The Gospel Unplugged

This Epiphany, Pastors Ben Cieslik, Jenna Olson Popp, and Mark Dixon explore the story of the magi—a tale of confronting misplaced fear and remaining open to new perspectives. Whose call will you follow? Does the coming of Jesus bring you comfort in this moment, or do you feel something else? - - - - Learn about Mount Olivet church and ministry Stream our services Join us in-person Follow us! Face...

Merry Christmas... and Happy Boxing Day! This week, Pastors Ben Cieslik and Jenna Olson Popp explore John 1:19-28—an odd and intriguing story about a guy who can draw a crowd, but about whom we know fairly little. Now that you've witnessed the Incarnation... where are you led? What does it look like to point to Christ? - - - - Learn about Mount Olivet church and ministry Stream our services Jo...

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This week, Pastor Lose and Pastor Freeman begin our Advent series, The Light Shines in the Darkness, with the opening verses of John 1:1–5—a soaring promise that even the deepest darkness cannot overcome the light of Christ. How do you find hope in that promise? Where have you seen light in the dark corners of life?

This week, Pastor Cieslik and Pastor Olson Popp wrap up our Exodus series with Exodus 20:1–17—the Ten Commandments. Far from being a list of restrictions, these commandments are ten gifts, inviting us into a life of freedom rooted in love, justice, and community. What enslaves you—fear, a person, ambition, politics, greed? How might God’s love set you free to live well—for yourself and your neighb...

Pastor Lose and Pastor Grangaard discuss Exodus 16:1-15, all about manna, in our second to last Sunday in our Exodus series. What is it – manna? What are the things that God provides that we need? What do we often overlook? What are we? What are the things that we need to take to God?

This week, we continue our journey through Exodus: The Road to Freedom. Join Pastor Kalland and Pastor Lose as they explore the dramatic moment in Exodus 14:5–16, 21–22, when the Israelites stand trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea—and God makes a way where there was no way. Whom do you cry out to when trouble comes? What do your complaints reveal—and can naming them lead to gratitude?

This week, Pastor Lose and Pastor Olson Popp explore Exodus 12:1-14, the powerful story of Passover—a moment of liberation, promise, and deep remembrance. As we prepare for All Saints Sunday, you're invited to reflect on how God keeps promises across generations and how we a those who’ve gone before us. How does God keep his promises to you and to those you love? What's one memory of someo...

Pastor Dixon and Pastor Lose discuss one of the most formative passages in the Old Testament, Exodus 3:1-15, The Divine Name Revealed. It is also Reformation Sunday, an opportunity to think about this formative story in today's world and in light of our theological heritage. What are you being called and sent to do simply because your are a child of God? When grace sets you free, what will you...

This week in our Exodus: The Road to Freedom series, we follow Moses as he flees from Pharaoh—and begins a journey that will change everything. Pastors Lose and Olson Popp take us into Exodus 2:11–15, 23–25, where anger, injustice, and divine compassion collide. What has angered you about how God’s people are treated in the world? How do you respond when you see suffering and injustice? How do you...

This week we’re diving into one of the most dramatic rescue stories in Scripture—Exodus 1:22–2:10. Pastor Freeman and Pastor Cieslik discuss the beginning of Moses’ journey, as God works through unexpected people and surprising circumstances to bring hope and new life. How does Moses’ story challenge your assumptions about how God works in the world? Has God ever turned a seemingly hopeless situat...

Pastor Kalland and Pastor Cieslik are diving into the dramatic opening of Exodus 1:8-21, where a new pharaoh rises to power and fear begins to shape the future of God’s people. It’s a story of oppression, resistance, and unexpected courage. This ancient story has something powerful to say to us today—and we can’t wait to explore it with you. What do you do with your fear and anger? Who are the cou...

As we wrap up our Stewardship series, Called for Good, Pastors Olson Popp and Cieslik dive into the powerful story of Esther—a woman called by God for a purpose that took courage, trust, and maybe even a little convincing. Esther’s story reminds us that God often works through unexpected people and moments—and that being “called for good” can look different for each of us. What have you been calle...

Pastor Cieslik and Pastor Lose discuss The Call of Abraham found in Genesis 12:1-5a as we continue our Stewardship series, Called for Good. Have there ever been moments in your life you've felt called by God? Empowering? Terrifying? Somewhere in-between? What difference does it make to know that when God calls you, God also equips you?

Pastor Lose and Pastor Freeman continue our Stewardship series, ""Called for Good,"" by diving into one of the most personal and moving moments in scripture: The Call of Peter from John 21:1-12a, 15-17. Picture this: breakfast on the beach with Jesus, a charcoal fire, and a life-changing conversation. Peter’s story reminds us that even after failure, God still calls us—calls us...

This week, Pastor Lose and Pastor Dixon explore 1 Peter 2:4-10 as we prepare for Rally Sunday—and the return of meatballs! They dive into the striking image of Jesus as a ""living stone""—not carved to size or relocated to fit our plans, but the foundation we build our lives around, just as he is. What priorities that we're holding are we willing to lay aside? What commitme...

Pastors Freeman and Lose wrap up our summer series, Against All Odds: The Acts of the Apostles, with a powerful moment: Paul preaching in Rome, straight from Acts 28:23–31. Even after everything Paul’s been through, the Holy Spirit is still moving, still working, still opening doors--and is still on the move even now. Can you see places where the Holy Spirit has been at work in your life? If the S...

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This week, Pastors Freeman and Lose take us to the heart of Athens in Acts 17:16–34 as we continue our Against All Odds: The Acts of the Apostles summer series. Paul steps into a city full of ideas, idols, and searching souls. In a place overflowing with competing truths, Paul dares to speak of a God who is both unknown and deeply near. What are today's idols you are tempted to put your trust...

"This week, Pastors Lose and Grangaard explore the story of Lydia in Acts 16:11–15—a powerful moment where hospitality, courage, and faith converge. Lydia’s open heart becomes a doorway for the gospel to take root in unexpected places and among unexpected people. When you're not in church, where do you find sacred space? Who have you been surprised to worship alongside? Who is the “they”...

Who’s in and who’s out ? God’s answer might surprise you. This week in Against All Odds: The Acts of the Apostles , Pastors Cieslik and Hammersten explore Peter’s vision and the mission to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1–18). This moment changed everything—and it still speaks today. Is there a group of people you think unworthy God’s love? Does hearing God's word that there is no distinction soften yo...

Tabitha was known for her kindness, her craft, and the way she quietly changed lives. When she dies, the community is devastated—until Peter arrives and something miraculous happens. This week in Against All Odds: The Acts of the Apostles , Pastors Kalland and Lose explore this powerful story of restoration and hope—the raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43). What gifts do you have that make a differen...

What happens when your worst enemy becomes your brother in Christ? This week in Against All Odds: The Acts of the Apostles, we dive into Saul’s dramatic conversion (Acts 9:1–19)—and the ordinary guy, Ananias, who’s asked to welcome him. What would you do if you were in Ananias' shoes? Who do you believe to be outside of God's redemptive purposes: How does this story challenge that?