A Church for All Perspectives // M-Note 4.25.2026

Thank you Gathering. From the beginning of our ministry, I promised that we would be a church that tackled hard topics and addressed issues that many churches are unwilling to talk about. I also promised that I would not pull punches, but I would share and preach what I think scripture teaches. Since that time, you have been a church that is willing to wrestle with those hard topics, and give me space to preach and teach in ways that challenge you, or that some of you may even disagree with. Those are qualities that make our church really unique, and that is true with our current series Christian in Name Only.

So many of you have written notes of gratitude and support for the current series. There is a collective sense that the church needs to be talking about what is going on in our world. I am really grateful for that support. Some of you differ from me in how you see things. A few of you disagree with some of what I have taught. That is not only ok, it is good. Because we are also a church where everyone does not have to see, believe, or understand things the same way. I am grateful for those of you that talk to me about how you see things differently, and continue to be a part of this community. One church that is able to hold people of differing perspectives is rare, but that is exactly what is happening at The Gathering. Agree or disagree, I value each of you and I am glad you are a part of this church.

I also want to thank all of you that have listened to the series online and shared the message on social media. This current series is setting new records for online engagement and I am grateful that so many people are sharing and listening to the messages. Last week’s sermon along with the series can be viewed and shared here.

This weekend, we will continue the series by talking about a distortion that has been going on for a long time and is perpetuated by people of all theological, ideological, and political perspectives. The church is often drawing lines that keep people out when Jesus radically invites all people in. This message goes to the heart of who we are as a church. I hope that you will be there and continue to be a part of this series.

Before I go, I want to celebrate that so many of you signed up to help with the upcoming respite night for kids with disabilities that we will be able to serve all the families on our wait list (nearly 30 families). We even have more volunteers than are needed which allows us to begin planning for future respite nights. Thank you for being a church that doesn’t just say the words, but does the work of following Jesus in the world.

Have a great weekend, and I will see you in church.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. This weekend is a baptism Sunday. If you are interested in being baptized or recommitting to your baptism, please reach out to your site pastor. Also, if you have been coming to The Gathering a while and are interested in becoming a member of our church, talk to your site pastor about that as well. You can also let us know you want to talk on our app, and we will reach out.