Speaker: Jon Couser

Passage: Psalm 145

What Is Your Minimum Requirement for Praising God?

Most people find it easy to praise God when life is going well—when prayers are answered, goals are achieved, and blessings are obvious. The Way of Praise reveals that mature faith praises God not because circumstances are good, but because God is good.

As we read Psalm 145, we explore how praise should become a constant posture rather than a reaction to, or for, favorable outcomes.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Psalm 23

Psalm 23 may be one of the most familiar passages in the Bible, but it is far more than a funeral reading—it is a declaration of trust. In Week 3 of our series, we explore David’s powerful image of God as our Shepherd and discover why God can be trusted through every season of life.

Together we unpack three truths from Psalm 23: the Shepherd provides for us, the Shepherd stays with us through our darkest valleys, and the Shepherd’s goodness and love never leave us. Along the way, we see how God’s character—not our circumstances—is the foundation of our trust.

Ultimately, Psalm 23 points us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep and promises that we never walk alone. Whether you’re resting in green pastures or walking through deep shadows, this message is a reminder that God is with you every step of the way.

God can be trusted to provide and stay with us through every season of life.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Psalm 19

In Week 2 of our On Repeat: Psalms series, we explore Psalm 19 and the powerful truth that God is already speaking—we just need to learn how to listen. From the beauty and wonder of creation to the wisdom and truth of Scripture, Psalm 19 reveals that God is making Himself known to us every day.

In this teaching, we unpack how creation points to God’s power, beauty, wisdom, goodness, and love, why God’s Word is more than rules—it’s life-giving instruction—and how God wants to speak not only around us, but directly to our hearts. We also see how Jesus is the culmination of Psalm 19: the Creator who entered creation, the Word made flesh, and our Redeemer who brings restoration and new life.

God is already speaking through creation and Scripture. The question is: are we listening?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Psalm 1

As we start our new series On Repeat, Pastor Josh explores how the Psalms function as the soundtrack of the human soul—ancient songs and poetry that still speak into every emotion, struggle, and season of life today. In a world where we are over-informed but under-formed, constantly consuming voices, opinions, outrage, and distraction, Psalm 1 asks a deeper question: What kind of life does this produce?

This teaching unpacks the two ways Psalm 1 presents—the way that leads to destruction and the way that leads to flourishing. Through vivid imagery of trees, streams of water, and chaff blown away by the wind, we discover that flourishing is not about comfort, success, or an easy life, but about becoming deeply rooted in God. We explore how our daily choices, habits, influences, and meditation slowly shape who we become, and how Jesus invites us into another way of life—one rooted in Him as the source of living water.

This message also introduces practical rhythms for engaging the Psalms personally through meditation, delighting in God’s Word, and learning to be spiritually formed “day and night.”

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 20:19-22; John 21:15-17; Acts 1:5, 8

Every follower of Jesus is sent to share the Good News—not because we feel qualified, but because Jesus commissions us and the Holy Spirit empowers us.

In the final week of Sharing the Good News, we look at Jesus appearing to His fearful disciples after the resurrection, restoring Peter after failure, and empowering ordinary people through the Holy Spirit to live sent.

This teaching explores the reality of “imposter syndrome” in the Christian life—the feeling that we are not enough, not ready, or not spiritual enough for God to use us. Yet Jesus consistently sends imperfect people anyway.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God could really use your life, this message is for you.

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: John 9:1-24

We continue our Sharing the Good News series by exploring the power of our stories. Through the story of the blind man in John 9 and a deeply personal journey of grief, grace, and healing, we’re reminded that one of the most powerful ways to share Jesus is simply to share our story.

Life before Jesus. How we met Jesus. Life since Jesus.

You don’t need all the answers or perfect theology to share your faith—you just need to be willing to talk about the hope you’ve experienced. In this message, we’ll discover how God often uses the hardest parts of our stories to reveal His love, bring healing, and help others feel seen, understood, and invited into life with Him. No matter where you are in your journey—still searching, newly surrendering, or walking with Jesus for years—your story matters. And your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Acts 8:26-38

In Week 4 of Sharing the Good News, we look at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8 and discover a better framework than “fire, aim, ready.” Instead, we’re invited into a Spirit-led rhythm: Ready. Aim. Fire.

- Ready: Listen and look for where God is already at work.

- Aim: Ask thoughtful questions that open deeper conversations.

- Fire: Step out in obedience, even when it feels risky.

This message reframes the mission of God. We don’t initiate it—we join it. God is already moving in people’s lives, preparing hearts, and creating moments. Our role is to be attentive, curious, and courageous enough to participate. If you’ve ever wondered “What do I do next?” when it comes to sharing your faith, this teaching will help you move from pressure to partnership, and from striving to Spirit-led living. Because the goal isn’t success, it’s obedience. And when we step out in faith, we get to watch God do what only He can do.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Luke 19:1-10; Romans 5:8; Luke 7:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:8

In a post-Christian culture, how do we best share the Good News with others? In this message, we see how Jesus reached people through relationships. Looking at the story of Zacchaeus, we see that Jesus didn’t start with a sermon—He started with a relationship. He moved toward people others avoided, shared meals, and built trust first. He was known as a “friend of sinners,” and through those relationships, lives were transformed.

The same is true today. People don’t just need to hear the Good News, they need to experience that it is real. This teaching invites us to embrace a simple but powerful truth: sharing the Good News often looks like sharing our lives around tables, in everyday moments, through genuine friendships. This is where faith becomes real and believable.

What if the most powerful way to share your faith is simply being a good friend?

Speaker: Sarah Knepper

Passage: Mark 4:1-9, 26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Sarah Knepper unpacks Jesus’ parables in Mark 4 to show that while we want quick, predictable results, the growth of faith doesn’t work that way. The farmer, the seed, and the sun stay the same—but the soil is different every time. Jesus’ parables of the sower and the growing seed show us how the work of sharing the good news is often far less predictable—and much slower—than we expect. But our role isn’t to produce growth, but to faithfully share. God is the one who makes it grow.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged or unsure how to talk about your faith, this message will remind you: you don’t need all the answers—just your story and a willingness to share it. Because every faith conversation matters more than you think. And every time you speak, you’re partnering with God in what He’s already doing.

Here is a next step we all should take: Who are three people in your life that are not yet part of the family of God?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 3:16-21; Matthew 9:35-38; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

We’re kicking off a new series called Sharing the Good News by getting to the heart of what fuels it all—love. In this first teaching, we explore how God doesn’t look at a broken world with frustration or distance, but with deep compassion and pursuing love. Through John 3, we see that God’s love moves toward people far from Him. In Matthew 9, we see that love expressed through Jesus’ compassion for the hurting and lost. And in 2 Corinthians 5, we’re reminded that this same love now compels us.

Sharing the good news isn’t about pressure, having all the right answers, or forcing conversations. It’s about becoming people who are so shaped by the love of Jesus that it naturally flows out of us into the lives of others. If sharing your faith has ever felt awkward, confusing, or even off-putting based on what you’ve seen—this conversation reframes it. Sharing the good news isn’t an obligation—it’s an act of love. Because when we truly experience the love of God, we can’t help but want others to experience it too.

Who in your life needs to experience life in Jesus? And what would it look like to love them this week?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 20

What does “empty” feel like in your life right now—loss, fear, uncertainty… or something you can’t quite explain?

In this Easter message, we explore how the empty tomb of Jesus meets us in our own emptiness. Looking at the real reactions of Jesus’ first followers—Mary’s grief, the disciples’ fear, and Thomas’ doubt—we see that Easter isn’t just a story to believe, it’s an invitation to experience life.

Jesus meets us personally in our grief, bringing encounter where we feel loss.

He meets us in our fear, offering peace and purpose in the middle of uncertainty.

He meets us in our doubt, inviting us to discover what’s real and true.

The resurrection reminds us that empty doesn’t have to mean the end—it can be the beginning. Because Jesus walked out of the tomb, new life is possible for us here and now.

If you’ve been feeling empty, this message is an invitation: What if that’s exactly where Jesus wants to meet you?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 3:8, Exodus 33:3, Exodus 33:15-18 Exodus 40:33-38, Exodus 40:34, Matthew 28:20, Exodus 40:36-38

As we wrap up Exodus, we’re invited to rethink what we’ve been chasing. Israel was headed to the Promised Land—but Moses reveals something deeper: without God’s presence, even the best destination isn’t worth it.

We all have our version of a “Promised Land”—success, comfort, purpose, even heaven. But this message challenges us to ask: do we want God, or just what He can give us?

Discover how the true promise isn’t a place, but a life with God—marked by His presence, led by His direction, and transformed by His glory.

Speaker: Travis Hogston

Passage: Exodus 32:15-21, Exodus 34:1-9, John 3:16-17, Romans 5:8-9

What happens when trust is broken—especially with someone close?

In this message from Exodus 32–34, we explore one of the most shocking moments in Israel’s story: after being rescued by God, they turn and worship a golden idol. The covenant is shattered. Trust is broken.

But how does God respond?

Instead of walking away, God reveals who He truly is—compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and full of faithful love (hesed). He doesn’t ignore sin, but He makes a way for restoration.

This teaching is an invitation to see God rightly—not as distant or done with you, but as the One who restores what’s been broken. Even when we fail Him, He moves toward us.

And through Jesus, that restoration is still available today.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 25-31; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16

God’s dream has always been to dwell with His people.

In Week 6 of Exodus: The Road Out, we explore the meaning of the tabernacle and what it reveals about God’s presence. From the Garden of Eden, to the portable tabernacle in the wilderness, to Jesus who “tabernacled” among us, the Bible tells the story of a God who keeps moving closer to His people.

And through the Holy Spirit, His presence now dwells in us.

God isn’t limited to sacred places or Sunday gatherings—He works through ordinary people in everyday spaces. Your work, your home, and your life are places where God’s presence can move.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of ordinary life, this conversation is for you.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 20:1-3; Exodus 24:3-11; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6

At Mount Sinai, God makes a covenant with His people—a binding promise that defines their relationship with Him. In Exodus 20 and 24, we see how this covenant ceremony fits the ancient world while revealing something unique about God: He doesn’t just demand loyalty—He binds Himself to His people. Throughout the Bible, God continues making and keeping covenant promises, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. At the Last Supper, Jesus declares a new covenant in His blood, offering a better promise and a restored relationship with God. In this teaching, we explore what covenant means, why it mattered to Israel, and how Jesus fulfills God’s promises for us today.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 19:3-13; Exodus 20:18-19; Hebrews 4:14-16

Exodus is often remembered for its miracles. But beneath all the power is something even more personal: God’s desire for relationship. In this week’s teaching, we explore God’s invitation to draw near—not just to be rescued from something, but rescued for something. Through Exodus 19-20 and Hebrews 4, we see that God isn’t looking to keep His people at a distance. He’s inviting them into partnership: ordinary people becoming a “kingdom of priests,” close enough to be changed and used by Him.

We talk honestly about why we resist closeness with God, how fear and discomfort keep us at arm’s length, and why drawing near often feels costly. And we discover the good news of Jesus: our great High Priest, who makes a way for us to approach God with confidence, mercy, and grace. If you’ve ever felt distant from God—or unsure whether you’re really invited—this message is for you. God is still inviting His people to draw near. The question is: will we come?

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: Exodus 14

What do you do when you’re at a dead end?

In this teaching from Exodus 14, we stand with Israel at the edge of the Red Sea: trapped, afraid, and questioning whether they ever should have left Egypt. What looked like a dead end was actually the place where God did His deepest work in them.

This message explores how God often leads us into moments where control is stripped away—not to harm us, but to form us. Dead ends have a way of revealing our fear, our desire to run, and our temptation to go back to what’s familiar. But they also awaken our need for God and make room for His power to move in ways we could never plan.

Through the story of the Red Sea, we’re invited to see our own “dead end” seasons differently. What if the place that feels impossible isn’t the end of your story, but the beginning of God’s transforming work?

If you’re feeling stuck, confused, or unsure how to move forward, this teaching is an invitation to stand still, trust God, and believe that your dead end might just be holy ground.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 6-12

Discouragement has a way of shrinking our expectations—of God, of ourselves, of what’s even possible. In this teaching from Exodus 6-12, we see that Israel didn’t reject God’s promises because they were rebellious, but because hope felt irresponsible after generations of suffering. God responds not with shame, but with power.

In this teaching, we explore how God confronts and dismantles the false foundations that enslave his people—what the Bible calls “Egypt.” Through the plagues and the Passover, God reveals who he really is: personal, powerful, faithful, and unmatched. These events aren’t random acts of judgment; they are intentional acts of rescue, designed to rebuild trust and re-form faith. Passover ultimately points us to Jesus—the true Lamb, our covering, and our Exodus—showing us that God doesn’t just save by power, but by giving himself.

When discouragement rewrites our expectations, God reveals his power so we can trust him again.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Exodus 1-4

Fear shapes stories—personal and societal—but it never gets the final word. In this opening teaching of our Exodus series, we step into a world driven by fear and control and discover how God begins writing a new story of freedom and formation. From Pharaoh’s Egypt to Moses’ hesitant heart, Exodus shows how fear distorts who belongs, exaggerates threats, dehumanizes people, and keeps us from becoming who God created us to be.

But God doesn’t stand at a distance. He enters the fear. As Moses encounters the “I AM,” we see how God meets our deepest insecurities—I’m not good enough, I don’t know enough, I don’t have influence, I’m not good with words—with His steady promise: “I will be with you.” This teaching traces how fear shapes societies, how it shapes our souls, and how the gospel ultimately frees us—through Jesus, who steps into our Egypt and leads us out.

Where fear shapes a story, God writes a new one.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:6-11; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8; 5:18-19

One year in—we pause to celebrate what God has done and to name what comes next. In this Vision Sunday teaching, we reflect on the shared story behind Bright City: the people who planted seeds, the ones who watered faithfully, and the God who has given the growth. Grounded in 1 Corinthians 3:6–11, this message reframes church as shared work, different roles, one purpose—and God-dependent results.

As Bright City moves from launch to legacy, we introduce the PLANTED Campaign—a two-year invitation to step into deeper ownership, generosity, and mission as we pursue becoming a fully self-supported church by 2027. This teaching casts vision for the kind of legacy we’re building: people formed to follow Jesus, leaders raised up, rhythms that shape faith, and a presence that blesses our city. Some plant. Some water. God gives the growth. The question is—how is God inviting you to be part of what He’s growing next?