The Thriving Congregation

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35–45; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; 1 Peter 5:1–4

Sermon Focus: Healthy churches require healthy leaders. Jesus redefined leadership as humble service, which was a radical departure from the world. The New Testament emphasizes not merely what leaders accomplish but who leaders are—their character, integrity, humility, maturity, and care for others. In the second message of our series, Pastor David shares how the thriving congregation cultivates leaders who are spiritually healthy, emotionally mature, accountable, and committed to serving others.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Leaders Who Look Like Jesus - Sermon Slides PPTLeaders Who Look Like Jesus - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (9-20-26)Bulletin (9-20-26)

The Thriving Congregation

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1–14, 2:42; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17

Sermon Focus: Prayer is not simply another activity of the church; it is the posture of a congregation that recognizes its dependence upon God. The early church prayed together, and their prayers shaped their courage, unity, discernment, and mission. In the first message of our series, Pastor David begins with an overview of The Thriving Congregation series, explores the purpose and power of prayer, and shares what happens when prayer moves from the margins of church life to the center.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

The Church That Prays - Sermon Slides PPTThe Church That Prays - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (9-13-26)Bulletin (9-13-26)Baptism Insert

Charismata

Charismata

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:3-11; Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Sermon Focus: How do you discover the spiritual gifts God has given you so that you can use them for his glory? In the final message of our series, Pastor David offers practical guidance for discerning spiritual gifts through prayer, faithful service, spiritual maturity, community affirmation, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Rather than waiting for certainty, believers are encouraged to begin leading, serving, and trusting that God reveals our gifts as we faithfully participate in the life and mission of the church. 

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Discover Your Gifts and Use Them! - Sermon Slides PPTDiscover Your Gifts and Use Them! - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (8-30-26)Bulletin (8-30-26)

Charismata

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-3; 14:1, 12

Sermon Focus: Some spiritual gifts inspire excitement while others (due to their more obvious “supernatural” nature) create uncertainty, unease, or even fear. In the fourth message of our series, Pastor David addresses the more “charismatic” gifts—including prophecy, healing, miracles, and speaking in tongues—with humility and biblical balance. Rather than avoiding these gifts or pursuing them without wisdom, we should eagerly desire the Spirit's work while exercising discernment, order, and love.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

The Gifts That Make Us Nervous - Sermon Slides PPTThe Gifts That Make Us Nervous - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (8-23-26)Bulletin (8-23-26)

Charismata

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:3-8

Sermon Focus: The Holy Spirit distributes a rich variety of gifts throughout the Body of Christ. Rather than comparing ourselves with others or elevating certain gifts above the rest, we are invited to celebrate the Spirit's wisdom in equipping every believer differently. In the third message of our series, Pastor David surveys some of the gifts mentioned in the New Testament, shares what they look like in practice, and emphasizes that every gift is essential to the health and mission of the church.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Many Gifts, One Spirit - Sermon Slides PPTMany Gifts, One Spirit - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (8-16-26)Bulletin (8-16-26)

Charismata

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

Sermon Focus: After his resurrection and ascension, Christ gave gifts to his church in the form of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These ministry gifts, often referred to as the five-fold ministry, are not titles of status but callings that equip God's people for works of service and help the church mature into the likeness of Christ. In the second message of our series, Pastor David explores these five gifts, how they function together, and what they might look like in the life of our congregation.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Equipping the Saints- Sermon Slides PPTEquipping the Saints - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (8-9-26)Bulletin (8-9-26)

Charismata

Scripture Reading: John 14:16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Sermon Focus: What are spiritual gifts and why does God give them? The New Testament teachers that spiritual gifts are not rewards for spiritual maturity, but gifts of God's grace given to every believer through the Holy Spirit. Every disciple has a role in Christ's Body, and every gift matters. In the first message of our series, Pastor David lays the biblical foundation for understanding spiritual gifts as expressions of God's generosity, intended for edifying the church and furthering God’s gospel mission.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Gifts of Grace - Sermon Slides PPTGifts of Grace - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (8-2-26)Bulletin (8-2-26)

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:1-20

Sermon Focus: The religious leaders are unconvinced that Jesus is the Son of God and so they plot to kill him. Then Jesus begins to speak in parables and shares the “Parable of the Sower.” He begins with the imperative: “Listen!” And he ends with the reminder, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” But why does a farmer scatter seed in unfruitful places? And why does Jesus tell the disciples that the secret of the Kingdom of God is given to them but hidden from others? And why aren’t miracles convincing enough? And what does this mean for you and me? In today’s message, Don Tucker unpacks Mark 4:1-20 and helps us to understand and apply Jesus’ parable today.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

To Hear or Not to Hear - Sermon Slides PPTTo Hear or Not to Hear - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (7-26-26) NoneBulletin (7-26-26)

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-39; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3-9

Sermon Focus: According to the Bible, God created a good world that has been corrupted by a cosmic rebellion and human sin. Every disease, every disaster, every funeral, and every tear reminds us that creation is groaning under the weight of sin and decay. But this is not the end of the story. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, God has already begun making all things new, and nothing—not suffering, death, or even the powers of darkness—can separate us from his love or prevent his ultimate victory. In today’s message, Pastor David expounds on Romans 8:18-39 and explains how we are "more than conquerors" as we share in Christ's triumph over sin and death.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

More Than Conquerors - Sermon Slides PPTMore Than Conquerors - Sermon Slides PDFSmall Group Discussion Questions (7-19-26)Bulletin (7-19-26)