Ready Set…

As summer draws to a close, our community pivots toward a season of expectant preparation. In the Gospel of Matthew, immediately following Peter’s brilliant confession of faith, Jesus gives a peculiar command: “tell no one.” It reminds us that there is a season for silence, for gestation, and for the quiet, disciplined work of being formed before we are sent.

This series captures the "future-tense" of the Church. It recognizes that while God’s Kingdom is wonderfully reckless with its grace and redemption, it is remarkably intentional and disciplined when it comes to discipleship. We find ourselves in a spiritual "Ready... Set..." phase—investing in the deep spiritual formation and leadership development that will carry us into the next great chapter God has in store for St. Matthew.

The power of the pause: Over three weeks, we will look at three biblical examples of God’s call to mission—each followed not by immediate action, but by a crucial period of preparatory waiting. While it is easy to skim the scriptures and assume these transitions happened overnight, a closer look reveals that God's greatest movements are always preceded by a season of waiting, watching, and shaping.

Each week answers a different question about the pause before the send:

Moses to Joshua- August 23, 2026 — What holds us steady while we wait? Courage grounded in God's Word and promise.

Elijah to Elisha- August 30, 2026 — What does God do with us while we wait? He meets us in quiet presence, tends to our weariness, and forms us in ordinary, unglamorous service.

Saul to Paul- September 6, 2026 — What are we sent with when the waiting ends? A gospel that is not our own invention, but a gift received — the same grace entrusted to Peter in Matthew 16.