Pastor Jeremy Eastman reflects on the five-year journey of Ignite Church, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and community in fulfilling God's vision for the church and its mission in the region.
In a heartfelt message delivered at Ignite Church, Pastor Jeremy Eastman reflects on the church's five-year journey since moving into its current building. He shares insights about faith, community, and the importance of obedience to God's calling.
Five years ago, Ignite Church began its journey in a new building, a significant milestone that marked the start of a transformative period. Pastor Eastman recalls the uncertainty that surrounded the church at that time, particularly with the impending challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes that without a dedicated space for worship, the church would have faced immense difficulties during the shutdowns.
When Ignite Church launched on April 21, 2019, everything the church owned was stored in a trailer. The congregation experienced the challenges of setting up and tearing down each week. Pastor Eastman expresses gratitude for the obedience of those who stepped forward to support the church's mission, highlighting that their faithfulness has led to the blessings the church enjoys today.
Pastor Eastman shares the excitement of witnessing growth within the church community. He notes that last week, the congregation surpassed 100 attendees for the first time, a clear sign of life and vitality. This growth is attributed to the movement of the Holy Spirit and the collective "yes" from the congregation to God's calling.
The pastor emphasizes the church's mission to spread the gospel and make disciples, as commanded by the Lord. He encourages the congregation to actively engage with their community, addressing the needs around them, including addiction, struggling marriages, and a lack of biblical knowledge among the younger generation.
Drawing from Isaiah 54, Pastor Eastman encourages the church to enlarge their vision and prepare for growth. He stresses that if God has placed a dream in one's heart, it is essential to pursue it actively. Dreams become reality only when individuals take steps toward them, and the church must not remain passive in its mission.
Pastor Eastman highlights the significance of community in fulfilling God's vision. He shares the story of Jacob's dream in Genesis, illustrating that dreams often require a collective effort to bring them to fruition. The church is called to be a family that supports one another in their spiritual journeys.
The pastor discusses the transformative power of praise and worship, emphasizing that it shifts focus from personal struggles to God's greatness. He encourages the congregation to maintain a posture of worship, which fosters a deeper connection with God and strengthens their faith.
Pastor Eastman reminds the congregation that the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer, empowering them to fulfill God's calling. He urges everyone to be vessels of God's love and grace, actively sharing the gospel and meeting the needs of those around them.
As Ignite Church celebrates its five-year anniversary, Pastor Eastman reflects on the journey thus far and the exciting future ahead. He encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith, to continue saying "yes" to God's calling, and to embrace the dreams He has placed in their hearts. The message is clear: the journey is ongoing, and the best is yet to come as they collectively pursue God's vision for their community and beyond.
