Today I wrapped up a six week sermon series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on belonging. Sermon My message, “Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity” was based on John 14:1-14. Belonging You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In fact, this morning’s modern reading was an excerpt from the book’s introduction. A Faith of Many Rooms begins with Read More …
Discipleship
Wrestling with God (#2167)
This morning, just days after the elections in the United States, I preached the fifth message in a series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on wrestling. Sermon My message, “Wrestling with God” was based on Genesis 32:22-31. Wrestling You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript (while I was informed by the manuscript I ended up preaching without referencing any Read More …
Beyond Simple Answers (#2165)
This morning, on All Saints' Sunday, I preached the fourth message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on paradox. Sermon My message, “Beyond Simple Answers” was based on Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, and John 11:32-44. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Presbyterian Pastor Richard Hansen captured how widespread paradox really is Read More …
Living the Stories (#2163)
This morning, on Reformation Sunday, I preached the third message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on story. Sermon My message, “Living the Story” was based on Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I know many of you came to church this morning expecting me to say something Read More …
Struggling with S Words (Sin & Salvation) (#2161)
This morning I preached the second message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on sin and salvation. Sermon My message, “Struggling with S Words” was based on Romans 6:1-14 and Mark 2:13-17. Sin and Salvation You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Let me begin with a big philosophical question: What problem does religion solve? Notice I said Read More …
Doubting Debie (and Doubting Thomas) (#2160)
This morning I preached the first message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on doubt. Sermon My message, “Embracing Doubt” was based on Genesis 17:17-22, 18:10-15 and John 20:24-29. Doubt You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Doubt isn’t something to fear; it is one of the ways we explore our faith and truly make it our own.Looking at Read More …
Doing Life Together (#2158)
This morning I preached the fifth and final message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of intentional faith development. Sermon My message, “Doing Life Together” was based on Acts 2:42. Intentional Faith Development I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Scripture lesson begins at 16:22 and the sermon begins at 17:30). Excerpt Maybe Read More …
Going All In – Responding with Extravagant Generosity (#2157)
This morning I preached the fourth message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of extravagant generosity. Sermon My message, “Going All In” was based on Mark 12:41-44. Extravagant Generosity I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 23:58 and the sermon begins at 25:00). Excerpt Given our cultural tendency to love Read More …
Worship – Connecting with God (#2155)
This morning I preached the third message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of passionate worship. Sermon My message, “Connecting with God” was based on Romans 12:1-2 and John 4:19-24. Passionate Worship The theme was evident well beyond the sermon as the congregation's Director of Worship and Music Ministries and choir returned after parental leave and a summer break. And, the Read More …
A More Spacious Christianity (#2154)
This morning the three day experience known as Faith & Justice's Fall Gathering: The Way of Justice for Today wrapped up at Open Book in Minneapolis. Author Debie Thomas' talk kicked off the morning. A Faith of Many Rooms Debie Thomas provided some of the story behind the story of her newest book: A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf Books, 2024 - rated here on So What Faith as 4.5/5). Importantly, her talk - much like the book - focused on her own Read More …