Church of the City New York

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.

This Sunday, Pastor Jon continued our "We Want You Here" series with a teaching on prayer through tears. Our world is a fallen place, and it has become the cultural norm to be cynical and numb to the pain, injustice, and sin that surrounds us. However, not only has God never gone numb to the world, He invites us to weep our way back to the tenderness of His heart.

Joining the conversation is Pastor Ralph Castillo, a dynamic leader known for his impactful sermons. He shares insights from the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites, emphasizing three key ways believers can fight their battles: advocating for those in need, supporting each other, and celebrating God's victories. Ralph dives into the power of intercessory prayer, illustrating how community support is vital during spiritual challenges. He highlights Jesus as our ultimate intercessor, showing the strength that comes from collective prayer and unity.