Chicago Fellowship Talks

Continuing our study of the Book of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Mark 2:23-3:6 and the "Difference Between Religion and the Gospel."

What happens when a group of guys comes together and acts on their audacious faith in Jesus, on behalf of the hurting and vulnerable? Continuing our series from Mark, Joel Hamernick draws lessons from Jesus' miracle in Mark 2:1-12.

Continuing our study from Mark, Ray Carter looks at Jesus' example in Mark 1:35-37. In the midst of a successful, growing ministry, Jesus made solitude and prayer a supreme priority, orienting himself to the presence of his Father.

Continuing our series from the Gospel of Mark, Ray Carter looks at Jesus' call to discipleship in Mark 1:14-45. How is Christ's call unique, and what can learn from the disciples about what it means to respond?

We begin a new series this week on the book of Mark. Ray Carter looks at Mark 1:1-3 to consider the following questions: Who is Jesus? Why does it matter to my life? Where am I likely to encounter him?

As we wrap up our series from the book of James, Ray Carter looks at James 4:13-5:6. James has a serious word of wisdom for us on the Illusion of Control. What is it rooted in, what makes it worse, and how can we be freed from it's grasp?

How diverse are your communities and relationships? Ray Carter looks at James 3:18-4:12 to consider the role that diverse community plays in forming us as individuals and as a people.

Drawing from examples from Jesus' disciples in Matthew 9 and 19, Ray Carter looks at what it means to reorder our lives to follow Christ. God always goes before us, and has far more in mind for us than we are able to imagine or think. Always.

As we enter the Season of Advent, Patrick Fisher reminds us of some of the deeper truths and reasons for joy that can easily be forgotten in this Holiday Season.

Joel Hamernick explores the Biblical concept of Gratitude – how it frees us from resentment and enables us to receive the gifts of others. Pushing back on the tide of our culture, Joel challenges us to cultivate Gratitude in our homes and communities.

Ray Carter continues our series from the Book of James, looking at James 3:1-12 and the "Power of Our Words". We consider what our words tell us about the condition of our heart and what we can do to experience the healing of both.

Continuing our series in James, Ray Carter looks at James 2 to consider what it means to build and be "A Community of Justice and Mercy".

Father Gregory Boyle is founder of Homeboy Industries, and has spent 30+ years ministering to gangs in L.A. With help from John and Hugo – former gang members in Homeboy's training program – Father Boyle shares about the power of radical kinship.

What is wisdom, and how do we acquire it? Continuing our series in James, Joel Hamernick looks at James 3:13-18, and weaves together insights from scripture and other writers along with lessons from his own life.

Dr. Tim Keller shares insights about ministering in the city. Dr. Keller is founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and a NY Times bestselling author. In 2001, he started Redeemer City to City which has helped start 495 churches in 70 cities.

In part 3 of our series in James, Ray Carter looks at James 1:22 – 2:4, and how James says we go beyond hearing the Word to actually obeying it. How it is about more than "will power" but rather, remembering what we must always remember.

This week we welcome Victor Boutros, co-founder of the Human Trafficking Institute in Washington, D.C. Victor shares unique insights into the dark world of human trafficking, and how he responded to God's call to step into this difficult arena.

Part 2 of our series in James is based on James 1:19-25. Ray Carter examines the connection between anger and spiritual stagnation, exploring their common root (pride) and antidote (humility).

Beginning a new series on the Book of James, Ray Carter shares key insights from James 1:1-18 on how we can grow in the midst of trials.

In session three of the fall retreat, Ray Carter is joined by Tom Formolo and Mark O'Halloran, sharing stories that illustrate the third characteristic of the uncommon life: God is always going before us doing far more than we thought possible.

We are common men, called to live uncommon lives. In session two of the fall retreat, Ray Carter looks at the second mark of a man who lives the uncommon life: He knows that not every fight is his fight, but he never disengages from the good fight.

We are common men, called to live uncommon lives. In session one of the fall retreat, Ray Carter unpacks the first characteristic of the uncommon life: Men who live uncommon lives make a commitment to consistent, ongoing growth.

Ray Carter kicks off our 2018-19 season with an overview of the Fellowship and a sneak peek of the retreat and fall series. Ray reminds us: "There is no healing for the human soul or this world apart from Jesus. But with Jesus, there is hope."

Ray Carter summarizes key lessons from the 2017-18 ministry season. David Dillon and other leaders from Together Chicago share from their lives and ministry work – providing powerful examples of how God is at work tearing down strongholds in our city.

Gerard Long is the former head of Alpha USA and now leads Awakening to God Ministries with his wife Jeannie. Gerard shares their personal story – one of tremendous loss, redemption, and hope. We trust you'll be blessed and challenged on your journey.