MCC Sunday Sermons

Before the temple walls were even built, God’s people chose to gather in faith, sacrifice through their fear, and encounter His presence at the altar. Join Pastor Dan Gisel as we explore Ezra 3 and Romans 12 to discover how true worship shifts our focus from fear to faith. Step into the altar space this Sunday and experience how the Gospel doesn't just change what we do—it transforms who we are.

Even when exile feels like the end of the story, God is always working behind the scenes to bring His people home. In this powerful look at Ezra 1, Pastor Scot Longyear reveals how God uses time to prepare us, unexpected people to help us, and awakened hearts to move us into a season of restoration. Join us as we discover what it means to be stirred awake by God and called back to His purpose for our lives.

Patience isn't just passive waiting; it’s faithful obedience between the seed you plant and the harvest you're waiting on. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he explores James 5 and reminds us that no matter what burden you are carrying, God is abundantly tenderhearted toward His people. Come learn how to stand firm, lean on powerful prayer, and trust in a God who meets us right where we hurt.

Pastor Jim Pendleton continues our Faith Works series, based on the book of James, to dive into what this scripture tells us about using our words to speak life into those around us.

Ever feel like your Sunday faith fades before the week even gets started? Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he dives into James 2 to address the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. Discover how moving from passive belief to active obedience can transform your walk with Jesus and turn an empty faith into a dynamic, everyday reality.

When life turns up the heat, are you being shaped or controlled? Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he unpacks James 1 to show how God uses pressure to mature you, while sin uses that same pressure to master you. Discover how to lean into God's wisdom, persevere through trials, and exchange the weight of your struggles for a crown of life.

In this powerful look at the Prodigal Son, Pastor Scot Longyear explores how resentment can keep us trapped outside the celebration of grace while compassion has the power to change everything. Whether you are running from your past or struggling to let go of a grudge, discover how taking the first step toward forgiveness can bridge the deepest conflicts. Join us as we learn why it’s time to stop running and start embracing a peace that defies our expectations.

When you find yourself in a season of waiting, it can feel like God is holding out on you—but what if He’s actually protecting you? In this powerful message, Pastor Scot Longyear reveals how guarding your heart, prioritizing character over chemistry, and honoring God's boundaries will shield your future relationships from heartbreak. Join us to discover how to align your pace with Jesus and embrace waiting not as a punishment, but as a divine protection for your soul.

Stop trying to control the outcome and start cultivating a legacy of faith that your family will never forget. Join Pastor Jim Pendleton as he explores how to move from pressure to planting seeds through practice, persistence, and prayer. Discover how God uses your ordinary, everyday moments to spark a sincere faith that echoes for generations.

Stop settling for the dry rules of religion when Jesus is offering the "living water" of a real relationship. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as we explore how Jesus meets us in our hiding, knows our deepest secrets, and chooses to stay anyway. Come discover the One who knows you at your worst and loves you the most—you’ll never be the same.

Discover how to experience "life in His name" as Pastor Scot Longyear explores the profound meaning of remaining in Jesus. Learn the four essential ways to cultivate an ongoing connection with Christ – from close relationship to obedient living – and unlock the overflowing joy and fruitfulness He promises.

If you’ve finally reached your goals only to feel like you’re still failing, you might be chasing a version of success that wasn't built to satisfy. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he explores Jesus’ provocative warning against the "bigger barns" of greed and reveals how to trade the illusion of control for a life that is truly rich toward God.

Discover the profound peace of being personally known and fiercely protected by the Good Shepherd who calls you by name. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he explores how shifting our focus from worry to the Shepherd’s voice allows us to experience a life that is not just survived, but lived "beyond measure."

From the historic quests for immortality to the empty tomb of John 20, we all search for a life that truly lasts. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he explores the four transformative prayers—Confession, Cancellation, Authority, and Guidance—that move us from spiritual death into a vibrant, new life through the power of the Cross.

Are you merely an admirer of Jesus, or are you ready to become His apprentice? This Holy Week, Pastor Scot Longyear invites us to move beyond appreciation for the story of the cross and into the radical practice of daily following Him. By retracing the final week of Jesus' life—from His humble entry on a donkey to His total surrender in the garden—we discover how to exchange our own will for His way.

When the "why" of suffering meets the silence of God, where do we turn? Drawing from the raw heartache of losing his father and the agonizing shadows of Gethsemane, Pastor Cam Huxford explores how Jesus’ greatest moment of distress paved the way for our ultimate hope.

Think you’re the one searching for God? In the story of Zacchaeus, we discover that while we’re busy climbing trees to get a glimpse of Him, Jesus is already on the ground calling us by name. Join us this Sunday at Maryland Community Church as we learn how Jesus doesn’t just notice the outsider—He intentionally pursues them with a kindness that changes everything.

In a world addicted to "absent presence" and digital distractions, guest preacher Dustin Aagard invites us to trade the pressure of Martha for the peace of Mary. Discover how the simple rhythm of abiding and asking prayer can transform you from a "starving baker" into a work of God. Whether you have 90 seconds or 90 minutes, come learn how to find your place, pick your plan, and hear your Heavenly Father cry out, "Again! Again!"

Don’t Live Erased: Encountering the Glory of God Have you ever felt invisible, passed over, or "erased" by the world around you? This week, Pastor Scot Longyear dives into Luke 5 to show us how a man defined by his isolation found restoration when he stopped hiding and started chasing after Jesus.

Are You Ready for a Divine Interruption? We often think we need to travel thousands of miles or perform extraordinary feats to find God, but He is most often found in the dull, exhausted moments of our ordinary routines.

We’ve become a society that has forgotten how to be still. Think about it: what’s the first thing you do when you’re standing in a long line or waiting for a friend to arrive? You pull out your phone. Statistics show that half of us grab our devices within 10 seconds of arriving anywhere. We check them 58 times a day. We’ve traded reflection for a "doom loop" of distraction. But what if, by escaping the boredom, we’re actually escaping the very place where God is trying to meet us?

Bored to Life: Finding Space for God Is your smartphone stealing your ability to hear from God? In this message, Senior Pastor Scot Longyear explores how our constant avoidance of boredom through digital distraction creates a "doom loop" that blocks us from experiencing the Divine. Through the story of Zechariah, we’ll discover how God hides extraordinary encounters within ordinary moments and why the "unclaimed space" of silence is exactly where He does His best work.

Ever felt like you “whiffed it” when God gave you an opening to share your faith? This Sunday, Pastor Scot Longyear explores Jonah 3 to show us that God is the God of the second chance—both for us and for the people we think would never listen. Learn how to take your weak “yes” and your awkward words and watch the Holy Spirit do the impossible.

Ever feel like you’re drowning in debt, a broken relationship, or a season of failure? Pastor Scot Longyear explores how our lowest moments are often God’s greatest provisions, using Jonah’s journey from the belly of a fish to a life of repentance. Join us as we discover why hitting rock bottom might be the solid foundation you need to finally stop running and find the "Amazing Grace" that meets you at your worst.

Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you’re heading in the wrong direction, not just on the road, but in your life? Whether you’re chasing comfort or actively avoiding a difficult call, join us as we dive into the story of Jonah to discover why we run from God and how He uses the storms of life to call us back home.

Pastor Scot reflects on MCC's year long 100 Year Celebration and the concept of setting resolutions as we enter a new year. He expands on three ways we can practically develop new spiritual habits.

Pastor Scot reflects on why each of the Gospel writers used the word joy instead of happiness so frequently in their description of Jesus's birth.

We often spend the Christmas season stressing over whether someone is "worth" a gift or struggling to find something for the person who has it all—but what do you give to Jesus, the King who already owns everything? Drawing from the journey of the Magi, Senior Pastor Scot Longyear explores how we can offer God the few things He doesn't already have: our pursuit, our perseverance, and our heartfelt worship.

Seeking revival? It's not about forcing God's hand, but about preparing our hearts for an intensification of His ordinary work. Discover how Mary and Isaiah postured themselves for God's sovereign, transformative interruption, which includes being shaken, having faith, and utterly surrendering as a servant to His will.

Just like there was "no guest room available" for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, is your heart too full of distractions to receive Christ this Christmas? Join Pastor Jim Pendleton as he explores the nativity story from Luke 2 to reveal three powerful MOVES you can make to clear out the clutter and truly make room for Jesus this holiday season.

Do you ever feel like the ritual of Communion has become just a mindless motion? This week, Pastor Scot Longyear invites us to move past mere routine and unlock the profound meaning of the Lord's Supper. Discover how this simple act of bread and cup calls us to look backward with gratitude, look inward with surrender, and look forward with hope.

Don't miss the moment of God's favor! Pastor Scot Longyear walks us through the transformative journey of the Ethiopian eunuch, revealing the five essential steps—from the initial Invitation to the final Joy—that lead to salvation and the new life found in Christ. Discover the power of explanation, the necessity of a timely decision, and the beautiful symbolism of Resurrection in baptism, asking yourself: "What can stand in the way of my being baptized?"

Feeling unsure about what God truly wants from your life? Just like the people in the book of Micah, we often wonder if more religious activity is the answer. Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he unpacks God's powerful answer to the question, "What does the Lord require of you?" and reveals how embracing the call to "walk humbly with your God"—especially through heartfelt generosity—is the key to unlocking a transformed spiritual life and testing God's incredible blessing.

We live by reciprocal rules: a good deed gets a thank you, and a hurt feels like it demands payback. But what happens when our deepest instinct for "getting even" clashes with the call of our faith? Join Pastor Scot Longyear as he reveals the radical strength of mercy—the one thing God truly requires—and how choosing it over revenge can rewrite your own story and the lives of those who have wronged you.

Discover the clear, surprising answer God gives through the prophet Micah, which demands more than just religious activity—it requires your heart and a commitment to act justly by defending the vulnerable right where you live. Join us to find clarity on God's will and learn the practical steps to stop wearing yourself out.

From the Tabernacle to the Holy Spirit, God's greatest desire has always been to dwell with His people. Join Campus Pastor Dan Gisel this week as we examine Exodus 40 and discover the kind of obedience and pursuit required to live under the guiding cloud of God's manifest presence today.

"Followers are supposed to be different, but have you ever felt like your life isn't much distinct from your friends who don't follow Jesus? Senior Pastor Scot Longyear delves into the profound question: 'What makes my life different?' Discover how the abiding presence of God's goodness, His holy Name, and His unending mercy and compassion are the very things that set believers apart, drawing from the powerful encounter between Moses and God in Exodus 33."

Have you ever felt like God is far away, as if your prayers are falling on deaf ears? In this message, Pastor Scot Longyear shares how we can reach out and find God's presence, because as Acts 17:27 reminds us, "He is not far from any one of us." Discover the powerful truths found in creation, sacrifice, honor, and sacred spaces that can help you feel close to God again.

How do we know which way to go when life's path seems uncertain? Campus Pastor, Jim Pendleton, explores the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and how it exemplifies that we don’t have to know the whole plan if we know the One who leads. Discover how God's wisdom, presence, and guidance can light our way, even when the road ahead is a longer, unexpected journey.

Feel unqualified to do what God is calling you to? You're not alone. Join us as we explore the story of Moses, a man who felt just as unprepared as we do, and discover the four truths that transform "I'm not enough" into "I am sent on a mission."

What do you do when the plans you made for your life fall apart, and you feel stuck in a dry, forgotten place? This week, we'll look at the life of Moses, a man who thought his past failures had disqualified him from God's purpose, and discover that God wants to meet us right where we are. We'll find out how to leave our safe zones and step into the incredible future God has for us.

Pastor Scot explores the gap between how many people own the Bible and how few are truly impacted by it. Drawing from James 1, he provides four steps to allow the Bible to transform one's life.

This sermon asserts that the Bible can be trusted as God's Word, addressing the skepticism many people feel. The speaker provides five reasons to support this claim: historical accuracy, citing examples where archaeology has confirmed biblical accounts; scientific accuracy, noting how the Bible pre-dated modern scientific discoveries; prophetic accuracy, emphasizing the statistical improbability of Jesus fulfilling so many prophecies; thematic accuracy, highlighting the consistent message across different authors and centuries; and personal accuracy, sharing how the Bible's "alive and active" nature changes lives.

This sermon argues that the Bible is a living blueprint for life, not an archaic artifact. It explores how the Bible was built over time by many authors inspired by the Holy Spirit, yet still tells a single, unified story centered on Jesus. The sermon also highlights the Bible's global impact and concludes by challenging listeners to not just study the book, but to personally connect with its Author, Jesus, to experience true transformation.

People often believe lies about their identity and worth, leading them to pursue approval and success in things that ultimately leave them empty. Using the story of the prophet Elijah MCC's guest speaker, Chad Lunsford, emphasizes that true identity, purpose, and worth are not found in worldly achievements or the validation of others, but in listening for God's gentle whisper, which reminds us of who we are, what our purpose is, and how deeply we are loved.

Fear can be overcome by engaging in prayer, fasting, movement, and worship. Pastor Scot Longyear reminds us that dedicating "12 minutes a day in the secret place" with God can help reduce fear, drawing on the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat who, when faced with a vast army, chose to seek the Lord.

This week, Pastor Scot Longyear continues the 12 and Change series by talking about how spending time alone with Jesus can completely change our lives. He reminds us that in those quiet moments, we discover our true purpose and learn to serve because we’re already forgiven, not to earn forgiveness. It’s an encouraging reminder to step into the purpose God has for each of us.