Author: JR. Forasteros

Diversity

Diversity is essential to God’s work in the world, but as a rule, churches are bad at real diversity. In John 4, Jesus’ disciples illustrate what’s at stake when we don’t make a point to practice diversity.

Friendship

Four big ideas are shaping Catalyst. First: Friendship. What did it mean that Jesus was called a ‘friend of sinners’? What implications does that have for our relationships (or lack thereof)?

Proximity Warning

Catalyst looks to four big ideas to shape our next steps as a church: Friendship, Diversity, Discipleship and Pilgrimage. What they all have in common: proximity. Faith isn’t real until it’s up close and personal.

Building Together

We tend to think of the project of faith as one that we do primarily alone. But according to Paul, we can’t do faith alone. We need each other. And we need each other to be different. That’s a lot harder, but it’s necessary. How do we engage in this level of community?

Deconstructing Faith

What happens when it turns out our faith isn’t as strong as we thought it was? Paul warns the Corinthians that God will test our faith in the End. How is that good news for us right now, as we navigate the life of faith?

What is Our Faith Building?

Faith is founded on Jesus’ love for us. But what is faith, exactly? In other words, what are we building on the foundation of Jesus’ love? Paul sees a connection between two metaphors – a building and a field – that helps us discern the nature of our faith. So what is God inviting us into?

The Foundation of Faith

What is the foundation of a sturdy faith? The ‘church answer’ is Jesus – and the Apostle Paul agrees. But what does that really mean? For Paul, it means that God seeks us out. God initiates our faith relationship by finding us.

Under Construction: A Faith Built to Last

What is a strong faith built of? How can we build a faith that weathers every storm? Paul offers a guide in 1 Corinthians 3. From the foundation to the building to what to do when we’ve done it wrong, this series explores the blueprint for a faith that stands the test of time.

What is Your Faith Growing?

We’ve spent the last four months asking how we know God better. What better excuse to stop and smell the roses, so to speak? God promises that a life of faith transforms us, creating a grove of fruit that feeds the world around us. What has God been doing in your life in this last season?

Reading the Bible Together

To be human is to have limitations. We have our perspective – which is good, but it’s also small. When we read the Bible with others, we have the advantage of remembering we’re not the center of the story. God’s bigger purposes come alive to us when we read the Bible together.