Church is Messy

During the Preseason message series the mission, vision, and goals of Autumn Ridge Church have come up repeatedly. In this episode Rick and Svea dissect the Autumn Ridge Vision, "We want to be a church of all cultures where curious, skeptical, and hurting people love to attend." They talk about practical steps to help achieve this aspiration. Topics in the episode: 00:00 Intro. 01:23 Our mission a...

Pastor Paul McDonald joins Rick and Svea as their discussion closes out the Masterpiece series. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: W e are good works of art created to do the art of good works. Resources for this episode Watch the mess...

Caleb Smith joins Svea Merry on the podcast today. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: W e are good works of art created to do the art of good works. Resources for this episode Watch the message at: https://youtu.be/opZLI4KlLD4 Listen t...

Bob Ross, air conditioning, adversity, and pruning. What do all of these have in common? Rick and Svea have a very practical conversation about the latest installment in our Masterpiece series, The Art of Love. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Seri...

This week Rick and Svea give us a two-for-one. In the first half of the episode, Rick and Svea delve into the area of women in (church) leadership. In the second half, they have a heart-felt talk on Svea's sermon about patience. In her message, Svea showed how Jesus modeled patience even when he knew his remaining time on Earth could be measured in hours. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse:...

In this episode, Rick and Svea discuss unity in the church and the challenges that come cultural or stylistic preferences, particularly in regard to styles of worship music. This episode is an extension of a message preached at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, MN on July 2, 2023. Watch the original message . See Romans chapter 11 to read the primary Bible passage discussed in this episode.

About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: W e are good works of art created to do the art of good works. Resources for this episode Listen to the message at: https://churchismessy.transistor.fm/episodes/masterpiece-the-art-of-gentleness Watch...

About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: W e are good works of art created to do the art of good works. Resources for this episode Listen to the message at: https://churchismessy.transistor.fm/episodes/masterpiece-the-art-of-fathering Watch...

In this special episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea follow up an email that was sent to the Autumn Ridge congregation on June 20, 2023 about the plan for the worship services. Rick gives greater detail to many of the topics introduced in the email. Here are a list of topics and the times in today's podcast: 00:00 Intro 01:20: What is going on with weekend services and worship styles at our c...

What is God’s purpose in using humility to make us his masterpiece? Pastors Caleb Smith and Svea Merry discuss different aspects of humility. This is a practical topic for every person - not just church people. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Seri...

We kick off the Masterpiece series with a discussion between Pastors Svea Merry and Caleb Smith about what a masterpiece is and isn't and get a hint about where the series will be going over the next several weeks.

Rick and Svea begin by answering questions that have come in recent weeks. They also talk in detail about open and loving ways to share the gospel with other people.

Rick and Svea close out the He Gets Us series looking at the scandalous love of Jesus for those who were on the fringes.

Today guest Pastor Caleb Smith joins Svea Merry in the studio to talk about his message and a little bit more about "following the cloud" and what it looks like to recognize the faithfulness of God in the various chapters of life.

Rick and Svea look at the struggles of life and the example we have in Jesus in dealing with struggle and hardship.

Today Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea on the podcast to discuss questions people had after Otis' message on outrage and appropriate responses to the situations that may cause outrage, anger, and indignation.

Today Rick and Svea discuss compassion and Jesus' example that compassion was always accompanied by some form of action. You can view the full message that is the basis for today's discussion at: https://youtu.be/PH3M47DhQ0s

Was Jesus anxious? Did Jesus worry? In this episode we look at the difference between anxiety and worry. Realizing God is both sovereign and intimately personal can keep us from worry. Pastors Rick and Svea unpack these ideas today.

Today Pastor Svea Merry asks Pastor Rick Henderson to reflect on his first three years at Autumn Ridge Church.

In this final episode discussing the 1 Peter series, Rick and Svea answer a number of question from their congregation. Topics include dealing with leadership in church, being humble leaders, spiritual forces, and more. Plus Rick gives a detailed account of an experience he had with demonic forces during a recent trip to Guinea, West Africa and calls listeners to take 1 Peter 5:8-9 seriously. Watc...

Rick and Svea discuss practical ways to live out Peter's words of encouragement in 1 Peter chapter 4.

Rick and Svea continue their discussion on 1 Peter chapter 3.

Rick and Svea discuss 1 Peter chapter 3 and how it helps us follow Jesus. Our identity, thoughts, and actions can all be shaped by this incredible passage. 

(Bonus Episode) Rick and Svea further discuss 1 Peter chapter 2 and elaborate on several important concepts from the last episode.

Rick and Svea continue to discuss 1 Peter chapter 2 and how God's love in us causes us to engage culture.