By Arron Chambers
Christian leaders tell us about a sermon they can”t forget””and maybe you won”t either.
David Mehrle
David Mehrle serves as lead pastor with Southwest Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He became a Christian while he was in junior high. He has served the church in student ministry and as a lead pastor for more than 22 years. He graduated from St. Louis Christian College and received his master”s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
David”s Best Sermon: The best sermon I have heard is “Speak! Against Culture” by Dr. Shane Wood, professor of New Testament at Ozark Christian College, who also serves on the teaching team at College Heights Christian Church, both in Joplin, Missouri. Watch the sermon at www.chjoplin.org/blog/2017/2/15/speak-against-culture.
Why David likes this sermon: “We are in a season culturally where everyone is fighting for what they believe is the most important topic, issue, or platform. Dr. Wood does an incredible job of calling us back to what should really be our most important platform. [He says,] “˜Church, we are sacrificing people on the altar of truth . . . and it needs to stop. We want to be right more than we want to love. We want to win the argument more than we want to win people to Christ. We use truth as a weapon to murder people. And it needs to stop.” Make sure you are focused on what is most important.”
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson is a graduate of Johnson University Florida in Kissimmee and has served in both youth and preaching ministries for many years. He now serves as discipleship minister with Columbia (Kentucky) Christian Church. His wife, Cindy, and their two children, Michala and Emily, enjoy serving with him.
Tim”s Best Sermon: The best sermon I have heard on depression was by Arron Chambers at Journey Christian Church in Greeley, Colorado, where Arron serves as lead minister. Listen to this sermon at journeychristian.org/media.php?pageID=20&view=mobile.
Why Tim likes this sermon: “”˜Jesus . . . and Depression” boldly and lovingly explains that it is OK to be a Christian and suffer with bouts of depression. I believe this is a quantitative problem in the church that isn”t dealt with outwardly, so many just suffer in silence. Arron”s approach is informative, supportive, and personable. I have shared this message several times as a gift of encouragement, and it is freeing for so many to finally hear it addressed from the pulpit.”
Hoss Ridgeway
Hoss Ridgeway became a follower of Jesus late one night in college after realizing that, though he”d been raised in church, he had never owned his own faith. He surrendered to Christ that night and began following Jesus. He has been in ministry since 1992 and been married to his wife for 23 years. They have one daughter. Hoss is a Christian comedian who travels all over the United States.
Hoss”s Best Sermon: The best sermon I”ve heard on your identity was by Rick Warren. He walked through the success of his book The Purpose-Driven Life, but then introduced the encounter Moses had with God at the burning bush. View this sermon at www.ted.com/talks/rick_warren_on_a_life_of_purpose.
Why Hoss likes this sermon: “This sermon helped me realize how much God puts in our hands. No one is empty-handed, especially when you lay it down before God. Moses held a piece of dead wood, but when he laid it down before God, the wood became alive.”
Amanda Snow
Amanda Snow, along with her husband and rambunctious 1-year-old-son, live in Greenville, North Carolina, where she serves as children”s minister at Christ”s Church. She was blessed to grow up in the church and to be raised by wonderful parents who overflowed with Jesus” love. She is a 2008 graduate of Johnson University, Knoxville, Tennessee. Her passions include introducing kids to Christ and making lifelong disciples.
Amanda”s Best Sermon: The best sermon I”ve heard was “The Way, the Truth, the Life” by Jeff Vines, lead pastor with Christ”s Church of the Valley. Watch this sermon at www.ccvsocal.com/watch/detail/55/278/.
Why Amanda likes this sermon: “This powerful sermon pierced my heart when I was unknowingly going through the motions. Through this message, Jeff reminded me the why of ministry. He explores the tension we experience by coming near a holy God who truly knows us and unmasks us. There is no substitute for intimacy with God. Jesus is the life that brings us near to God, regenerates us, and raises us from the dead. Through him, we have a powerful Spirit that transforms us from the inside out.”
Arron Chambers, a CHRISTIAN STANDARD contributing editor, serves as lead minister with Journey Christian Church, Greeley, Colorado.
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