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Category: Disciple (Page 1 of 19)

We’ve Made Church Too Safe

June 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I think it’s safe to say. The modern American church is addicted to safety.

We’ve built sanctuaries that feel more like coffee shops than spiritual battlegrounds. We’ve traded sermons that pierce the soul for talks that soothe the ego. We’ve made small groups “low commitment,” worship “non-offensive,” and mission trips “Instagrammable.” Somewhere along the way, we stopped following Jesus—and started selling a sanitized version of Him that fits nicely into a 70-minute service with great parking.

But here’s the problem: Jesus was never safe.

He touched lepers. He flipped tables. He confronted religious leaders to their faces. He loved the wrong people, said the wrong things, and died the most scandalous death imaginable. And then He had the nerve to look us in the eyes and say:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)

The cross is not a metaphor for a mild inconvenience. It’s a symbol of execution. So why are we so desperate to make Christianity comfortable?

Safety Has Become Our Idol

We don’t say it out loud, but it’s everywhere: safety first. Don’t offend. Don’t challenge. Don’t talk about sin, sacrifice, repentance, or surrender. Keep it light. Keep it nice. Keep it moving.

But here’s the truth: a gospel that never confronts won’t ever transform.

We’re raising generations of Christians who think following Jesus means showing up to church when it’s convenient, tossing $20 in the plate, and maybe posting a Bible verse on Instagram. Meanwhile, people are starving for something real, something dangerous, something that calls them out of mediocrity and into mission.

We have all the right branding. We have polished worship sets and clever sermon series. But Jesus didn’t die to make us marketable. He died to make us holy.

Discipleship Is Dangerous

The early church was anything but safe. Read Acts. Those Christians were bold, reckless, filled with the Holy Spirit, and completely unconcerned with cultural approval. They faced prison, persecution, and death—and they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus.

Now we can’t even handle a negative comment on social media. Now we get all bent when someone challenges us. Now if someone disagrees with us they get canceled and forgotten.

We’re not called to blend in. We’re called to stand out. We’re not called to be liked. We’re called to be faithful. And sometimes, being faithful means taking real risks—sacrificing time, money, comfort, and popularity to love radically, serve sacrificially, and speak boldly.

Jesus didn’t play it safe. So why do we?

It’s Time to Be Dangerous Again

We need churches that stop measuring success by attendance and start measuring it by obedience. We need pastors who preach truth even when it stings. We need communities where it’s okay to get uncomfortable—where confession, accountability, and repentance are normal. We need Christians who are more concerned with holiness than hashtags.

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16, ESV)

Jesus didn’t come to build lukewarm institutions. He came to light a fire. And maybe it’s time we let Him burn down our addiction to comfort so He can rebuild us into something powerful.

Not safe. Not soft.

But holy dangerous.

Bringing Meaning to Monday

June 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Out There – Part Three

Let’s talk about Monday.

Not the highlight reel kind of Monday.
Not the coffee-cup quote, “new week, new goals” kind.
No, the real kind.

The one where your alarm drags you out of bed.
The one where your inbox is overflowing before you even brush your teeth.
The one where you feel more like a cog in the machine than a person with purpose.

Yeah. That Monday.

Most of us don’t associate mission with that kind of day.
We assume “real ministry” happens somewhere else, somewhere like on Sunday mornings or during church trips or when we finally get out of this 9–5 grind and can do something that really matters.

But what if Monday matters more than we think?

What if God’s not waiting for you to escape your routine so He can use you? What if He’s already using you right where you are?

Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world… once you’ve landed your dream job.”
He said:

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

That includes boardrooms, break rooms, school pickup lines, job sites, spreadsheets, classrooms, and yeah even chaotic Zoom meetings where your mic won’t unmute.

If you’re “out there,” you’re already in mission territory.

You’re not just a nurse. You’re a healer who brings compassion where it’s in short supply.

You’re not just a teacher. You’re forming lives with grace and patience in a culture desperate for both.

You’re not just working retail. You’re offering dignity and kindness in a world that often ignores both.

You’re not just a parent holding it together. You’re raising humans who are watching what it looks like to live with purpose.

Ordinary places are holy ground when you show up with Jesus.

That means when you offer to pray for a co-worker, that’s mission.

When you speak peace into gossip and chaos, that’s mission.

When you listen instead of scrolling, help instead of ignoring, show grace instead of snapping, that’s mission.

Even when nobody notices. Especially when nobody notices. That’s mission.

This isn’t about trying harder. It’s about seeing clearer.

God doesn’t need you to change jobs to be useful. He needs you to recognize that where you already are… matters.

Because He’s already at work there. And He’s inviting you to join Him in that work.

So next Monday, don’t just survive. Step into your office, your school, your home like it’s a mission field. Because it is.

And you’ve been sent there for a purpose.

Next Up: Part Four – “You’re Probably Already Doing It.”

We’ll talk about how some of the most powerful acts of faith look nothing like what you expected, and why that’s actually great news.

It Starts at Your Front Door

May 27, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Out There – Part Two

Let’s be honest, when we hear someone say, “You’re called to make a difference,” we often think of big, flashy things: feeding the hungry, starting nonprofits, flying overseas, preaching in packed stadiums.

But you know where it really starts?

Right outside your front door.

Literally.

The people who live 30 feet from your kitchen. The ones you wave at when you’re hauling the trash cans to the curb. The ones whose names you sort of know, but mostly refer to by vague identifiers like “the guy with the loud truck” or “the lady with the tiny dog.”

We walk past people every day who are lonely, hurting, overwhelmed, and we don’t even know it. Not because we don’t care. But because we’re busy, distracted, or honestly just unsure where to start.

Here’s where Jesus messes with our excuses.

When asked what the most important commandment was, He said:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

Seems straightforward. Until someone asks the same question we’re all still asking: “But who counts as my neighbor?”

Jesus didn’t give a clear street address. Instead, He told a story, one where the “neighbor” was the person right in front of you. The one most people overlook. The one you might normally avoid.

Which means: Your neighbor is whoever’s near.

Not just the people you like. Not just the ones who look like you, think like you, vote like you, or believe like you. Whoever’s close is who God’s called you to love.

And if we’re being really honest… loving strangers feels awkward. Loving neighbors can feel even harder. There’s history. There’s tension. There’s fences, both literal and emotional.

But what if mission isn’t always about crossing oceans? What if it’s about crossing the street?

What if your greatest act of obedience this week is a conversation in your driveway?

That doesn’t sound like much. But it matters. A lot.

Because presence is powerful.
Because consistent kindness breaks down walls.
Because behind every closed garage door is a human being who wonders if anyone actually sees them.

So here’s your challenge this week:

  • Learn one name you don’t know.
  • Linger just one minute longer in the driveway, on the sidewalk, or at the mailbox.
  • Ask one real question and actually care about the answer.

This is how neighborhoods become communities. This is how strangers become friends. And yes — this is how Jesus works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

No Bible degree required. No perfect personality needed. Just availability and a little intentionality.

You don’t have to fix your neighbors. Just love them.

You don’t have to force conversations about faith. Just live it, and when the time is right — share it.

You don’t have to be weird. Just be real.

Next up: Part Three – “Bringing Meaning to Monday.”

Because if mission isn’t just for missionaries… maybe Monday morning matters more than you think.

Stop Mistaking Empathy for Compassion

May 15, 2025 / / 0 Comments

They’re Not the Same, and It’s Hurting Us

Let’s cut through the fluff: empathy is not compassion. And pretending they’re the same is making us soft in all the wrong places, blind to what’s broken, and oddly proud of standing still while people suffer.

Empathy says, “I feel your pain.”
Compassion says, “I see your pain, and I’m going to help you do something about it.”

See the difference? One sits in the mud with you and calls it solidarity. The other reaches in, lifts you up, washes you off, and walks with you toward healing. That’s compassion — and it’s what we need more of.

Let’s be honest: empathy sounds nice. It’s trendy. It sells. It wins likes on social media. “I see you.” “I hear you.” “I’m with you.” But here’s the hard truth: empathy, when left alone, is passive. It doesn’t fix anything. It just wallows in shared misery. And worse — it can become a mask for cowardice. We use it to avoid confrontation, delay hard conversations, and excuse inaction.

We say, “I don’t want to judge,” when what we mean is, “I don’t want to deal with the mess.” We say, “I’m just empathizing,” when we’re actually enabling. Empathy left unchecked coddles dysfunction. It listens without challenging. It observes pain without interrupting the cause. And in the end, it lets sin fester, addiction deepen, and wounds rot — all in the name of “understanding.”

That’s not love. That’s apathy dressed in empathy’s clothing.

Now look at compassion. Real compassion feels — yes — but it moves. It confronts. It speaks the truth in love. It’s gentle, but it’s not soft. It’s kind, but it’s not afraid to correct. It knows that healing sometimes stings and growth is often uncomfortable. Compassion refuses to leave people in their pain — it enters in with purpose.

Think of Jesus. He had compassion on the crowds — and He healed them. He taught them. He fed them. He called them out of darkness into light. He didn’t just say, “Wow, that’s tough,” and keep walking. He did what needed to be done — even when it meant flipping tables or confronting hypocrisy. That’s what love looks like when it has a backbone.

So let’s get this straight:
Compassion does what empathy won’t.
It makes the hard phone call.
It says, “You’re not okay — and I’m going to help you get there.”
It tells the addict, “I love you, but I’m not going to watch you destroy yourself.”
It tells the friend, “You’re spiraling, and I’m stepping in.”
It’s the parent who says “no” out of love.
The leader who holds a line.
The friend who speaks truth, even if it hurts.

This world has had enough of people “feeling for” others without actually helping them. What we need is a revival of compassion — gritty, loving action that heals instead of coddles.

You can feel with people all day long and never lift a finger to help them change. But compassion? Compassion rolls up its sleeves. It doesn’t just listen. It acts. It builds. It restores.

Empathy might leave you stuck. Compassion will carry you forward.

So here’s the challenge: stop applauding yourself for your feelings, and start asking what your love is actually doing. Is it changing anything? Healing anyone? Calling anyone to more?

Empathy whispers, “Stay where you are.”
Compassion says, “Let’s go — I’ll walk with you.”

Choose wisely. One path leads to deeper pain. The other leads to real freedom.

When the World Goes Quiet: The Hidden Face of Trauma

May 7, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Trauma doesn’t always look like what we expect. It’s not always tears or trembling hands. It isn’t necessarily someone lying in bed, unable to move, or openly speaking about the nightmares that haunt them. More often, it’s hidden in plain sight—in the bright light of day, in the loud, busy moments when the world keeps spinning. Trauma wears a mask, and many people wear it so well you’d never know it was there at all.

In the daylight, trauma can look like a successful professional who hits every deadline. It can sound like laughter at a lunch meeting or appear in the form of perfectly crafted social media posts. Highly functioning individuals are often the ones carrying the heaviest burdens, because they’ve learned how to keep going no matter what. Not because they’ve “healed,” but because continuing to move feels safer than stopping. To stop would mean facing what waits in the silence.

And that’s when trauma speaks loudest—when the world shuts down.

In the quiet of night, when distractions fade and the demands of the day are gone, trauma comes out from the corners where it hides. For some, it shows up as insomnia or racing thoughts that make sleep impossible. For others, it’s a sudden wave of sadness, anxiety, or fear that seems to come from nowhere. The mind replays moments long buried, feelings long suppressed. There’s no applause for surviving in the dark. There’s no one to witness the fight. But it rages on.

We often assume that if someone is functioning—working, parenting, creating, joking—they must be okay. But trauma doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t need permission to exist. It doesn’t check your calendar before showing up. Trauma from years ago can feel as fresh as something that happened yesterday. And recent trauma can hide behind a smile so convincing even the person wearing it might forget it’s there—for a time.

This is why compassion matters. This is why slowing down and looking beyond the surface matters. Not everyone will talk about what they’ve been through. Not everyone has the language, the safety, or the support to name their pain. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

So the next time you’re tempted to assume someone is “fine” because they seem fine, take a pause. Understand that for many, survival looks like achievement. Coping looks like productivity. And healing? Healing is often messy, invisible, nonlinear, and deeply personal.

Let’s normalize checking in with our strong friends. Let’s hold space for those who appear to have it all together. And most importantly, let’s remember that trauma isn’t defined by how loud it screams in public—but by how silently it haunts when no one is watching.

In the stillness, when the world goes quiet, some people are still fighting battles. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not real.

Embrace Truth, Don’t Dilute It

March 18, 2025 / / 1 Comment

In a world obsessed with bite-sized content, instant gratification, and comfortable ideologies, the Church faces a crucial question: Have we traded the hard, soul-refining truth of God’s Word for something more palatable—something easier to swallow but ultimately less powerful?

It seems more and more that Christianity has been reduced, in many circles, to a moral code and a weekly gathering. Be kind. Be generous. Don’t judge. Go to church. These are all good things—but they’re not the gospel. Somewhere along the line, we’ve started watering down the wild, world-turning truth of Jesus to fit into modern attention spans and emotional comfort zones. We’ve gone from preaching repentance and transformation to offering motivational soundbites and vague spiritual encouragements.

We’ve diluted the Law to avoid offending anyone. We’ve softened the Gospel to make it more inclusive. But in doing so, have we actually robbed it of its power?

Let’s be honest: following Jesus was never meant to be easy or safe. It was never meant to be a set of manageable morals or feel-good messages. It was meant to be a complete and total surrender—a radical reordering of our lives around the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus. Look Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me when it’s convenient.” He said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” That’s not palatable—it’s costly. A cross means a willingness to die. Does that describe the Christianity you’re pursuing?

And yet, when the church begins to focus more on making truth easy to accept than empowering people to truly understand it, something gets lost. We stop discipling and start entertaining. We stop equipping and start appeasing. We give people inspirational fluff instead of deeply rooted theological formation. And the result? Shallow faith, spiritual confusion, and churches full (and that’s being generous) of people who are vaguely moral but hardly missional.

The truth is not always simple. Actually it rarely is simple! It is often messy, challenging, and deeply uncomfortable. But it is also liberating. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Not the abridged truth. Not the adjusted truth. The full, fierce, life-changing truth.

Truth that exposes our sin, not to shame us, but to heal us. Truth that confronts our idols and invites us into transformation. Truth that demands we not just believe in Jesus but become like Him.

If a doctor does tests to determine the cause of that lump you found but tries to soften the blow a bit by not telling you it really is cancer. Is that helping you? Does it help when we don’t call a sin a sin? No it lets us go on living as if nothing is wrong when it actually is!

So why have we traded the truth for something easier?

Maybe we fear that people will walk away if the message is too strong. Maybe we’re afraid of being labeled judgmental or outdated. Maybe we’ve bought the lie that we need to compete with culture instead of simply being the light in the midst of it.

But the early church didn’t grow because it blended in—it grew because it stood out. They lived differently. They loved boldly. They held firm to the teachings of Jesus, even when it cost them their comfort, their reputation, or even their lives. That’s what real discipleship looks like.

It’s time we reclaim that kind of faith. One that embraces truth in all its grit and glory. One that teaches people how to think deeply about God’s Word, not just what to think. One that moves beyond shallow slogans and into the depths of Scripture, Spirit, and sanctification.

The world doesn’t need another watered-down version of Christianity. It needs followers of Jesus who are so transformed by truth that their lives become a living testimony. It needs a church that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff but leans into it—because the hard stuff is often where the healing begins. The hard stuff is where people live every single day.

Let’s stop simplifying truth to make it more palatable. Let’s start raising up disciples who can chew on meat, not just sip on milk. Let’s teach people that the gospel isn’t just about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation.

Because in the end, it’s not about comfort. It’s about Christ.

And He’s worth every ounce of the truth.

Top 5 Ways the Church Can Actually Listen to Culture (Instead of Just Criticizing It)

March 6, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Let’s be honest—sometimes the church is better at talking than listening. We love a good sermon, a strong rebuke, or a theological mic drop. But when it comes to understanding culture, too often we respond like a grumpy old man shaking a fist at the kids on his lawn. And guess what? The kids aren’t listening. Trust me I know! That’s why I moved to the county. 😉

If we want to be relevant to both Christians and non-Christians, we have to do more than critique culture from a distance—we have to engage, understand, and listen. Here are five ways we can stop the shouting and start hearing what’s really going on.

1. Stop Reacting—Start Listening

Cultural shifts happen fast. One day, everyone’s talking about AI; the next, it’s all about deconstructing faith. Our knee-jerk reaction is often to condemn, but what if we hit pause instead? Before jumping to conclusions, take time to understand why a trend is resonating. What need is it meeting? What fear is it exposing? Jesus didn’t react in outrage—He asked questions. Maybe we should, too.

2. Find the Common Ground

Not everything in culture is anti-God. Many of today’s cultural movements—things like justice, purpose, belonging—actually point to deep biblical truths. Instead of dismissing them right out the gate, why not affirm what’s good? Paul did it in Athens (Acts 17), using Greek poetry to connect with his audience. He didn’t come onto the scene and blast them for idolatry. He explained in a loving way what they were missing. We can do the same. Instead of fighting every trend, how about trying to highlight where culture and Christianity align. Then, after you gain some respect, offer your insights on what might be missing.

3. Speak the Right Language

Imagine walking into a coffee shop and ordering a “Kung-Pao Chicken .” Everyone would be confused, right? That’s how non-Christians feel when we flood our conversations with insider church jargon. We don’t need to water down the gospel, but we do need to make it accessible. Jesus told parables; we tell people to “walk in sanctification.” One of these is easier to understand. Learn the language of the people with whom you’re speaking and use it.

4. Stop Making Everything a Battle

Not every cultural moment requires a Christian war cry. Culture isn’t the enemy—it’s a mission field. Yeah…Yeah, some ideas contradict Scripture, but that doesn’t mean we need to engage in a never-ending fight. People aren’t looking for a church that constantly yells, “You’re wrong!” They’re looking for a place that says, “Let’s talk.” Approach cultural issues with curiosity and grace, not a megaphone. The old adage “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” is actually true. When all we do is yell and condemn, it definitely sends a message…and not a good one!

5. Actually Engage With People Outside the Church

This one’s simple but unfortunately for many it’s not easy. You can’t understand culture if you never step outside your Christian bubble. If your entire life is spent with church people, reading church books, and listening to worship music, you might miss what’s happening in the real world. Have conversations with non-Christians. Follow cultural conversations without instantly condemning them. Be present in the places where people are asking life’s big questions. Not every situation needs a full blown theological presentation. Heck, you might even learn a little something if you talk to someone who doesn’t know Jesus.

People don’t have a problem with Jesus, but they don’t always like His people.

Jesus didn’t storm into towns with a picket sign—He sat with people, listened to their stories, and responded with truth wrapped in love. If we want to be relevant in today’s culture, we need to do the same. Less outrage, more understanding. Less judgment, more grace. Because when the church truly listens, people lean in.

So, let’s get off our soapbox and into some real conversations.

Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Prayer (That Could Change Your Life)

February 26, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Prayer. For some, it’s a lifeline. For others, it feels like sending a text with no response. You know one of those questions asked of someone with read receipts on and they never reply!

Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering: Am I doing this right? Is anyone even listening? Is this thing on!? Well simply put: yes, yes, and yes. But let’s be honest—prayer can be confusing, especially when life gets messy or you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.

There is good news however. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, fancy, or reserved for the “super christians.” It’s simply a conversation with God. If you want your prayer life to be less awkward and more impactful, here are three things you need to know that just might change everything.

1. God Actually Wants to Hear from You (Yeah, You)

Ok. Let’s clear something up: prayer isn’t about using the right words or sounding holy. You don’t need to bust out 17th-century King James English to get God’s attention. (“O Lord, Thou art most glorious and…” Yeah, He knows.) God wants you to come as you are—messy, honest, and real.

Think about it: if you’re a parent, you don’t require your kids to craft a formal speech before talking to you. God’s the same way. He loves hearing from you—whether you’re praising Him, venting frustrations, or just saying, “Help!” Don’t let guilt or uncertainty keep you quiet. Start talking. God’s not waiting for perfection; He’s waiting for you.

Pro tip: Not sure where to start? Try this: “God, Today I need…” Just fill in the blank with something you can’t hold in your hand (focus, peace, etc) Then wait. Simple. Honest. Powerful.

2. Prayer Is Less About Fancy Words and More About a Real Relationship

Imagine if you only talked to your best friend when you needed something. Or worse yet, if every conversation was a rushed list of demands: “Hey, I need you to fix this, do that, and make this happen. Cool? Bye.” That friendship wouldn’t last long.

Prayer is about connection, not just requests. Yeah, God wants you to bring your needs to Him, but He also wants you to share your heart. Thank Him for the good things. Be honest about your fears. Celebrate the wins. Grieve the losses. Listen for His guidance.

Relationships thrive on communication. The more you talk to God (and listen), the stronger your connection will be. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to set aside an hour in a candlelit room of solitude. Talk to Him while driving (just don’t close your eyes please), folding laundry, or walking the dog. He’s always available—no appointment necessary.

Bonus tip: Silence isn’t God ignoring you. Sometimes He speaks in the stillness. Don’t rush it.

3. Prayer Changes Things… and It Changes You

We often think of prayer as a way to get God to act. And yes, prayer moves the heart of God. Miracles happen. Peace arrives. Circumstances shift. But sometimes, the biggest change happens in us.

Prayer can soften a hard heart, calm anxious thoughts, and bring clarity when you’re stuck. Even when God doesn’t answer the way you hoped, He often gives you strength to face the situation. And that’s no small thing.

And let’s be honest: sometimes the answer is “yes,” but sometimes it’s “I have something better in mind.” Trusting God’s timing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Keep praying. Even when it feels like nothing’s happening, God is working, sometimes behind the scenes in ways you can’t see.

Encouragement: Don’t quit praying just because you haven’t seen immediate results. Some of the best answers come after the longest waits.

Prayer isn’t about checking a Jesus box. It’s about relationship. It’s about bringing your whole, messy, beautiful self to God and trusting that He hears you, loves you, and responds in His perfect way (and time).

So, talk to Him. Be honest. Be persistent. Be yourself. You don’t need a script. You just need a willing heart.

And remember: you’re not alone. At Living Word Galena, we believe prayer is foundational to life and faith. If you need someone to pray with you, reach out. We’re here for you. God is, too.

Your prayers matter. You matter. Don’t let doubt or busyness rob you of the life-changing gift of prayer. Start the conversation. You might just be surprised at what happens next.

Is That An Idol In Your Pocket?

February 19, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Honesty moment—what’s the first thing you reach for in the morning? Is it your Bible or your phone?

For most people, it’s not even a question. The phone wins. Emails, texts, social media, news updates—it all floods in before our feet even hit the floor. And whether we admit it or not, that little device isn’t just a tool; it’s become our most dominant teacher.

Who’s or What’s Really Discipling You?

Discipleship is about shaping your thoughts, priorities, and habits. It’s about what you allow to guide you, correct you, and influence your decisions. So a simple equation that I like to use. Time equals devotion and if time equals devotion, then for many Jesus Followers, TikTok is their pastor, Instagram is their small group, and Google is their theologian.

We have more access to God’s Word than any generation before us. Sermons are a click away. Bible apps are everywhere. But instead of feeding on Scripture, we binge content that disciples us in distraction, outrage, comparison, and self-indulgence.

Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), but for too many of us, the only thing we pick up daily is our phone.

Your Phone Is Winning the Battle for Your Mind

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The problem? Our phones are shaping our minds way more than the Word of God.

Think about it:

  • Social media tells you what to care about. If it’s trending, it must be important, right? But how often do trending topics align with the things of God?
  • Algorithms decide what you see. Every scroll, every click, every “like” trains your feed to shape your worldview.
  • Your attention span is being rewired. If content doesn’t hook you in three seconds, you move on. No wonder it’s hard to focus on prayer or Scripture.

This has become far more than a bad habit. It’s spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn’t need to drag you into deep sin—he just needs to keep you distracted enough that you never grow. And the enemy is not the person who sees the world differently than you do! The enemy is the one who doesn’t want you to thrive in every area of life.

Are You Using Your Phone, or Is It Using You?

We love to say, “Phones aren’t bad, it’s just how you use them.” That’s true—to a point. But let’s not kid ourselves. Most of us aren’t using our phones to memorize Scripture and evangelize. We’re wasting hours on empty entertainment, comparing our lives to filtered versions of other people that we don’t even know! Not to mention numbing ourselves with constant noise.

Conviction moment…

  • Do you check your phone more than you pray?
  • Do you read notifications more than Scripture?
  • Do you mindlessly scroll when you could be sitting in silence with God?
  • Do you get more anxious when your phone dies than when you left the Bible on the chair at church?

If your phone gets more devotion than Jesus, it’s time for a change.

Reclaim Your Discipleship

You don’t have to throw your phone in the ocean (even though some of us might need to). But you do need to take control before it takes control of you.

Here are a few places to start:

  1. Bookend Your Day with God. Keep your phone away from your bed. Start and end your day in Scripture and prayer—before any screen. Don’t overthink this one. Tell Jesus about your day. Ask him about the day in front of you. That’s it! No fancy words. No canned jargon. Just you and Jesus and sharing what’s on your mind.
  2. Fast from the Feed. Take breaks from social media. Maybe one day a week. Maybe a whole month. Watch how your mind clears. If that makes you twitch a little, then consider setting aside no notification times. I often use the Do Not Disturb function on my phone. No emails, texts, social notifications come through at all! Ok there are a few who get emergency rights but those are very limited!
  3. Don’t Remove, Replace. If you cut out screen time but don’t replace it with time in the Word, prayer, or actual connection with other humans, you’ll just fill the gap with something else empty. It’s far too easy to fall back into bad habits if we don’t replace those with something good. Not eating donuts won’t be of much benefit if we don’t replace that with some good, healthy sources of protein.
  4. Ask: Who’s Forming Me? Before you open an app, ask, Is this helping me become more like Jesus? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to rethink your habits. Now this one about made some of you throw your device against the wall. This doesn’t mean that all tech is bad. Hey I’m writing this on my laptop using the internet! Just set specific times when you can aimlessly graze on stuff. If it’s not in your grazing time, then fill yourself with something beneficial and filling.

It’s Time to Choose Your Master

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Right now, many of us are trying to serve both Jesus and our phones—and let’s be real, our phones are winning.

But they don’t have to.

You can take control. You can change your habits. You can choose to let Jesus, not a screen, shape your heart, mind, and soul.

So the question is—who’s discipling you? Jesus? Or the idol in your pocket?

Evangelism: The Heart of Discipleship

January 23, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Evangelism is not a program, a ministry, or an optional add-on to our Christian walk. It’s not reserved for the extroverts, the theologians, or the church staff. Evangelism is an integral part of discipleship—it’s the outflow of a life transformed by Jesus. When we understand this, evangelism moves from being something we “do” to being a natural part of who we are as followers of Jesus.

At its core, evangelism isn’t about delivering a perfect presentation or debating theology. It’s about relationships. Jesus didn’t hand out flyers or host seminars. He sat at tables, walked along dusty roads, and entered into the messiness of people’s lives. He listened, loved, and shared the truth of God’s kingdom in ways that were personal and relational.

We can follow His model through a simple yet powerful three-story approach to evangelism: Their Story, Your Story, God’s Story.

1. First Story Is Their Story

Stories are so important! They are memorable and often filled with deep meaning. Every person you meet carries a story—filled with joys, struggles, dreams, and questions. Before we speak, we need to listen. When we genuinely care about someone’s story, we reflect the love of Jesus.

Ask questions. Get to know what makes them tick. What are they passionate about? What challenges are they facing? What’s their story of faith—or lack of it? This isn’t a manipulative tactic; it’s an act of love. People are longing to be heard and understood.

Starting with their story builds trust. It shows that we value them as people, not as projects. And it often opens the door for deeper conversations about meaning, purpose, and hope.

2. Share Your Own Story

Once we’ve listened, we can share. But not in a way that preaches or overwhelms. Share your story. What difference has Jesus made in your life? How has His grace carried you through your own challenges?

Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, the quieter moments of faith—the peace in a storm, the joy in the mundane—often resonate the most. Keep it real. Be vulnerable. Let them see how Jesus meets you in your humanity.

When we share our stories honestly, we bridge the gap between their struggles and God’s hope. We show them that faith isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being redeemed.

3. Connect Their Story to God’s Story

Finally, connect the dots. This is where we help people see how their story fits into the greater story of God’s love.

God’s story is one of redemption, grace, and purpose. It’s the story of a Savior who left heaven to rescue us. A story of a God who turns brokenness into beauty and offers eternal hope to all who believe.

Help them see how God’s story speaks into their struggles and longings. If they’re feeling lost, point them to the Good Shepherd who leads and guides. If they’re overwhelmed, share the peace that passes understanding. If they’re searching for purpose, invite them to discover the God who created them with intention and love.

This step isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about pointing them to Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

Evangelism in Everyday Life

This three-story approach—Their Story, Your Story, God’s Story—isn’t a formula to follow; it’s a rhythm for life. Evangelism works best when it’s organic, relational, and rooted in love. When we make this rhythm part of our daily rhythm, people’s lives (including our own) will be transformed by the greatest story ever lived.

As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to make more disciples in the going moments of life. This isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to join God in His redemptive work. So, listen deeply, share authentically, and connect boldly.

Evangelism isn’t an event, a ministry or a program. It’s simply walking with others toward Jesus—one story at a time.

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