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Sermons

Below is a sample of Jonathan’s latest messages.

Philosophy of Ministry

I believe the church exists to reach people who are far from God, lead them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, disciple them into mature believers, and equip them to make disciples of others. The following convictions shape how I seek to pursue that mission:

  • Transformation over information: I desire to foster a culture of transformation, engaging people deeply in God’s Word so they grow to become more like Christ. Understanding the Bible is an essential first step, but knowledge should lead to a transformed life, not merely a greater understanding of biblical teachings or principles.
  • Relationships over gimmicks: I believe relationships are the cornerstone of ministry. Rather than focusing on entertaining people, churches should instead seek to provide a place for them to be known, loved, discipled, and challenged so they can grow in their faith.
  • Integration over isolation: I believe ministries should be integrated into the life of the church and not isolated in their own silos, competing for resources and pursuing disconnected goals. This is especially important for next-generation ministries. Students who are meaningfully connected to the broader church are more likely to continue following Christ and engage in church life after high school graduation.
  • Participation over consumption: I desire to see people connected to the church and taking steps toward serving and growing in their faith rather than simply showing up to church as a spectator. I believe both the church as a whole and individual ministries should provide clear pathways that help people grow, serve, and take meaningful next steps in their faith.
  • Supporting over supplanting: Churches must support families in discipling their children. The church plays an important role in discipleship, but parents should not hand that responsibility over entirely and rely on church programs alone to instill faith in their children. Instead, parents should be the primary spiritual trainers in their families while the church equips and supports them in this endeavor.
  • Intentionality over impulse: My goal for volunteer teams is always to set people up for success. I value thoughtful planning, clear communication, and defined expectations rather than last-minute improvisation that can create confusion or frustration. I am always open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, but I believe preparation and attention to detail are great ways to serve people well.
  • Unity over preferences: My goal is to create unified, empowered teams that seek God’s Kingdom first above anyone’s individual preferences. I personally operate by the principle, “I’d rather do right than be right,” seeking to do what’s best for the Kingdom and the church instead of insisting on my own preferred methods.