The Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on March 26th, 2025
The worst thing that ever happened in human history wasn’t a war, a natural disaster, or a global crisis. It was the brutal, unjust execution of the only perfect man to ever walk the earth—Jesus Christ". We all know He betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, the Son of God suffered a death He did not deserve. The world went dark. Hope seemed lost. Evil appeared to have won. Read More
0
Back to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects Christ
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on March 23rd, 2025
One of the clearest signs that a believer matures in their faith is when they move from being a consumer to becoming a servant. And let’s be real—somewhere along the way, the modern church has trained people to show up, sit down, and soak in. We’ve created a culture where “serving” often means signing up for a ministry role once a month and then checking that box off the spiritual to-do list.But w... Read More
0
Back to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning Thing
by Jody Burkeen on March 22nd, 2025
One of the things I’ve noticed in the church today is how easily we’ve compartmentalized our faith. We’ve made worship a Sunday morning event—a few songs, maybe a hand raised, and then back to our normal lives by lunchtime. But biblical worship isn’t confined to a stage or a sanctuary. It’s not just something we do for 20 minutes before the sermon. Worship is a lifestyle. It’s who we are and how w... Read More
0
Back to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature Believer
by Jody Burkeen on March 20th, 2025
As a pastor, I’ve seen it time and time again—Christians who have been in the faith for years but feel stuck, stagnant, or uncertain about their next steps. They’ve read their Bibles, attended church, and served in ministry, but something is missing. That “something” is often discipleship.As I think about the mature (not necessarily in age) Christians we have in the church, I see too many of them ... Read More
0
Pursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the Church
by Jody Burkeen on March 19th, 2025
After wrestling with the concept of holiness in the previous blog, I am now wrestling with what holiness looks like in action. If holiness is being set apart for God, how does that practically shape how we live as individuals? And what does it mean for the church as a whole? It’s one thing to talk about holiness but another to live it. Being a good person doesn't cut it; being a godly one does! Ho... Read More
0
A Call To Be Set Apart
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on March 17th, 2025
Holiness is a lifelong pursuit, but it is worth it. We cannot be holy by our own strength but by abiding in Christ and yielding to the Spirit. Let us answer the call of 1 Peter 1:15-16 by striving daily to reflect the holiness of our God. ... Read More
0
The Top 10 Reasons a Church Dies
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on March 13th, 2025
The church was never meant to be complicated. In Acts 2, the early church thrived by focusing on the basics—devotion to God’s Word, fellowship, prayer, and making disciples. But over time, many churches drift from these foundational principles, leading to spiritual decline and, eventually, death. As we return Back to the Basics (click to listen to the Vision Sunday Sermon), we must recognize the w... Read More
0
When the Lukewarm Get Uncomfortable
by Jody Burkeen on March 12th, 2025
The Cost of Growing a ChurchThere’s a strange phenomenon that happens when a church starts fulfilling its mission—when it actually starts reaching the lost, discipling new believers, and growing in ways that reflect the power of the Gospel. You’d think that everyone would be rejoicing, right? But instead, some people—the ones who have been there the longest, growing the lease, sitting comfortably ... Read More
0
The Danger of Walking Away from the Cross
by Jody Burkeen on March 10th, 2025
In a world full of distractions, temptations, and self-indulgence, it is easy to drift away from the cross. What begins as small compromises—skipping prayer, neglecting the Word, justifying sin—can quickly turn into a life that is no longer centered on Christ. The Bible is clear: the world is constantly pulling us away from God, and without staying anchored to the cross, we will find ourselves los... Read More
0
Back to the Basics
by Jody Burkeen on March 6th, 2025
Ignite Church 2025 VisionIn a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Distractions, busyness, and cultural noise often drown out the simplicity of the Gospel. But as Ignite Church moves forward in 2025, we are committing to go Back to the Basics—rediscovering the foundational truths of our faith, staying grounded in God’s Word, and liv... Read More
0
Preparing for the Corporate Fast
by Jody Burkeen on January 8th, 2025
Dear Church Family,I’m thrilled to invite you to join me in a two-week corporate prayer and fast—a special time for our congregation to draw nearer to God, seek His direction, and experience His power in a fresh way. Fasting and prayer are life-changing disciplines when practiced individually, but they can be even more impactful when we come together in unity. We will begin praying and seeking God... Read More
1
Embracing 2025 with a Renewed Mind and Heart
by Jody Burkeen on January 3rd, 2025
As we step boldly into 2025, I am reminded of the incredible opportunity each new year brings: a chance for renewed focus, deeper faith, and fresh encounters with God’s presence. At Ignite Church, I believe this is far more than just another day on the calendar—it’s a divine invitation to be transformed from the inside out. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Romans 12:1-2, urging us to ... Read More
0
Recent
Grace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to Do
May 8th, 2025
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a Life
May 3rd, 2025
We’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
April 29th, 2025
Laziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the Kingdom
April 25th, 2025
Gossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must Fight
April 24th, 2025
Archive
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
2024
February
April
May
A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's TeachingsRevisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s CharacterExamining The Teachings of Bill Johnson- Bethel ChurchA Critical Review of Andy Stanley’s Teachings: Lukewarm Understanding of ScriptureRecognizing False Teachers: A Guide for Church MembersGood Shepherds Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?Confronting Bad Theology in the Church5 Ways Christians Can Build Their Faith
July
Finding Comfort in the Midst of Loss: A Biblical Perspective on SufferingThe Seven Stages of Grieving: A Biblical PerspectiveUnderstanding Luke 11:1-4: The Lord's PrayerHistory of the AltarThe Power and Practice of Intercessory PrayerAre You A Christian Who Prays?The Power of Corporate Prayer: A Biblical Perspective
October
2023
January
Tips for a Consistent Prayer LifeRegular Church Attendance is Good for the SoulFastingPrayer and FastingBeing a Christian FriendBe SanctifiedGrow In The Grace and KnowledgeServing OthersBiblical StewardshipHow to Create Godly FriendsTaking Care of the Widows and OrphansEvangelize!Doctrine of AtonementSpiritual Disciplines
February
March
2022
December