What a day to rejoice in God’s faithfulness. We gathered as one church—English and Español—celebrating baptisms and the simple truth that buildings are only tools; people are the mission. I loved telling the story of a sister who, after serving all day to prepare the campus, asked for 20 invite cards so she could invite more people that night. That is our heart: we steward space so the lost can be found, the found can be formed, and the formed can be sent. We honored so many servants—production, worship, facilities, countless volunteers—because ministry is built on unseen faithfulness. We also celebrated Kim and Michelle Humphrey, whose sacrifices have blessed us deeply, and we committed our local year-end giving to PALS, serving families walking through addiction. That’s light shining near and far, starting at 7th Ave and Bethany Home.
Together we prayed a vision over this sanctuary: that saints would be equipped, the lost engaged, disciples multiplied; that baptistry water would never stay still for long; that altars would be full, chains would break, our city would be blessed, and revival would break out. We asked God to make this place a tool for his fame among generations and nations. And we didn’t just pray about a room—we prayed about people, naming loved ones who don’t yet know Jesus, asking God to use us and this space to draw them from death to life. That is why we’re here: for the glory of Jesus and the good of Phoenix and beyond. If you’re ready to step in—serve, invite, pray, give—this is the time. Let’s fill every corner of this campus with people who are ready to meet Jesus, grow in him, and lead others to do the same.
Key Takeaways
- 1. People over projects, always people first. Buildings and tech are means, not the mission. God entrusts spaces so that souls can be welcomed, discipled, and sent. If the paint shines but hearts don’t change, we’ve missed the point. We measure success by transformed lives, not finished walls. [42:11]
- 2. Baptism is why we build. We put our hands to facilities so God can put his hands on people. A baptistry full of new faith is the best use of any square foot we steward. Every screw turned and chair set points to souls crossing from death to life in Jesus’ name. [40:20]
- 3. One church, two languages, one mission. Unity in the gospel is deeper than uniformity in culture. When English and Español worship together, we display a kingdom where Jesus is the center and difference becomes a doorway, not a barrier. This is formation for all of us—learning to love across lines for the sake of Christ. [145:12]
- 4. Prayer shapes place and people. We don’t just inhabit rooms; we cultivate atmospheres. When we pray, “In this place…,” God reorders expectations and readies hearts for equipping, repentance, healing, and mission. Prayer is how ordinary space becomes a kingdom outpost. [51:58]
- 5. Hope for families battling addiction. The gospel doesn’t stop at the sanctuary door; it walks into living rooms marked by pain and perseverance. Supporting PALS is a way to carry one another’s burdens and refuse to let shame have the last word. Mercy organizes itself when it loves like Jesus. [141:51]
Youtube Chapters
