05/17/2026
This morning for graduate Sunday,we are studying the difference between what we desire and what we are willing to do.
So much of success is determined by not only what we are willing to do, but what we are willing to surrender.
So many churches and preachers have asked us what led the growth and turnaround at Smyrna First these past 5 years.
When we explain the importance of discipleship and surrender to living in what we need and not what we want, most have turned away and come up with excuses.
“This won’t work in a small membership church.”
“My people would never support this.”
“Church isn’t about growth. We are happy staying the same.”
Over and over we have heard, this isn’t what we are looking for, and over and over we have watched churches shrink in effectiveness and size.
What they were really saying to us is this, we desire to grow, but we are only willing to do this. What I have learned in my time at Smyrna is God takes our willingness and creates beautiful community.
Knowing that now, we have learned it is important to take the approach that we will do whatever it takes. Almost.
Y’all come on and get some Jesus.
And yes, I am preaching all three. I only have a couple more weeks with these beautiful people and I am unwilling to not take every opportunity I can get. 😃
