Sonoma Collective Podcast

In this episode, we explore the universal experience of waiting and the transformative power of embracing God's peace amid anticipation. Drawing inspiration from Simeon in Luke 2:25-35, we delve into the art of waiting well. Join us to discover how cultivating the peace of God in the midst of waiting can turn the journey of anticipation into a profound opportunity for growth, revelation, and d...

2023 has been a tremendous year for our church family. As we head into the new year, take a moment to reflect on all that this past year contained. We can't know fully what lies ahed, but we do know that God and his faithfulness will be with us every step of the way. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Many blessings and peace to you!

In this final week of Advent, we delve into the profound theme of love from 1 John 4:9-10. Unveiling the heart of the season, we explore Advent as the tangible expression of God's relentless and pursuing love. Christmas, at its core, represents the divine in-breaking of love into our world and lives. Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of this extraordinary love, discovering how...

In this Advent teaching, we're diving into Luke 2:8-20, unpacking the sheer joy embedded in the Christmas narrative. This isn't just any joy—it's personal, for each of us, and it's not fleeting. Come along as we explore the art of cultivating joy, discovering that its roots go deep into the very essence of God. The shepherds teach us that joy isn't just an emotion; it's a c...

In this illuminating Advent sermon drawn from Matthew 2:1-12, the theme of waiting takes center stage. Join us as we explore the art of Advent Preparation, understanding that waiting is not passive but an active engagement with God. Discover insights on how to wait not just on God, but with Him, cultivating a spirit of anticipation and readiness. This sermon unveils the transformative power of pur...

Join us for the first week of Advent as we journey through Isaiah 9:1-7, exploring the profound theme of hope. Unpacking the promises within these verses, we delve into the anticipation and expectation of a coming Messiah. Join us as we illuminate the transformative power of hope during the Advent season, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the light of God's promises shines brightly,...

In today's teaching we confront the default setting of ingratitude that has the potential to deform our humanity. Delve into the transformative power of gratitude, which not only opens us to additional blessings from God but, most crucially, draws us closer to the ultimate Giver of all goodness in our lives. Join us as we unravel the profound implications of embracing gratitude as a pathway to...

In this third and final part of our Vision Series, discover the profound impact of practicing the way of Jesus together, particularly within the context of your city, the place you call home. In this episode, we explore the transformative goal of spiritual formation—becoming like Jesus not just for personal peace, but to embody and reflect His love for others. Join us as we delve into the unique j...

In part 2 of our visions series, Practicing the Way of Jesus, Together, in Sonoma we explore the imperative of togetherness. Understanding that spiritual formation is inherently relational, we delve into the essential truth that being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did demands a collective journey. Join us as we discover the relational core of spiritual growth and how together we...

Our mission is "Practicing the way of Jesus, together, in Sonoma." What does it mean exactly to practice the way of Jesus? Discover the transformative invitation to discipleship: "being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did." Unpack the rich significance of a rabbi's timeless call, "follow me," as we delve into the holistic journey of learning,...

In this special episode, join us for the captivating origin story of Sonoma Collective, a Jesus church. Discover the intricate way God orchestrated events over an extended period, intensifying in the past two years, leading to today—the launch of weekly Sunday Gatherings. Uncover the powerful narrative of God's commitment to pursuing and loving each person, akin to a shepherd leaving 99 sheep...

In this teaching, we delve into the profound importance of social connection and community for our holistic well-being. Loneliness, often underestimated, poses a significant threat to our mental, physical, emotional, and relational health. We explore how following Jesus inherently leads us towards communal and relational pursuits. While living in biblical community can be challenging, it is undeni...

In our fifth and final episode in our church culture series, we explore the transformative dynamics of a church culture that rejects passivity and consumerism. Join us as we delve into the empowering belief that every believer is called to full-time ministry for Jesus. Discover the profound integration of faith and daily life, where every sphere of activity is seen as an opportunity to bring order...

In part 4 of our series on a church culture that changes lives we dive into the heart of authentic discipleship – becoming a part of God's family. Explore the profound shift from individualism to community as we uncover the essence of following Jesus. Join us in understanding how embracing new tools and practices enables us to love one another deeply, creating a vibrant, reconciled, and peacef...

In part 3 of our series on a church culture that changes lives we embark on a profound exploration of authentic discipleship, delving into the crucial connection between following Jesus and cultivating self-awareness. Join us as we uncover the transformative journey of going under the surface, addressing the hidden issues within. Discover how true change and growth emerge when we confront our blin...

In part 2 of our series on a church culture that changes lives we explore the transformative journey from duplicity to integrity, guided by the Spirit of God, to safeguard the unity and witness of the church. We'll delve into the dangers of duplicity, where our inner and outer lives don't align, and how it can harm our relationships and witness. Discover the liberating power of embracing i...

If our goal as a church is to multiply deeply transformed disciples and leaders for the sake of the world, we must have a healthy culture that can sustain such activity. This series will explore the cultural marks of a church culture that changes people's lives. In part one of this series, we delve into the vital necessity of slowing down our pace to be with Jesus and break free from the world...

Secularism won't make you have an affair, or commit a grievous sin, it's way more subtle than that. Here's what it does. Secularism disciples you to learn to live without God. In this episode, we explore the urgent need to pursue God's presence as a means of resisting secular culture's relentless push to exclude God from all aspects of life. Discover how immersing ourselves in...

If you want to confirm something as true or correct, the best way is to provide proof or evidence that is is definitely true. Solving crimes, legal battles and more are built on this principle. What about faith? Jesus claimed that he is the Son of God and that following him will lead to life to the full or the blessed life. If that's true, than those that believe in Jesus and choose to follow...

Are things not what they should be or do they seem a bit off? Is there an area or areas in your life that you wish were better? That' because you're not where you should be. None of us are. We are all strangers in a foreign land. To follow Jesus means that we are living as exiles in this world. In this episode we will explore the Israelites who were captives in Babylon and yet remained fai...

God wants our obedience. This isn't because he's a maniacal, insecure megalomaniac, but rather, as a loving Father, he knows what's best for us and wants us to experienced a blessed life. Yet, even the most devoutly religious among us find it very difficult, if not impossible, to completely trust and obey God. So, why is it so hard to trust God at His Word? Numbers 14 tells the story o...

Is He risen? Or is He not? The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest claim from scripture, and the central tenet upon which the Christian faith is built. So, is it possible for a dead person to be raised back to life? And what does this have to do with us today anyway? If the resurrection didn't happen, then the diagnosis from scripture is bleak; our faith is worthless, and this whole Christia...

The third and final part of the "Who We Are: Beliefs" series. This teaching explores the oldest test of Christian orthodoxy, outside of the Bible, the Apostle's Creed. Broken into three sections, the creed confesses foundational beliefs about the three persons of the godhead Father, Son and Spirit. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the third person of the Holy Trinity, is a compl...

Part two of the "Who We Are: Beliefs" series. This teaching explores the oldest test of Christian orthodoxy, outside of the Bible, the Apostle's Creed. Broken into three sections, the creed confesses foundational beliefs about the three persons of the godhead Father, Son and Spirit. The claim that Jesus is God's only Son not only separates Christianity from the other major religi...

Part one of the "Who We Are: Beliefs" series. This teaching explores the oldest test of Christian orthodoxy, outside of the Bible, the Apostle's Creed. Broken into three sections, the creed confesses foundational beliefs about the three persons of the godhead Father, Son and Spirit. To understand what is meant by "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and eart...