Welcome to the 2025-26 season of Devoted—a weekly newsletter for the curious and spiritually hungry at Door Creek Church. We’ve been working all summer on some updates we think you’ll love:

1. A new coordinator.

We’re thrilled to welcome Lavi Lazarus (M.A. Spiritual Formation) as our Devoted Coordinator. On top of managing our content and serving up thoughtful conversation starters for groups each week, she’ll bring you a simple, doable practice in the new "Try This" section—fresh ways to connect with God in your everyday life.

2. A new Bible discovery team.

You’ll hear from a diverse team of Bible lovers and theologians right here in our DCC family. Their insights on each week’s preaching text will help you—and your group—go deeper than ever before.

3. A new year of events.

From Prayer Nights to Pop-Up Classes, we’ve planned gatherings to enrich your prayer life, strengthen your walk with God and equip you to think biblically. We’ll keep you updated so you can save the dates.

Thanks for being part of our community of devoted followers of Christ.

Ryan Morrison

Executive Pastor of Discipleship

Shout-out to Bud White and Kurt Van Someren!

They’ve been in the same men’s group for 20 years. Their group was among the very first when Door Creek Church launched groups in the early 2000s—and two decades later, they’re still growing together through friendship and spiritual support.

When asked what difference it’s made, Bud put it simply: “I’ve become a little more like Christ each year—and that adds up.”

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 9:28-36

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9–19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

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The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

Why should we listen to Jesus even when it hurts? Because He is the glorious Son of God who has faced death to bring you home.

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the Grey hunched before King Théoden, giving him advice for the desperate situation at hand. When the king laughed at him, Gandalf threw off his cloak to reveal his blazing white robe and blinding power. That’s what happens in Luke 9:28-36—in a moment of darkness, Jesus pulls back the veil of His humanity and gives His disciples a glimpse of His true glory.

The Transfiguration of Jesus became one of the most impactful experiences of their lives. Why? Because when they faced the darkness of persecution and suffering, they never had to wonder if it was worth it, or fear that maybe they were wrong about Jesus. They “had seen His glory” (John 1:14, 2 Peter 1:16-18). They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt where this was all headed and that Jesus was in charge. We need this too. When darkness closes in, when following Jesus feels costly, only a clear vision of His glory will steady us.

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

“About eight days” (v. 28) ties this story directly to Jesus’ prediction of His suffering and cross (9:22–27).

Jesus took Peter, James and John (His inner circle) up the mountain to pray. The men who saw His glory on the mountain also witnessed His agony in Gethsemane.

Mountains are classic settings for God’s revelation (Exodus 24, 1 Kings 19). Luke wants us to connect this to Moses and Elijah’s mountaintop encounters with God.

Why Moses and Elijah? Together, they represent the authority of the Hebrew Bible (The Law and the Prophets, respectively). Their appearance confirms that Jesus fulfills all of Israel’s Scriptures.

They spoke with Jesus about His “departure” (literally exodus, v. 31)—His death, resurrection and ascension in Jerusalem, which would be a new and greater Exodus.

What’s with Peter’s suggestion about “tents” (v. 33)? This is not random. First, remember that Peter grew up building huts and lean-tos outside for the Feast of Tabernacles (when Israel celebrated God’s presence in the wilderness). More than that, Peter thought he was witnessing the arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth, and so, he wanted to build a shelter to honor the King. What he did not know was that no house built by human hands could possibly contain the Glory of God (2 Corinthians 5:1-5), and even more surprisingly, Peter did not yet understand that Jesus was about to build an eternal house for him (John 14:3).

The cloud and the voice echo Sinai. God Himself identifies Jesus as His Son, His Chosen One and commands the disciples to “listen to Him”—placing Jesus above even Moses and Elijah.

Group Guide

Following the series with your group? 

• Start with some icebreaker questions.
• Read the passage together before you dive in. 
• Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started:

Conversation Starters

1.What do you imagine it was like to witness Jesus's Transfiguration? How would you have responded if you were there? 

2. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets. Why is it significant that they appear with Jesus—and that God tells the disciples to listen to Jesus?

3. In the passages directly preceding the Transfiguration, Jesus foretells of His death and calls His followers to take up their own cross. How might have the Transfiguration on the mountain prepared them for the days to come? 

4. How can we remind ourselves of Jesus's Glory when life gets hard or confusing? What are practical ways we can encourage one another? 

Prayer

King Jesus, when I cannot understand the darkness and suffering around me, help me to look to you and see your glory. When I feel the cost of discipleship, steady me with the truth of how precious the Gospel is. Help me to listen to you, to trust you and to follow wherever you may lead. Amen

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