Evergreen Church - Bloomington Messages

You might have a few lingering questions about generosity, tithing and how we practically decide how much to give and where to give our money to. We asked the pastors of Hometown to share all the lingering questions that they have received after our Thanks and Giving series and attempted to answer them in this week's podcast.

Sermon in a sentence: “Hope is not something we find, it is Someone who finds us.” Action Step: This week, take one small step toward the light by bringing a hidden fear honestly to God.

Pastor Casey Flynn joins to discuss the importance of a healthy prayer life, his journey of renewing his own prayer life and how to renew your own.

Sermon in a sentence: "Live your life for what outlives you."Action step: Give to the Thank Offering 

This week Oleh Korol from Steiger Ukraine joins the podcast to share an update on the missionary efforts in Ukraine, how the war has affected their ministry and the importance of continuing to share the gospel.

Sermon in a Senrence: "The more you give, the more God gives you."Action Steps:1. Familiarize yourself with the tithe. Listen to Brent’s message from last week.2. Ask yourself: “What does cheerful giving look like for me?”3. Consider giving to Kingdom Builders!

Bryan Haville joins the podcast to discuss his role as deacon and how we can rethink what worship is and how that impacts the way we worship on Sundays.

Sermon in a sentence: Action Steps/Application:More verse references: 2 Corinthians 8:11–12; John 10:17-18

Pastor Spencer Bernard joins the podcast to discuss his role as the Lead Teaching Pastor and overseer of the Sunday Service Experience at Hometown. Is the Sunday service for the visitor or the member? How do you go about putting together a sermon? Should we be preaching expository or topical style?

Sermon in a sentence" “Gratitude requires a response.”Application: Create a gratitude journal

Pastors Deacon Ales and Jim Bosholm join the podcast to discuss the importance and challenges of running a successful kids ministry, their roles in it and why it is one of our Divine Focus ministries at Hometown.

Sermon in a sentence: "If you want uncomplicated relationships, love like Jesus loves."Action Steps:1. Ask, “Who’s hard for me to love right now?”2. Do one unexpected act of love3. Invite Jesus to love them through you.

Sermon in a Sentence: “Godly friendships create sparks that lead to stronger faith.”Application: • Find a Friend Who Causes Friction• Actively Build Strength• Multiply Your Impact 

Sermon in a Sentence: "Lead with faith, love with grace, and trust God with the rest"Application:For parents of young children: Model faith in daily routines and let your child hear you pray this week.For parents of teens: Listen to your teen’s heart, share your story, and encourage them—no matter what.For parents of adult children: Pray for your adult child daily and choose one way this week to show support without controlling

Pastors Jeff Groen and Mike Langlois join the podcast to talk about one area of our Divine Focus as a church: Small Groups. Over the last few years, we have narrowed down our church's focus into 5 specific ministries to become more effective in carrying out our mission to make healthy disciples who passionately love Jesus and authentically love people. Pastors Jeff and Mike oversee one of those five; small groups. They join to share more about their role, the importance of small groups and where we hope to go in the future.

Sermon in a sentence: "A strong marriage isn’t built on feelings but on Christ-like love and sacrifice."Action Steps:Pray together 3x this weekServe intentionally dailyEncourage daily, speak life over your spouse

Sermon in a sentence: "When we live a life of love, we begin to truly love life even when we don’t have a love life."Application:Face the PastForget the FutureLive in the PresentAdditional verse used: Mark 12:29-13

This week we break down the final chapter of Colossians and look back on the message of Paul's letter as a whole.

Sermon in a sentence: "Faith that lasts is faith that multiplies."Action step: Be intentional