Transforming Lives: An Outward-Facing Church Mission
Summary
Today’s gathering offered a transparent look into the heart and mission of Current Church. The focus is clear: to be a community that encourages, equips, and leads people to follow Jesus, believing that doing so genuinely makes life better and makes us better at life. This conviction isn’t about superiority, but about transformation—how following Jesus changes us into better friends, family members, and neighbors. The mission is intentionally outward-facing, designed for those who are new to faith, skeptical, returning after a long absence, or simply curious. The goal is to create a space where people who are nothing like us still feel welcome, just as people who were nothing like Jesus were drawn to Him.
Current Church was founded not because St. Joe needed another church, but because it needed a different kind of church—one that resists the gravitational pull toward insiders and instead prioritizes those who are not yet here. The challenge is real: as churches age, they tend to become more about those already inside. But the call is to continually resist this drift, to keep our eyes and hearts focused on those outside our walls.
Two common criticisms were addressed. First, the idea that “Current isn’t deep.” True depth, it was argued, isn’t about complexity or information overload, but about application. Deep faith is measured by how much we put Jesus’ teachings into practice, not by how much we know. The deepest Christians are those who serve, love, and sacrifice in tangible ways, not just those who accumulate knowledge. Second, the criticism that “you just want to be big.” The response: Jesus Himself drew crowds, and the early church was commissioned to go wide, making disciples of all nations. The mission is not about numbers for their own sake, but about reaching as many as possible with the love and message of Jesus.
To stay on mission, three questions—the “irresist list”—guide everything: What do people see? What do they hear? What do they experience? Every detail, from cleanliness to signage to the way people are greeted, matters because it communicates that guests are expected and valued. The church’s reputation in the community is shaped by every member’s actions, both inside and outside the building. The ultimate aim is to remove every unnecessary obstacle for those turning to God, echoing the early church’s decision in Acts 15.
The call is to be a “by all possible means” church—willing to do whatever it takes, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable, so that some might be saved. Everyone is invited to belong, regardless of where they are on their faith journey, because the hope is not just for us, but for our whole community.
Key Takeaways
- True Depth Is Found in Application, Not Accumulation
Depth in faith isn’t about how much information we can gather or how complex our theology sounds. It’s about whether we actually put Jesus’ teachings into practice in our daily lives. The deepest Christians are those who serve, forgive, and love sacrificially, even when it stretches them beyond comfort. Unapplied truth is like paint left in the can—its purpose is only realized when it’s put to use. [13:34]
- Resisting the Pull Toward Insiders Is a Constant Battle
Every church, as it matures, faces the temptation to focus inward—on the preferences, comfort, and growth of those already inside. But the call of Jesus is to keep our hearts and efforts aimed outward, toward those who aren’t here yet. This means continually evaluating our attitudes, systems, and decisions to ensure we’re not unintentionally making it harder for newcomers or outsiders to find a place to belong. [08:21]
- Removing Unnecessary Obstacles Is a Gospel Imperative
The early church wrestled with whether to impose extra requirements on new believers, ultimately deciding not to make it difficult for those turning to God. In the same way, we are called to remove every barrier—whether cultural, relational, or practical—that might keep someone from encountering Jesus. This requires humility, flexibility, and a willingness to let go of personal preferences for the sake of others. [25:37]
- Our Reputation Is Shaped by Everyday Actions
The way we treat people in the community—at the store, on the road, online—shapes how others perceive Jesus and His church. We are called to be the kindest, most generous, and most joyful people, so that even those who don’t share our beliefs would want to work with us, hire us, or have us as neighbors. Our collective witness is built on countless small acts of love, patience, and integrity. [35:57]
- “By All Possible Means” Requires Sacrifice and Flexibility
To reach people who are far from God, we must be willing to adapt, to give up our rights, and to do whatever it takes—even when it’s uncomfortable or misunderstood. This is the heart of the gospel: becoming all things to all people so that some might be saved. It’s a risky, messy, and sometimes costly way to live, but it’s the way of Jesus and the only way to truly fulfill our mission. [43:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Who We Are and Why We Exist
[03:45] - Our Mission: Encourage, Equip, Lead
[05:21] - Outward-Facing Like Jesus
[06:32] - Creating Space for Messy People
[08:21] - Resisting the Pull Toward Insiders
[10:21] - Addressing Criticisms: “Not Deep”
[13:34] - Depth Is Application, Not Information
[16:19] - The Challenge of Sacrificial Faith
[18:22] - Addressing Criticisms: “Just Want to Be Big”
[21:18] - The Danger of Insider-Focused Church
[22:56] - Acts 15: Removing Obstacles
[25:37] - The Irresist List: What Do They See?
[29:22] - Expecting Guests and Creating Belonging
[31:55] - The Power of Representation and Service
[33:58] - What Do They Hear? Reputation and Communication
[36:44] - For St. Joe: Serving Our Community
[38:26] - Clarity, Helpfulness, and Next Steps
[39:23] - What Do They Experience? Love in Action
[41:57] - Paul’s Example: Giving Up Rights
[43:37] - By All Possible Means
[44:44] - Invitation to Belong and Next Steps
Study Guide
Current Church Small Group Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Acts 15:19 (ESV)
> “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
> “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.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)
> “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 15, what was the main issue the early church leaders were debating, and what decision did James make about it?
2. According to Matthew 28, what is the mission Jesus gives to his followers?
3. In 1 Corinthians 9, what does Paul say about his approach to reaching different kinds of people?
4. What are the three questions on the “irresist list” that guide everything at Current Church? ([27:52])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church leaders decided not to make it difficult for Gentiles who were turning to God? What does this reveal about their priorities? ([25:37])
2. The sermon says true depth is found in application, not just knowledge. Why might it be easier to focus on learning more than on actually living out Jesus’ teachings? ([13:34])
3. Paul says he became “all things to all people” so that some might be saved. What does this look like in a church setting today? ([43:37])
4. The sermon talks about resisting the pull toward insiders. Why is it so easy for churches to become focused on those already inside, and what are the dangers of that? ([08:21])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to remove unnecessary obstacles for people turning to God. What is one “obstacle” (big or small) you’ve seen in a church that made it harder for someone new to feel welcome? How could you help remove that obstacle at Current? ([25:37])
2. Think about the “irresist list”: What do people see, hear, and experience? Which of these three do you think you personally have the most influence over, and what is one thing you could do differently this month to make Current more welcoming? ([27:52])
3. The sermon says, “Unapplied truth is like paint left in the can.” Is there a teaching of Jesus you know but haven’t put into practice yet? What’s one step you could take this week to apply it? ([13:34])
4. Paul gave up his rights and comfort to reach others. Is there a comfort, preference, or “right” you might need to let go of for the sake of someone else finding Jesus? What would that look like for you? ([41:57])
5. The reputation of the church is shaped by everyday actions, not just Sunday mornings. Think of one place in your week (work, school, online, neighborhood) where you could be more intentional about representing Jesus well. What’s a specific action you could take? ([35:57])
6. The sermon says, “Everyone is invited to belong, regardless of where they are on their faith journey.” How can you personally help someone who is new, skeptical, or returning after a long absence feel like they belong at Current? ([44:44])
7. The message warns about the church becoming “insider-focused.” Are there ways you’ve slipped into thinking mostly about your own preferences at church? What’s one way you could shift your focus outward this month? ([08:21])
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Devotional
Day 1: Deep Faith Is Applying Jesus’ Teachings, Not Just Knowing Them
True depth in the Christian life is not measured by how much information we can accumulate or how many theological concepts we can recite, but by our willingness to put Jesus’ words into practice in our everyday lives. When we hear Jesus’ teachings and actually live them out—by forgiving, loving, and serving others—we experience transformation and become the kind of deep Christians who make a real difference in the world. Like paint that only changes a room when it’s applied, Jesus’ words only change us when we live them out. [13:34]
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Reflection: What is one teaching of Jesus you know but haven’t yet put into practice? What’s a specific way you can apply it this week?
Day 2: The Mission Is to Go Wide—To Reach All People
Jesus’ final command to his followers was not just to grow deeper in faith, but to go out and make disciples of all nations, reaching people from every background, including those who are far from God or feel like outsiders. The church is called to be outward-facing, intentionally seeking to include and love those who may not look, think, or act like us, because that’s what Jesus did. Our mission is to multiply, to share the good news with every person, and to live in such a way that people are drawn to Jesus through us. [18:22]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: Who in your life feels far from God or from church? How can you intentionally reach out to them with love and an invitation this week?
Day 3: Remove Unnecessary Obstacles for Those Turning to God
The early church faced a crucial decision: would they make it hard for outsiders to come to faith by piling on extra rules and traditions, or would they clear the way for people to encounter Jesus? The answer was clear—don’t make it difficult for those who are turning to God. Our calling is to remove unnecessary barriers, whether in our attitudes, our church environments, or our traditions, so that anyone seeking God can find a clear path to Him. [25:37]
Acts 15:19 (ESV)
“Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.”
Reflection: Is there a way you might be unintentionally making it harder for someone to approach God or church? What can you do to help remove that barrier?
Day 4: By All Possible Means—Sacrificing Preferences for the Sake of Others
Living out the gospel means being willing to lay down our own rights, preferences, and comforts so that others might come to know Jesus. Like Paul, we are called to become “all things to all people,” adapting and serving in whatever way is needed so that, by any means necessary, some might be saved. This kind of sacrificial love is at the heart of a church that truly reflects Jesus to the world. [43:37]
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Reflection: What is one personal preference or comfort you could set aside this week to better serve or reach someone else?
Day 5: Creating an Irresistible Church—What Do They See, Hear, and Experience?
An irresistible church is one where people feel expected, welcomed, and valued from the moment they walk in. It’s a place where the environment is inviting, the message is clear and helpful, and the love of Jesus is tangible in every interaction. Each of us plays a part in making church a place where guests see themselves, hear hope, and experience genuine care—removing obstacles and opening doors for people to encounter God’s love. [39:23]
Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Reflection: What is one practical thing you can do this Sunday to help someone new feel welcomed and valued at church?
Quotes
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