Freedom to Explore and Experiment
Sometimes, the most profound lessons don’t come from a speaker’s slides, a workshop’s outline, or even a coach’s prayer. Instead, they’re whispered by the Holy Spirit—moving among God’s people, over lunch tables, coffee tables, Airbnb kitchen islands, and yes, even while waiting in line for Gideon Bakehouse cookies. This year, here’s what the Spirit made clear to me at CPC25:
Freedom to Follow the Spirit’s Lead
Yes, there were plenty of cool VBS themes with fantastic swag, but guess what? As a new church, we’re not tied to any of it. VBS isn’t part of our DNA, and that’s okay! Instead, we have the creative margin to lean into Spirit-led mission partnerships with a community that’s changing every day. Free from the pre-2020 programming idols, we get to explore, experiment, and innovate without competing with or copying the church down the street. That’s the gift of freedom—freedom to dream, freedom to follow, and freedom to be exactly who God has called us to be for such a time as this.
Discovery in Discipleship
Faith formation isn’t about scheduling more programs; it’s about equipping the real disciple-makers—parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches. For us, that means less “morality entertainment” and more biblical worldview and apologetic truth. I’ve loved stepping into resource booths, skipping the “What are you looking for?” small talk, and leading with: “Let me tell you how we’re using your resources!” Watching their faces light up as they take notes or start recording my ideas is a joy. We’re not just using tools; we’re tailoring them for our family of faith.
Deeply Familiar Faith
The eight-year-olds I serve today will be adults from 2034 to 2094. That’s a lifetime shaped by what they’re experiencing right now—the music, the games, the teams, and most importantly, the faith we’re helping form. The enemy’s goal is clear: disrupt God’s kids from doing God’s work in and outside God’s house. But through relationships and multigenerational experiences, we’re building faith muscle memory that will stand the test of time. I’m leaning even more into Faith Milestones—layering holy practices that will feel as familiar as breathing when life gets tough and remarkable moments of life abound.
This year, I’m walking away from CPC25 with freedom, continued experimentation, and a renewed commitment to deeply familiar faith practices. And I can’t wait to see how the Holy Spirit will continue to move in and through our community!
“So Moses went down to the people and told them.” Exodus 19:25
