Missio Dei Community - SLC

Guest Speaker Christie Penner Worden shares on hope, faith, and wonder from her new book The Me I was Made to Be.

Humans are created in the imago dei, which is not simply a state of being, but a vocation. Being an image-bearer is a calling to create and cultivate in ways that resemble God and benefit others. We participate in making real Jesus’s kingdom when our everyday actions are inspired by a kingdom's imagination. When we create families, art, ministries, and safe workplaces that reflect Jesus and his kingdom, we are joining with God in extending the kingdom on earth.

In our current series, we’ve been talking about our practices as a church: gathering, welcoming, and inviting. Today, we focus on the practice of exploring – paying attention to where God is already at work around us, remaining curious and open to surprise. Paul’s journey teaches us that when we slow down, embrace uncertainty, and stay curious, God can lead us to new and beautiful encounters, just like His surprising meeting with Lydia by the river. We’re invited to trust, pay attention, and take risks, following God wherever He leads.

In this teaching of The Missio Dei series, we explore the ancient and essential practices of welcoming and inviting, rooted in biblical hospitality. Jesus modeled a radical hospitality that crossed boundaries, inviting the unexpected into His presence. Drawing from stories in Luke 4 and Matthew 25, we see that in welcoming others, we are not just offering kindness but encountering Christ Himself. As we reflect on what it means to create space for people who think, live, and believe differently, we are reminded that God invites us all to the table—and in doing so, we become both the welcomed and the welcomers.

In this teaching of the Missio Dei series, we explore the practice of gathering as a central act of faith. Building on last week’s message from Jordan Moss, we dive into how gathering tells a story of who we are, where we come from, and what God is doing in our midst. Whether around a table or in worship, gathering allows us to celebrate, remember, and proclaim God’s work. It's where we practice belonging, experience the presence of Jesus, and are shaped for mission in the world. Join us as we reflect on the deeper significance of gathering in our journey of faith.

In this series, we revisit our community’s vision and identity, exploring how the presence of God shapes who we are and how we live. Drawing from the Gospel of John, Jordan discusses how our life with God begins in belovedness and intimacy, and how that foundation calls us to embody Jesus’ presence in the world. As loneliness and disconnection grow, Jordan reflect's on what it means to be fully present with God and others, creating spaces of connection, renewal, and belonging. Join us as we unpack how we can be a people who mirror God’s love and presence in every area of life.

In our final teaching in our "Make Good Choices" series, we dive into Paul's teachings from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, where he addresses the Corinthian church's misunderstandings about sexual ethics and freedom. We explore how Paul's ancient wisdom on the value of the body and the importance of love and responsibility in our choices can guide us in developing a healthy, God-centered sexual ethic today.

In part 3 of our series, Make Good Choices, Heather explores how a Christ-centered community can navigate differences through love, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians. Drawing on Paul's teachings, we discuss the challenges faced by the Corinthians, who, despite their spiritual knowledge, struggled with division and discord. The apostle Paul emphasizes that true spiritual maturity isn't about asserting our knowledge or freedoms but about building each other up in love. In a world full of differences, this episode invites us to make choices that reflect the inclusive and generous spirit of Jesus, fostering unity and care within our communities.

In "Make Good Choices Pt. 2 - See You in Court," we explore how the Corinthian church's approach to conflict—taking disputes to corrupt Roman courts—contradicts the gospel's call for restoration and unity. Throughout this letter, Paul challenges us to handle disagreements within the church by embodying the future kingdom of God now, choosing love and mutuality over self-interest. Paul urges us to expect more from ourselves and each other, engaging in conflict with a spirit of restoration, as we strive to live out the messy, yet beautiful reality of being a community shaped by Jesus.

In this teaching from Make Good Choices, Jonny explores the divisions that plagued the early church in Corinth and how they still resonate with us today. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1:1, 10-18, we’ll discuss how Christians often align themselves with different leaders, ideologies, or interpretations, and the impact this has on our unity. Jonny unpacks Paul’s advice to the Corinthians, encouraging us to prioritize our shared purpose in Christ over our differences. Whether you're struggling with division in your own community or simply curious about how to navigate disagreements with grace, this episode offers valuable insights on how to stay united in a divided world.