Embracing Doubt: Building a Welcoming Faith Community
Summary
### Summary
Today marks the beginning of a new series called "We The Co," a pivotal moment for our church as we transition into a new season. Over the past 18 months, we've experienced significant changes, including a new location, a name change, and a leadership transition. As we look forward, it's crucial to focus not on where we are going or what we are doing, but on who we are meant to be and who we are meant to reach. This series will explore these questions deeply.
One of the core themes we discussed today is the value of certainty. While certainty provides security and control, an overemphasis on absolute certainty can lead to disunity and a rejection of curiosity. Historically, the church has sometimes stifled curiosity in favor of maintaining doctrinal purity, as seen in the case of Galileo. This need for absolute certainty can also alienate those who are still exploring their faith, making them feel unwelcome.
We examined the story of Jesus' disciples in the Gospel of Matthew, who worshiped Jesus even while harboring doubts. This duality of faith and doubt is a natural part of the human experience and should be embraced rather than shunned. Jesus did not rebuke His disciples for their doubts; instead, He commissioned them to spread His teachings to all nations, emphasizing that honest faith is more valuable than absolute certainty.
Our church aims to be a place where people can be honest about their doubts and questions. We want to create a community where it's okay to say, "I don't know," and where people can explore their faith openly. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also makes our church a welcoming space for those who are new to faith or are still figuring things out.
As we move forward, I encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute to building this kind of church. Over the next few weeks, take time to pray and reflect on your role in this community. On February 25th, we will have Commitment Sunday, an opportunity for us to commit to this vision together.
### Key Takeaways
1. Focus on Who, Not What or Where: The most important questions for our church are not about our location or activities but about who we are meant to be and who we are meant to reach. This focus helps us align our actions with our core mission and values. [04:14]
2. The Cost of Absolute Certainty: While certainty provides security and control, an overemphasis on it can lead to disunity and a rejection of curiosity. This has historically caused divisions within the church and alienated those who are still exploring their faith. [07:40]
3. Embracing Doubt: Jesus' disciples worshiped Him even while harboring doubts. This duality is a natural part of the faith journey and should be embraced rather than shunned. Honest faith, which includes doubt, is more valuable than absolute certainty. [21:55]
4. Creating a Welcoming Community: Our church aims to be a place where people can be honest about their doubts and questions. This openness not only fosters personal growth but also makes our church a welcoming space for those who are new to faith or are still figuring things out. [29:57]
5. Commitment to Building Together: As we move into this new season, it's crucial for each of us to consider how we can contribute to building a church that aligns with our vision. Commitment Sunday on February 25th will be an opportunity for us to commit to this vision together. [35:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Season of Transition
[02:05] - New Series Introduction
[03:04] - Common Questions
[04:14] - The Most Important Question: Who?
[05:30] - The Value of Certainty
[07:40] - The Cost of Absolute Certainty
[10:05] - Historical Example: Galileo
[12:40] - Modern Example: Nate's Story
[15:10] - Faith and Doubt
[18:05] - The Disciples' Response
[21:55] - Embracing Doubt
[25:48] - Jesus' Commission
[28:09] - Honest Faith
[29:57] - Creating a Welcoming Community
[32:10] - Commitment to Building Together
[35:20] - Commitment Sunday Announcement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:8-20 (ESV)
> "So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.' Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the two emotions the women felt as they left the tomb according to Matthew 28:8?
2. How did the disciples respond when they saw Jesus in Matthew 28:17?
3. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
4. According to the sermon, what are the two main reasons people value certainty? [06:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples worshiped Jesus even though some doubted? How does this duality reflect our own faith journeys? [21:55]
2. How does the story of Galileo illustrate the potential dangers of valuing absolute certainty over curiosity? [10:05]
3. What does it mean for a church to be a place where people can be honest about their doubts and questions? How does this align with Jesus' approach to His disciples? [29:57]
4. How can the church balance the need for doctrinal purity with the need to welcome those who are still exploring their faith? [07:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what support did you receive from your church community? [21:55]
2. How can you personally contribute to making our church a welcoming space for those who are new to faith or are still figuring things out? [29:57]
3. In what ways can you embrace curiosity in your faith journey without feeling the need for absolute certainty? [07:40]
4. How can you support someone in your small group or church who is struggling with doubt or has questions about their faith? [12:40]
5. As we approach Commitment Sunday, what specific role do you feel called to play in building a church that aligns with our vision of honest faith and openness? [35:20]
6. Think of a person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, making them feel welcomed and valued? [28:09]
7. How can you create a personal environment where it's okay to say, "I don't know," and explore faith openly with others? [29:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Over Activity
Description: The most important questions for a church are not about its location or activities but about who its members are meant to be and who they are meant to reach. This focus helps align actions with core mission and values. By prioritizing identity over activity, a church can ensure that its efforts are meaningful and impactful. This approach encourages members to reflect on their personal and collective purpose, fostering a deeper sense of community and mission. [04:14]
Bible Passage: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you align your daily actions with your identity as a member of this church community? What steps can you take to better understand who you are meant to be and who you are meant to reach?
Day 2: The Pitfall of Absolute Certainty
Description: While certainty provides security and control, an overemphasis on it can lead to disunity and a rejection of curiosity. Historically, this has caused divisions within the church and alienated those who are still exploring their faith. The story of Galileo serves as a poignant example of how the church's insistence on doctrinal purity can stifle scientific inquiry and curiosity. In modern times, this same rigidity can make people feel unwelcome or judged, pushing them away from the faith community. [07:40]
Bible Passage: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your faith do you find yourself clinging to absolute certainty? How can you cultivate a spirit of curiosity and openness in your spiritual journey?
Day 3: Faith Embraces Doubt
Description: Jesus' disciples worshiped Him even while harboring doubts. This duality is a natural part of the faith journey and should be embraced rather than shunned. Honest faith, which includes doubt, is more valuable than absolute certainty. Jesus did not rebuke His disciples for their doubts; instead, He commissioned them to spread His teachings to all nations. This teaches us that faith and doubt can coexist and that doubt can be a catalyst for deeper understanding and growth. [21:55]
Bible Passage: "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: What doubts do you currently have about your faith? How can you bring these doubts to God and allow them to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 4: A Community of Openness
Description: Our church aims to be a place where people can be honest about their doubts and questions. This openness not only fosters personal growth but also makes the church a welcoming space for those who are new to faith or are still figuring things out. By creating an environment where it's okay to say, "I don't know," the church can become a sanctuary for exploration and genuine connection. This approach encourages members to support one another in their spiritual journeys, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. [29:57]
Bible Passage: "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to making our church a more welcoming and open community? What specific actions can you take to support others in their faith journey?
Day 5: Commitment to Vision
Description: As the church moves into a new season, it's crucial for each member to consider how they can contribute to building a church that aligns with its vision. Commitment Sunday on February 25th will be an opportunity for everyone to commit to this vision together. This collective commitment is essential for the church to thrive and fulfill its mission. Members are encouraged to pray and reflect on their role in this community, considering how they can use their unique gifts and talents to support the church's vision. [35:20]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific role can you play in supporting the church's vision? How can you prepare your heart and mind for Commitment Sunday?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every new season in the life of a church or in the life of work or in the life of your family, every new season anywhere, right, brings new questions. Anytime there's a new season, right, and you're coming out of transition into something new, it's exciting, it's optimistic, there's so much opportunity, and there's also so much that's unknown that you're trying to figure out, right?" [02:05] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We all value certainty. And I would say this. Most of us, we value certainty for two reasons. One, it gives us security, and the other, it gives us control. We feel safer in knowing. We feel safer in feeling like we can predict or anticipate what's coming next in our life, and we feel more in control when we feel like we have certainty." [06:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A faith based entirely on what you know has no room to grow. The moment you feel like you've got it all figured out is the day that you are done growing deeper in your relationship with your creator. Faith based on entirely what you know has no, no, no, no, no room to grow." [16:37] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus called a group of people with honest faith to reach those who knew the least about him. Not a group of people who acted like they knew everything and had it all figured out. Not a group of people who felt like they had it perfect. Not a group of people who were sure that they were sure or knew that they knew that they knew that they knew. But a group of people with honest faith." [27:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We will be a people of honest faith, right? Creating space for others to explore faith honestly. Maybe a simpler way to say that, you've seen it, right? Is that we will be a church for people with questions of faith. And here's the secret around that. Here's just like the thing you probably ought to know or I hope you can acknowledge. When we say that we'll be a church for people with questions of faith, that's all of us." [30:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The most important question that our church faces now is actually the most important question in every season of our church. The most important question we face is who? Who? Not where, not what, but who? And specifically, who are we meant to be, and who are we meant to reach? As a community of faith, as people journeying in life together, who are we meant to be as a community here, and who are we meant to be building this church for? Who are we meant to reach?" [04:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus' earliest followers were honest about their doubt. But many of us today find ourselves struggling to be honest about the moments that we're not so sure about. Finding ourselves struggling to be fully open about the times or the seasons of our life where we're going, I'm not quite sure where God is right now. Would we feel less qualified? Maybe we were given a version of faith that told us to, hey, to question, or doubt, or not be quite so sure." [24:35] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To build that church, it takes a whole lot more than me just standing on the stage talking about it for 35 minutes. To build that kind of church, it takes a group of people committed to that kind of church. Committed to being a place of honesty and openness for people walking in the doors for the first time going, hey, I'm trying to figure out what all of this means. Hey, I'm not so sure about some of this. I'm not so sure about any of this, right?" [32:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Every new season is an opportunity for new commitment. Every new season is an opportunity for each of us. To step back and go, hey, how committed am I and what's my role in this? How can I play a part in building the church that my community needs? The church that my friends need? The church that some of our family needs? How can I play a role and be a part in that?" [35:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What they need most is to meet you in a stupid discussion question or over a donut in the lobby, right? We don't have to buy those donuts because you might not eat breakfast. We buy those donuts so that you can talk to people and connect and meet people, right? And with the people we're here for, what they need most is a connection with you and a you, a version of you that's willing to create space for them and go, hey, let's figure some things out together." [34:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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