Making Peace

What does it look like to follow Jesus in 2026? For the first disciples it seems the call was cut and dry. Peter and Andrew were fishing when Jesus invited them to follow him and become fishers of people. They didn’t have to wonder if they were hearing Jesus' voice or their own, he was right there! I presume they were excited for the opportunity because scripture says they immediately dropped their nets to follow Jesus.

As the disciples walk behind Jesus, I can picture their willingness turn into reluctance. “We’re going to Samaria, where we’re unliked?” “Why are we on the outskirts with society’s unwanted?” “What’s at the pool of Bethesda except the ill, blind, lame and paralyzed people?”

I believe Jesus leads his disciples to these places, despite discomfort, because it’s where people were. Also, it’s where they will become fishers of people. Jesus will teach them how to capture hearts and attention through loving service. He does this to show the disciples and those they visit that God’s kingdom is active even in uncomfortable, overlooked and scary places.

The places Jesus went and the problems he addressed exist today.

At the beginning of our church plant, we focused on creating a safe place where people could come acknowledge their restlessness, receive Jesus’ peace and become peacemakers. Lately, I’ve been wrestling if this is the way Jesus is leading us. After much prayer and many conversations, I gained some missional clarity: the vision isn't to only form Peacemakers the church; more importantly, it's to be peacemakers. For Peacemakers, following Jesus in 2026 looks like going to the places and among the people where Jesus is and has always been to join him in making peace.

For this reason, moving forward we are worshiping in the building and in action. This means two Sundays a month we set up in the community to spread love and relief and the other two Sundays we gather in a building for bible study. Here’s one example why we’re doing it. During our first Worship in Action at a local laundromat, Rahkeem, who is part of the managing staff, came up to me and said he decided to stick around after his shift because he was enjoying the “vibe” or atmospheric feel of what we were doing. This is worship in action. This is making peace. This is how I believe Jesus is leading us. Do you know anywhere in the city we can show some love? Do you want to join us in making peace?

I ask for your prayers and support as we seek to capture hearts and minds with loving actions.

Peace,

Aaron