A New Development...

April 4th, 2025

If you’ve ever tried to build something…whether a bookshelf, a budget, or a backyard shed that didn’t quite turn out level, you know that building takes time, effort, and a clear plan.

The same is true when it comes to building disciples.

Right now at New Life, we’re in the middle of a remodeling project, adding space to our building so we can better serve our growing church family. But as exciting as fresh paint and new walls are, the real work of building isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about investing in people.

Back in January 2022, we launched the New Life Development Academy with a big goal: to equip disciple-making leaders who inspire people to know and follow Jesus. Since then, we’ve covered Old and New Testament Theology, Church History, Christian Leadership, Biblical worldview, and plenty of practical topics. We’ve hosted panel discussions, tackled real-life church questions, and seen over 100 New Lifers jump into at least one class. This past Saturday, we celebrated our first four official graduates.

I love this because it shows that spiritual growth isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we invest in. Our elders, pastors, and ministry leaders have poured into the next generation of leaders, and that is worth celebrating. I also love that even while we’re expanding our church building, we’re staying focused on what really matters: building into the people who call New Life home.

This Sunday, we will focus on something even greater that Jesus built for us, a new covenant.

Pastor Dave will continue our sermon series, All Things New, with a message called "A New Covenant" from Mark 14:22–25 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.

Jesus didn’t just patch up the old system. He fulfilled it and gave us something entirely new. Through His sacrifice, we are no longer bound by the old covenant but invited into a new relationship with God, one that is sealed by His Spirit and His grace. Every time we take communion, we are reminded of this incredible truth.

So come ready to reflect, remember, and rejoice. And if you see one of our Development Academy grads, give them a high five. Or, if that feels too wild, a firm handshake and a knowing nod will do ?.

I sure hope to see you on Sunday. We are still meeting at our temporary location at The Harlow Event Space, 1525 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO. Our services are still at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am.

Have a great evening,
Troy

P.S. If you haven’t heard, our return to 1717 McGee is just around the corner! While Easter won’t be our official homecoming, we’re excited for what God is doing in the meantime. These next few Sundays in different spaces are a unique part of our journey, and we believe they’ll be meaningful moments together ?.

April 6 & 13 – We’ll gather at The Harlow (1525 Grand Blvd., KCMO)
April 20 (Easter) – We’ll gather at The Austin (1720 Cherry St., KCMO)
April 27 – We come home to 1717 McGee together!