Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.

You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.

Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Buckhead Church
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
• Trinity Anglican Church
• Want to add your church? Request that here

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily is about choosing Jesus.

He started the homily with his childhood experience of waiting for his turn to do things because he had older siblings. He then transitioned to the freshmen who just arrived at the University of Minnesota Duluth and were experiencing college for the first time. Fr. Mike reminded them of the importance of this moment and encouraged them to seize the opportunity.

He then used the analogy of the promised land in the Book of Joshua to illustrate the challenges and opportunities that life presents. He emphasized the importance of making a decision and choosing Jesus, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. He also highlighted the blessings and joys that come with choosing Jesus, such as friendship, excellence, and eternal life.

Finally, Fr. Mike encouraged the listeners to make a choice today and not to lose their turn.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

The Responsables

Andy Stanley’s sermon emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our lives. He begins by reminding listeners that they are the drivers of their own lives, and they must actively steer themselves towards a better future. Using the analogy of a car, he highlights the need to make conscious decisions and choose the right path, even when faced with uncertainty.

Stanley emphasizes the blessings that come with taking responsibility, such as peace, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. He argues that by being proactive and making intentional choices, we can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.

He also addresses the fear and doubt that can arise when we try to take control of our lives. Stanley encourages listeners to trust in themselves and their abilities, believing that they have the capacity to overcome challenges and create a positive future.

In conclusion, Stanley calls on his listeners to take ownership of their lives and actively shape their destinies. He reminds them that by making intentional choices and taking responsibility for their actions, they can create a life that is not only fulfilling but also a positive force for change in the world.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

Bishop Joel Konzen’s homily focused on the theme of choosing to serve the Lord. He began by recalling the story of the Israelites in the Book of Joshua, who were faced with a decision about whom to serve. Joshua chose to serve the Lord and encouraged the people to do the same. Bishop Konzen then transitioned to the Gospel reading, which tells the story of Jesus’ disciples who were struggling to understand his teachings. Some disciples left, while others remained committed.

Bishop Konzen emphasized the importance of making a conscious choice to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own commitment to the Lord and to recommit themselves to serving him. He highlighted the challenges that may arise in our journey of faith but reminded the congregation that with God’s grace, we can overcome them.

Bishop Konzen also emphasized the importance of community in our faith journey. He reminded the congregation that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can find support and encouragement from one another. He encouraged the congregation to be present for one another, to pray for one another, and to work together to build up the kingdom of God.

In conclusion, Bishop Konzen called on the congregation to choose to serve the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and souls. He reminded them that this choice is not always easy, but it is ultimately the most fulfilling and rewarding way to live.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

Ben Stuart’s sermon on the Sabbath and trust in God begins by explaining the biblical meaning of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. He uses the analogy of a shepherd to illustrate God’s care for his people, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God even during difficult times. Stuart highlights the blessings that come with choosing to rest and trust in God, such as peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with Him.

He continues by discussing how our culture often prioritizes productivity and busyness, making it difficult to truly rest. Stuart argues that taking a Sabbath is not just about laziness but about recognizing God’s sovereignty and trusting in His provision. He emphasizes that by resting and trusting in God, we allow ourselves to be filled with His peace and joy.

Stuart also addresses the fear and anxiety that can arise when we try to control everything in our lives. He encourages listeners to surrender their worries to God and trust in His plan. By doing so, we can experience a sense of freedom and peace that comes from knowing we are not alone.

In conclusion, Stuart calls on his listeners to take a Sabbath and to trust in God’s goodness. He reminds them that by resting and trusting in God, they are not only honoring Him but also experiencing the fullness of life that He intends for them.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Kris McDaniel’s sermon, “Stand Strong in the Lord,” focuses on the spiritual battle Christians face and the need for divine protection. He begins by emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the Lord’s strength, contrasting it with relying on personal accomplishments or worldly systems. McDaniel highlights the reality of spiritual warfare against unseen forces of evil, emphasizing that this struggle is not merely against people but against demonic powers.

He addresses the common misconception that believing in the devil is superstitious, asserting that it’s essential to acknowledge the existence of evil to understand the New Testament teachings. McDaniel highlights specific tactics of the devil, such as sowing discord and promoting worldly values, emphasizing the need for spiritual awareness and discernment.

McDaniel introduces the concept of the “armor of God,” a spiritual protection against these forces. He explains that each piece of armor represents a gift from God and a virtue to be cultivated, such as truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and perseverance in spiritual warfare, citing Paul’s example as an encouragement for listeners to seek God’s help.

In conclusion, McDaniel calls on listeners to take action, asking themselves who they would ask to pray for them and what specific areas of their lives need spiritual support. He encourages boldness and courage in seeking help, emphasizing that spiritual growth often requires stepping outside of ourselves and relying on God’s strength.

Listen to the full version here.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on our site are written by our local community of contributors as a reflection of their personal experiences. All information is researched and provided in good faith, however, it does not necessarily represent the views of the organization they’re writing about nor that of the City on Purpose staff, and/or any/all contributors of this site. If there are issues with the accuracy of this piece, we want to fix them. Please contact City on Purpose to submit a request for an update. We strive to be an honest resource for all those in the city – thanks for helping us make that possible! You can also review our full Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy.