The Chapel | Sermons

Security is something that’s desired and needed by every human being – including Jesus!  In “The Seed,” Pastor Dave Gustavsen addresses the need for security, the problem with security, and shows us a better kind of security. 

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In “The Servant,” Pastor John Dere takes a closer look at Jesus, as a servant who came into this world to love others. He compares the world’s view of prestige, to Jesus’ view. When we truly understand the sacrifice that Jesus made, his example of being a servant inspires us to live for him and not for our own selfish gain. 

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In “The Invitation,” Pastor Dave Gustavsen reminds us of Jesus’ invitation to approach life the same way He did. Jesus calls us to let go of our lives, and find a new identity and agenda.

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In “The Shepherd,” Pastor Ted Voltmer details Jesus, the Good Shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus, loves us, helps us, guides us, and protects us in our daily lives. His life demonstrates committed love. As we follow His example, we are called away from being self-focused, from doing “just enough,” and striving to look good. Instead, our lives become more focused on others, going above and beyond in all that we do; and finally, seeking to do good.

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In the first message of “The Cross-Shaped Life” series, "The Lamb," Pastor Dave Gustavsen takes a closer look at how Jesus, the Lamb of God, lived with great vulnerability. He didn’t play it safe, and exposed himself to harm and loss all the time. What might it look like for us to live with this same vulnerability? We could choose to take risks, rather than play it safe; we could humbly admit our weaknesses, rather than deny them; and we could love our enemies instead of attacking them.

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In "Reason #6: The Church is Anti-Science" Pastor Dave Gustavsen takes a closer look at the perception that the church opposes science. Throughout history,  there have been times when the church has been very anti-science. If we interpret the Bible responsibly and accurately, we can come to a place where science doesn’t threaten our belief in Scripture. Instead, it may actually help us understand Scripture better.

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Culture has made big strides in recognizing and valuing women.  Yet, within the church, people see certain doors that are only open to men.  And for some people—both men and women—this is a big reason that they’re done with church. Pastor Dave Gustavsen and Heather Horn address these issues in "Reason #5: The Church Represses Women."

Pastor Dave Gustavsen & Director of Family Ministries Heather Horn | February 7, 2021

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The following books are recommended by Heather Horn and Pastor Dave. Some of these books present a “complementarian” position (meaning that men and women complement one another by playing different roles in church leadership), which is the view held by The Chapel. Others present an “egalitarian” position (meaning that there is no distinction between the roles of men and women in the church). As always, we recommend becoming familiar with various viewpoints, prayerfully and thoughtfully deciding which one best represents the teaching of Scripture.

“Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles” by Kathy Keller

“Developing Female Leaders” by Kadi Cole

“Women and God” by Kathleen Nielson

“Gifted to Lead” by Nancy Beach

“Two Views on Women in Ministry” by Belleville, Blomberg, Keener and Schreiner

“Neither Complementarian nor Egalitarian: A Kingdom Corrective to the Evangelical Gender Debate” by Lynn Cohick

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All kinds of people – including those who felt shut out by religion – felt welcomed by Jesus. In "Reason # 4: The Church Hates Gay People,” Pastor Dave Gustavsen and Art Periera discuss how we’ve failed (as a church and individuals) in loving our LGBT communities. They challenge us to be more like Jesus, leading with grace and truth, in our posture towards our LGBT friends and neighbors.

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Religion and politics don't mix. Or do they? In "Reason #3: The Church is Too Political" Pastor Dave Gustavsen takes a look at some of the major reasons politics are pushing people away from the church.

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