Ashworth Church - West Des Moines

In this message from our series The Other Side, Pastor Brent explores Joshua 8-9 and Israel’s rhythm of renewal after failure, what it means to discern the Lord’s voice in our decisions, and how — even through deception — God keeps turning outsiders into insiders.

After an incredible victory at Jericho, Israel suffers an unexpected and humiliating defeat at a small city named Ai. Why were they defeated? The sin and corruption of one individual affected their entire community. Listen as Pastor Brent dives into Joshua 7 in our continuation of The Other Side series.

The Bible is full of stories that can’t be easily explained. However, it’s okay to be uncomfortable. If we ever think we fully understand God, it isn’t the true God we’re understanding. Listen as Pastor Brent dives into an uncomfortable story from the book of Joshua: the battle of Jericho.

Listen as Pastor Stephen Wonbenyakeh, guest speaker, shares about the mission of Serve Africa and God’s heart for the most vulnerable of people.

The next chapter of our journey through the book of Joshua brings us to a memorial of stones. God wanted His people to remember what (and who!) brought them to this point in their journey. When we remember what God has done, we gain confidence for what God will do.

There are moments in life when we’ve prayed, weighed the options, and sought wisdom — and still have to make a decision without knowing how it all turns out. In Joshua 3, the Israelites find themselves at the Jordan River at flood stage. God doesn’t part the water first. He asks them to step in. In this message, we look at what it means to follow a God who goes before us into unknown territory, ho...

Moses is dead. The river is waiting. And Joshua has been here before. In the opening message of The Other Side, we sit with Joshua at the threshold and discover that the call to be strong and courageous isn’t a command to muster up more courage — it’s an invitation to let God’s presence become more real than the fear.

We conclude our series with another story — yours. You have a story to share, and it’s one of the best ways you can tell others about Jesus.

We conclude our series with another story — yours. You have a story to share, and it’s one of the best ways you can tell others about Jesus. Listen to this special message and spontaneous testimony from our Modern Service.

God’s faithfulness is found over the long haul. With more years and experience often comes more perspective of God’s goodness. Listen as Pastor Amy expounds upon another testimony from our community, focusing on the faith and hope that comes from the difficulties of life.

“There’s no amount of being lost that is not findable for God.” Do we believe that statement when we’re in the midst of some of the most dark moments of life? Listen to this powerful message from Pastor Brent about God’s grace in the most impossible of situations.

How can we be people who receive God’s grace rather than trying to earn it — people who understand that God cares more about who we are than what we produce? Listen as Pastor Brent shares about our misguided desire to perform and earn God’s favor through the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke.

What if it’s in the waiting that the greatest transformation can occur — where we can experience God in ways we might not otherwise? In a culture focused on efficiency and entitlement, waiting can sometimes feel impossible. But, waiting is a part of the story of God. From the story of Abram and Sarah in Genesis to our own waiting for Christ’s return, we find that God is just as present in the wait...

Jesus calls you friend. It’s a simple yet profound truth that can completely change how we see and interact with God. Serving and doing things for God isn’t wrong, but ultimately, God isn’t asking more from you. He’s inviting you to sit with Him and draw closer in His presence.

The resurrection of Jesus puts into motion the possibility of resurrection for His people. This Easter Sunday, we’re launching a new sermon series about the transformation Jesus brings about and the testimonies of His people. Join us in celebrating life and true resurrection this Resurrection Sunday!

How many of us can say that we have a proper view of ourselves? Humility begins with an understanding of who you are and who God says you are. Humility also knows who God is. Listen as Pastor Brent concludes our Playing With Fire series, exploring a virtue that’s vital to walking with Jesus and often misunderstood in the Christian community.

Following the way of Jesus is not about intensity; it’s about consistency. We trust in the slow work of God — in our instability, in our trials, in our heartaches. We patiently persevere with Jesus (and in community!), knowing that He is with us and for us in the race of life. Listen as Pastor Amy continues our Playing with Fire series, focusing on a life of perseverance!

In a world full of hate, destruction, and loss, one of the most repeated commands in Scripture is “do not fear.” But, courage isn’t something we manufacture. It’s something we receive after spending time with the Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit. Listen as Pastor Brent continues our series on the virtues and disordered passions of life, focusing on what it means to have courage from the Lord.

Self-control in a culture of indulgence doesn’t mean we say no to everything — it’s about having the inner strength and desire to say yes to the right things. It’s the fruit of spiritual formation and ultimately one of the ways to true freedom.

Wisdom is more than a way of thinking. It’s demonstrated in how we live. In a world inundated with information and knowledge, wisdom tends to take a backseat to selfish ambition and boasting. Listen as we explore what Godly wisdom looks like and its importance in our communities.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the ways God speaks to His people. But, what do we do when God doesn’t speak? When He doesn’t answer a prayer? Listen as Pastor Amy looks at examples of God’s silence in Scripture, both dismantling the falsehoods we believe about silence and teaching us how to engage with God in the midst of it.

What if God speaks, and we don’t respond? Our response to God’s voice is just as important as our ability to listen to Him. It’s the difference between admiring what Jesus says and actually doing something about it. Responding to God’s voice can be risky, but it’s always worth it.

As we continue learning how to tune ourselves to God’s voice, we also grow in discerning what is true. When it comes to our decisions, beliefs, and purpose, we need to rely on Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and our community for discernment. Listen as Pastor Amy and Pastor Brent explore what Godly discernment looks like in everyday life.

What could happen if we had the same discipline in our lives for listening to the Spirit as we do for prayer and Bible study? The truth is, we can’t have life without the Spirit. We cannot hear God without the Spirit. We cannot come to God without the Spirit, and the Spirit of God is who ties it all together.

The Bible is God’s Word in print. When it’s difficult to hear God, it’s one of the best places we can turn. Listen as Pastor Brent continues our series about hearing God speak – specifically through His written Word.