Dear Reader,
The world of Christianity and the universal Church have been in major transition over the past ten years. Many of the things that once felt powerful—our ideas, programs, even church traditions—have started to feel empty over time. In my listening, praying, and journaling, it seems to me that God often strips away what’s unnecessary to bring us back to the heart of it all: Jesus. It’s not about doing more church work or chasing spiritual trends; it’s about knowing Him deeply. When the focus shifts from activity to intimacy, the Holy Spirit can renew us, fill us with fresh anointing, and use us to bring real change—first in ourselves, then in our churches, and finally in our cities.
We’ve spent so much time learning about Jesus that we’ve forgotten to become like Him. Christianity isn’t meant to be a system of doctrines or traditions; it’s meant to be a living reflection of Christ. The early disciples were ordinary people transformed by undiluted Jesus, and that same power is available today. The Church doesn’t need more titles or structures; it needs hearts completely surrendered to Him. True leadership and revival come when our deepest passion is to look, live, and love like Jesus. Nothing less will do.
We’ve tried attractional models (I’m still a bit ashamed I’ve given away Xboxes and movie tickets in the past to get people to church!). We’ve tried the megachurch model, where we fill the seats and the bank account but most never find real community or being fully known. We’ve tried the social justice model, where we protest the latest controversy, political agenda, or social issue. We’ve tried to intertwine worldly pursuits with Christian pursuits, only to discover that Jesus received far less attention than Satan. Frankly, we’ve tried everything—except the main thing.
Jesus contrasts His teachings with the heavy and burdensome rules of religious leaders, like the Pharisees, and promises that His own yoke is easy and His burden is light. This offer of rest applies to all kinds of burdens—sin, guilt, hardship, and the emotional weight of worldly troubles—and is fulfilled by a relationship with Him rather than through strict adherence to a demanding, legalistic system or box-checking for better church attendance.
Scripture gave us the perfect model: Jesus. That is attractional. That offers true community. That delivers justice. That, my friends, is the way, the truth, and the life.
Keep seeking. Christ is willing. Are we?
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
The world of Christianity and the universal Church have been in major transition over the past ten years. Many of the things that once felt powerful—our ideas, programs, even church traditions—have started to feel empty over time. In my listening, praying, and journaling, it seems to me that God often strips away what’s unnecessary to bring us back to the heart of it all: Jesus. It’s not about doing more church work or chasing spiritual trends; it’s about knowing Him deeply. When the focus shifts from activity to intimacy, the Holy Spirit can renew us, fill us with fresh anointing, and use us to bring real change—first in ourselves, then in our churches, and finally in our cities.
We’ve spent so much time learning about Jesus that we’ve forgotten to become like Him. Christianity isn’t meant to be a system of doctrines or traditions; it’s meant to be a living reflection of Christ. The early disciples were ordinary people transformed by undiluted Jesus, and that same power is available today. The Church doesn’t need more titles or structures; it needs hearts completely surrendered to Him. True leadership and revival come when our deepest passion is to look, live, and love like Jesus. Nothing less will do.
We’ve tried attractional models (I’m still a bit ashamed I’ve given away Xboxes and movie tickets in the past to get people to church!). We’ve tried the megachurch model, where we fill the seats and the bank account but most never find real community or being fully known. We’ve tried the social justice model, where we protest the latest controversy, political agenda, or social issue. We’ve tried to intertwine worldly pursuits with Christian pursuits, only to discover that Jesus received far less attention than Satan. Frankly, we’ve tried everything—except the main thing.
Jesus contrasts His teachings with the heavy and burdensome rules of religious leaders, like the Pharisees, and promises that His own yoke is easy and His burden is light. This offer of rest applies to all kinds of burdens—sin, guilt, hardship, and the emotional weight of worldly troubles—and is fulfilled by a relationship with Him rather than through strict adherence to a demanding, legalistic system or box-checking for better church attendance.
Scripture gave us the perfect model: Jesus. That is attractional. That offers true community. That delivers justice. That, my friends, is the way, the truth, and the life.
Keep seeking. Christ is willing. Are we?
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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