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Awakening: A Call to Real Christianity
Not a checklist. A whole life with God.
If somebody decides they want to learn how to fly, what do we do? We don’t hand them a plane and say, “Good luck.” There’s a process: studying coursework, passing a medical test, sitting in the cockpit and observing, practicing under the watchful eye of an instructor, and only then attempting a first solo flight. Flying demands training, patience, and a structured path.
But when it comes to faith, what do we often do? A person feels God stirring in their heart — maybe they’ve never been to church, maybe they’ve wandered away, or maybe they’ve simply realized that the “cultural Christianity” around them feels empty. They know they want something more. They want to live differently. And what do we give them? Too often, we hand them a Bible, invite them to Sunday School, or suggest they serve on a committee. It’s the spiritual equivalent of tossing them the keys to a jet and saying, “Figure it out.”
The good news is, God is awakening something in our world. Research from Barna shows that young adults are leading a resurgence in church attendance. There is a hunger for God. People are tired of the cultural status quo. And many are equally tired of stale, impotent religion that doesn’t carry the life of God in it. What they long for — and what God is calling us to — is a living, breathing, whole-life discipleship.
Discipleship isn’t about checking boxes: prayer, presence, gifts, service, witness. It isn’t about church membership as a finish line. It’s about becoming an apprentice of Jesus Christ — a person whose entire being is caught up in the life of God.
That’s the vision behind our new series, Awakening: A Call to Real Christianity. Each week, we’ll explore one of the essential responses to God’s call. Together, these responses form a path — not of religious chores, but of a robust life with God. If you’ve been longing for something more, if you’ve been spiritually restless, if you’re ready to move beyond “church as usual,” then I believe this series is for you.
“Awakening” Series Overview
October 5 – Believe: Step Into the Life
Supporting Scriptures: Mark 1:14–15; Acts 2:38; John 14:5–6; John 3:16–17; Romans 10:9–10
Faith is more than agreeing with ideas. It’s entrusting your whole life to Jesus and stepping into the abundant life He offers.
October 12 – Obey: Choose the Lord You’ll Follow
Supporting Scriptures: Luke 6:46; Acts 2:36; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 1:22; 1 Peter 3:15a
Real discipleship moves beyond words. Calling Jesus “Lord” means surrendering our decisions, habits, and priorities to Him.
October 19 – Families 4 Families Sunday
Special Guest Speaker: Wayne Naugle
This Sunday we celebrate Families 4 Families, a ministry that walks with vulnerable children and the families who care for them. It is one of the most vital ways we live out our discipleship as a church. This isn’t just another
Sunday. It’s a call for our whole congregation to hear God’s heart for children and families in need—and to consider how each of us can respond. Please make every effort to be present. It will be a pivotal day in the life of our church.
October 26 – Follow: Join the Mission
Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20; Matthew 4:19–20; John 15:8; John 17:4;
2 Timothy 2:2
Jesus doesn’t call us to sit in pews — He calls us to make disciples, to bear fruit, and to carry His mission into the world.
November 2 – Live on Purpose: Holy Calling for Everyday Life
Supporting Scriptures: Proverbs 19:21; Exodus 9:16; John 4:34; Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy 1:9
Every detail of your life matters to God. Discipleship means discovering how your story, your gifts, and your work fit into His greater plan. (All Saints Sunday with Holy Communion)
Let’s not just hand people a “plane” and tell them to fly. Let’s walk together into the apprenticeship of Jesus, where faith becomes life, obedience becomes joy, mission becomes natural, and purpose fills every corner of our days.
Grace and Peace,
Tom
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