Five to Thrive: Cultivating Community

We live in a hyper-connected world—group chats, social feeds, coworkers, classmates. And yet, so many of us feel deeply alone. We’re surrounded by people, but rarely known by them. We show up, smile, serve… and still feel isolated.

That’s why this week in Five to Thrive, we’re talking about something essential: Cultivating Community.

🌿 Thriving Requires Connection

This isn’t just about joining a small group or signing up for a class. It’s about embracing a truth we often resist:
You can’t thrive alone.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5). Not branch—branches. Plural. We’re not just connected to Him. We’re connected to each other. And when we try to do faith solo, we don’t just struggle—we slowly starve.

🤝 The Body Needs Every Part

In 1 Corinthians 12:18–27, Paul reminds us that we’re part of a body. Every part matters. No one is optional. No one is invisible. When one suffers, we all suffer. When one thrives, we all thrive.

But let’s be honest—community is inconvenient. It takes time. It requires vulnerability. It means showing up when you’d rather stay home. And yet, it’s the only way we grow.

🧱 Rows Don’t Transform—Relationships Do

Sitting in rows on Sunday is good. But it’s not enough. Rows can teach you, but they can’t transform you. Why? Because transformation requires three things rows can’t give:

1. Vulnerability

In rows, we hide. In relationships, we’re seen. When we admit we’re struggling, we create space for others to do the same. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the doorway to healing.

2. Accountability

Rows can’t call you out. Relationships can. When someone knows you well enough to ask, “Are you okay?”—that’s where growth happens. We all need people who love us enough to tell us the truth.

3. Modeling

We don’t just need to hear truth—we need to see it lived out. In community, we see forgiveness, service, and prayer in action. We learn by watching others follow Jesus up close.

💡 Your Move: Step Into Community

If you’re not in a group where you’re known, supported, and challenged—join one. Don’t wait. And if you’re already in one, here are three ways to go deeper:

• Show up: Even when you’re tired. Consistency builds trust.

• Be honest: Don’t wait for someone to guess you’re struggling. Say it.

• Give yourself: Don’t wait to be served. Serve first.

🧩 Bottom Line

Thriving disciples don’t just attend church. They cultivate community. They invest. They sacrifice. They show up for each other. Because we can’t thrive alone—and we don’t have to.

So ask yourself:

• Do I need encouragement or accountability right now?

• Who has permission to speak into my life?

• Who can I encourage this week?

Let’s stop settling for rows. Let’s step into relationships. Because that’s where real transformation begins.

Five to Thrive: Everyday Witness

We’re halfway through Five to Thrive, a series about five spiritual habits that help us stay connected to Jesus and live as thriving disciples. So far, we’ve explored:

• Week 1: Scripture Engagement—reading the Word and doing what it says

• Week 2: Extraordinary Prayer—moving heaven by surrendering earth

This week, we’re tackling something that makes many of us squirm: sharing our faith.

😬 No Guilt Trips, Just Presence

Let’s be real. Most of us want the people in our lives to know Jesus. We want them to experience hope, peace, and purpose. But we’re afraid we’ll sound preachy, mess it up, or get rejected. So we stay quiet… and feel guilty.

But what if evangelism wasn’t about pressure? What if it was about presence?

Here’s the big idea:
Presence, not pressure, changes people.
Not programs. Not perfect words. Just showing up—consistently, kindly, faithfully.

🌱 Fruit Happens When We Stay Connected

Jesus said, “Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.”
He didn’t say, “Go make fruit happen.” He said, “Stay connected.”
Our job isn’t to manufacture results. It’s to stay rooted in Jesus and let Him work through our everyday relationships.

So how do we do that?

🙌 The BLESS Practices

Paul’s advice in Colossians 4:2–6 gives us a roadmap. It’s not about being weird or pushy. It’s about being present. Here are five simple practices to help you live on mission:

1. Begin with Prayer

Before you say a word, talk to God. Pray for one person by name—someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Pray for their heart, their needs, and for opportunities to connect. Prayer changes how we see people—and it changes us.

2. Listen with Care

Real conversations matter. Ask about their life. Their story. What’s going well. What’s hard. Then… just listen. Listening builds trust. It says, “You matter.”

3. Eat Together

Grab coffee. Share a meal. Invite them to your table. Jesus did this all the time. Meals break down barriers and deepen relationships. Presence often starts with a plate.

4. Serve in Love

As you listen and share life, you’ll find ways to help. Offer a ride. Help with a move. Watch their kids. Serve without strings. This isn’t bait-and-switch—it’s love in action.

5. Share Your Story

When the time is right, don’t give a speech. Share your story. Be honest. Be real. Talk about what Jesus has done in your life. Authenticity opens hearts more than arguments ever will.

💡 Your Challenge This Week

Pick one person. Pray for them daily. Have a real conversation. Share a meal. Serve them. And if the moment comes, share your story.

Evangelism doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When we focus on presence instead of pressure, it starts to feel like love.

Because thriving disciples bless people before they try to impress them.

Five to Thrive: Extraordinary Prayer

Welcome back to Five to Thrive, our journey through five spiritual habits that help us move from surviving to thriving as disciples of Jesus. Last week, we explored Scripture Engagement—reading the Bible and doing what it says. This week, we’re diving into something that’s often misunderstood, underused, and deeply transformative: Extraordinary Prayer.

🚨 Prayer Isn’t Just a Spiritual 911

Let’s be honest. For most of us, prayer has felt transactional. We pray when we need something fixed, healed, or changed. It’s like calling heaven’s customer service line—submit a request, hope for a good outcome.

But here’s the problem: when prayer is only about getting something from God, it starts to feel like a chore. And when the answers don’t come the way we want—when God says “no” or “wait”—we start asking, “What’s the point?”

Jesus offers us something radically different.

🙌 Prayer That Moves Heaven Starts by Surrendering Earth

In Matthew 6:5–18, Jesus teaches us how to pray—not as a performance, not as a transaction, but as a relationship. He gives us a model we know as the Lord’s Prayer. It’s short. It’s simple. And it’s powerful. Why? Because it’s a prayer of surrender.

Extraordinary prayer isn’t about changing our circumstances. It’s about changing us. It’s not about getting heaven to agree with earth—it’s about aligning earth with heaven.

Here’s how Jesus’ prayer breaks it down:

1. Worship: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.”

Start with who God is—not what you need. Worship shifts the focus off ourselves and onto God’s character. It’s the first act of surrender.

2. Surrender: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done…”

This is the heart of extraordinary prayer. It’s risky. It’s vulnerable. But surrender isn’t giving up—it’s letting go so God can give us something better.

3. Dependence: “Give us today the food we need.”

This isn’t about five-year plans. It’s about trusting God for today. It’s daily dependence, not occasional desperation.

4. Forgiveness: “Forgive us… as we forgive…”

Confession and reconciliation. We surrender our right to stay angry. Because bitterness creates distance—and distance kills intimacy.

5. Mission: “Rescue us from the evil one.”

We ask for protection, yes—but also for purpose. Where is God sending you today? Who does He want you to notice?

🕒 Your 10-Minute Challenge

Want to thrive? Try this: set aside 10 minutes a day for extraordinary prayer. Same time. Every day. No distractions. Use the Lord’s Prayer as your guide:

• Minutes 1–2: Worship

• Minutes 3–4: Surrender

• Minutes 5–6: Dependence

• Minutes 7–8: Forgiveness

• Minutes 9–10: Mission

Then ask yourself—not “Did God answer my prayer?” but “Do I feel closer to Him?”

Five to Thrive: Scripture Engagement

This week, we kicked off our brand-new sermon series, Five to Thrive — five spiritual habits designed to help us not just survive, but truly thrive as followers of Jesus. In a world that feels constantly overwhelming — with packed schedules, endless scrolling, and spiritual fatigue — Jesus offers something radically different: life to the full.

Our theme verse for the year is John 15:5, where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.”

Notice what Jesus doesn’t say: “Work harder.” “Hustle more.” He says, “Remain in me.” Staying connected to Jesus is the key to thriving — and that’s what this series is all about.

🪴 Week 1: Scripture Engagement

This week’s spiritual habit is Scripture Engagement. And here’s the big idea: Engagement begins where comfort ends.

Most of us are comfortable with the Bible. We read it. We hear sermons. We post verses. But comfort doesn’t produce growth — engagement does. Real engagement starts at the edge of our comfort zone.

We explored James 1:22–25, where James (Jesus’ brother!) challenges believers not just to hear the Word, but to do what it says. He compares Scripture to a mirror — one that shows us who we really are. But too often, we glance at it, feel a little uncomfortable… and move on.

James reminds us:

• Don’t just listen.

• Don’t just nod along.

• Let Scripture confront you.

• Let it change you.

We met Jenna — a young woman who read 1 John 3:17–18 and couldn’t ignore the discomfort it stirred. Instead of moving on, she leaned in. She acted. That’s engagement.

🛠️ Three Steps to Engage with Scripture

James gives us a practical path forward:

1. Look carefully – Slow down. Let the Spirit speak.

2. Do what it says – Growth only comes through obedience.

3. Don’t forget – Write it down. Set reminders. Tell someone. Keep the truth in front of you.

💥 This Week’s Challenge

Pick one passage. Read it slowly every day.
Then do one uncomfortable thing it calls you to do.
Because thriving disciples don’t just read the Bible — they engage with it.

Let’s stop surviving. Let’s start thriving.
And remember: Engagement begins where comfort ends.

From Saved to Sent: Why Your Life Was Made to Make a Difference

Let’s be honest: most of us don’t feel like world-changers. We feel like we’re barely keeping up—half-faithful, half-distracted, halfway holy.

But here’s the truth: God doesn’t wait for perfect people to make a difference. He uses available ones.

This week at MtP, we wrapped up our Life in 3D series with the final “D”: Difference-Making. And it’s not about being famous, flashy, or flawless. It’s about being faithful in the everyday.

You Were Made to Matter

Ephesians 2:10 says you’re God’s workmanship—His masterpiece—created to do good works He prepared in advance. That means your life isn’t random. Your job, your relationships, your gifts… they’re all part of a bigger story.

You weren’t just saved from something. You were saved for something.

The Mirror Test

Here’s the gut-check: If someone followed you around for a week, would they see Jesus in your choices? In your calendar? In your conversations?

Difference-making starts with discipleship. It’s not about doing big things—it’s about doing small things with big faith. It’s about living in a way that reflects Jesus so clearly that others can’t help but notice.

Three Ways to Start Making a Difference

If you’re tired of halfway holy and ready to live fully on mission, here’s where to begin:

• Live Sent: Your workplace, your neighborhood, your social feed—they’re all mission fields. You’re not just there. You’re sent there.

• Multiply What Matters: Don’t just consume faith—reproduce it. Invest in someone. Invite someone. Disciple someone.

• Choose Obedience Over Comfort: Making a difference means stepping out. It’s inconvenient. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s always worth it.

You’re Part of the Ripple

You may never preach a sermon or plant a church. But your life can still ripple into eternity. Every act of obedience, every moment of courage, every time you choose Jesus over ease—it matters.

So don’t settle for halfway holy. Don’t settle for surviving. You were made to thrive. You were made to make a difference.

Let’s go live like it.

Why Development is a Key to Thriving Faith

Let’s be real—most of us are somewhere in the middle. We love Jesus, we want to grow, but life is loud and leadership feels like a stretch. We’re halfway holy. And if we’re honest, halfway tired too.

But what if thriving doesn’t start with doing more? What if it starts with letting God develop you?

At MtP, we’re leaning into a new ministry-year theme: Thrive. And this week’s focus is the second “D” in our Life in 3D series—Developing. Not just developing programs or platforms, but developing people. Spirit-led leaders. Everyday disciple-makers. People like you.

You Were Made for More Than Just Showing Up

Ephesians 4 says Jesus gave gifts to the whole church—not just pastors or influencers. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers… not job titles, but spiritual callings. And they’re in you.

Thriving churches aren’t built on the talents of a few. They’re built on the development of many. That means you don’t have to be perfect to be used—you just have to be willing to grow.

Development Isn’t Glamorous—It’s Transformational

Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team. He didn’t quit. He developed. And eventually, he didn’t just play the game—he changed it.

That’s what spiritual development looks like. It’s awkward at first. You miss shots. You feel stretched. But over time, you start to see fruit. You start to lead. You start to multiply.

And here’s the kicker: thriving starts when you let God develop you… and keeps going when you help Him develop someone else.

Three Ways to Grow

If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving, here’s where to start:

• Get in the Word: Not for trivia. For transformation. Scripture trains you for every good work.

• Find Your People: Iron sharpens iron. You need a community that challenges and cheers you on.

• Do the Reps: Don’t just listen—live it. Serve. Lead. Mentor. Try something new. Growth starts with action.

You’re Not Just a Tree—You’re a Fruit Tree

God didn’t save you to sit in a pew and look holy. He saved you to bear fruit. To change the game for someone else. To be developed and then develop others.

So here’s the question: What’s your next step? Is it time to start reading again? To stop spectating and start serving? To ask for a mentor—or become one?

Whatever it is, write it down. Don’t lose it. Because halfway holy isn’t where you’re meant to stay.

You were made to thrive.

Don't Just Fill Seats; Fill Lives

Thriving Isn’t About Crowds—It’s About Overflow

Let’s be honest: most of us grew up thinking church success looked like packed pews, polished programs, and maybe a killer worship band. But what if we’ve been measuring the wrong thing?

At MtP, we’re flipping the script. Because thriving as a congregation isn’t about filling seats. It’s about filling lives with Jesus so deeply that those lives spill into the lives of others.

Not Just Attendance. It’s Apprenticeship.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and get people to show up.” He said, “Go and make disciples.” That’s a whole different game. Discipleship isn’t a class you take or a binder you fill out. It’s life-on-life apprenticeship. It’s learning the ways of Jesus by walking with someone who’s living them out.

Think less lecture hall, more kitchen table. Less Sunday-only, more Monday-through-Saturday. It’s not about knowing the directions—it’s about following them.

Overflow Starts With Connection

In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” That’s the secret sauce. Thriving doesn’t come from grinding harder—it comes from staying connected to the Vine. When we’re rooted in Jesus, fruit happens. Not because we force it, but because His life flows through us.

And here’s the wild part: that fruit isn’t just for us. It’s for our families, our coworkers, our neighbors. When we’re truly connected, our lives start to overflow. That’s the ripple effect of real discipleship.

Three Ways to Live It Out

If you’re wondering how to move from surviving to thriving, here’s where it starts:

• Intentional Relationships: Discipling happens best in circles, not rows. Find someone to walk with. Invite them into your life. Learn together.

• Obedience Over Information: Jesus didn’t say “teach them what I taught.” He said “teach them to obey.” Transformation starts when truth becomes action.

• Reproducing Faith: Disciples make disciples. It’s not about keeping Jesus to yourself—it’s about passing Him on.

What If We All Did This?

Imagine a church where every person is discipling someone. Where marriages are healed, kids are mentored, neighbors are reached. Where baptisms overflow not because of a marketing push, but because lives are being changed from the inside out.

That’s not surviving. That’s thriving.

So let’s stop chasing crowds and start cultivating connection. Let’s be a church that doesn’t just gather—but grows. Not just fills seats—but fills lives.

And let’s watch what happens when those lives start to spill over.

From Surviving to Thriving: Why Your Soul Needs More Than Just Hustle

Ever feel like life’s just one long to-do list? You’re showing up, clocking in, checking boxes—but deep down, something’s missing. You’re surviving, but not thriving.

This week, we kicked off our ministry-year theme, Thrive, and it’s all about moving from burnout to spiritual overflow. Pastor Jim opened with a story about a sad little coffee plant—despite all the care, it just wouldn’t flourish. Sound familiar? That plant is a metaphor for how many of us live: trying hard, doing all the “right” things, but still feeling stuck.

Thriving ≠ Hustling Harder

Culture tells us to hustle, optimize, and grind. But Jesus offers something radically different. In John 15, He drops the secret to a thriving life: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” Translation? You don’t thrive by trying harder—you thrive by staying connected.

Think of your phone. It’s powerful, but without a charger, it’s just a fancy flashlight. Same with your soul. Disconnected from Jesus, we drain fast. But plugged into Him? We’re powered by peace, purpose, and fruit that actually matters.

When Thriving Feels Like Losing

Here’s the twist: sometimes thriving looks like pruning. Jesus says God cuts back fruitful branches so they can bear more fruit. That breakup, that job loss, that closed door—it might not be punishment. It might be preparation.

God loves you too much to let you look full but live empty. Pruning hurts, but it’s how we grow.

Stay Plugged In

Thriving isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being connected. It’s not about doing more—it’s about abiding more deeply. And when we thrive, it’s not our name that gets lifted up—it’s God’s.