New Churches Masterclass

Jared C. Wilson unpacks the rich doctrine of union with Christ, explaining it as the central theme of New Testament salvation and the believer’s deepest spiritual reality. Wilson shows how this truth transforms our identity, strengthens our assurance, frees us from fear and comparison, and anchors us in unshakable joy and security.

Addressing the widespread struggle with assurance of salvation in an age of anxiety, Gavin Ortlund emphasizes that Christians can experience deep confidence in their standing with God through the testimony of the Holy Spirit and the promises of Scripture. Ortlund offers theological clarity, pastoral insight, and practical steps for cultivating lasting assurance in the Christian life.

Jared C. Wilson explores the doctrine of glorification as the final, glorious outcome of salvation—when believers are fully transformed into Christ’s image, free from sin, death, and suffering. With vivid illustrations and rich biblical teaching, Wilson encourages church leaders to root their ministry in the hope of resurrection and eternal glory, rather than in temporary success or earthly acclai...

Using the allegory of Pilgrim’s Progress to frame sanctification as the lifelong journey of being conformed to Christ through the Spirit’s power and the believer’s active participation, Eunice Chung unpacks the positional, progressive, and perfected aspects of sanctification. Chung urges church leaders to teach, embody, and encourage a communal pursuit of holiness rooted in Scripture and aimed tow...

Eunice Chung explores the biblical doctrine of adoption, emphasizing that believers are not only saved from sin but fully embraced as beloved children of God with present and eternal implications. Chung highlights how adoption transforms identity, unites the church as a spiritual family, and should shape both personal reflection and communal life.

Jared C. Wilson powerfully unpacks the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing that salvation is entirely by grace through Christ’s finished work, not human effort, and that this truth is the heart of the Christian gospel. Wilson reminds church leaders that their worth and validation are found not in ministry success or failure, but in the unshakable righteousness of Christ credited...

Walter Strickland explores the nature of saving faith. Strickland walks through the biblical storyline, theological distinctions, and practical implications of faith, showing how true belief leads to assurance, transformation, and worship rooted in God’s grace rather than human effort.

Trevin Wax explores the beginning of the Christian life through the twin doctrines of conversion and regeneration —one emphasizing human response (repentance and faith), the other God’s transforming work (new birth by the Spirit). Wax also addresses differing theological views on the order of salvation.

Trevin Wax unpacks the biblical concept of calling—first to salvation, and then to service—emphasizing that believers are set apart by God’s grace, not their own merit. Drawing from Paul’s letters and theological perspectives across traditions, Wax highlights that every Christian is called not only to receive salvation but also to participate in God’s mission with humility, confidence, and a clear...

Trevin Wax unpacks the often-debated doctrine of election, tracing its biblical roots and theological interpretations throughout church history. Emphasizing that election flows from God’s love and sovereignty, Wax shows how this doctrine should lead to humility, mission, and praise—not pride or division—highlighting that God's choice is ultimately for His glory and our transformation.

Jonathan Pennington explores a fuller, more nuanced understanding of the gospel, portraying it not only as justification by faith but also as the comprehensive transformation of human beings into whole, image-bearing reflections of God. Pennington argues that Christian ethics—centered on love, integrity, and inner renewal—should shape the mission and message of the church.

Trevin Wax defends the biblical doctrine of Christ’s exclusivity for salvation, arguing that faith in Jesus is the only way to be saved and that diluting this truth undermines the global mission of the church. Wax calls believers to hold together the radical inclusivity of the gospel’s call—with its invitation to all people—and the radical exclusivity of Christ’s claim as the only Savior.

This session highlights the often-overlooked ascension of Christ, showing how it completes the gospel story by marking His enthronement as King and the beginning of His ongoing work in heaven. Patrick Schreiner explores how Jesus, through His ascension, now actively serves as our Prophet, Priest, and King—building His church, interceding for believers, and reigning with authority over all creation...

This powerful message emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a confirmation of the cross but an essential, equal part of the gospel—vital for salvation, hope, and the existence of Christianity itself. Jeff Medders encourages church leaders to preach the physical, spiritual, and historic reality of the risen Christ as the core of their ministry and identity as witnesses.

Patrick Schreiner presents six key reasons why the cross stands at the center of the Christian faith. From revealing the love of the Triune God and accomplishing redemption to defeating spiritual powers and shaping Christian identity, the cross is shown as the ultimate expression of God’s love, justice, and call to discipleship.

Tony Merida explores the threefold office of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, showing how Jesus perfectly fulfills each role to reveal God’s truth, reconcile sinners through atonement and intercession, and rule with divine authority. Merida emphasizes how Christ’s person and work are inseparably united in His mission to redeem and reign over all creation.

Tony Merida explores the saving work of Christ with a focus on His atoning death, highlighting how Jesus’ active obedience (His sinless life) and passive obedience (His sacrificial suffering) secured redemption, justification, and adoption for believers. Merida presents the cross as the place where God's justice and love meet, offering the ultimate hope and triumph through Christ’s death and resur...

Brandon Smith explores the full humanity of Jesus Christ, affirming that while remaining fully God, He truly became man. Smith emphasizes that what Christ did not assume, He could not heal—making the incarnation the perfect union of divinity and humanity for the salvation and restoration of mankind.

Brandon Smith explores the full divinity of Jesus within the framework of Trinitarian theology, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing His eternal relationship with the Father as the Son by nature. Smith highlights why Jesus must be truly God to be worthy of worship, able to save, and central to the Christian faith.

Eunice Chung unpacks the biblical covenants as essential to understanding the overarching story of Scripture, showing how God faithfully initiates and upholds His promises despite human failure. Tracing the covenants from creation to Christ, Chung highlights how each finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, revealing God’s steadfast love, redemptive plan, and the invitation for believers to live a...

Joel Muddamalle unpacks the doctrine of the fall by first anchoring our understanding of humanity in the goodness and royal purpose of Eden, where Adam and Eve were created in God’s image and called to steward and expand creation. Tracing the tragic rupture caused by sin, Muddamalle points to Jesus as the covering for our shame and the hope of restoration, inviting believers to join in God’s missi...

Gavin Ortlund explores the foundational doctrine of creation, showing how it shapes our understanding of sin, the gospel, and what it means to be human. 

Gavin Ortlund explores the doctrine of humanity, focusing on what it means to be made in the image of God and why that truth is vital for Christian life and ministry today. Addressing modern issues like gender, AI, and human dignity, Ortlund highlights how this doctrine affirms every person’s worth, combats cultural cynicism, and points to Christ as the true image in whom we are being renewed.

Joel Muddamalle offers a biblical and balanced exploration of Satan and demons, warning against both denial and obsession. Guided by wisdom from C.S. Lewis and key Old Testament passages, Muddamalle calls Christians to sober awareness, spiritual vigilance, and reliance on Christ’s victory as we stand firm against deception and participate in God’s mission of reconciliation.

Mary Wiley explores God's communicable attributes—those He shares with humanity. Wiley emphasizes that these attributes reflect our restored image in Christ and draw us into deeper worship, transformation, and resemblance to our Creator.