Church of the City New York

This Sunday, Pastor Ashley continued our Rediscovering Church series with a teaching on Christian persecution and the appropriate response of the Western Church. While it may appear that persecution is a burden of the past that only the early Church faced, the reality is that one in seven Christians today are facing persecution because of their faith. In light of this realtiy, perhaps the most significant thing we can do with our lives is to live beautiful and compelling lives of faith that echo back to those suffering for their faith that Jesus is indeed worthy.

Pastor Sam Gibson teaches on suffering and endurance, emphasizing the importance of established faith to endure trials. We must be rooted in Truth and seek support from the Holy Spirit and community in seasons of suffering. The podcast also explores navigating pain and trials in the church, recognizing evil and standing firm, navigating challenges during COVID-19, a testimony of healing, doubt and validation, and God's encouragement for perseverance.

In this enlightening conversation, Suzy Silk, a teaching pastor known for her engaging sermons, dives deep into the essence of 'the Word of God.' She highlights its multifaceted nature—ranging from Scripture to the person of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Suzy discusses the declining belief in the Bible's authority among American Christians and calls for a renewed understanding. Practical tips for engaging with Scripture and developing a personal relationship with Jesus underscore the transformative power of faith and community.

This Sunday, Pastor Jon continued the “Rediscovering Church” series, teaching on restoring leadership credibility to a scandalized church with 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and laying out a guide for Godly leadership rooted in Jesus centered motives, methods, and mission.

This Sunday, Pastor Suzy continued our sermon series, Rediscovering Church, with an exploration of the Thessalonians as the model church: what set them apart, what sustained them, and how we can learn from their example to bear fruit that lasts in the church today. As a church in a diverse and bustling city, we have influence in how the gospel is shared and lived out. It is our responsibility to present a beautiful model of following Jesus with deep, theological conviction, and to develop faith in our community that can withstand cultural pressure.

This Sunday, Pastor Keithen Schwahn kicked off our Summer sermon series, Rediscovering Church, a study through 1 Thessalonians, with an overview of the book and an invitation to the church. As the leader of our growing Youth and College ministries, Pastor Keithen holds a unique perspective on what is happening in the next generation, and challenged us to rediscover the church of Jesus now, so that Gen Z can discover it for the first time.

This Sunday, Pastor Jon closed out our “We Want You Here” series with a call to consecration. In a time of theological compromise and the normalization of godlessness, God is calling us to devote ourselves to a Person, to a purpose, and to power through sacrifcal devotion and consecration.

Ashley Anderson, a passionate pastor, shares her insights on the transformative power of prayer for the lost. She emphasizes that every individual is dearly valued by God, regardless of their current faith. The conversation delves into the significance of identity and freedom through a spiritual lens, drawing parallels to historical moments. Anderson highlights the joy in helping others find their way back to faith, the challenges of sharing beliefs among millennials, and the emotional journey of praying for loved ones who are still seeking.

This Sunday, we were joined by Compassion International, and Pastor Jon preached a special sermon on Biblical justice. When we love someone, we want to delight them, and this is what delights God: steadfast love, righteousness, and justice (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Compassion alum, Keewani Cook, was also able to share her powerful testimony about her own impoverished childhood, recieving sponsorship through Compassion, and learning that poverty was not her destiny. God provided a way for Keewani to go to school and start a career, and she ultimately learned—through another's compassion—that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Through stories like Keewani's, we see that what we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus.   If you would like to join Compassion International on mission through the sponsorship of a child we invite you to head over to compassion.com/churchofthecity to see children still in need of sponsors.

This Sunday, Pastor Suzy continued our series “We Want You Here” with a teaching on joining in creation’s chorus of praise through Psalm 148. Today, we are invited to join the chorus of praise that is happening right now in heaven and in creation. Praise unhindered by circumstances and feelings puts us in the right position before God, and allows us to live out our true purpose as His beloved creation.