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
- Passion City Church
- Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz
This week Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the transitions and shifts in life’s missions. He draws examples from the experiences of college students transitioning from high school to college, emphasizing how their missions change and evolve. He points out that people tend to tie their identities closely to their missions, whether it’s a job, a role, or a specific pursuit. Fr. Mike relates this idea to Jesus’ mission and its different stages.
He references the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life and mission. The homily distinguishes two acts of Jesus’ mission: the first act involves the proclamation of the kingdom of God and the establishment of the Church, and the second act is centered on his sacrificial journey leading to the crucifixion and resurrection. Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus’ mission evolves, similarly to how people’s missions shift in life.
Fr. Mike addresses the fundamental question of whether one’s identity is solely defined by their mission. He delves into the lies that people often face, such as feeling unworthy of love or lacking competence. He emphasizes the power of being claimed, respected, and trusted. Fr. Mike underscores the importance of understanding that one’s value isn’t tied solely to their accomplishments or missions but is rooted in being a beloved child of God.
The homily explores the fatherly love of God through examples of how Jesus was claimed, respected, and trusted by the Father. This serves as an example for people to realize their own identity in the eyes of God. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace their worthiness, not just for their accomplishments but for who they are, and to recognize the trust God places in them. He highlights how these insights lead to a deeper understanding of the crucifixion and its implications for self-worth and mission.
Overall, Fr. Mike’s homily focuses on the transformative power of understanding one’s identity in God’s eyes and how this realization can shape how individuals perceive their missions and roles in life.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Practicing What I Preach
In this week’s sermon, Andy Stanley focuses on the importance of authentic community, accountability, belonging, and care within the context of following Jesus’ teachings. He begins by emphasizing the significance of accountability, belonging, and care in fostering a great life and creating an authentic community. The church’s goal has been to connect people in the community, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans temporarily.
Andy Stanley highlights the unique role of community groups in helping individuals live out Jesus’ teachings. He discusses how religious institutions historically aimed to keep religious practices contained within specific settings and vertical relationships with God. However, Jesus challenged this by promoting horizontal relationships between individuals, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
The sermon delves into Jesus’ radical teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing practical and relational aspects of living out faith. He discusses Jesus’ call to love enemies, forgive others, and reconcile with those we have conflicts. Stanley emphasizes that Jesus’ teachings aren’t just about believing but about actively living a transformed life.
Stanley also underscores the need for accountability through small groups or communities. He uses personal experiences, including his own struggles, to illustrate the importance of having a supportive circle that holds each other accountable for practicing Jesus’ teachings. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace community, take action, and walk the path of Jesus together.
Throughout the sermon, Andy Stanley emphasizes the shift from vertical-focused religious practices to the horizontal, practical, and relational aspects of living out Jesus’ teachings in a community context. The importance of accountability, belonging, and care within these communities is highlighted as essential for a transformative and authentic Christian life.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
Above + Beyond
In this conversation with members of the financial team, Todd and Allison discuss the importance of generosity and stewardship within their church community. They highlight how giving and financial stewardship are integral parts of a believer’s journey and faith. Allison emphasizes that while it’s essential to have faith and believe in what God can do, it’s equally important to apply wisdom in financial matters. Todd shares that the act of giving beyond what one can spare is a powerful way to witness faith in the world.
They reflect on the Philippians, a church community that made a significant impact through their generosity and willingness to give. They discuss how the church aims to be more than just a gathering, but a community where everyone participates and supports the work of God. They encourage listeners to participate in the church’s above and beyond campaign, focusing on both prayer and financial contribution.
The conversation also emphasizes the transformative power of generosity and how it leads to connections, personal growth, and a deeper relationship with God. They encourage open-handed giving and the idea of treasuring Christ above possessions, trusting that God will provide according to His will. The goal is for the church community to make a meaningful impact on the world through their generosity and faith, emulating the example set by the Philippians in the Bible.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
In this sermon by Kris McDaniel, he begins by sharing some statistics about the growth and changes in their church community since the pandemic. He highlights the increase in participation in neighborhood groups and teams, despite a smaller congregation on Sundays. He emphasizes the importance of belonging and the opportunity for growth and connection even in times of change and challenge. Kris encourages the congregation to consider joining teams and groups as a way to connect and serve within the church.
He addresses the need for volunteers, particularly in the kids and youth spaces, and calls for more people to step up to support these areas. Kris speaks about the concept of many hands making light work and emphasizes the importance of collective effort and service to prevent burnout. He announces an upcoming event and encourages the congregation to sign up and participate in a party and a consecration ceremony.
Kris then delves into a biblical story, the feeding of the 5,000 from the book of Matthew. He emphasizes the significance of processing grief and pain, just as Jesus did when he withdrew to grieve the death of John the Baptizer. Kris discusses how silence and solitude are vital for spiritual growth and the importance of taking time to process emotions and challenges.
The sermon then shifts to the story of the feeding of the 5,000, highlighting the disciples’ response to the scarcity of resources and their reluctance to share what little they had. Kris explores the idea of turning toward needs and risks despite feeling inadequate. He encourages the congregation to step out in faith and take risks, even when afraid, and shares his belief that miracles often happen as people start to give what they have, no matter how insufficient.
Kris concludes by posing a question for reflection: Where is God inviting each individual to move toward a need, trusting in His provision? He underscores the value of showing up as finite, imperfect humans and being open to God’s work even in seemingly insufficient resources. The sermon ends with a call for a moment of silence and contemplation before transitioning to the communion part of the service.
Listen to the full version here.
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