When it comes to living a Kingdom Adventure, most of us underestimate how much actually counts.

We think “real” mission is somewhere else, sometime later, done by someone more qualified, and that “real” disciple-making requires extensive knowledge and a lifetime of experience as a mature Christian. Meanwhile, Jesus is quietly weaving heaven and earth together through what feels like our ordinary, sometimes clumsy, everyday lives.

More counts than you think.

Every time you listen well to a friend instead of rushing to fix them, you’re living the Kingdom Adventure as a follower of Jesus. You’re echoing the God who is “slow to anger and abounding in love.” That text you send to check in? That coffee where you ask a real question and stay long enough to hear the real answer? That counts.

Every time you show up as a quiet missionary in your everyday spaces, whether in a classroom, a job site, or at a kitchen table, you are carrying the presence of Jesus. You don’t need a microphone or a passport. You just need to remember you’re sent. The way you work, the way you respond under pressure, the way you treat the person everyone else ignores—this is mission.

Every time you choose to be a healer instead of a critic, the Kingdom breaks in. A gentle answer in a heated moment. Owning your mistake and asking forgiveness. Sitting with someone in their grief when you don’t know what to say. These small acts stitch up torn places in people’s hearts.

None of it is wasted.

The invitation is to be intentional:

• Wake up and simply pray, “Jesus, show me where You’re already at work today.”
• Pay attention to names, faces, and nudges from the Holy Spirit.
• Assume God can use even your smallest yes.

Your life of mission as a follower of Jesus, a friend, a missionary, and a healer won’t always feel spectacular. But the Kingdom of Heaven sees it differently.

So, keep showing up, keep saying yes, and trust that Jesus is doing far more with your everyday faithfulness than you can see right now.

More counts than you think. So live free and Live the Adventure!


Terry Ishee
Lead Missionary

Over the years, I’ve learned that disciple-making in the way of Jesus isn’t about telling people what to do - it’s about helping them learn to see. The goal isn’t to fill people with information, but to help them cultivate Kingdom Intelligence: the capacity and ability to notice, understand, and participate in the revealing of the King and His Kingdom through their everyday life.

Capacity is about margin - creating space for the Spirit to move, room to breathe and listen.

Ability is about competency - developing a skill through practice, something we get better at as we walk with Jesus.

That’s why I find the coaching posture so valuable. Coaching (the pure act of asking questions that draw out what’s already within) honors the belief that the Holy Spirit is already present and active in someone’s life. My role isn’t to insert answers, but to create space through questions, reflection, and discernment where people can listen for the Spirit’s guidance. It’s less about teaching a framework and more about helping a person recognize how God might already be forming them in real time—through their relationships, work, disappointments, and desires.

The disciple-making coaching conversation becomes a kind of sacred ground—a place where disciples learn to name what the Spirit is stirring. It’s a way of apprenticing people to the voice of God. Instead of saying, “Here’s what you should do,” I’m committed to ask, “What might God be saying to you in this?” and “How might you respond faithfully?”

This practice changes everything. When we approach disciple-making this way, we stop trying to manage outcomes and start nurturing attentiveness. We move from control to curiosity. We trust that God is far more invested in someone’s transformation than we are.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians echo in my mind: “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). That truth keeps me grounded. My cleverness isn’t what changes people. The Spirit does that work.

As a disciple-making missionary, I’m discovering that creating environments where people can hear from God for themselves is far more powerful than any advice or strategy I could offer. Coaching becomes a form of discipleship—a practice of guiding people into awareness, helping them listen, discern, and respond.

In that process, I see what Jesus saw: that the Kingdom of God doesn’t arrive with force or fanfare. It grows quietly in the soil of ordinary life, through Spirit-led moments of awareness, courage, and obedience.

My task isn’t to be the expert—it’s to be the cultivator. To help people cultivate the soil of their own hearts, to make room for the Spirit’s creativity, and to grow in the skill of discernment. That’s what I mean by developing Kingdom Intelligence. That’s what it means to make disciples in the way of Jesus.

Be on the lookout for a simple resource we are working on to help you ask better questions in your discipling relationships.


Terry Ishee
Lead Missionary & Pastor

“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” — Luke 9:23 (NIV)

I read this verse a couple of times and wondered just what it must have been like for the disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross daily to follow Jesus. Folks, I would like to say I do that daily, but I fall so short.

Our modern society emphasizes “self” so much that it can make Jesus’ call in Luke 9:23 seem countercultural or even restrictive. In a world where we emphasize popularity, success, achievement, comfort, and control, it can almost seem radical to think about denying “self.”

There has been a lot of discussion surrounding discipleship at Restoration lately. True discipleship often requires sacrifice, perseverance, and obedience even when it’s uncomfortable. Some have said they feel confident in their ability to disciple others, and some say they feel totally unequipped to do so. Every discipleship relationship is different and unique. Regardless of how confident you feel, discipleship is a lifelong process of walking with Jesus and learning to reflect His character in every part of life. It is about a daily surrender to His will, growing in the Word, prayer, community, service, making disciples, endurance, trust, and transformation. It looks like Jesus living His life through you in your home, work, friendships, and heart.

I heard a story of a family that took an opportunity to reveal Jesus to someone in their community with just one small act of kindness. The family had inherited two large bags of beef jerky from their son’s school fundraiser. They weren’t really sure what to do with such a large quantity of beef sticks, so they decided to keep a bag in the family vehicle and pass them out to anyone in need. A short time later, an opportunity presented itself. The family pulled up to a stoplight, and there was a homeless man standing in the median with a sign asking for help. The mom, who was in the passenger seat, rolled down the window and handed the man a few sticks of beef jerky. He thanked her and asked her to pray for him. In that moment, the family had two choices: they could drive off as the light was changing, or they could take the opportunity to deny self and reveal Jesus. They prayed for healing, hope, and peace. When they finished, he said, “Thank you. You didn’t just give me food — you reminded me God hasn’t forgotten me.”

In that moment, the family realized that discipleship isn’t just about knowing more about Jesus — it was about becoming more like Him. Following Jesus means denying ourselves, stepping into obedience, carrying out compassion where it is needed most, and letting God use us beyond our comfort zone.

Discipleship is not a one-time decision — it’s a daily journey. It’s about learning to hear Jesus’ voice and obeying it, even when it’s not easy.


Jason DeBord
Church Elder

The most important thing about us is what we think and believe about Jesus. If we have a “low” view of Jesus, we are prone to wander and believe the things of this world are better than what He offers. If we have a “high” view of Jesus, we will constantly be enthralled by the person of Jesus. We will have an insatiable appetite for knowing more of who He is, what He is like, and how our story fits into His story.

Our relationship with Jesus is seen through many analogies in Scripture. He is seen as:

Living Water

• John 4:10–14 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”
• John 7:37–38 – “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me... rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Light of the World

• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”
• John 9:5 – “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Vine/Branches

• John 15:1–5 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… you are the branches.”

Bridegroom

• Matthew 9:14–15 – Jesus calls Himself “the bridegroom.”
• Matthew 25:1–13 – Parable of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom.

Shepherd

• John 10:11, 14 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
• Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd.” (Fulfilled in Christ.)
• Hebrews 13:20 – “Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep.”

The Word

• John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
• Revelation 19:13 – “His name is the Word of God.”

Bread of Life

• John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.”
• John 6:48–51 – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”

Bright and Morning Star

• Revelation 22:16 – “I, Jesus... am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Paul says that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the head of the church, our foundation, the visible image of the invisible God—just to name a few. We need these analogies so we can begin to understand Jesus (and the whole Godhead).

Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” We will spend eternity unpacking the greatness of God. Based on that, we ALL must grow in our understanding of the person of Jesus.

So, what are some characteristics of a “high view” of Jesus?

1. Endeavor to know Him more. Make it your life goal to discover who Jesus is. Enjoy the journey.
2. Become like Him. Be transformed. (Ask Kayla how. ?)
3. Be humble before the Lord. Don’t put Jesus in a political or theological box. He doesn’t fit.
4. Do the things that Jesus did. Spend time with the Father and take up the mission that Jesus started. We find Jesus as He reveals His Kingdom to us and as we reveal His Kingdom to a lost and dying world.

Happy trails,

Jeff
Elder & Teaching Team

First-century discipleship had a clear process. Students would seek out a rabbi, hoping to be chosen. Only the brightest and most promising were invited to follow. It was a system built on merit and status, on proving one’s worth. Then Jesus came along and flipped the script, as He so often does in His upside-down Kingdom.

Jesus did not wait for petitions. He did not set up an application process or demand credentials. He pursued ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and invited them into a story far larger than themselves. He sought out those who had already been passed over by the religious elite. In doing so, He revealed a Kingdom that begins not with our pursuit of God, but with God’s relentless pursuit of us.

Yet, Jesus’ pursuit was not comfortable. He not only invited His disciples, He pushed them. He called them out of boats, away from tax tables, beyond fear, and into a life of radical trust. His pursuit was purposeful, to form them, stretch them, and shape them into reflections of His own life. Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. It was meant to be transforming.

The same is true for us today. Jesus still pursues, interrupting our ordinary lives with extraordinary invitation. But He also pushes, challenging our idols, exposing our comfort, and leading us into deeper dependence on Him. In this tension of being pursued and pushed, we discover the true heart of discipleship, to be formed into the likeness of Christ and to join Him in pursuing others with the same love that first found us.


Terry Ishee
Lead Missionary & Pastor

“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:18–19

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
 
In these two verses, King Jesus gives us a clear picture of the purpose of the Church. It is meant to be a powerful, immovable force - impervious to the powers of hell - and a vessel for bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. His followers are not only called to emulate Him, but to do even greater works than He did!

These words stir up images of movement and action. But if we’re honest - does that describe our own experience with the Church? For many of us, the answer might be no.

Why? Perhaps it’s because we’ve allowed lies about our identity to creep in.

Even though Scripture speaks these beautiful truths, we sometimes believe they don’t apply to us. We hear stories of Christ-followers walking in Kingdom power yet accept the lie that we could never live like that. Our hearts are stirred by the Holy Spirit, but our minds can’t figure it out on our own - so we stay still, trapped in a false identity.

Here’s the truth: Because King Jesus loves you and has called you, your identity does include these powerful Kingdom purposes. That is your identity. Anything that says otherwise is a lie. Jesus said anyone who believes in Him - not some people, but anyone.

You don’t need to figure out the formula. Instead, ask the Lord:

“Jesus, what do You want me to know, and what do You want me to do?”

He is waiting to reveal your true identity. His plans for you may start with small acts of obedience, but in the hands of the King, even the smallest steps can unleash the Kingdom in powerful ways.

Restoration Church, let’s stop believing lies. Let’s stop limiting ourselves to what we can figure out on our own. Instead, let’s encourage one another to embrace the identity Christ has given us and allow Him to lead us into Kingdom experiences beyond anything we could imagine.

That’s who we were created to be. As we trust Him and walk in obedience, we will see the Kingdom unleashed!

Scott Habeeb
teaching team

At Restoration Church, we dream of our family of missionaries living life centered in Jesus and experiencing intimacy with God.

But here's the thing: knowing about God isn’t the same as truly knowing Him. It’s like knowing what friendship is without ever having a true best friend.

Ideas about God - like thinking of His characteristics or qualities - can sometimes take over and replace the real, personal connection we’re supposed to have with Him. When we focus on an image or idea of God instead of actually experiencing Him, it’s easy to lose the intimacy He calls us to.

The Prophets Knew Him Personally

The prophets from the Bible didn’t just come up with theories or guesses about God. God wasn’t just a distant thought or concept to Micah, Obadiah, and Nahum - He was alive and powerfully present in their lives.

Their words didn’t come from studying or trying to figure God out - they spoke because they had encountered Him! These weren’t guesses about God’s nature; they were responses to moments of being touched by His voice and presence.

To Ezekiel, Daniel, and Hosea, God wasn’t far away - He was close, real, and deeply involved in their lives.

More Than Just Ideas

When we think of God as just a collection of ideas - like goodness, love, or wisdom - we can miss the bigger picture.

To the prophets, God wasn’t just qualities; He was action, passion, and relationship. He wasn’t distant and abstract - He cared deeply about people and showed His heart for them through His words and actions.

Our Calling

So rather than focusing on ideas about God, let’s focus on living lives centered on Jesus and experiencing God’s love firsthand.

At Restoration Church, our hope is that our family of missionaries doesn’t just know about God but lives closely with Him - just like Joel, Isaiah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah who were moved by His voice.


 Blessings,


Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor
 
HT: Abraham Heschel & Alan Hirsch

Have you ever thought about how praying can change not just your day but your entire life? Over the last few years, a mentor of mine who is deeply influenced by Hans Urs von Balthasar, a thinker who saw prayer as more than just a daily task, has challenged me in my thinking on the role of prayer in my everyday life.

Balthasar taught that prayer is where we truly meet God. It's not just talking to Him but listening deeply. Imagine you're not just waiting for God to talk, but you're ready to hear what He's really saying, even if it means changing your plans to match His. This listening and changing is what I've been exploring and experimenting with. It's about letting God lead the way. It’s about following The Way of Jesus.

Prayer, especially the contemplative (thinking quietly and deeply) kind, helps us follow Jesus better. It's like the fuel that keeps the discipleship engine running. But it's not about doing it right; it's more about being open and ready. Let's dive into some simple steps to deepen this journey:

1. Be Open to God: Think of standing with open hands, ready to receive whatever God has for you. Listening is key.
2. Meet Jesus in the Bible: When you read the Bible, picture Jesus speaking directly to you. It's not just a book but a way to meet God in person.
3. Wonder, Don't Analyze: Approach the Bible with a heart ready to admire and learn, not just to study it.
4. See Jesus' Life: Use your imagination to walk with Jesus through the Gospel stories. Picture His experiences as if you're right there with Him.
5. Join Jesus in Prayer: Imagine joining in Jesus' own conversation with God. Your prayers become part of His eternal prayer.
6. Face Suffering with Love: Don't turn away from the hard parts of Jesus' story. His suffering and love show us God's heart.

As we follow these paths, we're not just learning about God; we're being transformed by Him. This transformation makes our lives reflect Jesus more clearly, showing His love in everything we do. Balthasar's vision shows us that the deepest knowledge of God comes through a heart open to His love, leading to actions that echo His love in the world. This is the journey of prayer, contemplation, and discipleship I'm on. Will you join me?

Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor

I heard a professor discussing missions, and he said to his class:

“Who you eat with is who you humanize.”

He continued by pointing out the lunch tables in middle school and high school as prime examples. Whenever he took students on mission trips, he told them they will try anything put in front of them by their hosts.

In the Gospel of Luke, we find 10 meals of Jesus. By the numbers, we have:

• four with disciples
• three with Pharisees
• two with tax collectors (Matthew/Levi and Zacheus) and
• one with 5,000 men (plus women and children).

Each of these has a different story and we can glean a lot out it. I want to pull out the middle five mentioned above – Those with the Pharisees and those with the Tax Collectors (and “sinners”).

The “Tax Collector” meals make sense. I mean, I would want to dine with the rich guys that know how to party. In both cases, there’s a call to see how they are living and to change.

In Luke 5:27-39, Jesus defends his choice, and tells the crowd about “new wine,” and we know from tradition and other clues in the text that the Levi becomes our disciple, Matthew. And in the story of Zacheus, we see a man who lived a life of cheating and stealing to gather his own wealth, and after a meal with Jesus, a man who lived out radical generosity (19:1-10). Jesus humanized them and invited them into the Kingdom.
Early in His ministry, Jesus was very popular with the Pharisees. When Jesus went to Simon’s house, He taught about debt forgiveness and gratitude (7:36-50). When He ate with Pharisees one afternoon, he taught about their inconsistency to the religious Law (11:37-54). When He ate with them on Sabbath, He spoke about living out the Law and the Kingdom of Heaven (14:1-24). Jesus humanized them and invited them into the Kingdom.

Often, we look for places where Jesus calls out others for their sins. We want Jesus’ interaction to be harsh to one group or the other. But I don’t think it is. When Jesus eats with people, he humanizes them, and loves them (yes, even the tax collectors, and yes, even the Pharisees). And then he invites all of us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Every time, He call people to something greater, and sometimes that’s hard.

I don’t think Jesus would make any of us comfortable. But I think He would make all of us feel loved.

Neil Strickland
Teaching Team

"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

“Breakthrough” by Red Rocks Worship, says it well: "I am weary from the waves; Crashing over every day; God of mercy please come rescue me"…

So how do we take hold of that peace our Lord promises when troubles continue?

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says: "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we fix our eyes not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

“Eternal things which are not seen” refers to the spiritual realm, including the Presence of God and the work of the Holy Spirit—the realm C.S. Lewis called “the Unseen Real.”

Isaiah 26:3 says: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind [imagination] is stayed on Thee."

When I use my God-given imagination to fix my eyes on the Unseen Real, I think of The Truman Show, a 1998 film, or more recently, Paradise. In both cases, people live in manufactured worlds under a canopy designed to look like the real sky. In both cases, we know there is no (real) hope for the hero unless he can break through that canopy into the real world. It’s easy to live this way—under the canopy of our circumstances when we’re struggling. But, as believers, we can break through that canopy whenever we practice the Presence of God, whenever we study His word, worship Him, or pray and listen to Him. Or, more simply, whenever we call to mind the truth that God is with us. When we do this consistently, the miracle of seeing by faith is given and we begin to see with the eyes of our hearts. My particular trouble does not appear to have improved yet, but when I look back over the past several years, I see can see “God-moves” everywhere. For example, our three-year old granddaughter who was born without a left hand, can ride her scooter and button her sweater.

Then, I can agree with the last stanza of that song: I know you are moving now, God…You are moving, You are healing, You are speaking; There will be victory, yeah.

Practicing with you,
Abby Lipscomb
Prayer Team Leader

Everyday Living for God’s Glory

Have you ever thought about how our everyday life can shine a spotlight on God's Kingdom? It's not just about the big, once-in-a-lifetime events or Sunday mornings. It's also about what we do when we're grabbing a cup of coffee, chatting with our neighbor, or just going through our daily grind. Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

So how do we bring heaven to earth in the ordinary stuff we’re up to in our everyday life? Here are some simple ways to start.

Everyday Ways to Reflect God's Glory

• Talking the Talk: When we're chit-chatting or deep in conversation, we've got a choice. We can choose to intentionally spread the good stuff—love, peace, hope, kindness, and a bit of that truth that sets people's hearts on fire—or we can just chat aimlessly about the weather without any motivation for sharing love. Let's aim for words that give people a glimpse of heaven.

• Working It: At work or in school, we can punch the clock just to get by, or we can open our eyes to see where God is at work. Show some genuine caring, do your work as if you mean it, and treat co-workers and classmates with love and honor. You're essentially turning your workspace or locker room into the Kingdom of God.

• Home Sweet Home: Family life isn’t always a walk in the park. But that's exactly where we can demonstrate God's love in action and make the biggest impact. With a bit of love and patience, a hug when it's needed, letting bygones be bygones—all that family drama can actually become a stage for God's love to play out and remind your household of God’s plan for peace.

• Can I Kick It: Even when we're kicking back and having a good time, we can live in a way that makes God smile. Choose hobbies and gatherings that celebrate the good life—a life that practices justice, loves kindness, and walks humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This is the life that God wants from His people.

Keeping the Chat with God Going

What’s the secret ingredient in making this happen? Keep talking to God. Take time to offer small, faithful prayers throughout the day, like, "Hey God, help me stay focused on your love today so I may show someone how much you love them." Do this when you're starting something new, when you're in the thick of it, and when you're winding down. Keep that connection as much as you can, and it'll keep you focused on what's truly important - living for Him.

Bottom line

Reflecting God's kingdom is about the little things as much as it is about the big ones. Every aspect of our daily routine is a chance to show the world a glimpse of His glory. By being our authentic selves and choosing to act with heavenly intention, we bring the Kingdom right where we are. And that's something worth aiming for every day.

-ti

Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor

I still write a good bit of handwritten correspondence, and after the initial greeting, I typically follow with something like, “I hope this note finds you and yours doing well.” Or “I hope this gazette finds you well and happy.” Or something along those lines. Something upbeat. Encouraging.

But not James. Oh, no. After his greeting in his letter, he follows with, “Consider it pure joy, family members, whenever you face trials of many kinds....” Consider it joy when you go through the hardships of life? Well...I guess that’s one way to do it. I’d prefer, “Hey, Hester, I hope this letter finds you driving a new Maserati and listening to your Arsenal team win the Champions League,” but different strokes for different folks. James means what he writes, though. He really does think we should consider it joyful when we hit life’s turbulence. He goes on to say such seasons in life produce perseverance, and that perseverance will make us “mature and complete.” James, of course, understands that this is a big ask, and so he immediately instructs us to pray to the Lord for wisdom in these moments, because the Lord gives generously and will do so when we ask.

We have all joked with our children when they get a scrape or a bad grade or whatever: “It builds character,” but that actually is true. Hardships, when approached biblically through prayer and steadfastness, actually do build character.  They humble us and make us depend even more on the Lord. And they very often bear the fruits of Christian character that we otherwise might not have learned - stewardship, patience, and the like.

But there’s another aspect to counting tough times as joy: It reminds us where the real power over our lives rests, and it’s not with trying circumstances. When we are going through a season of real grief or calamity, it is so, so easy to feel overwhelmed, to feel like this is never going to end. But it will end. And “counting it as joy” helps us put this terrible season of life in perspective, helps us remember who is truly in control. This really can’t be overstated. I am so guilty of giving the power over my life to external circumstances, of acting like bad news is defining for who I am and what the Lord has called me to do. I so regularly wobble in my faith in him to do miraculous things. But he’s sovereign. Circumstances aren’t. When we count trouble as joy, those difficult circumstances stop having so much power over our lives, and we start to more deeply experience what the Lord can do.

I thought my letter openings were encouraging, but, as it turns out, I’ve nothing on James.

In Father, Son, and Spirit,

Todd Hester
Teaching Team

Missio Dei, have you heard this term before?  Missio Dei is Latin for “mission of God” or “sending of God”.  It emphasizes that the church’s mission is to be a participant in God’s work for the purpose of reconciling the whole creation back to himself in Christ.

Maybe you have heard of Missio Ecclesiae?  This is Latin for a church-centric view of mission where the church is the initiator, author and subject of mission. Missio Ecclesiae represents a church-centric culture where the church is dominant, and mission is a function and extension of the church's identity and programs.

While both Missio Dei and Missio Ecclesiae focus on mission, Missio Dei represents a broader understanding of mission. Author Darrell Guder writes: “We have come to see that mission is not merely an activity of the church. Rather, mission is the result of God's initiative, rooted in God's purposes to restore and heal creation.”

This concept is further explained by Alan Hirsch, "So a working definition of missional church is a community of God's people that defines itself, and organizes its life around, its real purpose of being an agent of God's mission to the world. In other words, the church's true and authentic organizing principle is mission. When the church is in mission, it is the true church.”

Restoration Church is a missional church, not a church with a mission program.  As stated on our website:

“We believe the Church is made up of all God’s people, everywhere. The Church finds her visible and imperfect expression in local congregations of believers united in the body of Christ and sold out to the purposes of His Kingdom. The local church exists wherever people gather in the name of Jesus to know and praise Him (worship), live in authentic and life-giving relationships (communitas), and work to see the Kingdom of God expand (mission).  We are called to individually, and corporately to collaborate for Kingdom Purposes.”

Restoration Church is on mission to participate with God in His work of love, restoration and reconciliation.

If you want to know more about the missions that we partner with, take a look at our church website.  There is even an invitation to you (the viewer) to introduce us to another local or international ministry about which you are passionate.

On mission with you,


Martha Chester
Church Elder

Darrell L. Guder (editor), Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 1998, 4–5.
Alan Hirsch, The Forgotten Ways, Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2006, 82.

I love baptism days for a lot of reasons: the celebration of new life in Christ, the unity of declaring what we believe together, and seeing someone get baptized surrounded by people who have discipled and supported them.

During a baptism, Lead Pastor, Terry said something that got me extra excited. He said:

“You only get baptized once, but you can enter into these baptism waters over and over again if you are making disciples. We should all be itching to get in here.”

The unique way that we do baptism at Restoration is that when someone gets baptized, they aren’t alone in the water with the lead pastor (even though Terry is great). The people who are in the waters, participating in the baptism as well, are the ones who have walked with that person as they have become a follower of Jesus and who are discipling them to become more like Christ.

Jesus gave his disciples this command in Matthew 28:18-20:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Through the rest of the Bible, we see the disciples living into this charge and it changed the entire world.

I was fired up even more after Sunday that this great commission is still so relevant for present day disciples of Jesus as well (aka us).

We are to be intentional in going to those who are not yet followers of Jesus and sometimes that means getting out of our comfort zones. But we’re not just called to be nice to people, but to invite people into the same life that we have found in Christ. Then we could have the joy and honor of being with them in the waters of baptism. But the journey doesn’t end at baptism, there’s still a lot of discipling to be done.

Jesus calls us to journey with people towards him.

So who are you going to? Who are you praying will follow Jesus? Who are you discipling?

It’s easy to read those words and go, “yea, yea” and then just delete this email. Don’t do that. Seriously…. Name at least one person right now either in your head or write it down.

My dream is that everyone at Restoration would have at least one person that they are pursuing who is not yet following Jesus and one person who is already a Christian that they are intentionally teaching to obey Christ more.

Imagine how Jesus would change our community (and even the world) if that were true of our Church..

So, what is your next step? Here are some ideas:

• If no names come to mind, pray that the Lord will show you who to pursue.
• Ask someone to hang out and get to know their story
• If someone comes to mind and you already have a close relationship with them, consider asking them to get together regularly and talk about following Jesus. 

Let me know if you want to talk about what it looks like to make disciples! It’s one of my favorite things to talk about!

Excited to see all the baptisms in Restoration’s future,

Kayla Willis
Discipleship Pastor

Imagine a family that doesn't just stick to their own little bubble, but instead, they're all about throwing their doors wide open, sharing their lives, and spreading serious love and kindness around their neighborhood. This isn't about being superheroes or doing big, flashy things. It's more about being on a mission together to show the world a little bit of what God's love looks like in the everyday – you know, bringing a slice of heaven down to earth for other folks to get a taste of.

A family living on a mission is essentially a team that's all in on making their corner of the world a better place by being super intentional about who they hang out with and how they can share blessings around. It means their home is not just their safe haven but a hotspot for hospitality and all sorts of good vibes.

Take, for instance, the simple act of inviting another family over for dinner. It might seem small, but it's a mega way to show love and build community. And here's a twist: why not invite your family into the conversation and let them suggest who to invite? It's a way to get the whole family involved in this mission of hospitality. So, it becomes a family decision, saying, "Hey, we see you, we care about you, and we've got food to share!" It's about making connections and letting relationships blossom over a shared meal.

Or how about stepping up to lend a hand when another family is going through a rough patch? Imagine finding out a neighbor's struggling – maybe it's a job loss, a health scare, or just a series of tough breaks. Instead of just thinking, "That's too bad," a mission-minded family gets into action mode. They could whip up some meals, offer to babysit, or just drop by with a listening ear and an encouraging word. It's about being a beam of light and support when things seem pretty dark.

Another cool idea that holds particular significance for families with adult children or those entering the empty nest phase is becoming mentors to other families. For these seasoned couples or individuals, there is a treasure trove of lived experiences, lessons learned about what worked or didn't, and wisdom gained through trials and triumphs. It's essential to recognize how God can redeem our experiences by allowing us to share them with younger families, offering guidance, support, and hope.

However, it's crucial to understand that this influential role can only thrive within the context of built relationships. Sharing life lessons and family advice is incredibly impactful when done with families you have developed a strong bond with. Offering unsolicited advice to families you barely know can come across as odd or even intrusive. Remember, mentorship is not about being overbearing but about being available and approachable. The goal is not to impose but to share in a way that is respectful and considerate of others' boundaries. This way, mentorship becomes not only a gift to others but a rewarding journey for those who offer it. The most outstanding advice comes draped in love, sincere concern, and genuine friendship – never from a place of assumption. Let's embrace the opportunity to mentor, but let's do it in a way that builds up and encourages, without ever crossing the line into being, well, weird.

Choosing to live as a mission-driven family is about more than just doing good deeds. It's about weaving the Kingdom of God into the fabric of everyday life. It turns ordinary moments into opportunities to show kindness, share life, and spread some of that divine love around.

 
-ti

Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor

Think about some of the people Jesus heals.

• A Roman centurion, sending others at first to intercede for him on behalf of a sick servant, then meeting the Lord and asking him, from a distance, to send his orders of healing. (Luke 7:1-10)
• A man confessing his own mixed feelings about faith – “I believe, help me with my unbelief” – as Jesus casts an unclean spirit out of his son.  (Mark 9:23-25)
• A woman with a persistent menstrual bleeding pushing through a crowd to break Jewish law by touching the robe of the rabbi Jesus. (Mark 5:25-34)
• A servant of the high priest who had his ear cut off by one of Jesus’ own disciples, but Jesus restores it.  (Luke 22:50-51)

This isn’t a lineup of the most educated religious scholars, the most proven disciples, the most “worthy” individuals or even, seemingly, the most faithful believers in the first-century Holy Land.

The beautiful thing about Jesus’ healing touch is that you don’t have to have a fully formed theology of how divine healing works in order to receive.

Healing is not dependent on how righteous and sinless we’ve lived the past few days, on our depth of Biblical knowledge relative to others, what Christian tradition we grew up under, or having some warm, fuzzy, super spiritual feeling that everything is going to be all right.

Just come expecting – something – of God.

Bring your mustard seed of faith (Matthew 17:20) and plant it. Bring your mixed feelings, your doubts, your inner struggles to the Lord.

At Restoration Church, where “embracing the mess” is a core value, one avenue for an encounter with God at your point of need is the healing prayer tables in the back corners of the sanctuary. After the sermon and during communion, two prayer ministers are stationed at each table, to join in agreement with all who will come seek God for healing, wholeness, restoration about – anything.

Physical healing. Mental healing, Emotional healing. Spiritual healing. Financial healing. Intercession for others. An initial prayer of salvation for a first-time believer or receiving a deeper flow of the Holy Spirit for a long-time believer. Or just a few minutes of prayerful empathy with fellow believers about something bothersome or painful.

God shows up every time in every prayer. What we receive may or may not be exactly what we envision. But He delivers.


Kevin Myatt
Author & Church Member