Sunrise Ministries

Today's sermon explores the biblical relationship between husbands and wives, framing marriage not as a model for power or decision-making, but as a testimony of Christ’s self-sacrificial love for the church. By examining Paul’s instructions to the early churches, it calls believers to prioritize mutual submission and service, viewing their relationships as a way to push back against the ramifications of the fall. Worship Song: Firm Foundation

Pastor Dennis explores Genesis 2 and examines the fundamental design of human relationships and the unique, complementary strengths found in the partnership of men and women. By looking at the Hebrew concept of the ezer, or "strong ally," this message challenges us to see one another as peers created to reflect the image of God together. Worship Setlist: House of the Lord Christ Be Magnified What a Beautiful Name Good Good Father

This morning at Sunrise, we celebrated the baptism of Pastor Dennis’ first grandchild, Ellie Lou, drawing together Scripture, covenant, and the long story of God’s faithfulness across generations. Through this sacrament, we were reminded that God moves first in love, keeping His promises from parent to child and from family to family. Closing Song: Victory in Jesus

Today, Dennis shares that every person equally bears the image of God, and Scripture does not teach a universal hierarchy that restricts women from leadership, teaching, or authority. Sunrise Ministries affirms this biblical vision, rejecting male‑headship as a created‑order mandate and embracing men and women as equal partners in every level of ministry, just as the New Testament church modeled. Worship Setlist:  Who You Say I Am The Father's House So Will I (100 Billion X) Build My Life

Today begins the next movement of our Five Big Questions series: Identity. Pastor Dennis explores what it means to be human, to bear God’s image, and to let Jesus shape every part of our lives. Together we'll take an honest look at Scripture, self‑understanding, and the ongoing work of the Spirit in us. Worship Setlist: Holy Holy Holy Stand In Your Love God With Us

This Easter Sunday, Pastor Dennis highlighted how the resurrection story is carried forward by the women who stayed faithful when prominent disciples fled, showing that God often works through those the world overlooks. Their courage is the doorway to hope, reminding us that resurrection happens when ordinary people simply show up and do what they can.   Worship Setlist: Glorious Day We Crown You Who Else The Blood

This Palm Sunday, Dennis reminds us that Jesus walked toward death without fear because he knew his mission — to make peace, defeat death by passing through it, and give us a hope that outlasts the graveside. Instead of fixating on going somewhere someday, we’re invited to follow Jesus in the present, remember God’s faithfulness, experience His presence, and root our hope in the risen Christ who leads us. Worship Setlist: The Lion and the Lamb Hosanna All Hail King Jesus Worthy of it All

This morning, Noah Matthysse teaches that Jubilee is a God‑given structural command — a built‑in economic reset — designed to realign society with God’s justice by restoring land, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring everyone has the means to live. Worship Setlist: Awake My Soul Reckless Love Holy Forever All the Poor and Powerless

Pastor Dennis reminds us that we have value because we bear God’s image, and what we do matters because our actions reveal our alignment with God’s heart and kingdom. Through James 2 and the Good Samaritan, he calls us to let our lives—not just our words—demonstrate mercy, integrity, and Spirit‑shaped love. Worship Setlist: House of the Lord King of Kings Same God Send Me

Today, Pastor Dennis reminds us that God’s commands are not just rules but loving safeguards, like guardrails and training wheels, meant to help us live in alignment with Him and experience real flourishing. Our church family should remember that every one of us matters deeply to God, and that what we do each day shapes the lives of the people around us and reflects the God we follow. Worship Setlist: Glorious Day Promises Reign Above It All The Greatest Commandment

This morning, Pastor Corey teaches that doing the “right thing” ultimately comes down to letting love for God and neighbor guide your choices rather than impulse, favoritism, or self‑interest. He contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh and urges believers to slow down, examine their motives, and let love shape both decisions and relationships. Worship Setlist: There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do Build My Life Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me The Greatest Commandment

This morning, Dennis looks at Naaman’s story to illustrate that the world is fundamentally misaligned — people, systems, bodies, and relationships — and that God’s work is about realignment rather than punishment. Naaman’s healing becomes a picture of how humility, obedience, and grace meet us in imperfect circumstances, especially when the “ideal” isn’t possible. In a broken world, we move toward God by doing the most faithful, loving thing we can in any given situation. Worship Setlist: Take You at Your Word Good Plans What He's Done In Christ Alone

In today's message, Dennis reframes sin not simply as rule‑breaking or missing the mark, but as the deeper misalignment that happens when we grasp for what belongs to God. He highlights God’s commands as guardrails meant for our flourishing and points to Jesus as the One who heals, realigns, and restores what’s been broken. Worship Setlist: Death Was Arrested Gratitude Lord I Need You Who Else

Pastor Dennis reflects on how we recognize good and evil in the world and argues that real goodness is rooted in God’s character, fully revealed in Jesus. He also encourages the church to stop excusing its own sin, resist the impulse to judge others, and intentionally celebrate moments of genuine goodness as signs of God’s kingdom breaking into everyday life. Worship Setlist: The Lion and the Lamb King of Kings Holy Forever

This morning's message emphasizes that God’s creative work is not just about making material things but about shaping them to function as they should—bringing order, purpose, and flourishing out of chaos. It highlights time, work, and human vocation as gifts woven into creation and invites us to join God in extending that order, goodness, and shalom into the world. Worship Setlist: You Came (Lazarus) Forever YHWH We Crown You Beautiful Things

God’s creation story reveals a world spoken into being by a God who delights in what He makes, not a universe born from violence or domination. Humanity begins with goodness, bearing God’s image and being entrusted with stewardship, flourishing, and love. Worship Setlist: Take You At Your Word King of Kings Good Plans All Creatures of Our God and King

Pastor Dennis explains that Genesis 1–2 is about the identity and character of the Creator, not scientific detail, inviting listeners to see how faith and science need not be in conflict and how God’s love and pursuit of humanity stand at the center of the story. Worship Setlist: Be Thou My Vision Who Else Christ Be Magnified

This Sunday, we begin a new sermon series that tackles some of the most profound questions we face as human beings. Dennis explores five major areas of inquiry: origins (where did everything come from?), morality (what is right and wrong?), meaning (do I matter?), destiny (where is this all headed?), and identity (who am I and who are we?). Rather than offering easy answers, we are reminded that the journey of faith is filled with mystery. We don't need to have everything figured out to follow Jesus faithfully. * Please note the first ten minutes of the message were not captured due to technical issues. Worship Setlist: Awake My Soul Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me Same God Is He Worthy

Pastor Dennis explores how calling is discerned through God’s shaping work, our own gifts and passions, and the honest affirmation of those who know us best. He invites us to move from self‑doubt to surrendered faithfulness, trusting that God equips every person with something essential to offer. Worship Setlist:  • I Thank God  • Trust in God  • Build My Life  • Son of Suffering 

Pastor Bill VanderWerp presents a message about mental health and discusses a new resourse available to Sunrise congregants. Worship Setlist:  • Joy to the World (Joyful Joyful)  • No Longer Slaves  • Another in the Fire  • Run to the Father 

On the fourth week of Advent, we turn to the third story Jesus tells about loss, the prodigal son. In this final parable, the father doesn’t dwell on his son’s sin or shame; he sees only a beloved child returning home. Worship Setlist:  • Angels We Have Heard on High  • King of Kings  • Holy Forever (Christmas)  • What A Beautiful Name 

Through God's purposed, loving pursuit of us, our sorrow gives way to joy. Worship Setlist:  • The First Noel  • He Shall Reign Forevermore  • Come and Worship  • O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be) 

On this second day of Advent, we are reminded that God has come into the chaos of this world to replace it with the shalom of His love. Worship Setlist:  • Joy to the World  • God With Us  • Way Maker 

As we begin Advent this Sunday, Pastor Dennis reminds us that hope, peace, joy, and love lead us to the arrival on the one who embodies all of these eternal realities.

In the final message from our series Two Men’s Journey, Dennis examines Job’s restoration in chapter 42. Job's story reminds us that even when God restores, some losses remain—but His presence is enough in the emptiness. And Job ultimately points us to Jesus, whose suffering brings the true and lasting restoration we all need. Worship Setlist:  • We Praise You  • This I Believe  • We Crown You  • Good Plans 

This Sunday, Corey Williamson shares from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. He reminds us that God cares more about our hearts than our actions - and that we are His work. Worship Setlist: • Raise a Hallelujah  • There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do  • Firm Foundation (He Won't)  • All the Poor and Powerless   

Today we explore one of the most profound moments in Job's story — his encounter with the living God and his response of humble repentance. As we near the end of this series, we're discovering that Job's story isn't just about suffering; it's about transformation, restoration, and how God can use our deepest pain as a conduit for his greatest strength. Worship Setlist:  • Take You at Your Word  • Who Else  • We Crown You  • Trust in God   

Guest speaker Brittany Stichter returns to continue our series, Two Men's Journey. Worship Setlist:  • The Lion and the Lamb  • Reign Above It All  • Goodness of God  • Make Room 

God gives Job a majestic and challenging response from a whirlwind,  interrogating Job about the secrets of creation and the natural world, not merely to assert power, but to graciously expand Job's limited perspective. Worship Setlist:  • Awake My Soul  • Good Plans  • Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me  • So Will I (100 Billion X) 

This morning, Pastor Dennis offers a message of comfort and strength, emphasizing that believers should find ultimate stability in the absolute sovereignty of God, who remains firmly in control and shares His rule with no one. God sees and holds us even through profound suffering. Anything the enemy or the world can throw at us — sin, death, and the Fall — is rendered insignificant and because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Worship Setlist:  • Raise a Hallelujah  • Christ Be Magnified  • My King Forever  • Firm Foundation 

We were blessed to have our brother, Suresh Singh with us. Suresh delivered a thought-provoking sermon on Mark 12:13-17, traditionally known as the "Render unto Caesar" passage. However, Suresh offered a fresh perspective on our identity as image-bearers of God. The sermon explored the profound implications of bearing God's image and our call to give ourselves fully to him. Worship Setlist:  • House of the Lord  • In Christ Alone (Passion)  • Forever YHWH  • Death Was Arrested 

Maybe the Good Old Days were not as rosy as we like to recall. Worship Setlist:  • Take You At Your Word  • Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus  •  Good Plans  •  The Blood 

This morning, Pastor Dennis continues our series on Job, zeroing in on the lessons we can glean chapters 32-37. Worship Setlist: • I Thank God • I Trust in God • Worthy of it All • Goodness of God

Congregational Care Pastor, Bill VanderWerp's gives a message focused on the right way to listen to a sermon. He uses Jesus' Parable of the Sower to compare listeners to different types of soil, representing varying receptivity to God's word. To ensure the message falls on "good soil," Bill shares George Whitfield's five essential directions for preparing one's heart, focusing on applying the Word rather than judging the preacher. Worship Setlist:  • Awake My Soul  • Same God  • Build My Life  • Good Good Father 

In this week's sermon, we explore the response of Zophar to Job, focusing on how we handle offenses and challenging beliefs. The message discusses the danger of holding onto rigid assumptions that prevent us from showing compassion and understanding to others, especially those who are suffering. We must root our identity in God's love and be open to his work beyond our limited understanding. Worship Setlist:  • Praise You Anywhere  • Good Plans  • Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me  • Do It Again 

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew something, but didn't truly understand it? Possessing knowledge is different from truly connecting with its meaning. This distinction between knowledge and understanding is at the heart of a profound spiritual lesson about empathy, hope, and experiencing God's presence in our darkest moments. Worship Setlist:  • House of the Lord  • Who Else  • Though You Slay Me  • Son of Suffering 

Have you ever felt like you're carrying more than you can handle? Like the weight of your circumstances is crushing you, and you're not sure how much longer you can hold on? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have heard the well-meaning phrase, "God won't give you more than you can handle." But is this really true? And more importantly, what do we do when life feels like it's too much? Worship Setlist:  • Glorious Day  • Make Room  • Living Hope  • Reign Above it All 

Today, Pastor Dennis continues our exploration of how we respond to those experiencing deep suffering and uncomfortable laments. We examine Bildad's (Job’s second friend) well-intentioned but ultimately unhelpful approach to Job's pain and considered how we might better support those in distress. The sermon challenges us to reconsider how we offer comfort and theological truths, emphasizing the importance of relationship and compassion over mere words. Worship Setlist:  • There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do  • Promises  • Good Good Father  • Same God 

This week’s sermon explores the danger of presuming to speak for God, drawing from the story of Job and his friend Eliphaz. It reflects on how easily advice or comfort can miss the mark, and the importance of humility and self-awareness in difficult conversations. Ultimately, the message reminds us that our presence often speaks louder than any words we offer. Worship Setlist: • Your Love Never Fails • Hosanna • 'Til I See You • Cornerstone

Once blessed and blameless, Job now curses the day of his birth, questioning God’s goodness while clinging to his innocence. We explore how lament gives voice to deep suffering, why Job’s friends’ silent presence mattered, and how the church today must learn to hold space for grief as well as joy. Worship Setlist: • Praise You Anywhere • This I Believe (The Creed) • Trust in God • Though You Slay Me

This morning at Sunrise three of our students take an important step in their faith journey through baptism and profession of faith. A beautiful and meaningful moment marked by sacraments, affirmations, and commitments to Christ. Worship Setlist:  • I Thank God  • Forever YHWH  • House of the Lord  • Reign Above it All 

Kara VanderKamp of Remember Niger, a global missional partner of Sunrise Ministries, joins us today to share how God is at work expanding educational opportunities to the people of Niger. Worship Setlist:  • Take You at Your Word  • Make Room  • Have It All  • Send Me 

In the depths of our darkest moments, when those we love are suffering, we often find ourselves grappling with a profound question: Where is God? This question runs deep in human experience from ancient times to our present day. It's a question that demands our attention, not just for theological discourse, but for the very real and raw moments when pain seems to overshadow everything else. Worship Setlist: • Raise a Hallelujah  • Holy Forever  • Trust in God  • Same God 

Pastor Cory explores the importance of prayer in our lives. Delving into Luke 11:1-13, he examines Jesus' teachings on prayer through the Lord's Prayer and the parable of the persistent friend. Prayer is not just about making requests, it's about building a relationship with our Heavenly Father, waiting in his presence, aligning ourselves with His kingdom purposes, and being persistent as we seek Him. Worship Setlist: • Glorious Day  • Firm Foundation  • Oh You Bring  • This is My Father's World 

God does not distribute grace based on our contributions, but only by his grace and radical generosity. Worship Setlist: • Great Are You Lord  • Worthy of It All  • All Hail King Jesus  • The Blood 

In the depths of our darkest moments, when pain and loss seem overwhelming, we often find ourselves questioning God's goodness. We may wonder if our faith and righteous living have any bearing on the trials we face. The story of Job, a man of exemplary character and unwavering faith, challenges our assumptions about suffering and reveals profound truths about God's nature and our response to adversity. Worship Setlist:  • I Thank God  • Death Was Arrested  • Who Else  • Trust In God 

Life often throws us curveballs that leave us reeling, questioning everything we thought we knew about God and His goodness. In these moments, it's tempting to rush past the pain, seeking quick resolutions and easy answers. But what if there's value in slowing down and sitting with our discomfort? What if God has something to teach us in the midst of our suffering? Worship Setlist:  • Battle Belongs  • Firm Foundation  • Great Are You Lord  • So Will I (100 Billion X) 

In a world that often feels transactional, where favors are exchanged and love seems conditional, we find ourselves yearning for something more profound. The story of Job offers us a powerful lens through which to examine the nature of God's love and our own understanding of worship, blessing, and suffering. Worship Setlist:  • There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do  • Promises  • Your Love Never Fails  • It Is Well 

Life often feels like a complex tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of joy, sorrow, triumph, and struggle. In the midst of this intricate design, it's easy to lose sight of a fundamental truth: God sees us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally. Worship Setlist:  • The Lion and the Lamb  • Son of Suffering  • Your Glory  • Another in the Fire 

Job's story presents us with a choice: to run from God because we don't trust him, or run toward him despite our lack of understanding because he has overcome the world. Worship Setlist:  • You Have Won Me  • We Praise You  • Gratitude  • My King Forever