In the World, Not of It: How Christian Leaders Can Stay Rooted in a Changing World

About this sermon

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where do we even begin?”—as a leader, a pastor, or a believer trying to live faithfully in today’s world—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we wrestle honestly with what it means to start where you are, drawing from a powerful story involving Mother Teresa, a former congressman, and the overwhelming realities of human need. The answer she gave was simple, but deeply confronting. I share why the true starting point for believers isn’t cultural trends or reactionary leadership, but being grounded in the Jesus story—rooted in Scripture, historic practices, and the presence of God. We talk about liturgy, public Scripture reading, prayer, and communion not as rigid traditions, but as anchors that help us live in the world without being of it. This grounding creates peace, resilience, and a faith that can withstand cultural pressure. We also explore practical expressions of this vision: grief gatherings instead of coffee breaks, empowering young people through meaningful participation, creating community through shared mission, and offering real hope for the future. This isn’t about going backward—it’s about recovering what keeps us faithful while moving forward together. If you care about the future of the Church, spiritual formation, and intergenerational unity, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Chapters: 00:00 – The Question Every Young Leader Asks: Where Do We Start? 00:19 – A Story from Kolkata That Changes Everything 00:58 – “You Start Where You Are”: A Foundational Principle 01:09 – Why the Jesus Story Must Be the Starting Point 01:52 – Re-Anchoring the Church Through Scripture and Prayer 02:36 – In the World, Not of It: Living Between Two Realities 03:17 – Worship as Entering the Throne Room of God 04:15 – Introducing Liturgy in Charismatic Spaces 05:24 – Seeing the Real Needs Beneath the Surface 06:35 – Community, Mission, and Hope for the Next Generation 09:26 – Turning Hearts: Why We Need Each Other Right Now Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertrstearns/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertrstearns/ Don't forget to PUSH THE BELL to get NOTIFICATIONS of new and upcoming videos.

Topics

• Leadership
• Spiritual Growth