City Central Church Podcast

City Central Church is a community of believers in Tacoma, WA seeking the presence and power of God. We contend to restore people to God’s original design and ignite passion for the person and works of Jesus Christ through prayer, restoration and missions to see sustained revival in our cities, nation and world. Visit us at citycentral.org

Beauty for Ashes 05/11/2026

Beauty for Ashes This Mother’s Day, we had the privilege of hearing from a dear friend of City Central, Shirlee Lamoureux. Through her powerful testimony, we see how there are moments in life when pain feels overwhelming. Some wounds are deep, formed in childhood, through abuse, rejection, abandonment, or loss. Yet even in those places, God sees, knows and heals. God is a Redeemer. He is the One who takes brokenness and brings healing, who takes sorrow and gives joy, who takes ashes and creates beauty. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/41252245

Leadership Appreciation Sunday 05/04/2026

Leadership Appreciation Sunday This week, Jena Hippe brought an encouraging word as we celebrated the joy of giving our lives away in service to the church. Ephesians 2:10 to remind us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for a purposeful life of good works prepared in advance. It contrasts two paths: a “small heart” that seeks comfort, avoids hardship, and results in minimal spiritual impact, and a “ministering heart” that embraces others, walks with God through difficulty, and participates in His redemptive work. Ultimately, it calls believers to pursue a life of deep fellowship with Christ that produces lasting joy and meaningful impact in the world. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/41148980

Healthy Church Part 2 04/27/2026

Healthy Church Part 2 This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Driven by Eternity series with a message from 1 Thessalonians describing the marks of a healthy church, beginning with the foundational truth that we are chosen by God and empowered by the gospel through the Holy Spirit. Such a church reflects Christ by imitating His example, enduring hardship with joy, and demonstrating genuine transformation in both character and conduct. Ultimately, a healthy church lives under Christ’s lordship and eagerly awaits His return, anchoring its hope in His saving work and promised future. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/41038580

Healthy Church 04/19/2026

Healthy Church This week, Pastor Chris began our new sermon series, Driven by Eternity, with a message on how a healthy church is shaped by the certainty of Christ’s return—living with watchful hope rather than speculation and ordering its life around obedience to Him. Marked by grace and peace, a healthy church becomes a praying and thankful community whose faith is active, whose love is visible, and whose hope endures even in a troubled world. Anchored in the promise that Jesus will come again, such a church pursues holiness, proclaims the gospel with urgency, and lives in joyful anticipation of redemption. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40928735

None Too Far 04/13/2026

None Too Far This week, City Central Elder Darrin Miller shared a powerful message on how Jesus reveals that God desires mercy over judgment—calling not those who think they are righteous, but sinners who recognize their need for Him. Through the story of Zacchaeus, we see that no one is too far gone—Jesus sees us, calls us by name, and invites us into repentance and restoration. This message challenges us to stop focusing on others’ sin, recognize our own need for grace, and respond to Jesus with humility, surrender, and love. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40862640

One Touch Changes Everything 04/05/2026

One Touch Changes Everything It’s Easter Sunday! Pastor Chris shared a powerful message about stepping out of the crowd to encounter Jesus personally. Life is often marked by pain, struggle, and seasons where nothing seems to get better, as seen in the woman who suffered for twelve years. But Easter reminds us that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin is defeated, death is conquered, and even the hardest situations are not beyond His power—so one touch of faith can change everything. In that moment, she was not only healed but also seen, known, and loved, revealing the heart of the gospel: that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and brings restoration and new life. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40738595

The God of "Far More Abundantly" 03/30/2026

The God of "Far More Abundantly" This week, Pastor Chris highlights how God works “far more abundantly” than we can imagine, calling believers to surrender fully and draw strength from His Spirit within. Rooted and grounded in Christ’s immeasurable love, we are invited to experience a relationship that transforms us and enables us to grasp the vastness of His grace. Ultimately, it points to a God who exceeds every expectation, working powerfully in us for His glory across all generations. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40674555

Personal Benefits of Walking by Faith 03/23/2026

Personal Benefits of Walking by Faith This week, Pastor Chris taught us that walking by faith is an intimate trust in a powerful yet deeply personal God who leads with love, even when the path ahead is unclear. Using the example of Abraham, this sermon highlights how faith strengthens believers to trust God fully, make sacrifices, choose eternal priorities, and remain patient, persistent, and joyful in the waiting. Ultimately, a life of faith produces lasting spiritual fruit, shaping us into generous, wise stewards who reflect God’s glory and become a blessing to others. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40594530

Looking Forward 03/15/2026

Looking Forward This week, Pastor Chris challenged us to step out of comfort and live by faith, just as Abraham did when he followed God without knowing where the journey would lead. By trusting God’s promises, Abraham crossed the lines of the unknown, the impossible, the future, and the pull of the world, demonstrating a life anchored in hope beyond present circumstances. His example calls us to fix our hearts on God’s eternal promises, courageously pursuing a heavenly homeland rather than settling for the temporary security of this world. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40490295

Building Together 03/09/2026

Building Together This week, Pastor Chris taught from Nehemiah, encouraging us to see that God’s work of rebuilding begins when a burden for brokenness moves His people to prayer and action. After hearing about the ruined condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah carefully assessed the situation, received God’s vision for restoration, and invited others to join the work. Together, ordinary people with different roles and gifts united to rebuild the wall, reminding us that God accomplishes great things when His people commit themselves to a shared mission. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40372160

Generational Generosity 03/02/2026

Generational Generosity This week, Pastor Chris continued our Greater Things series with a powerful teaching about generosity that leaves a legacy. Generational Generosity is the call to faithfully pass on a legacy of worship, obedience, and wholehearted giving from one generation to the next. Rooted in God’s enduring goodness and modeled by leaders like David, it begins with God’s vision, flows from willing hearts, and recognizes that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him. When leaders go first and God’s people give joyfully and obediently, they leave behind not just resources, but a lasting, godly legacy for their children. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40285985

The Grace of Giving 02/23/2026

The Grace of Giving This week, City Central elder Eric Jones invited the church into “The Grace of Giving,” showing that true generosity is not driven by wealth but by worship. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8 and the example of the Macedonian church, he explains how God’s grace (charis) transforms crushing pressure and deep poverty into joyful, willing generosity rooted in surrender to Christ. Ultimately, the Lord calls the church to see giving not as obligation but as a Spirit-empowered privilege—an overflow of the gospel that tangibly serves others and reflects the self-giving heart of Jesus. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40206040

Pray Like Jesus 02/15/2026

Pray Like Jesus This week, Pastor Chris taught us to pray by first approaching God as “Our Father,” cultivating a deep, loving relationship with Him and reflecting that love toward others. We honor His holy name and seek His kingdom and will above our own, depending on Him daily for provision, strength, and spiritual victory. As recipients of His grace, we forgive from the heart and engage in spiritual warfare, living as faithful witnesses of His present and coming kingdom. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40117925

Prayer That Endures 02/09/2026

Prayer That Endures This Sunday, Pastor Chris delivered a powerful message reminding us that enduring prayer is a steadfast, watchful, and thankful pursuit that keeps God’s people rooted in dependence on Him through every season of life. Scripture shows us that persistent prayer shapes our faith, resists discouragement, advances God’s mission, and aligns our hearts with His will—even when answers are delayed. As we pray regularly, pray missionally, and live intentionally, enduring prayer becomes both our lifeline to God and our witness to the world. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/40047325

Life Group Sunday 02/02/2026

Life Group Sunday Today was Life Group Sunday, and Casey Mock our Community Life Director taught us about moving from right belief to right practice—living out the truth that God is El Roi, the God who sees. Scripture shows us that God not only sees us personally, but places us intentionally in the Body of Christ, where every part matters and no one is meant to walk alone. Life Groups are how we live this out: a place to be seen, fully known, and truly loved as we follow Jesus together. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39966485

Prayer That Strengthens 01/26/2026

Prayer That Strengthens This week, Pastor Chris continued teaching us about prayer with a message about prayer being the God-given means by which His limitless power strengthens our inner lives, drawing us into the fullness of Christ’s love and presence. Rooted in Ephesians 3, this sermon calls us to a deeper prayer life—one that boldly calls on God, prays according to His will with confidence, and cultivates a faithful secret place with Him. As we do, the Spirit strengthens us from within, enlarges our understanding of Christ’s love, and works far more abundantly than all we could ask or imagine. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39887570

Never Stand Down 01/21/2026

Never Stand Down This week, we had the privilege of hearing a powerful message from a dear friend of City Central, Pastor Charlie Sweet as he reminded us to never stand down when God leads us into wilderness seasons. Through Elijah and Hagar, we see that God may allow the brook to dry up or the desert to surround us, yet He is still present, sustaining, and shaping purpose in the silence. What feels like loss or delay is often God’s way of awakening faith, revealing His care, and preparing us for greater glory. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39806860

Abundance Through Prayer 01/11/2026

Abundance Through Prayer This week, Pastor Chris taught on how prayer opens the door to spiritual abundance by connecting God’s heavenly purposes with earthly realities. Drawing from Scripture, it shows that prayer is both an intimate act of trust and fellowship with God and a powerful partnership through which the Holy Spirit releases God’s will, power, and blessing in our lives. Ultimately, we are called as believers to pursue a vibrant prayer life that invites heaven to intervene on earth, producing transformation, provision, and renewal. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39691170

The Power of Fasting 01/04/2026

The Power of Fasting This week, Pastor Chris launched the 2026 Greater Things Fast with a compelling teaching on the power of fasting. In John 14, Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we explored fasting as one of the God-given ways we are invited into that deeper, Spirit-led life. Rooted in Scripture, fasting is presented as a grace-filled practice that humbles us, realigns our desires with God, and awakens our hunger for righteousness. As we fast and pray, we make space for God to speak, to break strongholds, and to empower us to walk more fully in His will and power. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39608285

The Call of Faithfulness 12/28/2025

The Call of Faithfulness This Sunday, we had our Legacy Youth Takeover service! Youth Pastor Stephanie Kram shared a wonderful and thought-provoking message about the blessings and call we have as Jesus followers to live faithfully in everything we do. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39549040

The Wonder of a Name 12/22/2025

The Wonder of a Name This week, Pastor Chris’ message explored the wonder of Jesus’ name, foretold in Scripture as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The most powerful name of all reveals who Jesus is and what He brings to a restless world. From God’s great love in sending His Son to the peace, strength, and hope found in Him, we discover that the name of Jesus is not just a title, but the promise of salvation and new life. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39509355

The Wonder of a Promise 12/15/2025

The Wonder of a Promise This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Christmas series celebrating the wonder of God’s promise revealed through His faithfulness, His presence, and obedient faith. From the first promise in Genesis to its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, God proves Himself faithful by sending a Savior who would defeat sin and dwell with His people as Immanuel. Through Joseph’s obedience, we see that God’s promises unfold through hearts willing to trust, listen, and act, even when the path is not fully understood. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39414380

The Wonder of a Manger 12/08/2025

The Wonder of a Manger This week, our Young Adult Pastor, Adina Olson, delivered a powerful message to launch our Christmas series, The Wonder of Christmas. She invited us to behold the wonder of the manger, where God’s long-promised salvation arrived clothed in unexpected humility. In Jesus’ birth, we see God’s faithfulness, His willingness to take on human flesh, and His mission to bring peace and redemption to all. Through the quiet obedience of Mary and Joseph and the hidden glory of Christ’s identity, we are reminded that the manger already pointed to the cross—and to the hope it would secure for us. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39324680

Irrational Generosity 11/30/2025

Irrational Generosity This week, Pastor Chris taught us that generosity is central to the Christian life because it reveals the true condition of our hearts and reflects the character God designed us to embody. It warns that hurry, worry, and a consuming mindset can choke out generosity, while trust in God frees us to give joyfully. Ultimately, believers are called to give willingly, proportionately, and sacrificially, not out of obligation but out of love and faith. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39212995

Contagious Generosity 11/23/2025

Contagious Generosity This week, Pastor Chris taught on biblical generosity reminding us that contagious generosity begins with recognizing that God is the first and ultimate giver, showering us with every good gift and even offering His own Son. When we allow this truth to move from our heads to our hearts and into our hands, it reshapes our mindset about money, purpose, and what truly matters. As we live open-handedly, Scripture promises that generosity not only blesses others but transforms and refreshes our own lives. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39142940

Summit Sunday 11/17/2025

Summit Sunday This week we celebrated Summit Sunday at City Central—a day to remember all God has accomplished over the past year and to look ahead with fresh vision for what’s to come. This Summit was especially meaningful as we heard powerful testimonies of transformed lives and learned about an exciting new campaign to expand our reach in Tacoma and across the globe. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39066940

The 3 I's of Outreach 11/10/2025

The 3 I's of Outreach This week, we had the privilege of hearing from City Central’s Youth Director, Elijah Hippe, as he shared about three key elements of evangelism. God invites us to partner with Him in reaching others through intercession, invitation, and initiation. As we pray for people, invite them to encounter Jesus, and step out in faith wherever we go, we become living witnesses of His love and power in the world. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38981875

Loyalty to Jesus 11/02/2025

Loyalty to Jesus This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Hebrews series with a message on loyalty to Jesus. True loyalty to the Lord is more than words—it is a steadfast devotion expressed through love, obedience, and faithfulness in every area of life. It calls us to love others selflessly, steward our resources wisely, honor the spiritual leaders God has placed over us, and continually offer our praise and good works to Him. In every action and attitude, loyalty to Jesus reflects a heart fully surrendered to His will and grounded in His unchanging love. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38884950

Stability in an Unstable World 10/27/2025

Stability in an Unstable World This week, Pastor Chris continued our Victorious Jesus series with a powerful message on the stability of God’s Kingdom. In a world that is constantly shifting and uncertain, God reminds us through His Word that there is a kingdom which cannot be shaken. The terrifying scene at Mount Sinai revealed the holiness of God and the instability of everything built on fear and law, but Mount Zion reveals the grace, peace, and permanence found in Jesus Christ. Because we belong to this unshakable kingdom, our response must be one of grateful and reverent worship to the God who is a consuming fire. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38799320

Running the Race with Endurance 10/19/2025

Running the Race with Endurance This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Hebrews series with a message about enduring in faith. The Christian life is like a race that requires endurance, focus, and faithfulness. God calls us to lay aside every weight that hinders us, fix our eyes on Jesus, and trust His loving discipline to shape us into His likeness. As we run, we are strengthened not only by His grace but also by the encouragement of others, enabling us to finish well and bring glory to Him. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38637805

City Central Church Podcast

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