Sermons on Spiritual Growth
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Inspired by the Blind Willie Johnson gospel blues classic Nobody’s Fault but Mine, this sermon by Minister Lea Gilmore reflects on God’s grace, personal discipleship, and the call to respond faithfully to Christ. Rooted in the African American gospel tradition and Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, the message reminds us that while God’s grace is freely given, we are invited to choose lives of justice, compassion, and hope.
What Matters and Why?
What really matters and why? In this sermon, Rev. Khristi Adams reflects on Jesus’ command to “love one another” through the lens of John 13. As Jesus washes his disciples’ feet on the night before his crucifixion, we’re reminded that the heart of the Christian faith isn’t perfection, it’s choosing to love one another through all of life’s messiness. This message invites us to see the communities God has given us as the places where love is lived out every…
You Have Heard it Said
What happens when we come back to familiar Bible stories with fresh eyes? In this message, Chaplain Annie Owens reminds us that even the “old, old story” can surprise us with new meaning. From biblical unicorns and Balaam’s talking donkey to the woman at the well, she explores how our own assumptions and experiences shape the way we read Scripture. This sermon is an invitation to stay curious, keep asking questions, and discover how God’s Word continues to speak in…
Lessons in Failure
Rev. Khristi Adams explores the profound life lessons that come from failure, using a blend of cultural references and biblical narratives to deepen understanding. Rev. Adams reflects on how failure, often feared, can become a powerful teacher and catalyst for growth and humility. Centered on the stories of public figures like Jay-Z, sports moments, and the biblical example of Peter’s denial of Jesus, the speaker emphasizes embracing failure as a universal human experience that does not define one’s identity.
The Voice You Didn’t Expect
Speaking from the book of Numbers 22:21-35, Minister Lea Gilmore shares the story of Balaam and his donkey, reminding us that God is not limited in how They speak. God can use unexpected voices to correct us, protect us, and redirect us. The question is whether we are humble enough to listen.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Drawing on Acts 2 and Pentecost, the Rev. Dr. Roslyn Sellman describes God’s spirit as confronting empire and resisting erasure by meeting people in their own language and culture. The message emphasizes that transformation begins not through assimilation, but through honoring identity and authenticity.
Let It Go
Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams delivers a reflective and spiritually grounded sermon on the challenge of letting go, using the metaphor of hoarding disorder and the biblical story of Lot’s wife to explore the psychological and emotional difficulties involved in releasing attachments—both physical and emotional.
Recognition
Rev. David Harris invites us into the Emmaus story as a journey we still walk today—one marked by honest questions, shared conversation, and unexpected encounters with Christ. In the midst of doubt and uncertainty, we discover that God often meets us not in dramatic displays, but in quiet, relational moments along the way. This sermon reminds us that scripture becomes a living dialogue, renewing our faith and calling us forward with courage and hope.
Akilah Atkinson’s Sermon from April 12, 2026
Jesus’s resurrection is more than a moment in history—it’s a revolutionary, ongoing act that continues to shape our lives today. In this message, we explore how the risen Christ brings peace in the midst of fear, empowers us to stand against evil with courage and purpose, and offers grace that sustains us even in seasons of doubt. Together, these themes invite us into a life marked by hope, boldness, and active faith—reflecting the transformative power of the resurrection in both…
Resurrection for Us
Rev. David Harris reflects on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and what it meant for those who first experienced it. It also considers how people today encounter moments of renewal and change that echo that story. The message invites us to see how new life can emerge even in difficult times.
Rev. Dr. Jerrett Hansen
Rev. Dr. Jerrett Hansen reflects on the struggles of today’s church and calls for a return to the heart of Jesus’s message—authentic relationship, healing, and grace. Grounded in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, this sermon highlights Jesus’s radical inclusivity and invitation to “living water” as a path toward renewed, life-giving faith. – Sermon from March 8, 2026.
You’re a Big Deal
Minister Lea Gilmore wants you to know you are a big deal! You are a big deal, because you are known, chosen, named, and treasured by God. Your worth is anchored not in your performance or the approval of others, but in the intimate, personal love of your Creator.