Don't Go A.W.O.L

Dangers of an Empty House

Pastor Greg Melvin warned that churches and individuals risk losing God's presence and power when they drift into compromise, spiritual apathy, or leadership failure, using the capture of the Ark (1 Samuel) and Eli's example to illustrate consequences. He identified symptoms of a spiritually empty church—form without power, ongoing defeat, division, and reliance on human methods—and cited scripture calling for repentance, restored obedience, and wholehearted devotion. Practical steps offered were to remember one's fall, return and change, repent of idols and sin, and fully recommit one's life to God.

When Passion Fades

Pastor Greg Melvin warned against spiritual lukewarmness using Revelation's Laodicea as a warning, urging believers to realign their lives with Scripture, repent, and regain passionate pursuit of God. He identified worldly comforts, routine attendance, unforgiveness, compromise, and poor parenting as causes of spiritual decline, and emphasized humility, self-control, and separation from sinful patterns. Practical steps offered to reignite faith included returning to your "first love" with daily prayer and Scripture, honest self-examination and total surrender to God, and seeking spiritual growth and mutual encouragement in the church.

Going Somewhere

Pastor Greg Melvin emphasized spiritual growth, urging listeners not to become satisfied where they are with God but to keep moving forward in faith, prayer, service, and purpose. Using examples from Isaac, Paul, and Moses, it taught that growth comes from persistence, refusing to quit, and staying focused on God's plan rather than looking back or standing still. The sermon also encouraged the church to believe that families, finances, relationships, and ministries are all going somewhere when they continue advancing with God.

Stuck

Pastor Greg Melvin encouraged listeners who feel spiritually stuck to trust God, follow His instructions, and rely on prayer, faith, and the full armor of God to move forward. It emphasized that past mistakes and painful experiences can be turned by God into preparation, strength, and testimony rather than something that defines or defeats a person. The sermon also reminded the congregation that they have value, purpose, and victory in Christ, and should use their past as a stepping stone instead of allowing it to hold them captive.

A Mother's Faith

Youth Pastor Shelby Webb focused on Mary as a model of faithful motherhood, emphasizing three themes: faith in the unheard, the unseen, and the unknown. It highlighted how Mary trusted God despite misunderstanding, hidden years, and the suffering foretold for Jesus, encouraging listeners—especially mothers—to keep praying and remain faithful even when their efforts feel unnoticed. Pastor also shared a personal story of loss and comfort to illustrate how God sees and carries people through pain and uncertainty.