Willow Welcomes David Ashcraft

Acts 12 narrates the miraculous escape of Peter from prison, underscoring the transformative power of prayer amidst persecution. In a seemingly hopeless situation, the church came together in earnest prayer, and God responded by sending an angel to deliver Peter. Pastor Shawn Williams emphasizes that faith isn't about having all the answers but trusting in God's power to move—even when the situation seems beyond hope. This passage calls the church to engage in bold, persistent prayer, trusting that God continues to perform miracles and work powerfully in the world today!

Acts 10 marks a turning point in church history, as the Gospel breaks beyond Jerusalem to reach the Gentiles. God revealed to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and Peter, through a vision, that the Gospel is for all, challenging Jewish purity laws. Peter’s bold decision to enter Cornelius’s home, defying Jewish customs, symbolized radical inclusion. The Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles confirmed that God’s Kingdom is open to everyone. Pastor Dave Dummitt challenges us to reconsider whom we’re called to welcome into God’s family—breaking down the divisions of our world.

Paul’s transformation is one of the most dramatic in Scripture. Once a fierce persecutor of Jesus’ followers, he was blinded on the road to Damascus, where Jesus called him by name and commissioned him to proclaim the Gospel. This moment marked not only his redemption but also his mission. Similarly, Ananias showed radical faith by welcoming Paul, proving that no one is beyond redemption. Pastor Shawn Williams teaches that, like Paul, we are all called by name, and our transformation is part of God’s mission!

The early church demonstrated radical generosity, sharing all they had to meet each other's needs, reflecting their faith in Jesus and God’s provision. Their giving came from love, not obligation, as they understood that following Jesus meant living with open hands and caring for one another. Pastor Shawn Williams challenges us to embrace this same generous heart, trusting that as Jesus gave everything for us, we, too, should hold nothing back in our giving.

In Acts 2:42-47, the early church demonstrated a profound commitment to authentic community, as believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and sharing meals together. Their unity and generosity were powerful reflections of God’s Kingdom, as they gave selflessly, meeting each other's needs. This passage reveals that true community demands vulnerability, sacrificial love, and a willingness to share our lives with others, challenging the individualism that often dominates our culture. The early church’s example calls us to embrace deep, committed fellowship, reflecting God’s heart through genuine, life-on-life relationships.

 Old habits die hard, and this truth is highlighted in Acts 1, where, even after spending forty days with the resurrected Jesus, the disciples still ask, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” This moment marks the birth of the church, and serves as a reminder that even today, followers of Jesus are called to embody its mission. To be His witnesses, we must first encounter Him personally—and this can only happen through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As Pastor Shawn Williams begins the Unleashed series, we’re invited to imagine what the church could look like in 2025 if it wholeheartedly embraced the Holy Spirit to advance the work of God’s Kingdom.

David Ashcraft, CEO of the Global Leadership Network, is a dynamic leader with a proven ability to transform lives. He grew Lives Changed By Christ (LCBC) Church from a small congregation into one of the largest in the Northeastern U.S. Now leading the Global Leadership Summit, the world’s largest leadership conference, David empowers pastors and leaders to drive lasting change in their communities. His story is one of growth, resilience, and a commitment to building leadership cultures that help churches and organizations thrive.

Television shows like The Brady Bunch, Friends, and This is Us show us the power of relationships to shape our happiness. While family relationships can be challenging, they also provide opportunities for growth as we navigate love, dependence, and autonomy. Pastor Megan Marshman explores Proverbs 21:21 and how leaning into God’s wisdom can help us nurture meaningful relationships and find true happiness.

In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, constantly measuring our lives against the highlight reels of others. But comparison steals our contentment, breeding envy that robs us of peace and joy. Over time, envy can distort our relationships and hurt our mental health. Proverbs 14:30 reminds us that “a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones,” teaching us that gratitude is the cure for envy. By focusing on the blessings God has given us, we can embrace contentment and joy, radiating peace and encouragement to those around us.

There was a time when phrases like "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "It is better to give than to receive" were widely understood, regardless of faith. Both, rooted in the teachings of Jesus, emphasized generosity—a principle we’ve lost sight of in today’s pursuit of happiness. Proverbs 11:24-25 reminds us that true happiness isn’t found in holding on to what we have but in giving freely to others, with generosity enriching both the giver and the receiver. In this message, Pastor Dave Dummitt explores how embracing a generous spirit can transform relationships and communities, leading to lasting happiness.