We exist to set captives free.

In 2025, I don’t know that anything we do is more important. We are living in a world held captive by sin. A world that needs Jesus. And living out our vision is more important than ever…not just for Ransom Church, but for every believer. This last year, as I have observed Ransom Church from my seat as Lead Pastor, I have been amazed by you. God has filled this church with some of the most amazing, generous, gifted, kind, beautiful people. As I have gotten to hear story after story of life change- from the jail ministry, young adults, senior adults, teens, kids, outreach and missions work- there has been a theme that has risen to the surface. A pattern that might have gone unnoticed had God not brought it to my attention again and again. So much life change. So much transformation. So many salvations and baptisms. And the common theme in all of them?

YOU.

As Ransom Church carries out our vision, it is not a vision to DO all the ministry. It’s a vision to empower YOU to do the ministry of the church. It’s our Ephesians 4 calling to equip the church to build the body. And building it is exactly what you are doing. The thread I have found woven through Ransom Church this year is that the greatest ministry is happening through you…the congregation…the church family that we call Ransom Church. While our pastors and staff are amazing, we are in awe of YOU. It is a gift every day to challenge you to take spiritual responsibility for the places and spaces God has placed you in. It’s our joy to push you to embrace that you indeed are called- that this is a priesthood of believers. It’s been amazing to unleash more and more of you in your calling and to sit back and watch miracles happen through you. Our city needs revival. We want to play our part. But revival rarely happens because of a church. It almost always happens on the backs of lay people…people who consider themselves just attenders…but who truly are so, so much more.

Thanks Ransom Church for inspiring me. Thanks for listening- not just to us, but to the call God is placing on your lives. Thanks for giving us a front row seat to YOUR ministry. May God unleash the people of Ransom church to BE the church and not just to attend. May you recognize and respond to the voice of God, and teach others to do the same.