Deep and Wide: Embracing Growth in Faith

Twenty years ago, God began a work in our living room, and today, we stand as a testament to His faithfulness, provision, and transforming power. Every life changed, every marriage restored, every child brought home, and every new vision has been the result of God’s hand moving among us. We are not here because of our own strength or cleverness, but because God has called us to be the body of Christ—broken and poured out for the sake of the world. As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with expectation, knowing that God’s mission for us is not finished. He continues to call us deeper and wider, to grow beyond our comfort zones, and to reach more people with the love and hope of Jesus.

Using the analogy of mango trees, we see that a healthy church, like a healthy tree, must be both deeply rooted and widely reaching. A tree that is root-bound in a pot will eventually strangle itself, just as a church that becomes inwardly focused and self-contained will wither. On the other hand, a tree that looks good on the outside but lacks roots will not survive the heat of real life. Only when we are truly rooted in Christ can we grow, bear fruit, and provide shade for others. Our vision for this year is “deep and wide”—to grow deeper in our devotion to Jesus and wider in our reach to the community.

Growth is not always comfortable. It means giving up our favorite seats, welcoming new faces, and sometimes feeling the pain of change. But God’s heart is for everyone to be saved, and He calls us to make room for more. The early church in Acts grew rapidly because they were devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and radical generosity. Their deep devotion fueled a wide mission, and God added to their number daily. We are called to the same: to be rooted in Christ, to overflow with thankfulness, and to invest in the mission rather than our own comfort.

As we move forward, we celebrate the fruit God is producing through jail ministry, recovery ministry, tutoring, and life groups. But there is more to do. We need more leaders, more prayer, more willingness to stretch and serve. We must prepare our space, our hearts, and our schedules for what God wants to do next. Let us surrender our preferences, embrace the discomfort of growth, and trust God to make us a grove of fruitful, life-giving trees—deep and wide for His glory.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Faithfulness Is the Foundation for All Growth Every step forward, every need met, and every life transformed is a direct result of God’s faithfulness, not our own efforts. When we recognize that God is the one who brings people, resources, and vision, we are freed from striving and can humbly surrender to His leading. Our story is a testimony to His provision and grace, and our future depends on continued dependence on Him. [52:05]
• 2. A Healthy Church Must Be Both Deeply Rooted and Widely Reaching Just as a mango tree cannot thrive if it is root-bound or shallow, a church must be deeply rooted in Christ and widely reaching to the world. Inward focus leads to stagnation and eventual decline, while outward appearance without substance cannot withstand trials. True health comes from being planted in Christ, growing deep roots, and extending wide branches to offer shade and fruit to others. [55:39]
• 3. Growth Requires Sacrifice and a Willingness to Embrace Discomfort Expanding God’s kingdom means letting go of personal comfort, preferences, and even cherished routines. Growth brings “growing pains”—new faces, crowded spaces, and the need to adapt. But God’s heart is for everyone, and we are called to make room, give up our seats, and welcome those He brings, trusting that the discomfort of change is part of His mission. [63:02]
• 4. Deep Devotion Fuels a Wide and Lasting Mission The early church’s explosive growth was rooted in their devotion to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity. It wasn’t a one-time decision but a lifestyle of commitment that overflowed into action. When we are deeply devoted to Christ, our faith becomes resilient, our gratitude overflows, and our mission expands beyond what we could imagine. [73:18]
• 5. Mission Must Always Take Priority Over Comfort or Appearance It is tempting to invest in what makes us feel good or look good, but the true measure of a church is the fruit it bears. Our resources, energy, and creativity must be directed toward reaching people, making disciples, and serving the community—not just maintaining comfort or aesthetics. The mission is always greater than the method, and fruitfulness is the goal. [80:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:52] - Honoring God’s Faithfulness and Our Story
• [03:30] - The Mango Tree Analogy: Roots and Reach
• [07:00] - The Dangers of Being Root-Bound or Shallow
• [10:00] - Instagram Mango Tree: Looks Without Roots
• [12:00] - Healthy Growth: Deep and Wide Vision
• [15:00] - Acts 2: The Church Was Made to Grow
• [18:00] - Growth Pains and the Call to Sacrifice Comfort
• [22:00] - God’s Heart: Everyone Included
• [26:00] - Overcoming Hurt and Spiritual Opposition
• [31:00] - Rooted in Devotion: Colossians 2
• [36:00] - Overflowing with Thankfulness and Generosity
• [40:00] - The Early Church’s Devotion and Mission
• [45:00] - Celebrating Ministry Fruit: Jail, Recovery, Tutoring
• [50:00] - Preparing for More: Facilities, Volunteers, and Prayer
• [55:00] - Embracing the Next Season: Deep and Wide
• [94:25] - Closing Prayer and Commissioning

Bible Reading

Acts 2:41-47 (ESV) — > 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
> 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
> 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
> 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
> 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
> 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
> 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) — > 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
> 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) — > 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 2:41-47, what were the main things the early church devoted themselves to, and what was the result of that devotion?
2. In Colossians 2:6-7, what does Paul say should happen as we continue to follow Jesus?
3. The sermon used the analogy of mango trees. What were the two unhealthy types of trees described, and what did they represent about church life? [[55:39]]
4. What does 2 Peter 3:9 reveal about God’s heart for people?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer led to such rapid and healthy growth? How might this challenge our current church routines? [[01:13:18]]
2. The sermon said, “Growth is not always comfortable. It means giving up our favorite seats, welcoming new faces, and sometimes feeling the pain of change.” Why is discomfort often a necessary part of spiritual and church growth? [[01:03:02]]
3. The analogy of the mango tree was used to describe being “deep and wide.” What does it look like for a church (or a person) to be deeply rooted in Christ but also reaching widely to others? [[58:18]]
4. The sermon emphasized that “mission must always take priority over comfort or appearance.” What are some ways churches (or individuals) can get distracted by comfort or appearances, and what is lost when that happens? [[01:20:25]]

Application Questions

1. The early church was “devoted” to certain practices. Which of these (teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity) do you find most challenging to devote yourself to right now? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [[01:13:18]]
2. The sermon talked about “giving up our favorite seats” and making room for new people. Is there a comfort or routine in your church life that you need to let go of to make space for others? What would it look like to do that? [[01:03:02]]
3. The mango tree analogy warned against being “root-bound” (inward-focused) or “shallow” (lacking depth). Which of these do you personally struggle with more, and what is one practical way you can address it this month? [[55:39]]
4. The church is called to be “deep and wide”—growing deeper in devotion and wider in reach. What is one way you can intentionally reach out to someone outside your usual circle this week? [[58:18]]
5. The sermon celebrated ministries like jail ministry, recovery, tutoring, and life groups. Is there a ministry or area of service you feel God nudging you to get involved in, even if it feels uncomfortable or new? What’s holding you back? [[01:23:59]]
6. The pastor said, “We must prepare our space, our hearts, and our schedules for what God wants to do next.” What is one thing you can do to prepare your heart or schedule for God’s next step in your life or in our church? [[01:30:00]]
7. The message reminded us that “God’s faithfulness is the foundation for all growth.” When you look back at your own life, where do you see God’s faithfulness? How does remembering that help you trust Him for the future? [[52:05]]