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
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Fr. Mike Schmitz
In this homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the feeling of being invisible or unimportant, reminding us that Christ always sees us, no matter how we perceive ourselves. He emphasizes that many people feel like they have “nothing to offer” and walk through life unnoticed. However, through the eyes of Christ, this changes. When we recognize that we are seen and loved by God, it transforms how we see ourselves and others. This awareness gives us the ability to love those around us, especially the people who are right in front of us.
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to move beyond their insecurities and focus on the present, reminding them that everyone, even those who feel insignificant, has something to offer. By choosing to love others as Christ loves us, we fulfill our calling in life. He urges us to be mindful of those who feel invisible, showing them love and attention, which reflects God’s love for us.
Additionally, he touches on the importance of not waiting for a perfect time or circumstance to offer ourselves to others. Instead, we should take action now, loving and serving in the way God has equipped us. This perspective helps us contribute meaningfully to our communities, regardless of our background or perceived inadequacies.
Ultimately, the homily focuses on how love is an actionable choice, grounded in the understanding that we are seen by God, and it’s through this awareness that we can best love and serve those around us​.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Be Rich
Andy Stanley believes the church is on the verge of making history. It’s not just about believing in Jesus but also doing good deeds. Andy Stanley emphasizes being a doer and follower of Jesus. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of the heart and conscience, introduced by Jesus. Andy Stanley contrasts his childhood experience in church, where the kingdom of God was not emphasized, with his later understanding of the theme throughout the New Testament. Jesus came to establish a kingdom on Earth, and anyone who follows Him is part of it. It’s not just about believing but also living a way of life that Jesus commanded.
Andy Stanley talks about the Great Commission and how Jesus told His followers to go into all the world and teach people to believe and obey everything He has commanded them. The network of churches is not just about sermons and songs but about living out and expanding the kingdom of God. Everyone needs a savior, forgiveness, love, and hope, which were the messages of Jesus that revolutionized the world. It was not just a belief that led to the spread of Christianity but also the fact that people lived out the teachings of Jesus. Andy Stanley rejects fear and emphasizes that the network of churches is not afraid of the world coming to an end. They are not at war with culture or anyone but are instead living breathing active ambassadors of their King, exporting the teaching of Jesus and inviting others to participate.
Andy Stanley talks about the goal of embracing and emulating the tone, posture, and approach of Jesus. Andy Stanley wants to leave his mark on the world as Jesus did. Andy Stanley talks about the vision for the future, which is a world where the church is an essential part of every community and where people are amazed at how well Christians treat each other. Andy Stanley envisions a world where people want the story and message of Jesus to be true before they believe it’s true, and where people are convinced that it’s such good news. Andy Stanley envisions a world where people think to themselves that the message of Jesus is too good to be true, but then discover that it’s actually true and that they’ve been invited to participate in it. Andy Stanley quotes Jesus’ statement about the law and the prophets being proclaimed until John and emphasizes that the church is God’s catalyst for change personally, culturally, and globally. Following Jesus will make your life better because you will be living the way you were created to live. Things get better when others first is better than me first, when you carry one another’s burdens, when you have self-control, and when you do what you ought to even when it costs you.
Finally, Andy Stanley calls on his listeners to participate in the Be Rich campaign. Andy Stanley emphasizes that this is an opportunity to remind our communities that everybody matters to God and that Jesus was right that the kingdom of God is an open invitation for anyone who chooses to participate in it. Andy Stanley reminds his listeners that Jesus taught that devotion to God is best demonstrated through love for others, and calls on them to show their communities that their faith is more than sermons and songs. Andy Stanley emphasizes that God has demonstrated His love for us by sending His son into the world and that we should demonstrate our love for our communities. Andy Stanley makes it easy for people to participate in the Be Rich campaign by providing them with information on how to donate online or in person. Andy Stanley concludes by calling on his listeners to get on board and be rich.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Frank McNamee started the homily with a story about a couple who had been married for over 60 years. The couple never argued and the wife always crocheted a doll when she was angry with her husband.
Fr. McNamee then talked about the importance of practice and hard work. He mentioned that even the greatest musicians and athletes started out as beginners. Fr. McNamee also talked about the importance of admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness. He said that this is the first step towards healing and renewal. Finally, Fr. McNamee called on us to pray for God’s guidance and mercy.
Overall, Fr. McNamee’s homily was a message of hope and encouragement. He reminded us that everyone makes mistakes and that it is important to forgive ourselves and others. He also encouraged us to keep working hard and to never give up on our dreams.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
In her sermon, Katherine Wolf recounts the life-altering stroke she suffered at age 26, which left her disabled but gave her a deeper understanding of God’s purpose. She speaks about the “GoodHard life,” a concept that acknowledges the coexistence of pain and joy. Katherine encourages her audience to embrace their suffering, trusting that God uses hardships to bring about transformation. She highlights how leaning on faith allows us to find meaning and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances, reminding us that God’s grace is sufficient through every trial.
Wolf emphasizes that challenges are part of everyone’s story, but through them, we can experience personal growth and a deeper relationship with God. She shares her own journey of accepting her physical limitations and how this acceptance led to greater spiritual freedom. Katherine also encourages the audience to trust in God’s perfect plan, believing that He can bring beauty out of brokenness.
Her sermon is a message of hope, urging listeners to not shy away from their struggles but to see them as opportunities for growth. Katherine believes that everyone has a role to play in God’s story, and our brokenness can be a platform to help others who are also struggling. By being vulnerable about our pain, we allow others to see the power of God’s healing in our lives.
Ultimately, Katherine’s message is that life’s challenges don’t have to define us in a negative way. Instead, they can be used to glorify God and inspire others who are facing similar battles. Through faith, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the “GoodHard” life, we can find purpose and healing beyond our expectations.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Kris McDaniel’s sermon, based on Mark 7:24-30, focuses on the story of the Syrophoenician woman who seeks Jesus’ help to heal her daughter. The sermon highlights themes of faith, persistence, and God’s willingness to be inconvenienced.
The sermon begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the context of the passage, particularly Jesus’ previous teachings about God’s focus on the heart rather than external appearances. McDaniel notes that the woman, a Gentile outsider, demonstrates courage and persistence in approaching Jesus despite societal barriers.
McDaniel points out that the woman’s story teaches us the importance of recognizing and addressing our needs. She acknowledges her need and seeks Jesus’ help, even when faced with initial resistance. The sermon also highlights the power of persistence in prayer, as the woman’s persistence ultimately convinces Jesus to heal her daughter.
Furthermore, McDaniel emphasizes Jesus’ willingness to be inconvenienced. Although His primary mission was to the Jews, He was willing to help the Gentile woman. This demonstrates God’s love and compassion for all people.
Finally, the sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys. McDaniel suggests that we should be willing to step outside our comfort zones, persist in prayer, and trust in God’s guidance, even when faced with challenges. He concludes by inviting the congregation to contemplate their own spiritual journeys and seek God’s presence in their lives.
Listen to the full version here.
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