Forged in the Trenches: Why Men Need Challenge-Based Discipleship

Pastor Matthew Hunt • Lead Pastor
October 15, 2026

7 Minute Read

Forged in the Trenches: Why Men Need Challenge-Based Discipleship

For decades, modern church culture has operated under a passive assumption: if you feed a man enough information, he will eventually transform into a leader, a godly husband, and a disciplined disciple. Yet millions of men sit in pews week after week, intellectually saturated but spiritually, physically, and emotionally stagnant. They know what Jesus commanded, but they lack the habits, capacity, and brotherhood to live it out. Information alone informs the mind, but only embodied challenge transforms the soul.

Jesus did not call His disciples to a classroom lecture series; He called them into a demanding, active lifestyle. True spiritual formation requires dynamic pressure, personal sacrifice, and active practice. This is the heart of the Man Year Playbook—a year-long guide built on challenge-based discipleship that calls men out of passive spectatorship and into active stewardship of their God-given life and strength.

The Limits of Passive Learning vs. Experiential Growth

Lectures, podcasts, and books can inspire, but inspiration fades without active habit integration. A man can read a dozen books on physical fitness without ever lifting a weight, just as he can listen to hundreds of sermons on prayer without ever developing an intimate daily dialogue with God. Challenge-based discipleship bridges this gap by turning abstract principles into concrete daily behaviors. By pairing spiritual discipline with physical capacity, men learn that faith is not merely a set of intellectual beliefs, but a whole-person commitment encompassing heart, soul, mind, and body.

Choose Your Challenge

The Man Year framework forces men to stop treating growth as an abstract dream and instead select concrete, measurable challenges tailored to push them past their comfort zones across multiple life domains. Here are two examples ⏤ one from the Spiritual Module and one form the Physical Module. Each Module (3-month period) you select one of these to accomplish.

Spiritual Module Challenges:

  • Whole-Bible Scriptural Integration: Read through the entire New Testament across 12 weeks while maintaining a daily scripture reflection habit to build biblical fluency.
  • 24-Hour Weekly Fasting: Complete a full 24-hour fast every single week to confront idols, build spiritual hunger, and break dependence on physical comforts.
  • Life-Domain Prayer Blueprint: Write and recite 12 custom prayers tailored to key spheres of a man's life (e.g., spiritual life, vocation, personal hobbies, family) twice daily during quiet reflection.

Physical Module Challenges:

  • Walk to Run (Beginner): Build foundational endurance by completing a full 5K (3.1 miles) continuously without walking.
  • Basic Strength Foundation (Beginner–Intermediate): Master baseline physical strength by executing 20 proper push-ups, 50 bodyweight squats, and a 1-minute plank hold.
  • Flexibility Milestone (All Levels): Improve overall body mobility by holding a straight-leg toe touch for 30 seconds.
  • Dead Hang to Pull-ups (Intermediate): Develop upper-body capability by completing 5 strict pull-ups and holding a 90-second dead hang.
  • Advanced Endurance (Advanced): Push cardiovascular capacity by running a 10K in under 50 minutes.
  • Elite Murph Challenge (Expert): Achieve maximum physical conditioning by completing the Murph challenge (1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1-mile run with a 20lb weight vest) in under 45 minutes.


Building Capacity for the Kingdom

When a man commits to these physical and spiritual challenges, something profound happens. As he pushes through the physical fatigue of a 5K or a set of pull-ups, he builds mental resilience and spiritual endurance. As he fasts for 24 hours, he learns that his appetites do not rule him—God does. When he prays intentionally for his vocation, hobbies, and family each day, he stops compartmentalizing his faith and begins surrendering every square inch of his life to Christ.

Furthermore, this program removes isolation by embedding men into battle partnerships. Men do not climb mountains alone. In locking arms with a brother, sharing daily reports, and holding each other accountable through failure and victory, men forge deep, iron-sharpens-iron relationships that last a lifetime.

The Call to Action

We do not need another study guide to file away on a shelf. We need an arena to test our faith, strengthen our bodies, and deepen our devotion. If you are tired of spiritual mediocrity, passive routine, and unchecked gaps in your life, it is time to step into the challenge. Choose your challenges, lock arms with your brothers, and discover what God can do in a man who surrenders his whole self—body, mind, and spirit—to the King. Let’s Go!


REGISTER FOR MAN YEAR


Common Questions

1. "I’m out of shape / I have an injury. Is the physical challenge going to kill me?"

No. This program is built around your baseline, not a one-size-fits-all standard. The physical module explicitly offers eight scaled options—ranging from a beginner "Walk to Run 5K" or basic stretching and flexibility milestones all the way to advanced strength complexes and the elite Murph challenge. If you are recovering from surgery or dealing with physical limitations, the goal is simply to push past your personal comfort zone and steward the body God gave you, not to break yourself or compete with the guy sitting next to you.


2. "I’m already super busy with work and my family. How am I supposed to fit all of this in?"

Most of us aren't lacking time; we're lacking structure and wasting energy on things that don't give us life. Man Year is designed to fit into real life, not pull you away from it. The daily habits take roughly 15 to 30 minutes total throughout your day (e.g., setting a phone alarm for a 2-minute prayer, doing push-ups during a work break, or listening to the New Testament on your morning commute). By cutting out mindless scrolling, passive television, or wasted time, you’ll actually find that the discipline of the program gives you more energy and focus for your family and work, rather than taking it away.


3. "What if I fail or can’t keep up with the weekly fasts or reading plans?"

Failure isn't missing a rep or breaking a fast early; failure is quitting and going back to isolation. The whole point of doing this in a core group with a Battle Partner is that nobody executes this perfectly. When you hit a wall, stumble on a goal, or have a rough week, your brothers are there to call you up, encourage you, and help you adjust. Man Year isn't about perfectionism; it's about direction, consistency, and learning how to get back up when you miss the mark.

4. "Why do I need a formal 1-year program? Can't I just read my Bible and workout on my own?"

You could—but if you're honest with yourself, how has that strategy been working so far? Most men have high aspirations but stay stuck in the same gaps for years because they lack two things: a clear, proven path and real accountability. Information and good intentions don't transform a man—embodied practice done alongside other committed men does. Man Year gives you a structured, 52-week framework and a group of brothers who won't let you drift.

5. "Isn’t this just like a bunch of homework?"

It can look that way on paper, but Man Year is a gym membership for your whole life, not a school assignment.Homework is meant to prove to a teacher that you read a book; these daily rhythms (like 10 minutes of quiet prayer or 20 push-ups) are designed to build your personal capacity, strength, and intimacy with God. You aren't turning in papers to get a grade—you are building concrete habits that directly impact how you show up for your family, your job, and your community. If it feels burdensome, you're looking at it as an obligation rather than an investment in the man you want to become.


REGISTER FOR MAN YEAR

Stay connected by subscribing below so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Church News & Updates Updates

By subscribing, you agree to receive email communication from Faith Church. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Up Next
From this Collection: Church News & Updates
Currently Reading
October 15, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Forged in the Trenches: Why Men Need Challenge-Based Discipleship
Forged in the Trenches: Why Men Need Challenge-Based Discipleship For decades, modern church culture has operated under a passive assumption: if you feed a man enough information, he will eventually transform into a leader, a godly husband, and a disciplined disciple. Yet millions of men sit in pews week after week, intellectually saturated but spiritually, physically, and emotionally stagnant. They know what Jesus commanded, but they lack the habits, capacity, and brotherhood to live it out. Information alone informs the mind, but only embodied challenge transforms the soul. Jesus did not call His disciples to a classroom lecture series; He called them into a demanding, active lifestyle. True spiritual formation requires dynamic pressure, personal sacrifice, and active practice. This is the heart of the Man Year Playbook—a year-long guide built on challenge-based discipleship that calls men out of passive spectatorship and into active stewardship of their God-given life and strength. The Limits of Passive Learning vs. Experiential Growth Lectures, podcasts, and books can inspire, but inspiration fades without active habit integration. A man can read a dozen books on physical fitness without ever lifting a weight, just as he can listen to hundreds of sermons on prayer without ever developing an intimate daily dialogue with God. Challenge-based discipleship bridges this gap by turning abstract principles into concrete daily behaviors. By pairing spiritual discipline with physical capacity, men learn that faith is not merely a set of intellectual beliefs, but a whole-person commitment encompassing heart, soul, mind, and body. Choose Your Challenge The Man Year framework forces men to stop treating growth as an abstract dream and instead select concrete, measurable challenges tailored to push them past their comfort zones across multiple life domains. Here are two examples ⏤ one from the Spiritual Module and one form the Physical Module. Each Module (3-month period) you select one of these to accomplish. Spiritual Module Challenges: Whole-Bible Scriptural Integration: Read through the entire New Testament across 12 weeks while maintaining a daily scripture reflection habit to build biblical fluency. 24-Hour Weekly Fasting: Complete a full 24-hour fast every single week to confront idols, build spiritual hunger, and break dependence on physical comforts. Life-Domain Prayer Blueprint: Write and recite 12 custom prayers tailored to key spheres of a man's life (e.g., spiritual life, vocation, personal hobbies, family) twice daily during quiet reflection. Physical Module Challenges: Walk to Run (Beginner): Build foundational endurance by completing a full 5K (3.1 miles) continuously without walking. Basic Strength Foundation (Beginner–Intermediate): Master baseline physical strength by executing 20 proper push-ups, 50 bodyweight squats, and a 1-minute plank hold. Flexibility Milestone (All Levels): Improve overall body mobility by holding a straight-leg toe touch for 30 seconds. Dead Hang to Pull-ups (Intermediate): Develop upper-body capability by completing 5 strict pull-ups and holding a 90-second dead hang. Advanced Endurance (Advanced): Push cardiovascular capacity by running a 10K in under 50 minutes. Elite Murph Challenge (Expert): Achieve maximum physical conditioning by completing the Murph challenge (1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1-mile run with a 20lb weight vest) in under 45 minutes. Building Capacity for the Kingdom When a man commits to these physical and spiritual challenges, something profound happens. As he pushes through the physical fatigue of a 5K or a set of pull-ups, he builds mental resilience and spiritual endurance. As he fasts for 24 hours, he learns that his appetites do not rule him—God does. When he prays intentionally for his vocation, hobbies, and family each day, he stops compartmentalizing his faith and begins surrendering every square inch of his life to Christ. Furthermore, this program removes isolation by embedding men into battle partnerships. Men do not climb mountains alone. In locking arms with a brother, sharing daily reports, and holding each other accountable through failure and victory, men forge deep, iron-sharpens-iron relationships that last a lifetime. The Call to Action We do not need another study guide to file away on a shelf. We need an arena to test our faith, strengthen our bodies, and deepen our devotion. If you are tired of spiritual mediocrity, passive routine, and unchecked gaps in your life, it is time to step into the challenge. Choose your challenges, lock arms with your brothers, and discover what God can do in a man who surrenders his whole self—body, mind, and spirit—to the King. Let’s Go! REGISTER FOR MAN YEAR Common Questions 1. "I’m out of shape / I have an injury. Is the physical challenge going to kill me?" No. This program is built around your baseline, not a one-size-fits-all standard. The physical module explicitly offers eight scaled options—ranging from a beginner "Walk to Run 5K" or basic stretching and flexibility milestones all the way to advanced strength complexes and the elite Murph challenge. If you are recovering from surgery or dealing with physical limitations, the goal is simply to push past your personal comfort zone and steward the body God gave you, not to break yourself or compete with the guy sitting next to you. 2. "I’m already super busy with work and my family. How am I supposed to fit all of this in?" Most of us aren't lacking time; we're lacking structure and wasting energy on things that don't give us life. Man Year is designed to fit into real life, not pull you away from it. The daily habits take roughly 15 to 30 minutes total throughout your day (e.g., setting a phone alarm for a 2-minute prayer, doing push-ups during a work break, or listening to the New Testament on your morning commute). By cutting out mindless scrolling, passive television, or wasted time, you’ll actually find that the discipline of the program gives you more energy and focus for your family and work, rather than taking it away. 3. "What if I fail or can’t keep up with the weekly fasts or reading plans?" Failure isn't missing a rep or breaking a fast early; failure is quitting and going back to isolation. The whole point of doing this in a core group with a Battle Partner is that nobody executes this perfectly. When you hit a wall, stumble on a goal, or have a rough week, your brothers are there to call you up, encourage you, and help you adjust. Man Year isn't about perfectionism; it's about direction, consistency, and learning how to get back up when you miss the mark. 4. "Why do I need a formal 1-year program? Can't I just read my Bible and workout on my own?" You could—but if you're honest with yourself, how has that strategy been working so far? Most men have high aspirations but stay stuck in the same gaps for years because they lack two things: a clear, proven path and real accountability. Information and good intentions don't transform a man—embodied practice done alongside other committed men does. Man Year gives you a structured, 52-week framework and a group of brothers who won't let you drift. 5. "Isn’t this just like a bunch of homework?" It can look that way on paper, but Man Year is a gym membership for your whole life, not a school assignment.Homework is meant to prove to a teacher that you read a book; these daily rhythms (like 10 minutes of quiet prayer or 20 push-ups) are designed to build your personal capacity, strength, and intimacy with God. You aren't turning in papers to get a grade—you are building concrete habits that directly impact how you show up for your family, your job, and your community. If it feels burdensome, you're looking at it as an obligation rather than an investment in the man you want to become. REGISTER FOR MAN YEAR

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

October 11, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
FC Weekly
Main Teaching Text: Luke 8:1-10 The Word works, and every word is a seed that holds the potential of a harvest. God gives us good, hearty seeds and sends His presence to make the seeds to grow, but those seeds will only yield a harvest if we have done our part to cultivate fertile soil. Soil is the linchpin, or the vital thing that everything else depends on. For example, our ministry teams are the linchpin of our services. If we didn’t have the incredible teams that we have, our Sunday services would be impossible... or at least incredibly chaotic. Just like seeds won’t grow without healthy soil, the condition of the heart determines what happens to the Word when it is received. The condition of your heart has little to do with how you feel about Jesus and a lot to do with your allegiance to Jesus. Your heart condition is the sum total of your lived experience. If you want to check the condition of your soil, look at your habits, priorities, and actions. It’s from your heart that you live out your life. The four types of heart soils: 1. Path-worn hearts have been trampled by the world, blinded by the enemy, and lack hope. These hardened hearts are not simply emotional coldness, but intellectual refusal to think rightly about God’s Kingdom. 2. Rocky hearts have an enthusiastic start, but can’t take the heat when things get hard. They tend to believe following God shouldn’t be hard and God’s main goal is to make them happy in life. It’s not that the spiritual growth wasn’t real, it just wasn’t rooted. 3. Thorny hearts have been crowded out by competing concerns. Worry, busyness, and the pursuit of happiness, money and comfort have taken priority. They tend to believe and even pray, but there isn’t enough room for the seeds to produce as much fruit as the seed was meant to. 4. Fertile hearts listen with openness. The Word shapes every decision they make, produce slow growing and visible fruit. They tend to be generous and genuinely hunger for the Presence of God. Every seed will produce some kind of harvest. Whatever you sow, you will reap. Take a moment to sit with the Lord today and ask yourself this question: What is making it hard for me to hear, hold on to, or live out God’s Word right now? What do I need to clear out of my heart? Have a wonderful week! Taylor and the Team Ways to Engage Consecration Sunday is coming up on October 25! Water Baptism, Family and Child Dedication, New Church Partner Recognition, and a whole lot of celebration! You can find more information on all things Consecration Sunday here. Man Year registration is OPEN, but you can't register alone! Men, this is your reminder to invite a friend or two into our first Man Year Cohort. Registration closes October 24! You can read more here. Worship Through the Week We Make Space - Jonathan Melissa Helser Holy and Anointed One Nothing Else - Cody Carnes Fall Like Rain - Kari Jobe Check out our Sunday Set Spotify Playlist! Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at Jesus’ teaching on seeds and soil. Read Luke 8:1-21. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you? What does the parable of the soils teach us about the nature of the Word of God? What are some competing concerns in your life that may be choking your spiritual growth? What specific actions do you want to take in obedience to the word this week?

Taylor Qualls

Worship and Creative Director

October 9, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Jesus Is Not Looking for a “Like”—He’s Calling for Allegiance, #Faith4TodayPodcast
Jesus Is Not Looking for a “Like”—He’s Calling for Allegiance We live in a world of quick agreements. Click “I agree.” Check the box. Accept the terms and conditions that none of us actually read. (Let’s be honest—if the terms and conditions were a sermon, most of us would have left after point two.) But following Jesus is not a quick agreement with a few facts about Him. In Mark 1, Jesus arrives announcing that the kingdom of God has come near. His invitation is simple: repent and believe the good news. Repentance is more than feeling sorry. It is a change of mind and direction. It is turning away from the things that have been ruling us. It’s turning toward King Jesus and away from comfort, money, achievement, fear, our own opinions, or the little kingdom we are trying to build. And belief is more than agreeing that Jesus existed, died, and rose again. Biblical belief is trust we embody. It is loyalty. It is allegiance. Jesus is not looking for a casual thumbs-up. He is inviting us to live under His loving rule. That is why baptism matters. Baptism is not the finish line of faith; it is the beginning of a new life. It is a public declaration: “My old life is no longer in charge. Jesus is King, and I belong to Him.” But then comes the wilderness. Jesus was baptized, affirmed by the Father, filled with the Spirit—and then led into the wilderness to be tempted. That is worth remembering when life gets hard. The wilderness is not always proof that we have missed God. Sometimes it is where our trust, character, and allegiance are formed. The wilderness exposes what is really ruling our hearts. Will we trust God when life is uncomfortable? Will we obey when no one is applauding? Will we keep following Jesus when the quick solution, the easy shortcut, or the old habit is calling our name? The good news is that we are not left alone in those moments. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit. We have been given everything we need to grow in godliness, not because we are strong enough on our own, but because God is at work in us. Salvation is not merely a one-time transaction where we pray a prayer, receive a receipt, and put it in a spiritual filing cabinet somewhere. God rescues us, adopts us, forgives us, makes us new, and continues to shape us into the likeness of Jesus. Past. Present. Future. He starts the work. He sustains the work. And one day, He will finish the work. In between, we participate in loyal allegiance to Him alone. We yield. We repent. We obey. We keep in step with the Spirit. We get back up when we fall. We learn to love what God loves and let go of the things that keep pulling us away from Him. Following Jesus is a lifelong apprenticeship. So today, consider this: What has your allegiance? What gets your first attention, your deepest trust, your greatest energy, or your strongest fear? Those things may not all be bad—but they make terrible kings. Jesus is King. His kingdom has come near. And His invitation still stands: turn, trust, and follow Him.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 30, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
From Overwhelmed to Overcoming - #Faith4TodayPodcast
From Overwhelmed to Overcoming Sometimes the problem in front of us feels bigger than our ability to solve it. It may be a broken relationship, a struggle in our community, a challenge at work, a need in our church, or something happening in our family that we did not create and do not know how to fix. We see the need clearly, but we do not have the resources, authority, experience, or answers to make it better. That is where Nehemiah found himself. When he heard that Jerusalem’s walls were broken down and its people were vulnerable, he was devastated. He was far from the city. He had no army, no construction experience, and no obvious authority to rebuild what had been ruined. But Nehemiah did not allow the size of the problem to lead him into despair. He prayed. Before Nehemiah ever made a request of the king, he wept, fasted, confessed, and sought God. He allowed his grief to become a holy burden instead of mere worry. He did not rush into action, blame others, or add his voice to the noise surrounding the problem. He prayed until God gave him clarity. This is an important lesson for us. We often see a problem and immediately want to comment on it, complain about it, or offer a solution. But Nehemiah shows us a better way: bring the burden to God before bringing it to everyone else. Prayer does not make us passive. It prepares us for faithful action. Nehemiah prayed for months, and when the opportunity came, he was ready. He had a vision, but he also had a plan. He knew what he needed: safe passage, letters of authority, timber, and support. His faith was not vague optimism. It was humble trust in God paired with wise preparation. Faith is neither passive waiting nor self-reliant striving. Faith is prepared obedience. Maybe there is a burden God keeps putting in front of you. It may be something broken in your family, workplace, neighborhood, or church. You may not have caused it, but you cannot seem to look away from it. Before assuming you are supposed to fix it, ask God what He is inviting you to do. Perhaps He is calling you to pray. Perhaps He is calling you to repent, forgive, serve, speak up, make a plan, or take one courageous next step. Not everyone who notices a problem has been given the assignment to lead the solution. But every burden can become an invitation to seek God. Nehemiah also teaches us to carry sorrow without becoming cynical. He grieved honestly, but he did not give up hope. He acknowledged what was broken, but he trusted that God could bring renewal. He waited, prepared, acted with courage, and rallied others to join the work. That is the pattern of overcoming. We pray. We listen. We prepare. We act. We stay faithful when opposition comes. And we remember that breakthrough is not always an immediate change in our circumstances. Often, God’s deepest work is what He is doing in us—forming courage, humility, perseverance, and faith. You may feel overwhelmed today. But the rubble in front of you is not bigger than God’s ability to meet you there. Start with prayer. Carry the burden with humility. Make room for God to give you wisdom. Then, when He opens the door, take the next faithful step. God still uses ordinary people who are willing to pray bold prayers, plan, and act in courageous faith.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
When a Full Life Still Feels Empty - #Faith4TodayPodcast
When a Full Life Still Feels Empty Have you ever worked hard, stayed busy, and still felt strangely empty? Haggai 1 speaks directly into that experience. God’s people had returned from exile with an opportunity to rebuild—not only their city, but their worship and identity as His people. Yet opposition discouraged them, and over time they shifted their energy toward their own homes, comforts, and security while God’s house remained unfinished. They were not lazy. They were working. But they planted much and harvested little. They ate but were never satisfied. They earned wages, but it felt like putting money into a bag with holes. The problem was not that they had homes, jobs, or resources. Those things are not bad. The problem was that their priorities had shifted. Comfort, self-protection, and material success had quietly become the center of their lives. And it left them empty. God’s invitation through Haggai was not shame. It was a loving call to wake up: “Consider your ways.” That invitation still matters for us today. We can fill our lives with good things (work, family, goals, health, finances, experiences, etc) and still miss the source of the life we actually long for. God never intended for us to build a life apart from His presence. The goal of following Jesus is not simply better behavior, greater achievement, or a more polished life. The goal is union with God. It is learning to live with Him at the center of every part of our lives. That changes the questions we ask. Instead of only asking, “Will this make me more comfortable?” we can ask, “Will this move me closer to God?” Instead of asking, “What will benefit me most?” we can ask, “How can I honor God in this decision?” God’s blessing is not for sale. We cannot earn His favor through religious activity, generosity, or spiritual routines. But our actions do shape our affections. Prayer, Scripture, generosity, worship, hospitality, and obedience are not transactions meant to impress God. They are practical ways of turning our hearts back toward Him. We cannot simply think our way into devotion. We have to practice our way into it. That is why small habits matter. Giving God the first few minutes of the day before opening social media. Pausing to pray before reacting. Reading Scripture before the noise of the day takes over. Reaching out to a friend. Creating room for worship, rest, generosity, and service. These habits are not about perfection. They are a trellis—a simple structure that helps our lives grow in the right direction. Haggai reminds us that when we put God first, we are not losing our lives. We are returning to the life we were made for. So take a moment this week and honestly consider your ways. Where have comfort, fear, busyness, or self-protection become the practical center of your life? What small step could help you draw near to God again? His invitation is not condemnation. It is presence. When we return to Him, we find the strength, grace, and fullness we have been missing. Watch & Subscribe to the #Faith4TodayPodcast

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

October 4, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
FC Weekly
Teaching Text: Mark 1:1-15 If you’re reading this email, you likely consider yourself to be a follower of Jesus. Followers of Jesus know the cost of following is often our own comforts and selfish desires. While that cost is...well...costly, He’s also worthy. Jesus Himself was confronted with the same temptations we face after He was baptized. In fact, Mark tells us that Jesus was immediately into the wilderness by the same Holy Spirit that descended on Him after He came up from the waters. In this wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan and tormented by the wild beasts (commonly referencing demons/evil spirits) for forty days. It was in those forty days that Jesus was able to reverse, represent, and perfectly redo everything that Israel and all of human history had failed to do in the story up to that point. He was able to resist. Today’s teaching text reminds us that water baptism isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning. This is an encouraging thought for those of us who have been baptized and find ourselves wondering, “Why is this so hard? Am I doing this right?” Allegiance isn’t easy, but it’s required. The Messiah King calls us to turn our allegiance from satan and self to Him as King and Savior, and that process isn’t easy. What does it look like to switch our allegiance to Jesus? Realize your sin. This is prompted by the Holy Spirit. (John 16) Repent, making a public recognition of allegiance like water baptism. Receive the Spirit, being adopted as sons and daughters. Renewal in living in ongoing sanctification and freedom. Represent the King’s purpose by inviting others to “repent and believe.” Being truly allegiant to Jesus isn’t always easy, but He’s always worthy of our allegiance. Love ya, friends! Taylor Qualls and the Team Ways to Engage First Wednesday Prayer, October 7 @ 7pm - Yes, again. First Wednesday is one of those events that we do every month, but it’s never the same. Want to up your resisitance? We are fasting as a church from sunrise to sunset on First Wednesday of each month, and you can too! Day of Prayer is October 17! This is our first whole-day prayer event. We are kicking it old school and only having on-site signups. No links for this one! To sign up for a spot, grab a sticky note with the time you signed up for and write your name in that spot. Yes, you. ;) There are two more opportunities to sign up- First Wednesday (because you’re definitely coming to that, right?), or Sunday, October 11. Consecration Sunday is coming up on October 25! Water Baptism, Family and Child Dedication, New Church Partner Recognition, and a whole lot of celebration! You can find more information on all things Consecration Sunday here. Man Year registration is OPEN, but you can't register alone! Men, this is your reminder to invite a friend or two into our first Man Year Cohort. Registration closes October 24! You can read more about this here, or find it under the "Ways to Engage" drop down menu on our faithchurchks.org homepage. Worship Through the Week Awake My Soul - Hillsong Who Else - Gateway Worship Alabaster Heart - Bethel Worship Worthy of it All - Brymer/Hall Check out our Sunday Set Spotify Playlist! Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at Jesus’ main invitation and message. Read MARK 1:1-15. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you? In what ways does Jesus' baptism differ from John’s baptism based on the teachings in Mark 1, Luke 3, and Matthew 3.? How can we practically demonstrate our allegiance to Jesus as our Saving King in our daily lives? What do you think are the implications of being 'new creations' in Christ as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17? What specific actions do you want to take in obedience to Word this week?

Taylor Qualls

Worship and Creative Director

October 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Day of Prayer
On Saturday, October 17th we are hosting a Day of Prayer at Faith Church from 7am to 7pm. You are invited to participate in this day of intercession by signing up to pray on-site during a 30-minute time slot. The Basics (garage door) room will be transformed into a prayer room, set up comfortably for your time of individual prayer, and printed prayer prompts will be provided. These prompts focus on the people and ministry of our church, and are provided so we can individually seek God with unified prayers as we invite His Transforming Presence into our church. While the prayer time is individual in nature, there will be others sharing the space. Please be considerate of others' personal prayer time. Sign-ups will be available on Sundays, October 4th and 11th. Stop by the display on the garage door of our lobby to choose your time(s), grab your reminder slip(s), and write your name on the board! There is not an online sign-up, so be sure to visit the display in the lobby! A note about kids: There will not be childcare at this event. If your kids can pray on their own for 30 minutes, sign them up! There will be multiple people in the room during each prayer slot, so please be courteous of others’ prayer time by helping to create a quiet environment.

Carie Fess

Spiritual Formation Pastor

September 27, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
FC Weekly
Have you ever looked at something broken and felt tired before you even began? That is where Nehemiah’s story meets us. Jerusalem was in ruins, the walls were broken down, and the need was far bigger than one person could fix. But Sunday’s message reminded us that faith does not pretend the rubble is small. Faith brings the burden to God, then takes the next obedient step. You can relisten here. I found Nehemiah’s response both challenging and encouraging. He did not rush into action to prove himself. He prayed. He repented. He fasted. He let the burden drive him toward God before it moved him toward people. And then, when the moment came, he was bold. Not arrogant. Not demanding. Bold because he had already been honest before the Lord. Some of us are carrying places that feel like rubble: family strain, discouragement, church hurt, personal disappointment, or obedience we keep delaying. The invitation this week is simple, but not easy: pray first, pray boldly, and choose bravery in the relationships and assignments God has given you. God still strengthens hands for good work. You are loved, Clayton and the Team Formation Course The Formation Course is the ideal place to start your journey toward a healthy life of faith. This ten-week journey equips you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Along the journey, you’ll receive fresh inspiration, strength for your soul, and simple practices that help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily rhythm. The meetings have already started, but there are a couple of seats still left. You will need to register, as seats are limited. Basics Come discover what it means to be rooted in God’s family and grow as an apprentice of Jesus alongside the Faith Church community. Join us for Basics, a welcoming two-week class on the first two Sundays of the month during the 10:45 service—everyone is welcome! You can RSVP on the Hub: FaithChurchKS.org Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at moving beyond feeling overwhelmed to living as an overcomer. Read Nehemiah 2:1-20. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you? In what specific areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed? What role does repentance play in Nehemiah's journey and how can it apply to our lives? Read Hebrews 4:12-16. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What does it mean to approach God with boldness? What specific actions do you want to take in obedience to Word this week? Worship Through the Week The Bible tells us that every word spoken by God is true, right? Right. One truth isn't more or less true than another, so why is it so easy to believe that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, but it's so hard to believe you were worth dying for? You can’t believe one statement or fact and not the other. The Truth is the Truth. He died for you. He saved you. He loves you. What a God! Sunday Set: You Saved Me - UPPERROOM (”This heart of mine was so far gone, but You came crashing in with a love so strong...”) Lamb of God - UPPERROOM (”Who has believed the word of the Lord?...that He would come and bleed out for me, tearing His flesh for my unbelief...”) What a God - SEU Worship (”No treasure of this life could ever satisfy. God, You are my everything.”) Check out our Sunday Set Spotify Playlist!

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

September 26, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Man Year Cohort begins October 25
Most men know they have a deficit in their life. They feel the gaps in their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual lives–but they haven’t closed the gap or shown much change over the years of their life. And they want to change but there’s no path or program. They have no outlet for transformation. You can sit in church for ten years, sit in 15 bible studies, and listen to as many podcasts as you want. And you stay the same. Why is that? Here’s the cold hard truth. Without the content, and without the community, almost every single man will have high aspirations but fall short of almost all of them. What exactly is Man Year? Man Year is a 52-week CHALLENGE curriculum for Christian men to become more like Jesus. Because here's the truth. Most men are not healthy... Physically Mentally Spiritually And Emotionally We tend to be strong in one or two areas while neglecting the others. Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to, "Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." To become true disciples of Jesus, we can't section ourselves off. We can't give Him a piece of ourselves and withhold the rest. No, Jesus wants you to love Him with everything you've got. That's why Man Year was created as a challenge for Christian men to reorient their entire lives toward God over the course of one year in a community of brothers. The 52 weeks are broken up into 4 parts. Each quarter, we will focus on one of the 4 domains I mentioned above. During that quarter, you will work through curriculum and pursue a challenge(s) to help you grow in that area. For example, for the Spiritual domain, you might do a 24-hour fast, one day per week. For the emotional domain, you have to write a 2-page 'legacy letter' to your loved ones as if you were to die tomorrow. The only catch? You're not allowed to join Man Year alone. If you try, the system will literally kick you out. No more "lone-wolfing" your faith journey. If the King of Kings needed a community of brothers, you do too. This is not casual. This is not another small group. Not another book club. It's a covenant. A challenge. A battle cry. One year. Four domains. Two or more brothers. Countless opportunities for God to radically transform your life. This a costly and valued investment. The program cost is $225 or 12 payments of $23/mo. Are you up for it? Are you ready to see what God can do when you give Him everything for 52 weeks? Here is what to do next: Read the commitment Text 2 or more guys right now and ask them to prayerfully consider joining you in this. Then, register.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
God’s Favor in a Pressure-Filled World
God’s Favor in an Anxious World What do we do when the pressure rises, the future feels unclear, and anxiety seems to spread through every space we find ourselves? Daniel 2 gives us a compelling answer. King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a dream he could not understand. His anxiety quickly became a crisis for everyone around him. He demanded answers no one could give, and the consequences were severe. Daniel was caught in the same danger as everyone else, but he responded differently. He did not panic. He did not protest. He did not try to control an outcome that was beyond his power. Daniel prayed. Before he stood before a king, Daniel gathered his trusted friends and asked God for mercy and wisdom. In a world full of upheaval, he became a steady, prayerful presence. That is the invitation for us, too. Anxiety often reveals what we have been leaning on. When our security is rooted in circumstances, comfort, people, institutions, or outcomes we cannot control, pressure exposes just how shaky those foundations can be. Daniel reminds us that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken even when everything around us feels uncertain. Favor does not always mean favorable circumstances. Daniel was living in exile, surrounded by a culture that did not honor God and did not make life easy for God’s people. Yet he experienced God’s favor because he remained faithful, wise, humble, and prayerful. He did not spend his energy echoing the panic around him. He did not become known for criticism, gossip, or outrage. Instead, Daniel brought something valuable to the situation: wisdom, courage, integrity, and solutions that no one else could find. That is what it means to be a faithful witness. We do not have to be the loudest voice in the room to point people toward God. Sometimes our strongest witness is becoming the person who brings peace instead of panic, solutions instead of complaints, and prayer instead of fear. Daniel had an “extraordinary spirit.” He consistently did the extra that ordinary people would not do. He showed up with diligence, excellence, and wisdom. Not to prove he was better than anyone else, but because God had gifted him and empowered him to serve faithfully where he was. Whatever your sphere of influence may be—your home, workplace, school, church, neighborhood, or community—God can use your steady faithfulness to make room for His truth. And it begins with prayer. When life feels unfavorable, favor prayer. Prayer helps us remember who God is. It lifts our eyes above our circumstances and realigns our hearts with His power, wisdom, and goodness. When we do not know what to pray, we can pray Scripture. We can open the Psalms, pray the promises of God, or let worship give language to what is happening in our hearts. Prayer is not pretending that the pressure is not real. It is choosing to believe that God is greater than the pressure. Daniel’s story also reminds us that our hope is not ultimately in any earthly kingdom. Kingdoms rise and fall. Systems change. Leaders come and go. But Jesus is King, and His kingdom will never be shaken. So when the world around you is anxious, do not feel compelled to add to the noise. Slow down. Pray. Gather trusted people around you. Ask God for wisdom. Show up with humility and excellence. You may not be able to control the outcome, but you can become a non-anxious presence who points others toward the unshakable kingdom of God.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 20, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
FC Weekly
You can have more and still feel strangely empty. That was the tension in Sunday’s message from Haggai (you can relisten here). God’s people had returned from exile, but the work of worship had stalled. Their own houses were being built, their own comfort was being protected, and yet life still felt thin — planting much but harvesting little, eating without satisfaction, earning wages that seemed to disappear. Haggai’s word is not just about a temple project. It is about misplaced love. When God is pushed to the margins, even good things become hollow. Comfort cannot do what communion with God was meant to do. And the call back is not transactional. God is not selling blessing in exchange for obedience. He is inviting His people to return to the life His presence makes possible. Our habits, generosity, worship, and obedience become openings where grace reshapes our hearts. So this week, think carefully about your ways. Not with shame, but with honesty. Where have your actions been leading your affections? What small act of obedience could help re-center your life around God again? He is not trying to take life from us. He is calling us back to the only place life is found. You are loved, Clayton and the Team Ways to Engage Formation Course starts this Sunday evening. Still a couple of seats available; registration is required. Starts TONIGHT - SEPTEMBER 20 - Register here. Podcast / Sermon questions Ever have a question about the sermon? You have a chance to land your question right in Pastor Matthew's inbox, which he will answer on his Podcast. Also, he will cover more information that he didn't get to include in the Sunday message! You’ll find links to ‘ask a question‘ AND to the podcast right on our homepage! Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at cultivating devotion to God. Read Haggai 1:2-11. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent? In what ways does Haggai's message challenge our modern views on consumerism and materialism? How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God in a culture that often emphasizes individualism? Read James 4:5-10. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What specific actions will you take to realign our priorities in favor of God’s interests over our own comforts?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor

August 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
FC Weekly
It is easy to mistake discontentment for vision. That was one of the tensions in Sunday’s message from Habakkuk 2 (you can relisten here). We live in a world full of goals, upgrades, options, and curated pictures of “more.” But not every vision for more is from God. Sometimes it is just comparison with promises that will never be fulfilled. Habakkuk gives us something better. He shows us that God is the right place to take our pain, questions, disappointment, and complaints. Lament brings our trouble toward God. It does not deny the ache, but it refuses to let the ache become the loudest truth. And then God gives vision—not first for a bigger life out there, but for a more faithful life right here. More of Him. More contentment. More rootedness. More courage to resist the restless pull of comparison and stay faithful where He has planted us. So this week, fight for contentment. Practice real friendship. Choose rootedness over endless options. Ask God not only what you want to accomplish, but also what kind of person He is forming you to become. You are loved. Clayton and the Team Basics Join us for Basics—a two-week class where we explore being rooted in God’s family, grow as an apprentice of Jesus, and discover your place at Faith Church. Meet us during the 10:45 service on the first two Sundays of the month in the Garage Door Room. RSVP today! Formation Course The Formation Course is the ideal starting place to catapult you toward a healthy life of faith. This ten-week journey equips you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Along the journey, you’ll receive fresh inspiration, strength for your soul, and simple practices that help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily rhythm. The meetings will start on September 20 and take place on Sunday evenings. You will need to register, as seats are limited. Talk it over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your group). This week we looked at God’s vision for us to experience Him more. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Habakkuk 2:1-6. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What does your vision for more of God look like? What kind of person are you wanting to become? What one or two areas do you want to see changed? Why does living with godly vision matter? What are the dangers of living with discontentment in your life? Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. What are some things the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you? In the sermon, we heard that fighting for contentment is fueled by spiritual friendships and rooted in stability. Which one do you want to strengthen in your life? How can you begin strengthening that?

Clayton Whitson

Assimilations Pastor