes beyond a good nights sleep or a great vacation.
Mike Francisco brought a Father's Day message not just for dad's but for anyone that works hard. He explored Hebrews 4 and what God says about entering His rest and the key ingredients to doing that.
I had questions about the Bible because I didn’t feel like it was true. I just felt like it was just a bunch of written down stories by men who, again, I can’t trust. I told [Dan] you know I don’t think the Bible is real and I just have too many questions for this right now.
Amanda Prince has been an 11|28 champion since late 2020 when the dream was starting to unfold. Amanda and her family have played an integral part in helping the church not only get started but transition to stable and thriving. Amanda coaches small group leaders, rocks baby's on Sunday mornings, and is always willing to share her journey with others.
Jesus is better in his humanness.
Guest speaker Curtis McGinnis from Crossroads Church Partners continued the "Better" series. He unpacked Hebrews chapter 2 and the humanity of Jesus as it relates to us today and how we could live and love more like Jesus.
I wanted answers. I wanted to figure things out and I had complete loss of control in my life. So the only way I felt like I could control it was actually turning to the things I hated so much.
Natalia Roman-Galarza has been behind the scenes pushing the dream of 11|28 forward before anyone else knew it was a dream in 2017. Natalia and her family have been instrumental in starting the church as they volunteer and lead in many different capacities. Natalia currently teaches on Sundays as part of our teaching team, leads a group for middle and high school students and is an 11|28 board member.
Jesus is better than whatever else you've got going.
Pastor Mike Francisco begins a new series working through the book of Hebrews. He laid the foundation for the coming weeks and gave us the big picture overview of why this book was written and what we should do with it.
I was able to say 'yes I’m a spiritual person, yes, I believe there’s a God' and I can own that. But I kept having the questions like 'is there really?' But I can say it and I know that and I feel that. I’ve even written things about that spiritual connection with God and writing about it was really a fun thing.
John Nepper came out to 11|28 on week one and has never looked back. He regularly serves in the theater on Sunday mornings, greeting you with a hard candy and helping you find a seat. John is a retired music teacher who loves to play his trombone, has picked up public speaking, and enjoys a good conversation.
"It's not like I was just trying to show this big middle finger at it. My friend said I just seemed really disparaging through all of it. I still felt the need to go to church every few weeks, like into any random church just to be like 'so I’m still doing it' but I remember feeling really disconnected and really kicked the curb, like there wasn’t room for someone who had questions and for someone who had massive anxieties about it."
Beth has been attending 11|28 for the last year and has actively been involved in our prison ministry and small groups. Beth is currently studying to get her library sciences degree, works at a synagogue, teaches aerial dance and is one of the deepest people you'll ever meet.
Care and compassion should extend beyond your circle of comfort.
Pastor Mike Francisco shared five stories. One about a man who struggled. Another about a man who didn't fit in. A third about a group of men who suffered. Another about a liar and a cheat. And a fifth about someone who did it all wrong.
"There was a time where the battle for my soul was super real. It was a really hard time for me, but I wasn’t thinking about God in that moment. I was just trying to survive. Looking back now I can tell that there was a battle for my soul and I took God through some of the worst things but God never abandoned me."
Niki Schabo leads the 11|28 Prison Ministry and gives messages a few times per year as part of the teaching team. Along with her husband Tim and their kids, she's been a part of 11|28 since Sunday number one in 2021... which also happened to be their wedding day.
Jesus invites each of us to join in God's work of redemption.
Pastor Colleen Francisco reflects on women in her life that have played an important role in her faith story before exploring the cultural statement Jesus makes in Martha's home.
"Your job and where you're at can be your ministry, and I've really seen that, especially choosing the career path of a teacher. Yes, I'm serving in my full-time job, but I don't think I'm supposed to stop there."
Colleen Francisco is a virtual teacher who also pastors at 11|28 with her husband, Mike. Colleen isn't a "pastor's wife" who serves in the church; she is an ordained pastor who leads, teaches, and cares for people of all ages and walks of life.
Your persistence is the greatest story you can tell about God's provision.
Pastor Mike Francisco talks about his favorite reality TV series and the parallels with life before unpacking the "thorn in my side" that the Apostle Paul dealt with.
"Most people probably assumed I had a solid faith because I did all the things, I looked the part, I didn’t curse in front of people, I knew when I could and couldn’t use inappropriate language. So most people assumed that I had this deep relationship with Jesus because I had a Bible and I was listening to Christian music. If you only looked at the surface level stuff you'd have thought he’s an incredible student but I can look back on it now and see how that I wasn’t true."
Mike Francisco and his wife, Colleen, CoPastor 11|28 and regularly share their life with us from the platform. In this role reversal episode, you'll get to hear a bit more of Mike's story and his earliest memories of faith, ministry, sports, and life altering decisions.
Perspective opens the door to the provision of God.
Natalia Roman-Galarza, from the 11|28 teaching team, shares from her personal struggles of the last 40 days and the lessons she's learned from a Shunammite women with a dead son.
"Honestly freshman year of college was probably the single furthest I got from God. My biology professor was talking about how it’s just impossible for there to be a God, and this guy is really smart saying all this. I do remember bringing that home to visit my parents and I just remember my mom was clearly disappointed. I had to think and ask myself 'if I'm gonna start making those statements, like what am I really believing' and that’s when the questions started. It’s like okay, I really do gotta figure this out for myself and that kind of happened as we got into sophomore year of college."
Dave Schaack has been with 11|28 since just before it's launch in October of 2021. He's a face you'll see most Sunday's near the front door welcoming guests and regulars alike. Dave teaches math at Oak Creek High School and is a LA Rams fanatic.
"Jesus took on shame for the purpose of your healing."
Pastor Mike Francisco asks us to consider what shame looks like and feels like in you life before exploring the Biblical story of a women healed from the burden of shame and suffered she'd carried for years.
"So I’m in the midst of an emotional affair, and my company suddenly announced that they were shutting down. Two things happening at the same time and I feel completely out of control. I felt I had control of nothing from one day to another. And out of nowhere, the name of an old friend who had become a pastor came to my mind, so I called him — and that’s when things started shifting in my relationship with Jesus."
Lucia Loza-Galzewski and her family have been attending and serving at 11|28 Community for quite a while. Lucia serves on the worship team and attends a LifeGroup, and her children can be most often found in various areas of our family ministries. Lucia's husband was the first guest on the 52 Stories series, so she's here to share her perspective on their story. Lucia's story will inspire you to make the most of every moment and put your trust more fully in Jesus.
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
"Jesus asks us to participate in the healing process"
In part two of our "Anyone Out There" series, Mike Francisco shares about his own failures as a seminary student before diving into a Biblical story about healing from pain and hard things.
“I went into church with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, and being at 1128 has really helped shape my thoughts. I know what I believe and I know that the people around me are open to having conversations about anything. Even when we disagree I know that we'll disagree nicely.”
Anna Larch is a childcare worker in the 11|28 Community nursery. She started there, but soon found that the church was not like her past experiences. She found a refreshing place where she could be herself, and a community of people that she could call friends.
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
"God is the light that shines brightest in your darkest of nights."
In the first message of our "Anyone Out There?" series, Niki Schabo shares a powerful story about personal struggles and moments of despair, and how we can ultimately find hope in God's presence.
“God’s always with you, and he’s always with the people you’re around. You just have to help them open their eyes to see it. Once you become a follower of Jesus you see him in everything, you just have help open their eyes to that, too.”
Dino Roman's entire family is deeply involved in the life of 11|28 Community. A Junior in high school, you'd expect that he would be dragged to church week in and week out like many people his age, but you'd be wrong. Dino is all about Jesus, and he loves to serve in the children's ministry at 11|28 because he's seen firsthand the impact a children's ministry volunteer can have in a kids life. In fact, that's exactly how his story takes shape.
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
"Disillusionment fades when we walk and talk with Jesus."
On this Easter Sunday message, Co-Pastor Mike Francisco shares the story of a pair of disillusioned followers of Jesus, hopeless after their teacher and friend had been brutally murdered, and how their worlds were upturned walking and talking with a mysterious man.
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
“I see my wife and my children as gifts that God gave me. I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and I’m so thankful for the partner that I have. I don’t deserve it all, truly, but I’m grateful.”
Kevin and his wife, Coleen, have been good friends of 11|28 Community since before it was even called 11|28 Community - when it was just an idea in the hearts of our pastors. Kevin is a realtor by trade, and his story is one about deep spiritual connection, the stability of a loving family, and how the two are intertwined.
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
"Jesus meets your needs, not your expectations."
If you've ever found yourself disappointed with something you were eagerly anticipating, then you might know how Jesus' earliest followers might have felt. Jesus was a subversive figure during his life and ministry, and his disciples often found their most basic expectations upset. Still today, Jesus seems to be in the business of meeting needs, not expectations - so what are we supposed to do with that?
To connect with our community, text the word PODCAST to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
“A lot of people have looked at me and said, ‘Hey, you’re young. You need to live your life and you can do this when you’re older.’ It’s been difficult sometimes for people to understand that this is my calling now and I know this. The Lord’s blessed me in a lot of different ways and I just want to pass on that blessing.”
Hannah Powell knew from a young age that she wanted to be a foster parent. Her father left when she was very young, and that feeling of loss fueled a desire to make people feel loved. She is actively engaged in social work, having spent time in the field with Child Protective Services and now working as an operator for the 988 suicide hotline. Hannah's story is one of radical self-sacrifice and generosity towards others.
To connect with our community, text the word "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
"If we want to avoid the snapback, we have to practice the pause."
Co-Pastors Mike and Colleen Francisco continue in our "For the Bible Tells Me So" series. We all experience painful snapbacks in our lives - times that things go in an unexpected or difficult direction against all our expectations. In this message, Mike and Colleen share how to practice the pause that can help us avoid moments like that.
To connect with our community, text the word "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org.
“I had the realization in the hospital bed that I lost everything. It was over. I was at the absolute bottom, but when I got home my mom was full of faith that I wasn’t going back to prison and that I was gonna finish school. She had an unfailing belief in God, and she was right.”
Tim Schabo and his family were a part of the 11|28 Community launch team and remain a part of the church today. Tim works in politics and government and has a passion for people. He believes that those who have should always help those who do not. He is an advocate for legal reform around the criminalization of addiction. His story is a powerful testimony of what unwavering belief can do in the life of an individual.
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org or text "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128.
"Real living is only experienced when we stop pretending."
We often find ourselves pretending to be something we're not, but God's plan for you means that in order to experience real living - light, free living - you need to stop pretending.
To connect with our community, text the word "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128 or visit 1128community.org
"The more that I say 'yes' to the challenges that are in front of me, the more that I'm able to follow after what God has for me."
Meghan Owens and her family are incredibly involved in local Oak Creek community events, as well as in the life of 11|28 Community. They started attending from our second ever weekend worship Gathering, which took place at the Oak Creek Community Center, her place of employment at the time.
Her story is one of overcoming adversity, abusive relationships, and medical mysteries, and ultimately finding strength in her relationship with God.
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org or text "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128.
"Sin is a condition of the heart, not a condition of what you've done."
To connect with our community, text the word "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128, or visit 1128community.org.
"God reminded us that he was with us when our son, Griffin, was born. Griffin was tiny and premature, but he didn't have any lingering impacts, and I knew that God was there and he was on our side."
Bethany and her husband Daniel are longtime attenders and volunteers at 11|28. Bethany grew up in a home that emphasized church attendance, went to a Christian school, and even worked in a church day care at the congregation that her grandfather pastored. Still, her story is deeply relatable and you'll hear about the ways that she's felt high and low in her everyday and her faith life.
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org or text "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128
"You can't control what people do, but you can control how you respond."
In this week's message from our series "For the Bible Tells Me So," we invited all the kids into the main gathering to have one shared morning ahead of our Serve Sunday event. We talked about how you respond to difficult situations and why it might not be as simple as you think.
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org or text "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128.
"My drinking cost me my job of 11 years. I lost apartment, fell behind on car payments - I hit rock bottom. I’d fallen down and picked myself back up before, but not like this."
Kurt Wahl first came to 11|28 Community after finding his rock bottom. Since first attending the church, he's reconnected with his family, found community in small groups, and opened himself to faith. His story is authentic and vulnerable, and we hope it inspires hope in your own life.
To connect with our church, text "PODCAST" to (414) 441-1128, or visit 1128community.org.
"Consistency overrides hypocrisy."
Finding consistent rhythms in our lives centered on Jesus and surrounded with people who will encourage us can help us to override the hypocritical tendencies we all have.
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org.
"When you meet people there, in a nonjudgmental way, that says 'Hey, I wanna show you another way,' that can change peoples' lives. Because the kids in my school are comfortable coming to talk to me because they know that everything that I'm doing is out of love."
Sarah Gruettner is a mother and a school nurse for a K3-12th Grade school in the city of Milwaukee. In her story, she shares her earliest experiences with finding faith in her family, having a child with a medical complication, and doing life different in her workplace.
To connect with our community, click here or text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128.
Does Jesus know you?
In the first talk of our new series "For the Bible Tells Me So" Mike and Colleen Francisco unpack what some have said is the "scariest verse in the whole Bible."
"The beauty of this group and community is that it doesn’t matter where you are - there are open doors and listening ears and people who care."
Aleta Schilling first attended 11|28 Community at our inaugural Christmas Eve gathering. She lives in Oak Creek and is a branch manager for a local bank. Aleta joined a Life Group and found a community of people that cares for her and her family, listens to one another, and makes room for people to ask the sometimes hard and scary questions about life and faith.
Aleta and her husband serve on the First Impressions team and are some of the friendly faces that will welcome you to our space on a Sunday morning.
To connect with our community visit 1128community.org or text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128.
"Peace isn't found in absence of problems, it's found in the presence of God."
In the last message in our "New Year Same Me" series, Mike Francisco asks one big question: is peace even possible?
"Looking back in retrospect, even though it was tough battling depression, being homeless, needing to apply a second time to medical school, which took another year out of my life - I think it's really helped me to empathize with a lot of my patients, especially those with mental health difficulties. It humbled me in a way nothing else could have."
Brandon Bukovitz first connected with 11|28 Community one and a half years ago when his family joined one of our community parties. He is in his final year of residency at Aurora Medical, an unlikely position for him having previously failed out of medical school and experienced homelessness.
To connect with our community visit 1128community.org or text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128
"Clutter distracts us from clarity."
God's original design for the world was one of order, clarity, and goodness. Somewhere along the way, most of us have found ourselves enmeshed in chaos, clutter, and negativity. As we continue our "New Year, Same Me" message series, our Co-Pastor Mike Francisco shares how to find a new independence from clutter.
"It's so affirming to see how God's hand is on something. Through small steps of obedience, he opens all kinds of doors and allows people to use their talents and gifts for the whole Kingdom. I'm not a preacher or a musician, but I've been able to help churches with the gifts God has given me as a technician."
Todd Sagesar's resume reads like a rock star, but you'd never guess that in a conversation with him. He's run live sound and recorded audio for national and international groups and church, and the number of people who have been impacted by his work since he committed to ministry is likely incalculable. Todd spent 30 years employed as a technician by Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, and joined the 11|28 Community in October 2021.
Todd serves on the audio team and is a member of our Board of Directors. To connect with him, write an email to hello@1128community.org and a member of our team can put you in touch.
To connect with our community visit 1128community.org or text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128
"When you give something to Jesus he will bless it. You cannot out give God."
To connect with our community, visit 1128community.org or email hello@1128community.org
"I was left with this fledgling church I planted, but I was broken. It was a broken time, and I had lots of difficult conversations with God. He already knew what I was feeling, so I just had to be honest. There was yelling, cursing, questioning. But I know at the end I can sink back into His arms."
Vicky Wilson has been a part of 11|28 Community from the earliest days. She and her husband, Tim, were instrumental in the first months of our Sunday gatherings, often serving together as the sole two members of the tech team, running lights, lyrics, and audio. Vicky's children participate in our student ministry, and they regularly attend on Sunday mornings as a family.
To connect with our community, text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128, or click here.
"A connected life is a better life."
Pastor Mike Francisco continued our New Year Same Me series with a message about being connected this year. Three of the top ten reasons we fail to make a change in life is because we aren't connected, we don't have anyone that believes in us, or we're connected to the wrong people.
"The people at church were so welcoming. You felt seen. You felt loved. That environment is what I want to build at 11|28 Community."
Casey Schaack is a leader of 11|28's First Impression team. She's also a physical education teacher at Oak Creek High School where she has taught since 2022.
To get connected with our community, text "podcast" to (414) 441-1128 or click here.
"The faith you hope for depends on the work you put in."
As we begin a new series called New Year Same Me, Pastor Mike reminds us that the key to a transformed life lies in embracing the discipline of spiritual exercise. Drawing parallels between physical fitness and faith, he encourages us to put in the work for a stronger, enduring faith.
"I wasn't even sure that God existed, but I was going to find out. I read everything I could about Jesus, I listened to sermons like people listen to music in their cars, and I haven't looked back."
Nick Galezewski is a member of the BASICS in MKE Leadership Team. BASICS is a non-profit that serves and loves people in the Greater Milwaukee area to build a stronger, more integrated community for the glory of Jesus.
You can connect with 11|28 Community by texting the word "podcast" to (414) 441-1128, or by clicking here.
Have you ever thought about the role of the star in the Christmas story? What was that all about anyway? On the morning of our first ever Kids Christmas presentation, Co-Pastor Mike Francisco shares about how God uses ordinary things in an extraordinary way to draw us to him.
"Your greatest impact is in the lives of those you’re closest to."In the final week of our "Fully Alive" series, hear about the impact God wants you to have in the lives of those you're closest to.
Your life is part of God's great story and it's worth telling.
As we near the end of our Fully Alive season, hear about how powerful the story you have can be.
Passion clarifies who and what you're about.
Learn from two stories about the life of David how God can use your passions to clarify who you are and what you're about.
God redeems all of you for greater things!
Hear bow both our spiritual and not-so-spiritual gifts can make an eternal impact as we continue our "Fully Alive" series of messages.
You are a masterpiece, and you are created for a unique body of good works!
God creates each of us uniquely and specifically for a body of Good Works. Good works that were determined ahead of time for us… not in the sense that we have some specific mission, rather we were prepared to live out the inseparable condition (good works that glorify God) of the Fully Alive life. The new life, the masterpiece mission God has destined Christians for is not able to be separated from good works. Good works are a natural outflow of the new life, the Fully Alive life.
Obedience is greater than my own competency. Obedience is trusting Jesus, competency is trusting myself. When it comes down to it, our Fully Alive life sees significant growth when we obey… when we step out of the boat. In those “small moments” Jesus is preparing us for something greater, but it all hinges on our obedience in that moment. Obedience opens doors and unlocks blessings. Obedience deeps our faith, and expands our comfort zones.
Obedience is how we love God best and how God grows us most.
My Character x My Calling = My Impact
The Holy Spirit transforms your character and develops your calling.
Jesus is the hero of the Bible because he defeats the thief who came to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus can be the hero of your story too. Jesus was fully alive with intimacy. He was fully alive with influence. The ultimate example of this was while hanging on the cross. By choosing the cross and choosing suffering Jesus chose you! Jesus used his influence not to save himself from the cross, rather he used it to save you because you are lovable.
The thief comes to steal and destroy the Fully Alive life that God offers us. We are tempted to think the Jesus way of living is lacking. We are tempted to lose our mind. The trick is simple - seek approval rather than intimacy. Seek control instead of influence. And like Adam and Eve in the garden, when we fall for the temptors trick we are left with shame and guilt.
"The thief convinces us that the Jesus life is lacking."
- Resist the cistern water
- Develop a hunger and thirst for God's best
"Serving is cheerfully and generously sharing whatever God has given you."
The final week in our "We Are The Church" series of messages. The best way to serve is to be generous and cheerful with whatever gift, talent, resource or other good thing that God has given to you.
"When we GATHER we practice living and loving and Jesus - when we PARTY we help others do the same."
Niki Schabo continues our series titled, "We Are The Church," by looking at what the first church can show us about being a community that not only gathers, but parties.
"We GATHER to practice living and loving like Jesus."
Week one in our series, "We Are The Church." What does it look like to not just be a part of a church, but to BE the church in community.
"Consistently loving God first helps us love others best."
Co-Pastors Mike and Colleen conclude our "Relationship Goals" series by looking at an interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day.
In a maybe world, keeping your word is powerful. Jesus is the ultimate promise keeper, and learning to live and love like him will require us to keep our word as well.
Note: Audio improves at around 1:30.
"The best relationships bring glory to God."
1) They are personal not functional
2) They are deepening
3) They are supportive
4) They are faith building
"Trust is the currency that relationships depend on."
Part one of a new series of messages titled, "Relationship Goals." Each week will feature a new message from our Co-Lead Pastors Mike & Colleen Francisco.
"Money promises what only God provides."
We overcome the love of money when we:
1. are content with what God has given us.
2. are generous with what God has given us.
3. are grateful for all that God has given us.
"It's not that God saves us from our trials, he saves us from our sins."
Our guest speaker, Nick Galezewski, shares a fresh perspective on Jeremiah 29:11. Nick is the executive director of BASICs a Milwaukee nonprofit ministry. He also serves as the chaplain of the Milwaukee Milkmen, a professional baseball team in Franklin.
"If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will distract you."
In the conclusion of our "We Out Here" series, guest speaker Jason VanderPal from River Glen church shows us how to be faithful to the good work that Jesus has for us.
"When you step out, opposition steps in."Each one of us has good work to do. We may not see it yet, but it’s often right there in front of our eyes. For Nehemiah, it was a crumbled wall. For you, it could be an injustice in the world, or a need you see that no one else does. During this series, we will learn how Nehemiah responded to his own calling and learn how we can change our own world just by leaning into the unique calling that God has put in front of each of us.
"The burden you bear reveals the calling you’ll embrace."Each one of us has good work to do. We may not see it yet, but it’s often right there in front of our eyes. For Nehemiah, it was a crumbled wall. For you, it could be an injustice in the world, or a need you see that no one else does. During this series, we will learn how Nehemiah responded to his own calling and learn how we can change our own world just by leaning into the unique calling that God has put in front of each of us.
Your work begins when you sit down to cry and then kneel to pray.
"We Out Here" in these streets doing the work, and in the first message of our 4-week series, Lead Pastor Mike Francisco challenges us to make a commitment to taking the first steps toward the work that God has for you.
"You don’t Do Life Different on your own. You Do Life Different with Jesus."
In the conclusion of our series looking at the story of Ruth and Boaz, Co-Lead Pastor Colleen Francisco shows us God's redemptive work in their story.
"Compassion, not consequences, makes your story redeemable."In the first week of our short series on the story of Ruth, Niki Schabo and our Co-Lead Pastor Colleen explore the mystery of mercy.
"If we're going to shine bright, we have to unite."
Jesus called for a movement of people characterized by their unity that would shine brightly out into the darkness of the world. What do we do, then, with the ongoing political division that seems to flood into every part of our culture, including the church? Put another way: "How would Jesus vote?"
"The Bible is written by man and inspired by God."
Have you ever wondered if the Bible was true? The collection of writings we build our faith on is as important as ever, so what do we do with it? Niki Schabo and Mike Francisco, two members of our teaching team, continue our series, "Big Questions."
Guest speaker Brian Hofmeister continues our series called "Big Questions" and shares the characteristics of effective prayers.
"I believe, that the most effective prayer you can make, and the biggest answer to the big question: 'Does prayer really work?' is remembering what God did last time you prayed."
"Faith and science are better when they are together."
In the first message in our "Big Questions" series, Co-Lead Pastor Mike Francisco asks whether science and faith are compatible, and how Christians can embrace a reasonable faith.
"The sunrise is sweet because it redefines your future."
In the second and final message in our When Life Gives You Lemons series, Co-Lead Pastor Mike Francisco shares an Easter thought about what Jesus' resurrection means for your future.
"The pain of his promise, leads to peace for his people."
Connect with our community at 1128community.org/welcomehome.
"Real community loves the lonely."
In the final message from our Neighboring series, Mike and Colleen share their vision for what a real community of Jesus followers could do to love the lonely people around them.
"People who are struggling aren't projects, they are people to love."
We are all people capable of helping others, and at the same time people who desperately need help ourselves. What does Jesus have to say about treating people as real people, and not just a project or problem to solve?
"Being a child of God means we take care of the next generation."
What does it mean for God to be a Father and a Provider? In this message, Mike Francisco continues our "Neighboring" series and discusses what it means for God and his people to embrace the orphan and take care of the next generation.
"Peacemakers choose to transcend prejudice."
Week one of a new series of message at 11|28 Community, "Neighboring."
"We are fully known and fully loved."
Colleen Francisco, Co-Lead Pastor, continues our series titled "They Were Jerks Too" with a fresh look at one of Jesus' most famous encounters.
Connectedness leads to living and loving like Jesus.
Mike Francisco, our Lead Pastor, wraps up our "Secret Sauce" series with a to the point, direct message about being connected to Jesus.
"Empathy and openness lead to real community."Colleen Francisco, our Co-Lead Pastor, continues our "Secret Sauce" sermon series with an encouraging talk about what it takes to foster a real, life-giving community.
Trusting God as provider is often easier said than done. In this continuation of our "Secret Sauce" series of messages, Niki Schabo takes a look at a story of God's faithfulness to provide and shares why we can have confidence in his provision for us as well.
"Loving like Jesus leads to fulfillment that lasts a lifetime."
11|28 Community is a community of people Doing Life Different by setting rhythms and values with Jesus at the center. For more information or to get connected, visit 1128community.org.
What you do matters, but who you know matters more. In week one of a brand new series called "Secret Sauce," Lead Pastor Mike Francisco brings a challenging message about where we place our identity.
Important note: due to a technical difficulty, the audio begins a few moments after the start of the message.
In the final message of our Advent series, Mike Francisco shares an encouraging thought about love. He reminded us that love is the central focus of the season, and that the Christmas story is ultimately one of God's unconditional love for us.
As we continue our series on the four weeks of advent, Mike Francisco brings an encouraging message about how to find peace in the presence of Jesus.
What does it look like for us to find Hope in Jesus? Maybe you have had a difficult season or are in one currently, but in this encouraging Advent message we have a look at the different ways that the gospel of Jesus can help us find hope in the midst of it.
Co-Lead Pastor Colleen closes out our "At the Table" series of messages as take one final look at the people around Jesus' table.
A further look at the characters present at Jesus' table. What do we do with the greedy or the betraying people in our lives? What about when we ARE the greedy or betraying person? Jesus' invitation continues to bring the most unlikely of people together even today.
Mike brings a message of hope and encouragement while looking at the table that Jesus invites us to.
Mike and Colleen take a look back at our first year of doing life different and then cast vision for the future of our community.
The concluding talk in our Defense Against the Dark Arts series. Anger is something many of us struggle with, and in this talk Mike and Niki share practical ways that you can resist anger in your day to day life.
Colleen and Natalia bring a different type of message as they create space for us to learn how to say "No" to fear.
Maybe you've been hurt by a church experience or you know someone who has. Maybe you've never given church a try because of a poor cultural reputation. Whatever your background and belief, there are probably some lies you believe about Church. In the closing talk of our Lies We Believe series, we take church on the road and explore what Jesus wants his church to be.
Part three of our "Lies We Believe" series. What are the misconceptions and half-truths we've embraced about life? Is it really best to live however we want? Culture says "you do you," but maybe Jesus has another way.
Part two of our "Lies We Believe" series. What are the misconceptions and half-truths we've embraced about Love?
Part one of our "Lies We Believe" series. What are the misconceptions and half-truths we've embraced about Prayer?
Guest Niki Schabo dives deep in this conversation about 2 Timothy and the difficult sermon that she delivered recently.
A conversation with Dave Schaack & Casey Spigarelli as they share their journey of finding Jesus together.
Mike and Riyan talk about the Biblical figure, Paul, and his place as the most prolific writer in the New Testament.
Mike talks to Melissa Hofmeister about the barriers that keep people stuck living paycheck to paycheck.
Melissa is a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial who specializes in helping clients find financial clarity. She planted Lakepoint Church in Muskego, WI alongside her husband Brian and her three children. For more financial resources or to get connected with Melissa, visit her website by clicking here.
A deep dive conversation with Amanda Prince, small group leader and volunteer at 11|28 Community.
A deep dive conversation with Jason Eeten, Pastor of Students at Lakepoint Church in Muskego, WI.
The conclusion of our "Cursed" series of messages, from Natalia Galarza, our Student Director.
Therapy can be an incredible tool to work through the traumatic and generational experiences in our lives. This interview with Jason Wilkinson discusses the role of a therapist versus a pastor, why we believe in therapy, and what next steps you can take.
Jason Wilkinson has a blog filled with resources that may be particularly useful to you or a family member. You can sign up to receive his posts, check out past posts, and discover more on his site - https://www.wellspacepdx.com/blog
Part two of our "Cursed" series of messages asking whether God can break the cycles of generational trauma.
In the first Deep Dive discussion, Mike and guest Natalia Galarza discuss why we decided to do a series on generational trauma.
Part one of our "Cursed" series of messages asking whether God can break the cycles of generational trauma.
Mike wraps up the Messy People series by talking about the reality of God's "Annoying Love".