JESUS SAVES…The Party

Pastor Dan explores how Jesus was “bad” at starting a religion by modern standards, choosing to focus on a community of twelve friends rather than building an efficient religious machine. Instead of launching a leadership institute, creating a strategic plan, or branding a movement, Jesus prioritized face-to-face interactions, shared meals, and long walks—demonstrating that intimacy and connection must always precede mission. Pastor Dan challenges the congregation to look beyond results-oriented metrics and rediscover the beauty of a faith rooted in simply being with one another and with God.

Warning against the “spiritual disease” of efficiency, Pastor Dan highlights how service without connection leads to resentment and leadership without connection becomes control. He emphasizes that anything done for God that isn’t rooted in being with God will eventually become distorted, regardless of how impressive the end results may appear. As the church moves forward, the priority remains on building a safe, welcoming community where individuals are seen and known, rather than becoming cogs in an industrial machine. This message serves as a call to value the slow, intentional growth of the Kingdom and to keep the “main thing” the main thing: our relationship with God and one another.