Chicago Fellowship Talks

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.

Everyone experiences seasons of Spiritual Dryness. Ray Carter looks at Psalm 42 for insights on both the causes and remedies for Spiritual Dryness, pointing us to the ultimate cure: Jesus Christ.

Joel Hamernick and David Dillon reflect on 28 years of friendship in the context of Christian community. Hear how God has used them to encourage, inspire and support one another on their journeys.

Ray Carter looks at Psalm 95, Romans 12:1 and Col 3:16 to consider the Discipline of Worship. Ray unpacks what true worship is and the role all the disciplines play in helping us become more mature in our response to God.

What's wrong with deciding to keep final authority in my life to myself? How can I submit to God's authority in a way that's life-giving and not stifling? Ray Carter explores these questions through the lens of Psalm 119 and James 1.

By global and historical standards, we're all wealthy. Ray Carter distills principles from 1 Timothy 6 to help us grow in the wise stewardship our resources for God's purposes.

What do we do with the injustice we see in the world? In Psalm 137, the Psalmist owns his anger, prays through it, and allows God to direct it. Ray Carter challenges us to follow this pattern, and go beyond it in light of the gospel.

Ray Carter examines the Spiritual Discipline of Confession. With insights from Psalm 32 and elsewere, Ray considers the NEED for confession, the WAY of confession, and the SECRET to it.