thinking out loud

In this message, Terry Timm explores the concept of the church, emphasizing that it is not merely a building or institution but a dynamic, living community of believers journeying together with God. He introduces the theme of "neurobiology comes to church," highlighting how scientific insights into our nervous systems can inform and enhance our understanding of communal life and spiritual growth....

In this message, Terry Timm explores the theme of light as a foundational element in the Biblical narrative, beginning with God's command "Let there be light" in Genesis. He reflects on how this divine illumination is not only a physical phenomenon but also a metaphor for revelation, presence, and guidance, which connects the stories from Isaiah 60 and Matthew 2. 

In this Christmas message, Terry Timm reflects on the metaphor of the body being like Mary, suggesting that each person carries the presence of Christ within, just as Mary carried Jesus. By drawing on Rumi's poetry and the Apostle Paul's writings, this message emphasizes the transformative power of saying "yes" to God and allowing Christ to be born through our actions, words, and presence. It conc...

In her talk, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores the contrast between romanticized portrayals of love, as seen in Hallmark movies, and the profound, sometimes messy love embodied by the incarnation of Jesus Christ. She emphasizes the importance of presence and vulnerability, encouraging listeners to show up for others in times of suffering and to be open to receiving help themselves. Amidst the cha...

In this talk, Richie Reeder explores the theme of joy during the third week of Advent, drawing from the personal experiences of his daughter's early health challenges to illustrate the depth and complexity of true joy. He delves into the biblical story of Mary in Luke chapter 1, highlighting her journey from fear to unexpected joy as a model for embracing God's promises amidst life's trials. Richi...

In this message, Terry Timm delves into the pervasive issue of anxiety in our modern world, drawing connections to the pressures faced by Generation Z. He references Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," to frame a discussion on how societal changes have contributed to rising levels of anxiety. The message explores biblical teachings from Philippians 4 and Luke 2, emphasizing the peace...

In this message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores Jesus' first sermon, which led to an attempted execution due to its radical message that God's love and liberation extend beyond traditional borders. She explores the concept of the "year of the Lord's favor," also known as the year of Jubilee, highlighting its promise of societal reset and equitable justice for the oppressed. The message conclud...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the concept of prophecy as the Spirit-empowered communication of God's heart and perspective, intended to strengthen, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ. He discusses the historical role of prophets, from Moses in the Old Testament to Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, and highlights how the prophetic voice continues in the church today through ordina...

In this message, Richie Reeder paints a vivid picture of the daunting yet humorous role of a biblical prophet, likening it to an unconventional job description that few would eagerly pursue. Richie draws parallels between the desolation caused by locust swarms in the book of Joel and the personal struggles we all face, reminding us that when life feels dried up and hopeless, turning back to God ca...

In this message,  Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores Ezekiel 36, highlighting God's promise to transform the hardened hearts of the Israelites into hearts of flesh, symbolizing a fresh start and renewed relationship with God. She discusses the balance between divine intervention and free will, likening it to a parent's guidance of a teenager, and emphasizes the importance of emotional and spiritua...

In this message Terry Timm, we explore the words of the prophet Isaiah, which encourage us to remember our true identity and relationship with God rather than placing trust in materialistic or superficial idols. By examining modern-day prophets like Walter Brueggemann, Beth Moore, and Mako Fujimura, Timm illustrates the ongoing need for prophetic voices that challenge dominant societal and religio...

In his message, Richie Reeder explores the question, "What does God really want from us?" by drawing on the words of the prophet Micah. Reeder emphasizes that God desires not grand gestures but hearts and lives shaped by justice, mercy, and humility, urging listeners to embody these qualities in their everyday lives. Through story and reflections, he challenges the audience to act justly, love mer...

In her message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores the compelling nature of truth-telling through the story of the prophet Jeremiah. She reflects on the burdens and courage required to speak against injustice, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary figures who are driven by a powerful inner fire to advocate for change. Wadsworth encourages her audience to find their voice and boldly...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the unfailing love and compassion of God as depicted in the story of the prophet Hosea, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit and forgiveness despite humanity's tendency to stray. Timm highlights the contrast between the expectations of a patriarchal society and God's revolutionary expression of parental love, culminating in the ultimate revelation of this love...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the life of Moses, the prototype prophet. In Exodus 19, God calls His people into covenant, reminding them they are His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Through Moses we see what it means to be a prophet: one who encounters God directly, leads God's people in freedom and faithfulness, and intercedes on their behalf. Moses is rememb...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the prophetic call of Amos, emphasizing God's vision of justice and righteousness for the world. He highlights themes such as God's concern for the marginalized, the reality of collective evil, and justice rooted in God's dream for creation. Listeners will be chllenged to engage with issues of justice and righteousness in their own lives and communities, urging...

In this message, Richie Reeder explores the often-overlooked practice of lament, encouraging listeners to embrace honest expressions of grief, sorrow, and pain as a pathway to healing and spiritual growth. Drawing upon the book of Lamentations and the teachings of prophets like Jeremiah, he emphasizes that true healing arises from acknowledging and naming our suffering before God, rather than bypa...

In this message, Terry Timm introduces a new series titled "The Way of the Prophet," where he explores the roles and callings of prophets like Jeremiah and Huldah. He emphasizes the prophetic tasks of facing reality, grieving over the world's brokenness, and moving forward with hope. 

In this message, Terry Timm uses the metaphor of life as a marathon to explore the stages of the "critical journey," a process of spiritual formation with six distinct stages, including the inevitable experience of hitting a "wall." He discusses the importance of recognizing where one is on this journey and the invitations that each stage offers, emphasizing God's omnipresence and the role of grac...

In this uplifting message, Richie Reeder explores the theme of love through the lens of the "critical journey" framework, focusing on stage six, the life of love. By tracing Peter's transformation in the Bible and reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13, Reeder emphasizes the importance of embodying Christ-like love as a natural, sacrificial way of being. He challenges the audience to cease striving and em...

In today's message, Terry Timm invites us to explore the transformative journey of faith through the lens of Esther's story. He challenges us to consider what we might accomplish for God's kingdom if failure were not an option and we were willing to surrender everything. As we delve into stage five of the critical journey, Terry encourages us to embrace radical trust and courageously step into the...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the concept of "hitting the wall" in both physical and spiritual journeys, drawing parallels between running a marathon, mountain climbing, and navigating life's profound spiritual crises. The book of Jonah serves as a case study for understanding how encountering such walls can lead to deep transformation, emphasizing the importance of embracing mystery, slowi...

In this message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores "stage four" of the faith journey, describing it as a challenging but transformative period typically prompted by crises that shatter previous beliefs. She compares this stage to a lobster molting its shell, emphasizing the discomfort and vulnerability involved in shedding outdated worldviews to allow for growth. Despite the difficulties and isol...

In this message, Richie Reeder explores the concept of "The Productive Life" as part of the series "The Critical Journey". Richie challenges the cultural obsession with constant activity and productivity, emphasizing instead the importance of abiding in Christ as the true source of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Join us as he delves into John 15, illustrating how our doing should always flow f...

In this message, the second in our series, "The Critical Journey," Richie Reeder invites us on a transformative journey of discipleship. Richie explores the idea that life with God is not just about belief or behavior, but a lifelong journey of transformation. Join us as we delve into the stages of faith, with a focus on community, learning, and belonging. You can learn more about The Critical Jou...