Presence Church Teachings

Community (Week 2) - Hospitality

Hospitality Is Not Entertaining. It Is Making Room. In a lonely and divided world, Jesus practiced a surprisingly ordinary form of ministry: He ate with people. In week two of our Community series, Pastor Patrick walks through Luke 5 and Luke 19 to show how Jesus used the table to welcome outsiders, sinners, strangers, and even enemies. The Pharisees were not mainly offended by Jesus’ theology. They were offended by His table. This message explores why Christian hospitality is more than a clean house, a good meal, or a polished evening. It is intentionally creating safe space for friends, strangers, and enemies to experience the love and presence of Christ. If you have ever felt lonely, overlooked, hesitant to invite people in, or unsure how to build deeper relationships, this sermon offers a simple but challenging invitation: Open the door. Make room. Let people encounter Jesus at the table. Scripture: Luke 5:27-32, Luke 19:1-10

Community (Week 1) - A Spirit-Formed Family

Community Is Hard. So Why Do We Need It? Most of us long for deep relationships, but the reality of community is often messier than the version we imagine. We want the friendship, belonging, and support. We just do not always want the inconvenience, vulnerability, and sacrifice that come with it. In this opening message of our new Community series, Pastor Ben explores why Christian community is not merely a nice addition to the Christian life, but one of God's primary ways of forming His people. Beginning in Genesis, fulfilled at Pentecost, and embodied in the early church, Scripture tells the story of a God who rescues the world through a family. Through Acts 2, we discover that healthy Christian community is: * Gathered around the presence of God * Formed in the way of Jesus * Empowered by the Holy Spirit * Committed to one another in love * Sent outward on mission If you have ever struggled to find your people, been disappointed by community, or wondered whether deep relationships are still possible in our modern world, this message offers a biblical vision worth pursuing.

Disciple Making Sunday

Most people want the life of Jesus. Fewer people want the lifestyle of Jesus. In this special Disciple Making Sunday message, Pastor Ben and Pastor Patrick explore Jesus' invitation to "Follow me" and challenge the idea that Christianity is merely about believing the right things. What if spiritual formation is not automatic? What if every person is being shaped by something? And what would it look like to intentionally become the kind of person who is with Jesus, becomes like Jesus, and does what Jesus did? This message casts a vision for discipleship that moves beyond information and toward transformation. Presence Church exists to witness a Spirit-led disciple making movement in our churches and communities.

Ephesians: The Good Church (Week 7) - Put on the Full Armor of God

What if spiritual warfare is less about dramatic encounters with evil… and more about the quiet lies shaping your everyday life? In the final message of our Ephesians series, Pastor Patrick explores Paul’s teaching on the Armor of God and why the deepest spiritual battles are often fought in the realm of identity, desire, fear, and truth. This sermon unpacks: * the ancient idea of “acedia” or spiritual restlessness * how false beliefs quietly shape our lives * why the enemy’s primary weapon is deception * what the Armor of God actually means * how abiding in Christ becomes our defense against despair, shame, and fear The goal of the Christian life is not becoming strong enough on your own. It is learning to stand firm in the faithful, finished work of Jesus.

Ephesians: The Good Church (Week 6) - Children, Parents, Slaves, and Masters

Social media tells parents to protect their child’s emotions at all costs. Other voices say children simply need stricter discipline. The workplace rewards power, status, and control. Culture swings between permissiveness and domination, while families quietly wonder: How are we actually supposed to lead people well? In Ephesians 6, Pastor Ben explores Paul’s teaching on children and parents, slaves and masters, and what it means to live under the rule of Jesus in everyday relationships. * This sermon unpacks: * Why “submit to one another” is the foundation for Christian relationships * What healthy authority actually looks like * The difference between control and Christlike leadership * How parents can nourish children into maturity instead of provoking them * Why our culture struggles with power, hierarchy, and identity * How the Gospel slowly undermined slavery and human domination from the inside out * Why every person carries eternal dignity and significance in the kingdom of God This message ultimately points to a better kind of humanity. One where power is used to serve. Where authority is shaped by love. Where even the lowliest person can live a life of eternal significance. Because in the kingdom of Jesus, greatness is not found in domination. It is found in surrender, service, and love.