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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Focus: Where Are Your Eyes Fixed?
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on December 6th, 2024
Evaluating Our FocusAsk yourself:-What dominates your thoughts and time?-Does your focus draw you closer to God or further away?-Are you more concerned about what the world says or what God says?Proverbs 4:25-27 (NASB) offers practical wisdom: “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. ... Read More
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The Tithe: Preparing Your Heart to Give as a Believer
by Jody Burkeen on November 4th, 2024
For Christians, the tithe represents more than a mere financial transaction. It’s an act of worship, trust, and obedience that acknowledges God’s provision in our lives. While tithing is a biblical principle, the tithe's true impact lies in the giver's heart. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "God loves a cheerful giver." In a world where we set our tithe up on an automatic payment, here’s ... Read More
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The Biblical Understanding of Gossiping: A Serious Offense Against Unity
by Jody Burkeen on October 21st, 2024
Gossiping is often seen as a harmless conversation topic, something trivial, like sharing the latest news or an interesting tidbit about someone. We have all done it! However, when we delve into Scripture, we see that gossiping is far from a benign act; it’s a destructive force that can tear apart churches, relationships, and even our spiritual lives.Gossip in the BibleThe Bible addresses gossip i... Read More
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The 5 Stages of Discipleship: A Journey from Unbelief to Disciple Maker
by Jody Burkeen on October 15th, 2024
In our walk with Christ, discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. The Bible repeatedly calls us to mature in our faith and to lead others in doing the same. This path can be broken down into five distinct stages of discipleship, each representing a unique season in our spiritual development. I read an article a few months ago and the author had thes... Read More
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Recent
Two Thieves. One Cross. One Choice.
November 13th, 2025
A Word to Ignite Church After Reading the New Barna State of Pastors Report
November 12th, 2025
Serve Like Jesus
November 10th, 2025
The Weight and the Wonder of This Calling
November 1st, 2025
Reformation Day: Getting Back to the Word
October 31st, 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
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous HeresyChristianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
July
True Friends: When Loyalty Is TestedTrue Freedom: Independence in ChristThe Less Truth You Know, the Easier It Will Be to Be Led AstrayWe Don’t Need Good Advice—We Need the Good NewsOne Generation Tolerates, The Next CelebratesTithing Again: Why It Still MattersMiracles and a Wicked Generation: Why God Doesn’t Perform to Prove HimselfIf You're a True Christian, Then You've Changed the Way You LiveThe Affair at the Coldplay Concert: When God Brings the Darkness to LightIt’s Hot… But Not That Hot, A Wake-Up Call from the HeatNo, the Gospel Is Not Woke—It’s RighteousFaith Is Spelled R-I-S-KWhat Is Grace, Really? Understanding the Unmerited Favor of GodPart 2: Grace in the Garden: The First Act of Redemption Tracing Grace Back to GenesisPart 3- Grace Through the Law: The Old Testament Isn’t Grace-Free
August
Part 4- Jesus: The Fullness of Grace Grace Has a NamePart 5- Justified by Grace You: Don’t Work for What’s Been Paid ForPart 6- Grace That Transforms: Grace Doesn’t Leave You Where It Found YouPart 7- When Grace Hurts Receiving What You Didn’t Ask ForPart 8- Grace for Others: Extending What You’ve ReceivedFeed the Sheep, Not Entertain the GoatsPart 9-Growing in Grace: This Is Just the BeginningPart 10- The Future of Grace Grace: Will Carry You HomeThe Power of a Simple InvitationWhy the Natural Man Cannot Understand the Things of GodThe Natural Man’s Responsibility Before God’s CallWhy “Unspoken Prayer Requests” Are UnbiblicalAsk the Pastor- Why Yoga Is Not Compatible with the Christian FaithMy Job as a Pastor Is Not to Entertain You, It’s to Prepare You for EternityYou Don’t Need a Voice When You Have a VerseDon’t Waste What God Has Given YouSimple Ways to Share the Gospel and Your TestimonyAsk the Pastor: Guarding Your Heart Without Closing It OffAsk the Pastor: Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Be Too Far Gone to Be Saved?Your Testimony is Pre-Evangelism, Not the Gospel. Only the Gospel Saves
September
Guest Post- Josh Westfall- Faith and transformationThe Value of Believing the GospelFill Your Bucket of WorshipWhen Tragedy Strikes: How God Can Turn Loss into PurposeDiscernment Without Judgment: Welcoming While WatchingWe Need to Be Ready: A Coming Exodus from the LGBTQ CommunityA Shepherd’s Warning: Don’t Drift AwayIt Takes All of UsEureka Days and Weekly Challenge
October
Description Doesn’t Mean Prescription: Reading Bible Stories with DiscernmentPrayer Is a Heart IssueWhy I Struggle with Halloween- A Pastor’s Honest ReflectionKeep Your Eyes Forward: Racing Toward the Finish Line of FaithWhen You Think You’ve Figured Out ChristianityRunning to Win Again: Reclaiming Discipline in Body and SpiritThe Difference Between a Lukewarm Christian and a Devoted ChristianReformation Day: Getting Back to the Word
