Due to the current storm warning affecting our area, we have made the decision to cancel all Sunday morning, in-person activities for this weekend. This includes worship services, Sunday School, and any other scheduled on-site gatherings.

We will still be offering a Sunday worship service online, which will be available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/myfefc). You can access the service directly through our website (https://www.myfefc.org), as well as via links posted on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/myfefc) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/myfefc) pages.

Families with children: Our Children’s Ministry Leader, Heather Clement, will be sending a separate communication with resources to support children and families on Sunday morning.

We encourage you to join us online from the safety of your home and to stay updated through our digital platforms for any additional announcements.

We also encourage everyone to check on family members, friends, and neighbors, offering assistance as needed.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

Grace and peace,

The Board of Elders
First Evangelical Free Church

This morning, I want to share a big idea: “God’s people don’t just gather and grow. They go.”

What do you think makes a healthy church? A big congregation? A large building? Dynamic programs? A top-tier worship band? While these elements can evidence health and enhance our experience, they don't exhaust all possible markers of church health.

A healthy church isn’t just measured by its seating capacity—it’s measured by its sending capacity. It's not just about how many come in; it's about how many are sent out to fulfill God's mission.

The Current Condition: Ministers and Missionaries Today

Today, we face significant challenges. According to recent studies, in 2019, approximately 4,500 Protestant churches closed in the U.S., while only about 3,000 new ones were started. This trend indicates a net loss of churches, highlighting the urgent need for new leaders to step into ministry roles.

Furthermore, the number of young people entering vocational ministry is declining. Barna Research reports that pastors aged 40 and younger constitute only 15% of the total number, indicating a shortage of young ministers.

For these reasons and more, we believe God is calling us to prioritize the next generation of ministers and missionaries in our strategic vision. We see this in three biblical truths that we'd like to explore today.

First, God Is Calling.
He Still Calls People into Ministry

Let's read from Matthew 9:37-38:

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”

In this passage, Jesus looks out at the crowds and sees not just people, but souls in need of shepherds. He recognizes the abundant spiritual need and tells His followers to pray—not for more comfort, not for more miracles, but for more workers. The need for gospel laborers isn't a new issue. It was true in Jesus’ day, and it’s still true today. There has always been a shortage of willing servants.

And here's the deeper question: What if Jesus is still answering that prayer—through us? What if the answer to “Lord, send workers” is not just theoretical, but personal? What if He’s nudging you, your child, your grandchild, your friend—to be one of them?

Sometimes, the most meaningful callings begin not with passion, but with curiosity, or even hesitation. Maybe you’ve had this experience: Someone asks for help with something—maybe teaching a class, going on a mission trip, mentoring a student—and your first reaction is, “That’s not really my thing.” But then you try it. And something clicks. You discover a joy, a purpose, a connection that you didn’t expect. You think, “Why didn’t I say yes to this sooner?”

That’s how calling often works. Not everyone hears a trumpet blast from heaven. Sometimes, we step into a need, almost reluctantly, and find that God meets us there. He stirs something in us that wasn’t awakened before. We find not just a role to fill—but a passion to pursue.

And that’s true in ministry. Some feel called from an early age. Others wake up to the call later—through a conversation, an opportunity, a need they can’t ignore. And still others may only realize it after taking the first faithful step.

So when Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,” it’s not just a call for the already-ready. It’s a gentle nudge to all of us to pray, listen, and be open. Because the workers God calls are often the ones who are simply willing to say, “Lord, I’m here. I’ll go if You’ll lead.”

Second, God Is Cultivating.
He Prepares His Servants.

We'll continue at 2 Timothy 2:2:

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

In this verse, Paul is writing to Timothy—his spiritual son and ministry protégé. Paul doesn’t just urge Timothy to stay strong in the faith; he commands him to pass it on. The gospel is never meant to be bottled up. It’s meant to be entrusted—to faithful men and women, who will then teach others, and so on. This is ministry at its most essential: multiplication.

Ministers and missionaries are not born with halos and microphones. They are formed—shaped by Scripture, community, hardship, and grace. God prepares His servants in the soil of ordinary faithfulness long before they ever stand on a stage or cross a border.

And that means a sending church must also be a training church. If we want to see more workers in the harvest, we must cultivate them through discipleship, service, and spiritual formation. But, how does God do this equipping work? 

He equips us through the local church—because ministry begins in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). He equips us through the Word of God, which shapes and refines our calling (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And He equips us through trials and service, which grow our endurance and deepen our trust in Him (James 1:2-4).

Consider this real-life story. A few years ago, a group of scouts were canoeing down a river when they came upon an 80-year-old hiker who slipped and fell down a steep embankment, breaking several bones. The scouts immediately sprang into action. They made their way to the injured man, rendering emergency aid.

Now, here’s the thing. Those scouts didn’t wake up that morning thinking they’d be part of a rescue mission. They were just scouts—young men who had gone through first aid training, earned badges, and learned how to serve. But when the moment came, all that quiet training became vital.

That’s what ministry preparation is like. Often, it feels slow, even mundane—learning Scripture, serving in quiet corners of the church, praying with someone after service, walking through hardship with patience. But God is cultivating something in us. And when the moment comes—when the opportunity appears—we realize that God has been preparing us all along.

So if you’re wondering, “Is God calling me into ministry?”, one of the best questions you can ask is this: “Am I being faithful where I am now?” Because the servants God sends tomorrow are usually the ones who are training, serving, and growing today.

Finally, God Is Commissioning.
He Is Releasing and Sending Workers.

Let's look at Acts 13:2-3:

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

In this beautiful and pivotal scene from Acts 13, the church in Antioch is gathered in worship. They are seeking the Lord, fasting and praying—not strategizing a ministry launch or planning a leadership transition—but simply listening to the Spirit. And in that space of worshipful dependence, God speaks. He doesn’t tell them to start something new. He tells them to release what He’s already begun. “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.” The Antioch church didn’t just train leaders—they sent them. They laid hands on them, prayed over them, and let them go.

This is a powerful and sometimes painful truth: a healthy church doesn’t hold people back—it releases them for mission. It opens its hands and says, “Lord, they’re Yours.”

Have you ever tried to hold on to something that wasn’t meant to stay? A butterfly, a bird, a grown child heading off to college? It’s hard to release something you love. There's that instinct to cling, to delay the goodbye, to keep things familiar and close. And yet, part of love is knowing when to let go.

The same is true in the life of the church. Some churches struggle to send people out—not because they don’t love missions, but because they love their people. And they’re afraid of losing them. But what if God isn’t taking them away? What if He’s actually multiplying your church’s influence by sending them out?

When we release people in obedience to God’s call, we don’t lose them—we launch them. And the kingdom of God grows wider and deeper because of it.

The Conclusion: How Will We Respond?

Moving forward in this new vision, here are four ways we intend to respond to these truths.

1. We will pray for future ministers and missionaries.
2. We will develop opportunities for people to explore their calling (internships, missions trips, leadership training).
3. We will encourage individuals to ask, 'God, are You calling me?'
4. We will financially and spiritually support those who step forward.

Throughout history, God has always called people into ministry. Some were young (like Timothy), some were older (like Moses). Some expected it (like Paul), some were surprised by it (like Jonah!). But all of them had one thing in common: When God called, they answered.

For some of you, this message is planting a seed—God may call you years from now. For others, perhaps God has already been nudging you, but you've been hesitant.

Here’s my challenge: Would you at least pray about it? Would you ask God if He wants you to serve Him in ministry or missions? Because if we’re serious about being a church that raises up leaders, we need to start with open hearts, willing hands, and a spirit ready to say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me.’

Let’s pray.

Two young men, Airman 1st Class Troy May and his friend Layton Allen, saw her distress and didn’t hesitate to step in. They didn’t just offer words of encouragement; they carried her—one taking the brunt of the 1.6-mile descent while the other switched in to give relief. Other hikers, including a physical therapist and an occupational therapist, bandaged her wounds and helped keep her calm. Together, they ensured she made it safely to medical care. Reflecting on the moment, Bannister later said, "I truly felt that these two guys were meant to be there to save me, and that sort of swam in my subconscious at the time. I considered them my angels."

Now, think about that moment. What would have happened if she had been alone? What if she had tried to limp down the trail by herself? She needed others. And the truth is, so do we.

In the Christian life, and especially in the work of the church, we are not meant to go it alone. God designed His people for mutual dependence, working together to fulfill His purposes. This principle, known as mutuality, is vital for understanding how churches and ministries should relate to one another. Mutuality is not simply about unity for its own sake but about strengthening the body of Christ through shared wisdom, accountability, and mission. One of the most compelling biblical examples of this is found in Acts 15, where the Council of Jerusalem demonstrates the necessity of broader cooperation when local challenges require larger solutions.

Big Idea: We’re Better Together

God designed His people for mutual dependence. We aren't meant to go it alone! This principle of mutuality (define the word) strengthens the body of Christ through:

• Shared wisdom
• Meaningful accountability
• United mission

This isn't just about togetherness for its own sake—it's about effectiveness in God's kingdom.

Biblical Foundation for Mutuality

Scripture consistently portrays the church as one body with many interdependent parts:

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – No part can say to another, "I have no need of you." Just as the hand needs the eye, no church is fully self-sufficient. We need each other. 
• Ephesians 4:1-6 – "One body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism" is a call to realize unity amid our diversity.
• Romans 12:4-5 – "We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." We are not out own. We belong to God and, consequently, one another.

One of our younger couples moved into their new home yesterday. Thankfully, several church members and friends showed up—some carrying heavy furniture, others organizing the kitchen, and even the smallest children helping in their own way (and some even making delicious cookies for the occasion!). Each person, with different strengths, played a role, and by the end of the day, what had been a pile of boxes felt like home. It would have been hard to do it alone, but together, these folks reflected the truth that in Christ, we are one body, each member needed and belonging to one another (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:1-6; Rom. 12:4-5).

Acts 15: Mutuality in Action

When the early church faced a crucial question—how to integrate Gentile believers—they didn't handle it in isolation. The church in Antioch sent representatives to Jerusalem, creating a model for collaborative problem-solving:

1. Seeking Collective Wisdom – Leaders gathered to discuss the issue (Acts 15:6)
2. Listening to Experience – Peter, Paul, and Barnabas shared God's work among Gentiles (Acts 15:7-12)
3. Biblical Discernment – James applied Scripture to confirm God's inclusive plan (Acts 15:13-18)
4. Spirit-Led Decision – The council determined Gentiles weren't bound to Mosaic Law (Acts 15:19-21)
5. Clear Communication – Their decision was documented and distributed (Acts 15:22-31)

Local challenges often require broader solutions. Antioch's willingness to seek wider counsel resulted in clarity, unity, and stronger mission.

Mutuality at First Free Church

As part of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), we’re congregationalists, but our independence doesn’t mean isolation. We practice mutuality through:

• Theological accountability
• District-level pastoral support and development
• Collaborative mission initiatives
• Church planting partnerships
• Leadership transition assistance

This past week, Pastor Alex, Nick, and I attended an annual theological conference sponsored by the Allegheny District of our denomination. Over two days, we received encouragement and instruction from regional and national church leaders. We worshipped with some of the leaders of our district's churches. These relationships are empowering, a reminder that God's given us each other; we're not in this alone. 

Our Vision for Fresh Expressions of Mutuality

For our church:

• Actively engage in denominational partnerships
• Seek wisdom from trusted networks when facing challenges
• Collaborate in missions and ministry

For individual believers:

• Recognize faith as a shared journey, not solo expedition
• Build relationships beyond our immediate congregation
• Support kingdom work beyond our local context

Conclusion: The Joy of Connection

Mutuality isn't just strategic—it's a spiritual calling. When we embrace the wisdom, accountability, and shared mission of Christ's larger body, we reflect His design. Remember our hiker: alone, she's vulnerable; with companions, she's rescued.

We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.

Let’s pray.

Scripture Reading

Let’s dive into God’s Word. Open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians 9:6-15—page 968 or 1231 in the pew Bibles. This is what the Spirit says through the Apostle Paul:

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[b] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 

12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 

13 By their approval of this service, they[c] will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 

14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

This ends the reading of God's Word. Let's pray.

Prayer

Living God, by Your Spirit, open our ears to hear Your Word, our minds to grasp its truth, and our hearts to respond with joy and obedience. May all we do bring You glory. Amen.

Introduction

Ever started a task and realized halfway through your heart just wasn’t in it? Maybe it was assembling that IKEA shelf—you know, the one with 47 steps and a missing screw. Contrast that with something you threw yourself into wholeheartedly—like planning a surprise for someone you love. What’s the difference? I think it boils down to three things: purpose (is it worth it?), practicality (will it work?), and preparation (do I have what I need?).

Today, we’re talking about something God calls us to do with our whole hearts: generosity. Specifically, generosity that helps us reach one of our 10-year goals—paying off our mortgage. 

Two years ago, we unveiled this beautiful, renovated space—a tool for ministry we desperately needed. We locked in historically low rates, and for a while, it made sense to park our funds in interest-earning investments rather than chip away at the principal. Smart, right? But now, with a mandatory refinance on the horizon, it’s time to shift gears. And here’s the exciting part: God’s inviting us into this together—cheerfully, creatively, and with a vision for what’s ahead.

Bid Idea: God creates cheerful givers by giving cheerfully of Himself.

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul shows us how God’s extravagant generosity fuels ours. And with purpose, practicality, and preparation in mind, we’ll see why we can lean into this with all we’ve got. We’re not after just right beliefs or behaviors—Paul’s aiming for our hearts. He gives us two practices and a perspective to get us there.

Practice 1: Give generously.

Paul kicks off in verse 6: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” It’s farming 101—plant a few seeds, get a small crop; plant a lot, watch the harvest explode. I learned this the hard way last summer. I didn’t plant a garden. Needless to say, I didn’t get any tomatoes. Meanwhile, some of you—who apparently moonlight as farmers—sowed half your yards and ended up with salsa for days. Generosity works like that. When we give big, God does big things.

Here’s the vision: imagine our church debt-free. No mortgage payments. Every dollar we give going straight to ministry—missions, kids’ programs, community outreach. That’s the harvest we’re sowing toward.

Practice 2: Give cheerfully.

Verse 7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Cheerful, not coerced. I love that word in Greek—hilaros. It’s where we get “hilarious” (though we give it a meaning the Greeks did not have). Even so, God’s not after grumpy givers handing over cash like it’s a speeding ticket. It’s good to smile, inside and maybe even out, when we give. 

Think of the most generous people you know. This church is full of them. What drove them? Not guilt or pressure—just joy in seeing God work. That’s the vibe we’re after. Not giving to impress, not giving out of duty, but giving because it’s a blast to join God’s mission.

Perspective 1: God will bless you with all you need to be generous.

Now, Paul shifts gears. He’s not just about what we do but why. He stacks up promises in verses 8-11: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… He who supplies seed to the sower… will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

Some of you might be thinking, “I’d love to give more, but my budget’s tighter than a drum.” I get it. Groceries are up, gas is up, and all this tariff talk maybe makes us nervous. Here’s the biblical balance: generosity isn’t optional—it’s a command we obey joyfully. But it’s also not reckless. We’ve got bills, families, debts to honor. So, start where you are. Maybe it’s $5 a week, maybe $50. Decide in your heart, give it cheerfully, and trust God to stretch it.

A friend once told me, “I started tithing when I could barely afford it. First month, I gave and hoped for the best. Later that week, God provided in a most amazing way. I received a settlement due to an error on an old account.” Of course, God isn’t a vending machine and I’m not a so-called “prosperity preacher.” Even so, He has a way of caring for His kids.

Back to Paul’s point. God’s the ultimate farmer. He’s given us this building, these ministries, His Son. He’s not stingy—He’s lavish. And He promises to equip us for every good work, including paying off this mortgage. No prosperity gospel here—no “give $10, get $100” nonsense. Just a God who meets us in the giving.

Perspective 2: God will use your generosity to bless others.

Second reason, verses 12-15: “The ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God… Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” Your giving doesn’t just pay bills—it sparks worship. Imagine: a debt-free church means more missionaries sent, more families fed, more people praising God. That’s the ripple effect.

We have a women’s ministry event coming up. Our men’s retreat is right around the corner. It’s already been a joy to hear how some of you have set aside money to help make these events possible for those who might otherwise not be able to attend. Next month, our students are planning their annual support lunch on Palm Sunday for summer mission trips. You always pack that out - and our students appreciate you!

How should we respond?

So, where do we go from here? Let’s dream together.

New Perspective: See giving as worship.

Every dollar’s a hallelujah. It’s not ultimately about the mortgage—it’s about the mission.

New Priorities: See the value of this investment.

We’re positioning this church to outlast us, to bless our children and our grandchildren — even, if the Lord tarries, our great grandchildren. 

New Practices: Lean in or level up.

If you’ve never given, jump in—$1, $10, whatever’s cheerful. If you give regularly, pray about an increase. We’re not guilting anyone—just inviting everyone. 

New Possibilities: A debt-free future.

Picture it: 2035, no mortgage, every gift fueling ministry. New ministers. New churches. Missionary partners in every corner of the world. That’s worth sowing into, right?

Prayer

Generous God, You’ve given us everything—Your Son, this church, this vision. Stir our hearts to give like You do—freely, joyfully, boldly. Multiply our seed for Your glory. Amen.

Along with my eldest son, I remember spending hours learning how to record, edit, and post videos to a live stream. It was more time-intensive than anyone could understand, but the investment paid off. Not only did the live stream reach out church’s members and friends; it often went beyond that group to many others - including some of my family and friends. People who normally wouldn’t darken the door of a church were suddenly joining us for worship- albeit online - every Sunday!

Now consider this: every day, people around the world watch over a billion hours of YouTube (Global Media Insight, 2024). Yet some estimate only 1% is explicitly Christian, though 2.4 billion identify with the faith worldwide. That's quite a gap.

Psalm 96:3 calls us to ‘declare His glory among the nations.’ Multimedia is a tool for that mission—are we using it? The digital landscape is a mission field. Are we reaching it? Today, we’ll explore why, how, and what Scripture says, from a biblical perspective by considering five points. Let’s pray and begin.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to hear and heed what you say to us this morning by Your Spirit. We ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Point 1: God Ministers through Multimedia

First, multimedia reflects God’s creative communication and approach. Genesis 1:3: ‘And God said, “Let there be light,”’—His voice launches Creation. Exodus 31:18: He gives Moses tablets ‘written with the finger of God’—truth you can touch. Ezekiel 1’s visions—wheels within wheels, blazing glory—paint vivid pictures. In Matthew 13:34-35, Jesus teaches in parables; in Matthew 26:26-28, He uses bread and wine to proclaim redemption. Sound, sight, touch, and taste - God engages every sense to reveal Himself.

As Christian believers, rooted in God’s Word, we affirm the primacy of preaching—the spoken and written Word pierces hearts (Hebrews 4:12) and anchors worship. Multimedia ministry doesn’t replace or supplant it; it extends it. Think of Martin Luther: he preached boldly, but when the printing press emerged, he seized it—producing 90 pamphlets in three years to spread the gospel beyond the pulpit. Today, videos, podcasts, and apps are our printing press, building a robust teaching ministry. Many studies show the interest of our ascendant generation, so-called Gen Z, in these forms of connection (Barna Group, 2023). We can meet them there, keeping preaching central and multimedia as its faithful partner, all for God’s glory."

Point 2: Engaging Culture Helps Fulfill the Great Commission

Second, engaging culture—not conforming to it—fulfills our mission. Acts 17:22-23: Paul stands at Mars Hill, sees an altar ‘to an unknown god,’ and declares, ‘Let me tell you who He is.’ He bridges cultures without bending. Exodus 25-27’s Tabernacle—gold, colors, images, and incense—reveals heaven’s transcendent glories, but in mixed media accessible to humans. Matthew 28:19: ‘Go make disciples of all nations.’ That includes our digital age.

Doing so, we’re not capitulating or chasing every trend mindlessly and reactively. We engage with a biblical perspective and a clear sense of purpose. That’s where people are; that’s where we need to go - a mission field. We can’t ignore this; we need to engage it - prayerfully, thoughtfully, and biblically. Doing so is not surrender—it’s stewardship, gospel-driven ministry..

Point 3: Multimedia Can Enhance Teaching and Edification

Third, multimedia ministry edifies the church—supporting, not supplanting, the centrality of Christ’s Word. Exodus 12:26-27: Passover blends story and meal, embedding truth for generations. 1 Timothy 4:13: Paul urges Timothy, ‘Devote yourself to reading Scripture, exhortation, teaching.’ Variety strengthens teaching. Yes, the Word is sufficient—Isaiah 55:11 says it accomplishes God’s purpose—but multimedia ministry serves the Word; it doesn’t supplant it. A podcast unpacking predestination for your commute, a video tracing David’s flight from Saul like a living Bible map—these bless and build. Pair preaching with visuals, and we equip saints (Ephesians 4:12). In all these ways, the Word remains supreme. Multimedia merely supports and diversifies the ministry, enhancing without overshadowing.

Point 4: Technology Extends the Church’s Witness

Fourth, technology extends our witness across a fallen world.

A year or so ago, I started studying technology as a quiet, nerdy hobby - pursuing some low-level IT certifications for ministry benefit. I recently started making some modest videos to share some of the things I’ve learned. Interestingly, one of the tools I use offered to translate my 60-second or less videos into any of 100 different languages! Technology also breaks barriers. We’re approaching a day when translating sermons into Swahili or Mandarin can happen instantly—work once taking a long time now takes moments.

The gospel’s reach is exponential. Step back, and we miss this harvest. Step in—livestream, share, translate—and we proclaim Christ where feet can’t go, grounded in truth."

Point 5: Discernment Shapes Multimedia Ministry

Fifth, discernment keeps us faithful. Proverbs 4:23: ‘Keep your heart with all vigilance.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: ‘Test everything; hold fast what is good.’ Multimedia’s a tool, not our guide. A 2022 study notes 58% of Christian leaders worry it might dilute doctrine. That’s a valid concern—truth must not bend. Romans 12:2 tells us plainly: ‘Don’t conform, be transformed.’

Reject it, and we retreat from the world. Overuse it, and we risk losing focus. But test it, root it in sola Scriptura, and it serves the mission. Discernment ensures multimedia kneels to Christ, keeping the gospel the main thing.

Some Encouragements for Individuals

What do we take from this? God communicates creatively, from parables to Passover. He calls us to engage culture, edify His people, extend witness, and discern wisely—all to ‘declare His glory among the nations’ (Psalm 96:3). In a world where 88% of U.S. adults go online daily, with 41% reporting they are online "almost constantly" (Pew Research Center, 2024), multimedia is a ministry we cannot neglect as wise stewards of this time. Ignore it, and we risk irrelevance. Use it faithfully, and we amplify and glorify Christ in a digital age.

Personally, here are some things to consider:

First, maybe enjoy or share a Bible app devotional online this week—it’s quick and simple. 

Second, maybe sign up for and listen to a podcast—solid teaching for your drive.

Third, maybe check out resources like the Bible Project on YouTube with your kids. It’s an easy and worthwhile way to do family devotions. 

Some Encouragements for Our Church

For us as a church, let’s take these steps: 

First, be open to new strategies. Livestreams or videos might feel unfamiliar, but the message—Christ crucified—never changes (1 Corinthians 2:2). Methods shift; the gospel stands firm. 

Second, let’s recruit and train volunteers—camera folks, editors, social media hands—to serve together, like the early church shared gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). 

Finally, let’s keep pace - studying and keeping pace with new tools and technologies, not falling behind or ceding ground.

Conclusion

These steps aren’t trendy gimmicks; they’re tools to proclaim  he unchanging truth in a changing world. Test every effort with Scripture, and we’ll shine for Him.

Let’s pray.

References

Barna Group. (2023). How to help Gen Z connect spiritually online and at church. Barna Group. https://www.barna.com/trends/how-to-help-gen-z-connect-spiritually-online-and-at-church/

Global Media Insight (2024) reports that nearly 5 billion videos are watched on YouTube daily, equating to approximately 3.47 million videos per minute.

Pew Research Center. (2024, January 31). Americans’ use of mobile technology and home broadband. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

Another time, I had the privilege of worshiping with some members of the Cree people in northern Canada. They sang in Cree, a powerful reminder of the gospel's ability to bridge cultures.

These experiences were foretastes of a coming glory—a glimpse of the “beautiful community” that reflects the unity and diversity of our Triune God. Each voice, each language contributing to the symphony of praise points us to an eschatological vision of heaven itself.

But as we pursue this vision of a multicultural church, we must make one thing clear: While our diversity takes many forms, our doctrine does not. We are unwavering in our commitment to the historic, orthodox Christian faith. Our unity is built upon the unchanging truth of the Gospel, and our diversity beautifully displays the scope of its reach.

The Beauty of God’s Multicultural Vision

Imagine the scene from Revelation 7:9-10:

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

It’s a scene of breathtaking diversity and perfect unity. Different languages, different faces, different stories—all singing one song of praise. But notice their unity is grounded in a shared confession of faith: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” This unity is not in shared backgrounds, ethnicity, culture, or preferences but in shared truth.

Ephesians 2:14-16 tells us that Christ “has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” to create “one new humanity.” Our call to be a multicultural church is not merely sociological or political; it is profoundly theological. It reflects the reconciliation and unity achieved by Christ, calling us to live out that unity today.

This vision of a multicultural church isn’t about worldly political correctness, globalist agendas, or borderless trade. It is about God’s design and desire—His glory reflected in a people redeemed from every tribe, tongue, and nation, unified under the Lordship of Christ. It is about embodying, here and now, a foretaste of the heavenly reality where a great multitude stands before the throne, worshiping the Lamb.

The Body of Christ

But what does it mean to be a multicultural church? While it includes ethnic diversity, the gospel calls us to something even greater. It is about embracing the full breadth of human diversity within the Kingdom of God—men and women, young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, people from every background and walk of life.

All who come to Christ, by grace through faith, are made one in Him—one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). Our unity is not found in sameness but in the shared identity of being made new in Christ, where all barriers are reconciled in Him (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16). For instance, Galatians 3:28 says,

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

God’s vision isn’t about erasing our unique, God-appointed identities. It’s about celebrating God’s creativity in our differences while finding our ultimate identity in Christ. We don’t gather as a uniform people but as a united people—united by a shared faith in the historic, orthodox Christian gospel. Accordingly, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 reminds us:

"For just as the body is one and has many members… so it is with Christ… For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Diversity within the body of Christ is not a liability or a flaw; it is a design feature, intended by God to display the beauty and complexity of His image in us. Each person's unique gifts, stories, and backgrounds contribute to the Church's health and mission.

Think of our musicians—our praise team, adult choir, student band, and kids’ choir. Their distinct voices and instruments come together, creating beautiful harmonies. These ensembles are a small portrait of God’s design for His Church.

Likewise, Ephesians 4:15-16 says:

"… we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

When every part of the body is contributing, when each voice is heard and valued, we become a fuller expression of Christ’s body on earth.

But let’s be clear: our unity is built upon a common confession of faith, not a compromise of it. As such, Jude 1:3 urges us to: "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." This strikes at the core of our shared identity.

Our God-ordained diversity glorifies God by reflecting the fullness of His image, but our shared confession keeps us rooted in truth. Our unity is in Christ and His Gospel.

The Blessings of Our Multicultural History

Our journey began as a community of Swedish immigrants. They gathered to worship God in their heart language because they knew the importance of worshiping in a way that spoke to their identity. But as the community around us changed, so did they. Our church transitioned from Swedish to English, expanding its reach and welcoming others.

Just as our forefathers adapted to their changing context, we are called to adapt to ours—a community that is beautifully diverse. This isn’t about losing our identity; it’s about expanding it to reflect the Kingdom of God more fully.

But while our methods and expressions may change, our message does not. We hold fast to the historic Christian faith—unchanging, authoritative, and sufficient. We don’t change the Gospel to reach people; we reach people by living out the Gospel’s unchanging truth in culturally relevant ways.

The Barriers to a Multicultural Church

Pursuing a multicultural church is beautiful, but it’s also challenging. It requires us to lay down our preferences and prioritize others. It means being open to new ways of worshiping and navigating cultural misunderstandings with humility and grace. With this in mind, Romans 15:7 calls us to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Imagine a family dinner table. Different foods, different stories, different experiences—but one shared meal. That’s the vision of a multicultural church.

But let’s be clear: We don’t compromise our doctrine to make others feel comfortable. We invite all people to the same table, but the feast is the same—the unchanging Word of God, the same confession of faith. Our unity is in Christ and His Gospel.

Some Encouragements: Building Bridges Between Cultures

We are called to reflect the Kingdom of God more fully—every nation, every tribe, every tongue, and every kind of person. Just as our church’s founders adapted to their context, so must we.

But as we embrace a biblical vision for the multicultural Kingdom, we must do so with clear theological conviction: Our diversity takes many forms, but our doctrine on the essential truths of the faith does not. We hold to the historic, orthodox Christian faith and the true gospel—unchanging, authoritative, and sufficient.

Here’s how we can start:

Pray: Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power to pursue a fuller expression of God's multicultural vision for His Church, here and around the world.

Pursue and Promote Relationships: Invite someone from a different background to lunch or coffee.

Practice Hospitality: Open your home or meet at a restaurant and share a meal. Supper Clubs and our upcoming potlucks are great opportunities!

Participate in the Community: Participate in outreach initiatives that serve our local, multicultural community. The White Oak Community Clean-up Day is coming — on Saturday, April 26, 2025. We want a big First Free presence there! 

Prioritize Listening and Learning: Be willing to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences.

Our Example: Emmanuel, God with Us

May God give us the courage, humility, and love to answer this call. May we be faithful in our generation, just as those before us were in theirs. And may our worship today be a foretaste of that heavenly reality where every nation, every tribe, and every tongue sings together before the throne of God.

Our diversity reflects the scope of the Gospel, and our doctrine reflects its truth.

Let’s Pray.

I have to hand it to my pastor growing up. He was a patient man. 

One day, after school, I went up to the church with some friends. We plugged my electric guitar into the sound system and began wailing out some tunes — some good ones, too. 

Here’s the thing. I had no idea the pastor was even in the building. After rattling the stained glass, so to speak, he emerged from his office, gave us a nice wave, and then went out on some visits. He never said an annoyed word about it. Instead, his patience made an enduring impression. Church was a place where young people could feel at home. 

For 143 years, this church has stood—not because of bricks and mortar but because those before us obeyed the Lord’s command to make disciples among all generations, even when it required great patience, ensuring the faith did not end with them. Now, it is our turn. If we do not invest in those who will come after us, we risk losing what we have been given. The Church is always and only one generation away from forgetting the Lord.

God’s Multigenerational Design

From the earliest pages of Scripture to the final vision of God’s redeemed people, we see His design for a multigenerational faith and church. Consider this words of Moses:

"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Our faith was never meant to be a personal, privatized journey—it is meant to be shared, passed down, and lived out together. The Psalms declare this repeatedly:

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord." (Psalm 78:4)

A while back, we imagined our faith as a relay race. If a runner sprints with all his might but fumbles the baton at the handoff, the race is lost. The same is true for the Church. If we neglect the next generation, we risk a crisis like Judges 2:10, where a new generation arose who did not know the Lord. Our new vision reflects a prayerful and proactive desire to avoid this fate.

The Blessings of a Multigenerational Church

The world often separates people by age—different schools, different interests, different social media platforms. But God’s design is one of interdependence. Older generations can provide wisdom, stability, and deep roots in the faith (Titus 2:2-5, Proverbs 16:31). Younger generations often bring passion, energy, and fresh perspectives (1 Timothy 4:12, Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Consider the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy:

"Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity." (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

Here, Paul presupposes the continual interaction of (and mutual benefit brought by) various generations within the church.

One of the great joys of the Church is seeing these relationships lived out: an elderly woman mentoring a young mother during a midweek Growth Group, older men welcoming younger men into a brotherhood at the annual Men's Retreat, a seasoned believer guiding a new Christian over coffee at a local restaurant, teenagers visiting shut-ins as part of the student ministry. This is how the family of God thrives.

The Barriers to a Multigenerational Church

These blessings require intentionality and effort. Our culture is designed for generational separation:

• Schools group by age; workplaces rarely mix generations.
• Media and marketing target demographics separately.
• Technology often isolates rather than unites.

A humorous but true example: have you ever tried explaining TikTok dances to your grandfather or convincing your teenager to check email or write their signature? When did we stop teaching cursive?! Yet, despite all these differences, the Church is meant to be different. We are a people united not by age but by Christ.

By fostering mentorship, discipleship, and shared worship, we model something countercultural: a family where every generation belongs, where the young do not disregard the old and the old do not dismiss the young.

The Bridges Between the Generations

If we are committed to being multigenerational, why emphasize the next generation? Simple - because they are the present and future of the Church. God's Word reveals this as a non-negotiable priority. Consider the words of the prophet Joel:

"Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation." (Joel 1:3)

Faith is not inherited by osmosis. It must be taught, modeled, and embraced anew in each generation. Our responsibility is not simply to keep the doors open but to ensure that, 50 years from now, this church is still proclaiming the gospel.

How do we do this? Here are three solid ways. There are more, but these will hopefully stimulate us all to thought and prayer.

1. Prioritize family discipleship. Church programs supplement, but they do not replace, a home where faith is taught.
2. Raise up young leaders. Identify, mentor, and empower them for real ministry.
3. Make space for them. Not just physically, but in leadership, in decision-making, in vision-casting.

A church that does not invest in the next generation is a church preparing to close its doors.

Building on the Past, Not Bound by It

This commitment to the next generation does not mean discarding the past. Change can be unsettling. Many of us have cherished experiences of how God has moved in our lives through certain traditions, songs, or ways of doing ministry. But honoring the past does not mean preserving everything unchanged—it means ensuring the mission continues.

We are not called to innovate for the sake of novelty, nor to cling to tradition for nostalgia’s sake. We are called to steward the gospel faithfully.

As Psalm 71:18 says:

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come."

This is our sacred task. May we be found faithful.

Some Encouragements: What Can You Do?

Here are some encouragements as we close, ideas to make this all real:

1. Find someone younger and invest in them. Take a younger believer to lunch. Ask them about their faith. Share what God has taught you.
2. Find someone older and learn from them. Ask about their journey with Christ. Absorb their wisdom.
3. Serve where generations intersect. Children’s ministry, student ministry, intergenerational small groups—these are places where faith is passed on.
4. Pray for the next generation. Lift up your children, grandchildren, and young members of the church by name.
5. Support change that honors the mission. Recognize that adjustments made for the sake of reaching the next generation are part of faithful stewardship.

Let’s be a church that outlives us. Let’s pass the baton well.

Prayer

Lord, You have been faithful to this church for generations. Give us the wisdom to steward this moment well. May we honor those who have gone before us while embracing those who come after us. May we be a church for all generations, united in Christ, until You call us home. Amen.

A man lies beaten and broken on the side of the road. One by one, people pass him by—people who should have stopped, who should have cared. But they don’t. Then, an unlikely hero—a Samaritan, an outsider—sees him, has compassion, and acts.

Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is more than a moral lesson. It is a challenge to redefine what it means to love our neighbor. It is a call to move beyond convenient kindness and into costly, Christlike mercy.

At First Free Church, mercy is not an add-on to our faith—it is central to who we are as disciples of Jesus. As part of our NEXT Vision, we are committed to growing as a church that doesn’t just proclaim the gospel but demonstrates it. Over the next ten years, we long to become a community where mercy is our instinct, generosity is our posture, and love is our reputation.

But what does that look like? How do we move from knowing about mercy to embodying it in our daily lives?

Jesus’ parable gives us a roadmap—one that transforms our head, heart, and hands.

A Renewed Head: Understanding God’s Call to Mercy

The parable begins with a simple but self-protective question:

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

The lawyer asking this was not looking for more opportunities to love—he was looking for limits on his responsibility. But Jesus’ response expands the definition of mercy beyond race, religion, and convenience.

In the story, we see three different perspectives on life:

• The Robbers: “What’s yours is mine.” They lived selfishly, taking advantage of others.
• The Priest & The Levite: “What’s mine is mine.” They also lived selfishly—but by prioritizing self-preservation over compassion.
• The Samaritan: “What’s mine is yours.” He lived selflessly, seeing the wounded man and giving freely of his time, resources, and energy.

Jesus makes it clear: true discipleship means a renewed mind—one that rejects selfishness and embraces sacrificial love.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

We do not naturally drift toward mercy. We drift toward comfort and self-interest. That’s why we need the Spirit of God to shape our thinking and remind us that mercy is not optional—it is the heartbeat of true faith.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

When we see people as Jesus sees them, we stop asking, “Who is my neighbor?”—and we start living as one.

A Renewed Heart: Cultivating Christlike Compassion

In Jesus’ parable, both a priest and a Levite saw the wounded man but chose to walk away.

They knew the Scriptures. They knew the command to love their neighbor. But knowing is not the same as loving.

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

The compassion of Christ was not just an emotion—it was His instinct. He didn’t just see suffering; He felt it deeply.

And so did the early church. In the second century, during a devastating plague, the Roman elite fled the cities—but Christians stayed behind, caring for the sick and dying. Their mercy was so radical that it led many to faith. They didn’t just believe in Jesus—they became His hands and feet.

Our prayer is that we would be a church that doesn’t just preach about mercy but lives it.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

The more we delight in Christ, the more our hearts reflect His.

A Renewed Hand: Expressing Mercy in Action

The Samaritan saw the wounded man and was moved with compassion. But his mercy did not remain an internal feeling—he acted.

“He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” (Luke 10:34)

This is the radical part of the story. Not only does Jesus make a Samaritan the hero, but in doing so, He points to Himself.

Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan.

When we were broken and helpless, He saw us, had compassion, and took action.

“He took our pain and bore our suffering.” (Isaiah 53:4)
“By His wounds, we are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

And now, He calls us to do the same.

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Mercy is more than a feeling—it is an action. And as a church, we want to be a place where mercy is practiced daily.

Living Mercy at First Free Church

As part of our NEXT Vision, we are refining, reordering, and renewing our mercy ministries to make a greater impact. Here are just a few ways we are partnering in mercy efforts in our church, community, and world:

• Deacons & Congregational Care – Walking alongside those in need within our church family.
• Funeral Luncheon Committee – Serving grieving families with hospitality and compassion.
• GriefShare & Spiritual Renewal Workshops – Helping souls experience hope and healing in Christ.
• Dream Center – Reaching deep into the City of McKeesport.
• PRISM – Extending hospitality to international students in Pittsburgh.
• 40 Days for Life – Defending the unborn and standing for the dignity of all life.
• White Cross – Providing medical care at Tandala Hospital in the Congo.
• Samaritan’s Purse – Offering disaster relief to those in crisis.

These are not just programs—they are expressions of Christ’s love.

Mercy is a movement. And we want to be part of it.

Conclusion: Discipleship That Makes a Difference

Jesus ends the parable with a simple command:

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

Church, we serve a merciful God. A God who loved us when we were unlovable, rescued us when we were hopeless, and set us free when we were in chains.

And now, He calls us to do the same.

An Invitation

As we step into the next ten years, we long to be a church where mercy continues to be at the core of our identity. A church that:

• Sees the hurting
• Feels deep compassion
• Takes action in Jesus’ name

A church that both proclaims and practices the gospel.

A church that makes disciples who make a difference—in both word and deed.

Let’s be that church.

As we move toward that vision, let’s pray. Lord, give us renewed minds, renewed hearts, and renewed hands, so that Your mercy might shine brightly through us. Amen.

At First Free Church, we believe that the gospel is for all people, in all places, at all times. It’s not just a message to be preserved—it’s a mission to be proclaimed. Jesus’ final words before His ascension still ring with urgency today:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

This is not just a suggestion. It is a command—a joyful, sacrificial, and life-altering call to join with God in His global work.

As part of our NEXT Vision, over the next 10 years, we are committed to establishing and strengthening church-planting partnerships in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Native America, while continuing to support the mission in Asia and North America. Our desire is not simply to fund missions but to build lasting, relational partnerships—to know, pray for, and walk alongside those bringing the hope of Christ to unreached and under-reached people groups.

So why this vision? And how do we plan to make it a reality?

Why This Global Vision Matters

1. Faithfulness to the Great Commission

Jesus didn’t just send His disciples to their neighborhoods—He sent them to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The mission was clear: to take the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9).

Some of us are called to go. Some are called to send. But all of us are called to participate.

By expanding our global partnerships, we are actively obeying Jesus’ command—not as an afterthought, but as a central expression of our church’s identity.

2. Reaching the Under-Reached

The gospel has taken root in many places, but some regions are either post-Christian or still waiting to hear the name of Jesus.

Our mission focus is intentional: we want to go where the gospel is needed most.

3. Supporting Global Pastors

Church planting isn’t just about starting new churches—it’s about raising up faithful leaders who can shepherd God’s people for generations to come.

By equipping and encouraging indigenous pastors, we help build strong, biblically grounded churches that can multiply and flourish long after our involvement.

4. Building Genuine, Relational Partnerships

This is not just about writing checks. The early church modeled partnership in the gospel—praying for, visiting, and encouraging one another in the work (Philippians 1:3-5).

We want to know our mission partners personally.
We want to pray for them by name.
We want our church family to feel connected to the work God is doing around the world.

This is not just missions giving—it’s missions living.

How We Will Pursue This Vision

1. Prayerful Discernment

Every step of this process will be saturated in prayer. We don’t want to rush ahead of God’s leading, but we also don’t want to sit on the sidelines when He calls us to act.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” (James 1:5)

We will seek His guidance as we identify regions, select partners, and sustain these relationships for the long haul.

2. A Prayerful and Strategic Selection Process

Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. We want to ensure that every partnership represents the leading of God's Spirit and aligns with our mission philosophy.

Some key criteria include:

• Biblical Alignment – Do they share our commitment to gospel-centered, disciple-making ministry?
• Relational Connection – Do they have ties to our congregation, the EFCA, or our regional district? Is there possibility for genuine and vibrant relationship?
• Geographic Need – Are they serving in areas where the gospel is under-represented?
• Accountability – Do they have clear oversight and financial integrity?

We want to invest where our presence will make a difference.

3. Gradual Expansion Over 10 Years

This vision isn’t about going big fast. It’s about building well and building wisely.

A realistic but aggressive timeline allows us to prayerfully and wisely steward resources while maximizing impact.

4. Investing in Global Pastors

Throughout this process, we will actively equip and encourage the next generation of pastors by:

1. Supporting theological training programs
2. Providing resources for indigenous church leaders
3. Partnering with mission efforts focused on pastoral development

Healthy churches need healthy leaders. By strengthening global pastors, we strengthen global churches.

5. Building Lasting Relationships

Mission partners should not be names on a list—they should be part of our church family.

To foster deeper relationships, we will:

1. Regularly communicate through updates, prayer requests, and video calls.
2. Invite partners to visit and share their work with our congregation.
3. Encourage short-term trips so our members can see the mission firsthand.

We want our church to feel connected—not just financially, but spiritually and relationally.

Stewarding Resources with Integrity

As we step into this vision, we commit to wise stewardship of God’s resources.

We will only partner with organizations that demonstrate:

1. Doctrinal Accountability – Alignment with the EFCA or a like-minded evangelical organization.
2. Financial Integrity – Clear oversight through groups like the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Every dollar given will be prayerfully and transparently stewarded for the sake of the gospel.

Looking to the Future with Faith

This vision is bold.

It’s bigger than us.

But we serve a God who is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

In the next ten years, we believe God will use First Free Church to play a small but significant role in His grand plan of redemption. People will hear the gospel. Disciples will be made. Churches will be planted.

And we will stand before the throne of God one day and see the fruit of our obedience.

So let’s step forward in faith.
Let’s step forward in prayer.
Let’s step forward in expectation.

Because the mission is still unfinished.

An Invitation

And the invitation still stands:

Come. Go. Give. Pray. Make disciples.

For the glory of God and the good of the nations.

Are you ready to be part of this vision?

A wedding invitation ushers us into a joyful celebration. A job offer invites us into new opportunities. A simple “come and see” can open our eyes to something we never expected.

But there is one invitation above all others that transforms lives: the call to discover and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a church family at First Free, our mission is clear: to love God and love people, making disciples who make a difference. But how do we live that out? How do we, as ordinary people, step into this extraordinary calling?

It begins with our first vision goal: to declare and demonstrate the power of God’s Word, inviting people to know Christ and grow in Him.

The Power of God's Message

In the fourth century, a brilliant but restless man named Augustine of Hippo found himself at a crossroads. He had sought fulfillment in philosophy, pleasure, and personal achievement—but none of it satisfied his deepest longings. Then, in a moment of desperation, he heard a voice singing: “Take and read.”

He picked up a Bible and opened to Romans 13:

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime... put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh." (Romans 13:13-14)

That moment changed everything. God’s Word broke through Augustine’s confusion, revealing the beauty and sufficiency of Jesus.

His story is not so different from ours—or from the countless people around us searching for meaning in a noisy, chaotic world. The invitation remains the same: Take and read. Come and see. Discover and deepen your faith in Christ.

So how do we live this out? Let’s explore four key ways: Declaring, Demonstrating, Discovering, and Deepening.

Declaring: Sharing the Good News Boldly

When Peter preached at Pentecost, he wasn’t a polished public speaker. Just weeks earlier, he had denied Jesus out of fear. But something had changed. Filled with the Spirit, he stood before thousands and proclaimed the gospel.

And what happened?

"When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said... ‘What shall we do?’" (Acts 2:37)

Peter’s message wasn’t impressive because of eloquence or strategy. It was powerful because it was centered on Jesus—His death, resurrection, and offer of new life.

We don’t have to be expert speakers to declare God’s truth. We just need to be faithful. Whether it’s a simple conversation with a coworker, sharing a Bible verse with a friend, or encouraging a struggling neighbor, God’s Word carries the power to change lives.

Who in your life needs to hear the good news?

Demonstrating: Living Out the Gospel

It’s been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Declaring the gospel is essential—but our actions must align with our words. Jesus said:

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Think of the Good Samaritan, who didn’t just talk about love—he demonstrated it by stopping to help a stranger in need.

I think of those who serve on our Funeral Luncheon Committee. It's not just the luncheon food, beverages, and decor that provide comfort to grieving families. The heart of compassion behind these gestures means to most.

How might God be calling you to demonstrate His love this week? Maybe it’s listening to someone who feels unseen, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a kind word to someone who’s struggling.

Discovering: Inviting People to Encounter Jesus

The gospel is not just a message—it’s an invitation.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He didn’t shame her for her past. He simply invited her into something better:

"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again." (John 4:14)

Her response? She ran to tell everyone in her village!

People won’t discover Jesus unless someone introduces them to Him. And today, people are searching for meaning in all kinds of places—social media, self-help books, endless distractions.

Where are the modern-day “wells” in your life? A coffee shop where a barista knows your name? A workplace where a coworker confides in you? A neighborhood gathering where relationships form?

Who in your life needs an invitation to discover Jesus?

Deepening: Growing in Faith

Faith is like a tree—it needs deep roots to thrive.

Paul encouraged the early believers:

"Continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught." (Colossians 2:6-7)

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional time in God’s Word, prayer, and community.

Maybe for you, deepening your faith means:

1. Committing to daily Bible reading
2. Joining a small group
3. Prioritizing prayer
4. Serving in a new way

Whatever it looks like, don’t settle for surface-level faith. Jesus invites you to go deeper, to experience His love and grace in fresh ways.

Where Is God Calling You?

As we look ahead to the next ten years, our vision is to see people forgiven and set free to flourish in Jesus Christ.

This begins with declaring and demonstrating God’s Word—inviting others to discover and deepen their faith.

So let me ask you:

1. Is God calling you to discover Jesus for the first time?
2. To deepen your faith in a new way?
3. To declare His Word with boldness?
4. To demonstrate His love through action?

Wherever you are, God is inviting you to take the next step.

And when we say yes, He does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

Let’s walk forward in faith together.

An Invitation

This Sunday, we’ll be diving into this vision even further. Whether you join us in person or online, we’d love to have you be part of the conversation.

Because this isn’t just a church vision—it’s an invitation to life in Christ.

Will you step in?