Christ Methodist Church Memphis

Send us Fan Mail

In Luke 10, Jesus appoints 72 individuals for his mission. The passage reveals not only the ample opportunities for spiritual harvest but also highlights the necessity for laborers to fulfill this calling. Their immediate response to Jesus' call serves as a compelling example for us, showcasing that knowing the character and voice of the Lord empowers us to step out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty and challenges.

We can reflect on the simple nature of Jesus' instructions and how He sent the 72 as 'lambs amid wolves'—a reminder that following Him does not come without risk. Thus, dependence on God amidst vulnerability is transformed into strength. The instruction to "carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals " illustrates dependence on divine provision, allowing us to focus on the mission at hand rather than on personal security.

Rejoicing should stem from our identities as children of God, with our names written in heaven. It's an invitation to live fully and boldly in our faith, to embrace the reality of our calling as agents of God's kingdom on Earth.

Listeners are challenged to consider their response to God's call in their own lives—is it a small faith rooted in comfort or an expansive faith that embraces the unknown for God's glory? The choice is presented with urgency; living a life that reflects the grandeur of God’s love and His mission is an opportunity we should not take lightly. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Carole Ward, founder of Favor International, guest teaches about the importance of being intentionally present and creating space for God in our lives. She emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and the need to be responsive to divine moments. Ward shares that true transformation relies on individual relationships with Jesus and the necessity of sacrificial love, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. She urges introspection on one's missionary role, the urgency to spread the gospel through daily actions, and a deeper commitment to God.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Hudson Winkle, a 21-year-old missionary with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and former Christ Methodist Church student ministry participant, discusses his upbringing as the child of missionaries in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural engagement and community in missionary work. He shares his faith journey, including a transformative encounter that reignited his commitment to the gospel. 

Hudson reflects on his recent mission trip to the Congo, where his team established house churches and distributed audio Bibles to address gaps in biblical knowledge. He encourages Gen Z to seek authentic relationships. He emphasizes the Church's role in global missions, concluding with a prayer for believers to embrace their mission in sharing hope and truth.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

With a passionate heart, Jesus overturned tables and challenged the status quo, revealing His righteous anger against the barriers that kept the nations from truly worshiping God. Director of Student Ministry William Merriman emphasizes that the Temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all peoples, a sanctuary for everyone seeking God.

We're challenged to ask ourselves: What breaks your heart? By identifying our passions, we can align our anger against injustice with the love of Christ and take meaningful action in the world. As we prepare for communion, we are invited to bring our burdens to the Lord’s table, allowing Him to overturn the tables in our hearts that hinder our relationship with Him.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Using Mark 11:15-19, Pastor Paul dives into the significance of Jesus cleansing the Temple, a bold act that He performed twice during His ministry. This act wasn’t just about a physical space; it was a profound statement against the indifference that had crept into the hearts of God’s people, blocking access for the nations to come and worship. Paul explores how Jesus’ righteous anger was fueled by His desire for all peoples to experience God’s presence and grace.

Throughout this message, we're challenged to reflect on our practices and priorities as a church. Are we making room for God’s mission or inadvertently creating obstacles? Paul encourages us to listen to Jesus’ call to go into the world, reminding us that our mission is to glorify God and make disciples among all peoples.

As we examine our roles in God’s great commission, we’re invited to consider how we can actively engage in prayer, support missionaries, and serve locally and globally. Join us as we explore what it means to be a house of prayer for all nations and how we can fulfill our calling to share the gospel with joy and purpose. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: How Do We Do Missions Like Jesus?
Scripture: John 17:13-19
Series: Core: Mission, Vision & Values
Teacher: Grant Caldwell

“How do we do missions like Jesus?” 

Discipleship pastor Grant Caldwell unpacks this question through the lens of John 17, focusing on Jesus’ final prayer for His disciples and its implications for our mission today.

Discover how Jesus defines missions—not through guilt, but through the fullness of joy. As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we’ll explore the complexities of Christ Methodist's mission statement in a world marked by brokenness and the powerful hope of the gospel that brings joy to all.

Grant shares insights from his years in missions, highlighting the confusion many face about the cause, act, and goal of missions. He emphasizes that missions is a holistic life calling, not a periodic activity, and that we are called to engage with the world while being protected from the evil one.

As we navigate the challenges of living on mission, we're encouraged to reflect on what breaks our hearts and how we can unite as a church community to bring Jesus into the areas of brokenness around us.

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of missions or looking for practical ways to get involved, this episode is packed with inspiration and guidance to help you live out your calling in Christ.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon:Surrendering Doubts, Fears, and Comforts to Fulfill God’s Mission
Scripture: Numbers 13:27-14:1
Series: Core: Mission, Vision & Values
Teacher: Nathan Cook Missions Pastor

Are we living by fear or faith? This sermon delves into the story of the Israelite spies in Numbers 13-14, challenging us to confront our hesitations in following God's call. 

The recurring phrase, "Today, if you hear God's voice, do not harden your hearts," is a potent reminder that God often leads us into difficult places for His greater purpose. Just as the Israelites faced giants in the Promised Land, we, too, encounter daunting challenges in our mission to spread God's love. 

However, this message encourages us to trust in God's presence and power rather than succumbing to our fears or longing for past comforts. It prompts us to reflect on how we might be resistant to God's call due to concerns for safety or comfort and inspires us to step out in faith, knowing that God goes before us.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

In this sermon, guest teacher Will Watson (The Traveling Team) explores God's global mission and humanity's vital role within it. He urges listeners to shift from a self-centered mindset to a missional perspective and emphasizes our sacred duty to spread the gospel.

Highlighting Genesis 12:1-3, Will showcases God's promise to bless all nations through Abram and traces the biblical narrative that reveals God's desire for His name to be known globally. Listeners are invited to consider their roles as “senders” or “goers” and challenged to embrace God's heart for the nations, encouraging a commitment to His mission. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Todd Arend emphasizes the church's role in global evangelism, referencing Genesis 12. He urges believers to overcome self-centeredness and engage actively in mission work, envisioning diverse worship in heaven.

-------

In this sermon, Todd Ahrend, founder of The Traveling Team, discusses the significance of mission mobilization and the church's role in global evangelism. He references Genesis 12, emphasizing God's covenant with Abraham and the importance of bringing the gospel to unreached peoples. Todd highlights the biblical narrative of God's desire to bless all nations, exploring the transition from Israel's mission to the church's mandate of 'going and telling.' He addresses believers' responsibility in overcoming societal tendencies towards self-centeredness and encourages personal engagement in mission work. Concluding with a vision of diverse worship in heaven, Todd calls on listeners to actively participate in God's redemptive mission.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Called to Surrender: Embracing God's Mission to All People
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Teacher: Nathan Cook, Missions Pastor  

In this sermon, Missions Pastor Nathan Cook explores Isaiah's awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness and his call to proclaim His message to resistant people. Through this profound encounter, we learn the necessity of surrendering to God's mission, overcoming barriers, and embracing our role in reaching all nations with the gospel. Join us as we reflect on how God's grace equips us for service and challenges us to say, "Here I am, send me."

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN