In this final message in our “Flags” series, Pastor Bryan preaches about unity in the body of Christ. It’s a sad fact that for many followers of Jesus, we have allowed MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN to disciple us more than Jesus. As political division and polarization increase, God calls our church to a different reality. The way forward is to remember that however divided we may be politically, in Christ, we are all on the same team.
In this message on Matthew 11:28–30, Pastor Curtis offers a welcome word to a weary world: “Rest.” We live our lives at a frenzied pace—addicted to technology, disconnected from others, struggling with anxiety and depression. We’re soul tired. But ironically enough, admitting we’re tired is the first step on the road to recovery. Are you ready for an intervention?
In this second message of our “Flags” series, Pastor J.D. explores several myths that are common in our approach to politics, both outside and inside the church. By focusing instead on Jesus’ revolutionary claim to Pilate in John 18, we’ll see that Jesus’ kingdom puts every other earthly kingdom—and political party—into stark perspective. It is a perspective that can transform cynicism and despair into hope and urgency.
In this first message of our “Flags” series, Pastor J.D. shows us that the hope of the gospel unites the most unlikely of people from all tribes, tongues, nations ... and even political parties. As members of Christ's eternal kingdom, we can declare that even in moments of great division, Jesus retains the power to heal, restore, and offer an eternal hope.
In this message on 1 Samuel 14, Pastor Jason encourages us to take the posture of Jonathan. A prince in the nation of Israel, Jonathan didn’t lean on his power, position, or potential. He leaned on the promises of God, even when—especially when—the road ahead was unknown. Through Jonathan, we’ll learn that in the economy of the Kingdom of God, an investment in personal strength is an investment in a crashing market.
In this message on Acts 7–8, Pastor J.D. teaches on The Summit Church’s fourth core value: “We send every member.” Because Jesus sent his Spirit to us, the question is no longer if we are called to join in his mission. It’s only a matter of where and how. Living “sent” isn’t a special calling for our church planters and missionaries. It’s a calling for you.
In this message on Matthew 28, Pastor J.D. teaches on The Summit Church’s third core value: “We make disciples, not just converts.” Most churches celebrate how many people attend services or “make decisions” or get baptized. But our central commission, as a church, is much simpler—and much harder: We are called to make disciples.
In this message on Jeremiah 29, Pastor Bryan shows us a counter-cultural truth: When we live for our own agenda, we don’t find fulfillment, but emptiness. However, when we put our agenda aside and live for God’s agenda, we catch the side effect of fulfillment along the way. And what is that agenda? “Seek the welfare of the city.”
In this message on 1 Corinthians 9, Pastor J.D. explains one of the core four values of The Summit Church, “We do whatever it takes to reach all people.” Believers aren’t meant to be stagnant ponds—receiving, receiving, receiving. We’re meant to be rivers where gospel water flows through us to others. So we get comfortable being uncomfortable, knowing that Jesus wants people from every tribe, every tongue, and every background to be welcomed into his family.
In this message on 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor J.D. begins a deep dive into the mission and values of The Summit Church with Value #1, “We prioritize the gospel above all.” The gospel alone transforms us, empowers us, unites us, propels us. This is why the Apostle Paul puts the gospel in a special class all by itself—because a church without the gospel at the center is a church without power.
This may be the most encouraging message you didn’t want to hear. In this final message on 1 Peter, Pastor J.D. shows how Christians can survive in a hostile, cruel, and chaotic world. In fact, not only can we survive; we can thrive. But it’s not how we might expect. Following Peter’s example, we’ll see that the Christian life, while far better, is not necessarily easier.
The Beatitudes show us the upside-down nature of the kingdom of heaven which stands in stark contrast to the world. Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, and he starts with those who are poor in spirit—the humble. If we want to live a truly humble life, we have to fix our eyes on Jesus, having a mind consumed with him. We have to abide in Christ.
Listen to four of our campus pastors as they share what God has been teaching them over the last several weeks.
In light of some of the horrific acts of the past few weeks, many people in our church—especially people of color—are hurting. In this conversation between Pastor J.D. and some leaders of color at the Summit, we begin to process where we are and where we need to go. Honoring Christ in a moment like this means listening to those who hurt, lamenting with them, bearing their burdens, and walking forward with them. A racially reconciled church requires more than just sentiment. It requires the humil...
