When I joined TDC's staff after a 13-year career in commercial real estate and construction, I was excited. I had been a non-vocational pastor at TDC, meaning I had a day job in the business world — and now I was pumped I could devote my time and effort directly to matters of the church. At the time of my career transition, I was asked this question: “So now you see how the sausage is made, huh?” I don’t know if you get that metaphor, but making sausage can be pretty gross, a

The Bible talks a lot about worship—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it. The heart of worship is simple: giving thanks. Romans 1 paints a sobering picture of what happens when people worship created things instead of the Creator. It describes idolatry like this: “they did not honor Him as God or give thanks.” That’s it. Ingratitude is a primary symptom of idolatry— a refusal to acknowledge God as the giver of every good gift. It’s a heart and a life that stops saying

When God called me into ministry and stirred my heart to plant a church, I had vision and passion, but not much else. I didn’t have the money to rub two pennies together. That’s what led me to the General Baptist Convention of Texas office in Fort Worth. I was 25, with no pastoral experience and not a single sermon preached to a real church, hoping to convince a committee to support this wild call God had put on my life. As I sat in the waiting room, nervous and probably look

I am naturally defensive. That is because when my character is questioned, I want to make sure it’s defended. And underneath that, it’s because I think I’m a good dude who is being misunderstood. If I can explain enough, you’ll see I’m blameless. This is bad theology. This is what the Bible says: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9 ESV Desperately sick people have symptoms of their sickness. And in the same way

In November of 2018, my husband and I spent a brisk weekend in Branson, Missouri with new friends and their family. As my chilled-to-the-bone body stood in amusement park lines, my soul took mental notes for the first time (at least consciously) on ways to disciple a child. Despite the below-freezing temps, I heard my friend Abbey make the most of every moment with her niece, Jubilee - as we walked, stood in lines, rode rides, and took in the holiday decor, she talked of the

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41 In Gethsemane, Jesus found His disciples asleep when they should have been awake. They loved him. They were sincere disciples. Their spirits were willing. They truly wanted to stand firm for Christ in the hour of temptation and testing. However, their flesh was weak. Can you relate?  This biblical scene captures a tension every follower of Jesus knows

This past weekend, we celebrated 19 baptisms at TDC! Each baptism tells a powerful story, a life transformed by Jesus Christ. Every person going under that water testifies that Jesus saves sinners  who were once separated from God and destined for destruction. Praise the Lord for the great salvation found in Christ alone! There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) But here’s the truth: when God rescues you, He doesn’t just save you from  someth

Daily we hear of famines, earthquakes, wars, political turmoil, corruption, violence, and injustice. And with each chaotic headline, we are reminded just how broken this world is. We are tempted to join with generations of saints who for two thousand years have been praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come”. We long for the day, promised in Revelation 21, when Jesus returns, when grief, pain, and death are no more, when Jesus makes all things new, and we can live in His kingdom with

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct...

Why do I feel spiritually weak and stuck?  Have you ever asked yourself that question? You confess Christ as Lord and Savior. You hear...

As a pastor with more than a few gray hairs now (okay, maybe a lot of gray hair), I’ve seen some things. My calling has always been to...

As one of the pastors of TDC, it is clear the murder of Charlie Kirk has greatly impacted our congregation. While I have not heard of...

Many churches practice Child Dedication . It’s important to understand what this is and what it’s not.  Child Dedication   is not  a...

"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together…" (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV) The...

We are wrapping up “Summit Season” at The Door Church. In early August we ascended to the mountain top to see where we’re going. In our...

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.  Psalm 119:103 ESV When I was a child, my mom typically added some...

In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus told in Luke 15, the shepherd leaves his 99 other sheep to pursue and rescue the one that is lost....

We live in an increasingly anxious world. There are countless things to worry about every day. How will my kids turn out? Will I have...

We often think like owners. We need to stop thinking ownership  and start thinking stewardship . In our culture, we're taught to acquire,...

In 2008, Iron Man changed the movie world. In the opening scene, Tony Stark sells a missile to the U.S. Army, saying, “ That’s how Dad...