Media - St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Are You Ready? | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 7.12.26

July 12, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Matthew 16:13–21

This sermon explores Jesus' pivotal moment at Caesarea Philippi when he prepares his disciples to carry forward the mission of the kingdom of God. Dr. Tom Pace emphasizes that Jesus, knowing he must face the cross in Jerusalem, asks his disciples two crucial questions: "Who do you say that I am?" and "Will you accept the mission?" The sermon challenges believers to move beyond inherited assumptions about faith to genuine personal belief that Jesus is the Messiah. It reframes Christian mission as offensive rather than defensive—we are called to "storm the gates of Hades," pushing back darkness and death rather than merely protecting ourselves. The church is presented as the sole instrument of Christ's kingdom work on earth, given both the responsibility and authority to accomplish God's purposes. The sermon concludes with the assurance that despite discouragement, the gates of Hades will not prevail, and our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

An Expanding Circle | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 7.5.26

July 5, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Matthew 15:21–28

This sermon explores the biblical trajectory from exclusivity to inclusion, demonstrating how God's love expands from a chosen few to encompass all humanity. Using the movie "Mean Girls" as an unexpected parallel, Dr. Pace illustrates how the Bible moves from God blessing a special family (Abraham) to ultimately embracing all nations. The sermon focuses on Jesus' encounters with non-Jewish people in Tyre, Sidon, and the Decapolis, particularly his transformative moment with the Canaanite woman who challenged him to expand his understanding of his mission. The message culminates in a call for Christians to recognize their own biases and categories, seeing all people as God's children rather than judging them by external markers like politics, appearance, or background. The sermon challenges listeners to "move the fence" of their compassion outward, following Christ's example of expanding the circle of God's love.

What Do You Expect? | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 6.28.26

June 28, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Matthew 4:12–21

This sermon, part of the "A Holiday with Jesus" series, explores why the first disciples chose to follow Jesus when he called them from their fishing boats in Capernaum. Dr. Tom Pace examines four possible motivations the disciples might have had—earthly power, witnessing miracles, gaining heaven, and living a meaningful, transformative life. He challenges listeners to consider their own expectations when choosing to follow Jesus, emphasizing the crucial distinction between merely believing in Jesus and actively following him. The sermon highlights that Jesus' call was not just about securing a place in heaven, but about participating in bringing God's kingdom to earth through a life of purpose, community, hope, and experiencing God's humbling love despite our shortcomings. Capernaum serves as the geographical center for understanding Jesus' ministry, where two-thirds of his earthly work took place, and where the disciples witnessed countless miracles and teachings.

Hometown Disadvantage | Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Preaching | 6.21.26

June 21, 2026 • Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears • Mark 6:1–6

This Father's Day sermon explores how the places and people that form us—our literal and figurative hometowns—shape our identity and sense of worth. Through examining Jesus's rejection in Nazareth, Pastor Katie Montgomery Mears addresses the pain of not being recognized after personal transformation, the tendency to define others by their past, and how familiarity can blind us to God's work in ourselves and others. The sermon emphasizes that our true worth comes not from our hometown or our history, but from the divine spark within us—God's presence that inhabits even the smallest, most overlooked places and people. It challenges listeners to recognize transformation in themselves and others, to discern whether God is calling them to stay rooted or to move forward, and to commit daily to following Jesus by seeing with new eyes.

Holy Ground, Hard Ground | Rev. Julie Ellerbrock Preaching | 6.14.26

June 14, 2026 • Rev. Julie Ellerbrock • Matthew 4:1–11

This sermon explores the biblical significance of wilderness experiences, both in Jesus's life and in our own spiritual journeys. Pastor Julie Ellerbrock examines how wilderness appears throughout Scripture from the Garden of Eden carved out of wilderness to Jesus's 40 days of testing in the Judean desert. The central message affirms that while God doesn't promise a life without wilderness seasons, He promises to be present within them. The sermon emphasizes three key truths: God meets us in our wilderness, He speaks to us in whispers during our darkest moments, and He ultimately leads us through to the other side. Rather than viewing wilderness as punishment or abandonment, believers are encouraged to recognize it as holy ground where Jesus walks alongside us in our grief, loss, transitions, and trials.

Baaaa | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 6.7.26

June 7, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Luke 2:1–4, Ezekiel 32:14–16, Micah 4:2–5

This sermon explores the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus and establishes the connection between Jesus and the shepherd-king motif that runs throughout Israel's history. Beginning with David, the shepherd boy who became king, the message traces how Israel longed for a "good shepherd" to lead them—a longing fulfilled in Christ. The sermon emphasizes three essential needs we all have: to be fed spiritually (not with worldly distractions but with practices that nourish our souls), to be found when we wander (recognizing that God pursues us rather than waiting for us to find Him), and to be healed when we're broken (experiencing God's comforting presence in our pain). The geographical and historical context of Bethlehem as "the city of David" underscores Jesus's role as the ultimate shepherd-king who cares for His flock with compassion, justice, and unwavering love.

Cut Some Slack | Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Preaching | 5.31.2026

May 31, 2026 • Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears • Ephesians 4:2–4, Ephesians 4:32

This sermon explores the biblical command to "forgive one another" as part of a series on how Christians are called to relate to each other. Pastor Katie Montgomery Mears emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a gift we give to others, but primarily a gift we give ourselves. Drawing on Paul's teaching in Ephesians about bearing with one another in love and humility, the sermon distinguishes between "cutting slack" for minor offenses and extending true forgiveness for deeper wounds. The message challenges listeners to recognize that forgiven people forgive, and that holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison while hoping someone else will die. Through practical steps and honest acknowledgment of how difficult forgiveness can be, the sermon offers hope that God walks with us through the entire process of releasing others from the debts they owe us, ultimately freeing ourselves from the prison bars of bitterness and resentment.

Melody & Harmony | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 5.24.26

May 24, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 12:24–25, Acts 2:1–13

This Pentecost sermon explores how the Holy Spirit unites diverse believers into one body despite differences in opinions, backgrounds, and perspectives. Dr. Pace examines the church's origin story at Pentecost, when 3,000 people from different nations heard the gospel in their own languages and became one community. The sermon emphasizes that unity doesn't mean uniformity—like harmony in music, different voices can blend together while maintaining the melody of Jesus Christ. The message challenges believers to "make every effort" to maintain unity through three practical approaches: keeping Jesus as the main focus, approaching differences with humility, and choosing love over opinion. Drawing from Romans, Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, and Philippians, the sermon calls Christians to be a witness to the world by demonstrating how people who disagree can still love one another deeply.

That You May Be Healed | Dr. Tom Pace | 5.17.26

May 17, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • James 5:13–18

This sermon explores James 5:16's command to confess sins to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed. Dr. Tom Pace emphasizes that all healing comes from God, but we are called to be partners and instruments in that healing process through prayer. The message challenges the individualistic mindset that keeps confession private between us and God alone, arguing instead that we are interconnected as the body of Christ. When we confess our sins to one another, we experience humility, receive God's grace, gain accountability, and bring healing not just to ourselves but to the entire community. The sermon calls believers to move beyond being a museum for saints to being a hospital for sinners who honestly acknowledge brokenness while pursuing transformation.

The Long Fork | Dr. Tom Pace | 5.10.26

May 10, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Galatians 6:2, 1 Peter 4:10

This sermon explores the biblical command to "serve one another" as part of the broader teaching on "one anothering" found throughout the New Testament. Dr. Pace challenges the self-serve culture that dominates modern life and calls believers to embrace an interdependent community where serving and being served are both acts of grace. Using the metaphor of a "Christian fork" that requires mutual feeding, the message emphasizes that true Christian community involves both the humility to serve others and the grace to allow ourselves to be served. The sermon traces the arc of life from infancy through old age as a journey of learning to serve and be served, encouraging believers to ask "What can I do?" rather than being overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. Ultimately, the message defines greatness through Jesus' teaching that the greatest among us is the servant of all, making greatness accessible to everyone who serves with a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.

Run, Forest, Run | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 5.3.26

May 3, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24–25

In this sermon on "one anothering," Dr. Tom Pace explores the biblical command to encourage one another, drawing from the New Testament's 60 specific commands about Christian relationships. Using the metaphor of running a marathon, he illustrates how encouragement takes multiple forms: building others up, exhorting them to do better, and sometimes provoking them through difficult conversations. The sermon emphasizes that true encouragement isn't just cheerleading but includes accountability, challenge, and speaking truth in love. Christians are called to be a "cloud of witnesses" for one another, coming alongside (the Greek word "parakleo") to support, push, and sometimes irritate others toward spiritual growth and faithfulness.

The Curriculum | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 4.26.26

April 26, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace

This sermon explores the biblical command to "teach one another" as a fundamental practice of loving one another in Christian community. Using the metaphor of "wax on, wax off" from The Karate Kid, Dr. Tom Pace illustrates how teaching and learning together are habits that must be practiced repeatedly until they become second nature. The message emphasizes that every Christian has something to teach and something to learn, creating a community where wisdom, Scripture, and goodness are shared. The sermon challenges the congregation to move beyond passive learning from gifted teachers to active participation in mutual teaching and learning, thereby building a culture of goodness that transforms the entire community.

Love One Another | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 4.19.26

April 19, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • John 13:34–35, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Romans 12:10

This sermon launches a series on the New Testament's "one another" commands, focusing specifically on the foundational command to love one another. Dr. Pace emphasizes that loving one another should be the defining characteristic that identifies Christians and the church community. Rather than being a sentimental or easy concept, loving one another requires intentional practice through specific habits and skills—the "blocking and tackling" of Christian love. The sermon challenges the congregation to move beyond simply knowing they should love to actively practicing love through concrete actions like encouraging, serving, forgiving, and bearing one another's burdens. By consistently practicing these habits, love becomes second nature, transforming the church into a magnetic community that reflects God's love to the world.

Created to Create | Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Preaching | 4.12.26

April 12, 2026 • Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears • Genesis 1:26–27, Ephesians 2:10

This sermon explores the profound connection between creativity, the arts, and spiritual formation. Drawing on research from Dr. Daisy Fancourt about the scientific benefits of arts engagement, Pastor Katie Montgomery Mears examines how creativity is essential to our spiritual health and relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes that humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei), and since God is fundamentally a Creator, we too are designed to create. Through creativity and engagement with the arts, we develop spiritual disciplines like patience, attention, humility, and the ability to perceive truth and beauty. The message challenges the congregation to reclaim their God-given creativity—not for perfection or productivity, but as an act of remembering who they were created to be and drawing closer to their Creator.

Easter Message | Dying to Live | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 4.5.26

April 5, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Luke 24:1–12, Romans 6:4–5

This Easter sermon explores the dual promise of resurrection—both eternal life after death and the opportunity to experience newness of life in the present. Using Henri Nouwen's parable of twins in the womb, Dr. Pace emphasizes that faith in resurrection means believing there is more beyond this life. However, the central message focuses on how believers can step into "newness of life" right now by allowing old patterns, fears, and limitations to die. Just as Christ's resurrection required His death, our transformation requires the crucifixion of our old selves—our doubts, anxieties, and limiting beliefs. The sermon challenges listeners to move beyond "tomb language" and embrace the abundant life God offers through Christ's resurrection power, living with courage, authenticity, purpose, gratitude, and love.

Jesus, King | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 3.29.26

March 29, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Luke 19:29–40

This Palm Sunday sermon explores the nature of Jesus as King and the unexpected character of His kingdom. Dr. Pace challenges the congregation to move beyond superficial praise to genuine allegiance to Christ's kingdom values. The sermon contrasts worldly expectations of a conquering political king with Jesus' radical kingdom that operates on principles of service, giving, and downward mobility. Rather than viewing God's kingdom as "upside down," the pastor reframes it as the "right-side-up" kingdom—the world has it backwards, not Jesus. The call is to take small steps of obedience that, like mustard seeds, can grow into transformative kingdom living. The sermon emphasizes that the kingdom of giving, serving, and loving is far superior to the world's kingdom of getting, being served, and self-promotion.

Jesus, Friend | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 3.22.26

March 22, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • John 15:12–17, Luke 7:34

This sermon explores the profound truth that Jesus calls us friends, not servants, emphasizing that the essence of Christian faith is relationship. Through examining five characteristics of friendship—presence, joy, honesty, alignment, and advocacy—the message reveals how Jesus embodies perfect friendship with us. The sermon addresses the universal human experience of loneliness and offers hope that through Christ, we are never truly alone. It challenges believers to move beyond religious pretense to authentic relationship with Jesus, while also calling them to align their lives with His mission and work alongside Him for the kingdom of God.

Jesus, Healer | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 3.15.26

March 15, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Matthew 14:9–14

This sermon explores Jesus as fundamentally a healer, emphasizing that healing was not a sideline ministry but core to who Jesus was and what he came to do. Dr. Tom Pace argues that Jesus' healings demonstrate the inauguration of God's kingdom—a restoration of the natural order rather than merely a suspension of it. The sermon presents healing as an ongoing work that Jesus continues through medical science, community care, and prayer, all motivated by divine compassion. The message offers hope that God's desire is always for wholeness and healing, whether through physical restoration in this life or the promise of resurrection bodies in the life to come.

Jesus, Disruptor | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 3.8.26

March 8, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Mark 11:15–18, Luke 9:57–62

This sermon explores how Jesus disrupts both worldly systems and our personal lives, challenging us to move beyond comfortable Christianity into radical discipleship. The pastor uses the metaphor of "disruption" from the business world to illustrate how Jesus upends the status quo—both in society's power structures and in our individual lives. Drawing on Jesus's cleansing of the temple and his demanding words to would-be followers, the message emphasizes that true discipleship requires letting go of comfort and security. While we naturally resist change (homeostasis), Jesus offers something far better than our comfortable existence: an abundant life of sacrifice, servanthood, and adventure in following him. The sermon calls listeners to identify one area where they can step out of their comfort zone during Lent as an act of genuine discipleship.

Jesus, Restorer | Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Preaching | 3.1.26

March 1, 2026 • Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears • John 4:4–14

This sermon explores Jesus as a restorer who addresses both physical and spiritual needs in our lives. Through the testimony of missionary Mary Kay Jackson's water well ministry in Ghana and the biblical account of the woman at the well, the message emphasizes that Jesus doesn't simply repair or bandage our brokenness—He fully restores us to God's original design. The sermon distinguishes between repair (temporary fixes) and restoration (returning something to its original purpose and beauty), illustrating how Jesus removes the "gunk and grime" that covers our God-given worth and brings us back to wholeness. The core message is that we are worthy of God's love not despite who we are, but because of who God created us to be, and that restoration is a process Jesus initiates before we even ask.

Jesus, Teacher | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 2.22.26

February 22, 2026 • Dr. Tom Pace • Matthew 4:18–22, Matthew 7:28–29

This sermon launches a Lenten series exploring the identity of Jesus by focusing on his role as teacher. The message emphasizes that while churches provide community, beauty, support, and outreach opportunities, the central mission must always be following Jesus. Drawing from the Gospel accounts where Jesus is called "teacher" or "rabbi" 60 out of 90 times he's directly addressed, the sermon explores three reasons Jesus was an exceptional teacher: he inspired people to learn through engaging questions and stories (haggadic teaching), he spoke truth with authority unlike the scribes, and he modeled what he taught through self-sacrificial love. The sermon challenges listeners to move beyond simply knowing about Jesus to actively learning from him as disciples, closing the gap between who Jesus was and who we are.

St. Luke's United Methodist Church - Houston