Newcity Orlando

Associate Pastor Kenny Dyches continues our brief Winter Wisdom series, preaching on the contrast between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom, using a compelling story about a man who built a successful business but struggled with spiritual emptiness. The man’s journey, shaped by a vivid dream and an encounter with a preacher resembling Jesus, highlighted the challenge of surrendering earthly pursuits for true fulfillment in God. Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Kenny emphasizes that wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a lived experience of God, requiring a heart posture of surrender and obedience.He outlines practical steps for obtaining wisdom: receiving, treasuring, inclining one's ear, calling out, and seeking diligently. He stresses that wisdom is cultivated not in isolation but through relationships, community, and submission to God. Using relatable examples and personal anecdotes, Pastor Kenny encouraged the congregation to pursue godly wisdom, trust in God's guidance, and live out their f

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter begins a new mini-series, Winter Wisdom, preaching from Proverbs 3:5-8. He explores what it means to be truly wise, emphasizing that wisdom is not just about intelligence or self-sufficiency but about trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. Pastor Damein argues that in a world obsessed with knowledge for self-reliance, biblical wisdom calls for deep dependence on God. He contrasts wisdom with folly, illustrating how self-sufficiency, as exemplified in biblical figures like Jacob, leads to struggles, while true wisdom involves trusting God with all aspects of life.Pastor Damein also emphasizes that wisdom is both a journey and a skill developed over time, much like becoming proficient in chess or cooking. It involves not just knowing the right things but living in relationship with God and aligning one's life with His guidance. The ultimate wise one, Jesus Christ, embodies wisdom, and trusting in Him leads to true flourishing. He closes with a call for believers to wholeheartedl

Pastor of Congregational Care & Missions Jason Dunn concludes our sermon series on the definition of a disciple: one who is united to Jesus, in communion with God, in community with others, and commissioned for the world. Pastor Jason focuses on the final piece: the commission. Using the story of a tragic bridge collapse in 1907 and the subsequent creation of the "Order of the Ring" for engineers, he explores how our work, whether as engineers, artists, parents, or cashiers, is deeply meaningful and meant to glorify God. Just as engineers are reminded to pursue excellence for the public good, disciples of Jesus are called to see their work as sacred and impactful, contributing to human flourishing.Drawing from Ephesians 2:10, John 17:4, and 1 Corinthians 15:58, Pastor Jason unpacks the plan, purpose, and power of our commission as disciples. Our work is not merely about financial gain but about reflecting God’s character, pushing back darkness, and participating in His mission for the world. Thr

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our January vision series, preaching from John 13:34-35. He explores the nature of Christian community, arguing that it's characterized by sacrificial love, mutual knowing, and a shared commitment to God's mission. Pastor Damein contrasts this with a consumerist approach to relationships, drawing on the work of social psychologist Sherry Turkle and illustrating his points with examples from both Scripture and Toy Story 4. He also emphasizes the necessity of communion with God as the foundation for genuine Christian community and stresses the transformative power of being fully known and loved by God. Pastor Damein concludes with a call to action, urging us to embrace the messiness of authentic relationships.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues out January vision series, preaching from John 15:1-11, to reveal how abiding in Jesus is fundamental to bearing fruit and expanding God's kingdom right here in Orlando. Pastor Ben also draws on rich biblical metaphors that illustrate the union between Christ and the church, with special attention to the imagery of a bride and bridegroom in Ephesians 5. He also reflects on the extraordinary exchange between Jesus and the church, where burdens are lifted, and divine riches are shared. This marriage-like union exemplifies how Jesus embraces us with grace and love, inviting us to share in His rights and to entrust Him with our trials—a theme that resonates deeply within our journey of faith.Pastor Ben concludes by encouraging us to embrace the transformative power of abiding in Jesus's love and work in our daily lives. Drawing on theologian John Owen and the wisdom of John 5 and 15, he discusses how communion with Jesus is an ever-evolving danc

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt kicked off our January vision series, preaching from 2 Timothy 2:1-7. He unpacks the essential elements of disciple-making—trustworthiness, teaching, and grit—drawing parallels to Paul's instructions in 2 Timothy. He asks us to imagine a movement so powerful, it sustains itself across four generations. That's the vision he shares as he discuss the qualities needed for a disciple-making movement to thrive.Pastor Ben also draws on the wisdom from near-death experiences in "Imagine Heaven," intertwining spiritual growth with the concept of stewardship. He then encourages us to boldly step into the grit and grace of disciple-making, to embrace the call to spread our faith. The power of generational disciple-making is how we hope to truly see the Father answer the Lord's Prayer at NewCity, in Orlando, and beyond.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt ends our year and Advent series, preaching from Psalm 27:8. He focuses on the importance of both desire and discipline in our journey of seeking God. He contrasts various cultural perspectives on desire, from the postmodern focus on the journey itself to Eastern philosophies that view desire as a source of suffering. Yet, the biblical perspective suggests that our desires point us toward God, highlighting a beautiful paradox: even when we find God, the search continues as we seek to deepen that relationship, much like nurturing love in a romantic partnership.Pastor Ben also draws inspiration from Soren Kierkegaard's "The King and the Poor Maiden," to then reflect on the profound love and sacrifice embodied in the Jesus's incarnation. The journey to seek God's face is a pursuit initiated by God but is also an inherently relational endeavor. Through prayer and spiritual awakening, we are called to set our hearts free from lesser pursuits

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Isaiah 65:17-25.  Anchored in God’s promises, Pastor Damein confronts the pitfalls of complacency and triumphalism in our pursuit of hope for the future. Complacency risks making us passive, while triumphalism tempts us to rely solely on human effort. Through inspiring examples of redemptive entrepreneurship and community-focused initiatives, Pastor Damein explains how a hope grounded in God's future work can inspire meaningful action today. His sermon emphasizes the call to align our efforts with God’s values, fostering justice and love for our neighbors.Hope is more than just a comforting idea—it’s a sustaining force, an unshakeable certainty rooted in Christ’s work. With that in mind, Pastor Damein explains how biblical imagery and even pop culture, like the Hunger Games, highlights the power of hope to transcend fear and sustain us through life's challenges. He closes by inviting God's

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Isaiah 61. He invites us to reflect on the concept of a "false summit" in our understanding of God's promises, particularly regarding the separation between vengeance and favor. How does Jesus' role serve as the pivotal bridge in this divine timeline, and what does that mean for communities seeking renewal?Empowerment takes center stage as Pastor Ben examines the Holy Spirit's role in equipping us to spread the good news to broken people, broken cities, and our broken world. He also explores how the Spirit instills believers with the strength to bring joy and hope to their communities, embodying justice, mercy, and humility in a world that aches for healing.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Genesis 4:26. Pastor Ben unravels the cultural mandate seen in Genesis 4:17-25, highlighting humanity's quest for security and civilization despite the fall. Cain’s city-building, alongside the cultural contributions of his descendants, paints a complex picture of human creativity shadowed by rebellion and sin. Yet, in this tapestry, we find a thread of hope through characters like Seth and Enosh, reminding us of the divine promise and our destiny.In this context, he then explores the extraordinary power of prayer, drawing inspiration from the stories of Abraham and Moses. Their stories teach us about the intimacy and authority that comes through a deep connection with God. From calling upon the name of the Lord in times of trial to witnessing the fervent prayers that sparked the Hebrides revival, Pastor Ben offers a heartfelt invitation to embrace prayer as an active expression of

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter begins our Advent series, SEEK: Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, by preaching from Psalm 8. This series will trace the themes of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, all interwoven with the power of prayer. In this sermon though, Pastor Damein shows how Psalm 8 illuminates humanity's unique role in reflecting God's glory and discover the deeper questions of our place, predicament, and God's plan.Pastor Damein also explores what it means to live as both priests and kings within creation, as described in biblical texts like Genesis 1 and Psalm 8. He uncovers the psychological and spiritual impacts of living in alignment with God's divine order, using the metaphor of a compass to highlight how easily we go astray. Through candid reflections on modern challenges such as "workism" and consumerism, he also unveils the dangers of disconnecting from our God-given dignity, urging a return to seeing life as a divine gift rather than a series of self-ma

In this final sermon in our Leviticus Is For Lovers series, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt preaches from Leviticus 25, exploring the transformative power of rest, economic fairness, and compassion for the poor. He reflects on Tim Keller's insights into early Christian generosity, where personal integrity met radical economic sharing, offering a model that challenges our modern values.Pastor Ben also explains the essence of Jubilee, a time every 50 years when debts were forgiven, lands returned, and lives reset, providing a fresh start for those trapped in poverty. He unpacks how these ancient practices critique modern economic systems, urging a balance between ownership and communal generosity. He encourages us to embrace a spirit of 'Jubilee generosity,' recognizing the debts canceled by Christ's crucifixion and fostering a community rich in trust and gratitude. In doing so, we can reimagine a life where justice, generosity, and grace are woven into the very fabric of ou

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 20. Pastor Damein takes us us through the depths of cultural and spiritual misunderstandings surrounding sex. He explains how society has diluted sex into mere recreational activities, often overlooking the spiritual implications. Using Leviticus 20, Pastor Damein addresses sexual sin, not just as an act but as evidence of deeper spiritual adultery, where misplaced worship and idolatry overshadow true devotion. In doing this, he also advocates for a counter-community that embraces selfless love and covenant intimacy with God, offering hope and redemption.Pastor Damein then explores the transformative power of grace, brought to life through Jesus’s encounter with the woman caught in adultery. This episode underscores the church's mission as a beacon of sexual wholeness, urging us to shed hidden idols and embrace the gospel's empowering grace. Relying on insights from Tim Keller, Pastor Damein reflect

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from chapter 18. In it, he challenges prevalent cultural narratives and offers a deeply theological perspective on our sexuality. Pastor Ben shows how faith intersects with personal desires and cultural expectations, emphasizing the transformative power of grace. He discusses the church's critical role in offering healing and redemption to those grappling with society's conflicting sexual norms. Drawing inspiration from Christopher West's "Our Bodies Tell God's Story," he underscores the importance of embodying sexual wholeness and holiness to offer hope and light in a culture often perceived as morally decaying.Pastor Ben also examines the theological symbolism of marriage and sexuality, weaving parallels between earthly relationships and the anticipated union between Jesus and the church. Through this lens, he unpacks the significance of gender roles, the impact of the

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 19. He connects the teachings here in Leviticus with New Testament calls to live purposefully, in order to uncover the timeless value of compassion, justice, and holiness.Holiness transcends mere behavior; it's about belonging to God and living in love. By reflecting on the phrase "I am the Lord, your God," Pastor Damein helps us understand how this divine relationship influences our actions and fosters true holiness. He challenges the notion of morality based on fear or duty, emphasizing that genuine holiness is rooted in love and relational commitment. Ultimately, Pastor Damein illustrates how belonging to God through Jesus enables us to reflect His holiness, leading to changed behaviors and genuine freedom.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching on the themes of atonement and holiness from the ritual in Leviticus 16. He explores the high priest’s critical role in bridging the gap between God and His people, and the crucial symbolism of the scapegoat carrying away the sins of Israel. Here, we see how drawing near to God requires confrontation with our own ambivalence, guilt, and shame. Together, we can reflect on God's persistent love and His desire to dwell among us despite our shortcomings.Leviticus 16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the transformative power of Christ, as depicted in Hebrews. There, we can see how Jesus embodies the temple, priest, and sacrifice, removing traditional religious barriers. Pastor Ben concludes with practical advice on honoring the Day of Atonement through fasting and resting, and encourage us to embrace bold confidence in approach to God, not through personal merit, but through the grace offered by Chri

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from a selection of texts from Leviticus 10-15. Drawing on Jonathan Haidt's moral foundations theory, he uncovers how the principles in this section of Leviticus still echo in our political landscapes and personal beliefs, urging us to rethink the relevance of biblical concepts in today's world.Pastor Ben then focuses on the thematic verse, Leviticus 10:10, to unravel the clear lines between the holy and the common, the clean and unclean. He explains the temporal nature of these laws, reflecting on their intended purpose from Moses to Jesus, and how they underscored the uniqueness of God's covenant with Israel.By exploring Jesus' teachings on internal transformation, Pastor Ben highlights how His sacrifice offers true purification and freedom from guilt, providing hope and healing even at our lowest moments. Jesus's compassion invites us to break free from shame and embrace t

Pastor of Congregation Care & Missions Jason Dunn continues our series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from a selection of texts in Leviticus 8, 9, and 10. He explores the theme of consecration in worship and its profound implications for believers today. There, we see that Leviticus offers a path to holiness that defies cultural pressures. Through the lens of the Israelites' journey from Exodus, one can also see areas of theological, moral, and leadership compromise within the modern church. By contrasting these issues with the call to consecration, Pastor Jason provides insights on how to maintain distinctiveness as God's people. The narrative from Leviticus not only warns of the dangers of compromise but also invites us to align ourselves with God's purposes, ensuring that our faith remains unshaken in a culture of compromise. This is ultimately possible through the transformative power of Jesus and His role in sanctifying us for a life set apart. He fulfilled the Father's will,

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 6:13. He reflects on his own quest to cultivate a community centered around prayer, realizing the vital role of God’s presence, as symbolized by the biblical fire in this verse. His story underscores the enduring importance of prayer and divine power in revitalizing both personal lives and ministry, offering a profound philosophy of maintaining spiritual fervor in every aspect of life.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from the Leviticus 4:1-14, where unintentional sins and their intricate sacrificial rituals reveal a deeper spiritual truth. Pastor Damein draws vivid parallels between contemporary everyday actions and ancient practices, underscoring that ignorance never exempts us from consequences.He then navigates the rich symbolism within the sacrificial rituals of Leviticus, illustrating how these actions demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and profound love for His people. Through these rituals, we understand sin as a pervasive stain that disrupts our relationship with God and others, necessitating purification and atonement. By dissecting the concept of ransom, we see how God steps in to pay a debt we cannot, reflecting His immense grace and mercy. This helps us connects the ancient practices to our modern experiences of guilt, avoidance, and the transformative power of knowing we are loved and accepted