Central Vineyard Church Sermon Podcast

Three-quarters of the way through the year, with the end now coming into sight, Dan offers a simple encouragement as we consider our lives apprenticing to Jesus: keep going. Drawing on Paul’s encouragement to “train yourself to be godly”, and his own newfound love of running, Dan explores what it means to intentionally train towards a life that looks more like Jesus. Whether you’re enjoying the journey, feeling the grind, or needing to begin again, keep making yourself available to the Spirit, keep practising the things that form you — and keep going.

For some years, Central Vineyard has hoped and prayed for a home of our own. In this special co-leaders message, Dan, Gab, Alisha and Rob share why we sense it is time for a change of posture: from simply hoping for a home, to preparing for one. Together, they explore why places matter, what a permanent home could make possible for our church and our city, the journey we have been on so far, and some of the practical steps we are beginning to take. This isn’t an announcement of a building we’ve found, or a project we need to rush. It’s an invitation for us as a church to begin preparing together — praying, imagining, stewarding and making room for what God might have for Central Vineyard in the years ahead.

Finishing our series, A Body of Many Graces, Dan explores the teaching gift as one of the ways Jesus continues to form and mature His body. Teachers help the Church understand what is true, make sense of complexity, connect Scripture with everyday life, and move from information into faithful practice. Looking at Jesus, the shape of a mature teacher, and examples from across Church history, this message shows how teaching can clarify truth, shape wisdom, deepen discipleship and help the Church stay grounded and discerning. It also considers why the teaching gift needs the rest of the body around it, so that truth remains loving, accessible, Spirit-attentive and connected to mission.

What does it mean to carry the heart of the Good Shepherd? Continuing our series, A Body of Many Graces, Alisha explores the shepherding gift as participation with Jesus in helping people belong, become whole and grow into maturity. Looking to Jesus as the Good Shepherd, this message explores the grace to notice people, move towards the vulnerable and hurting, cultivate healthy community, protect what matters and patiently help others flourish. Alisha also considers the shadow side of shepherding—when care becomes rescuing, comfort replaces growth, or we carry burdens that belong to Jesus—and invites us to become shepherds who love deeply while always pointing people towards the true Good Shepherd.

We are all evangelists for the things we love—but what does it mean to carry the good news of Jesus? Continuing our series, A Body of Many Graces, Dan explores the evangelistic gifting as the grace to communicate good news, build bridges and invite people towards Jesus. Looking to Jesus as our model, this message explores an evangelistic life that moves towards outsiders, makes the Kingdom understandable, proclaims and demonstrates the good news, and invites a response. It also considers the maturity needed to hold clarity, hospitality and boldness together, so that evangelism never becomes pressure or persuasion, but remains a Spirit-led invitation to encounter Jesus. NOTE — THIS IS A RE-RECORDED PODCAST EPISODE DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES ON SUNDAY