Pastor Josh Earl speaks passionately about the importance of church as more than just a place we attend—it’s a community we belong to and contribute to. He introduces a new teaching series called Heart For, focusing on topics like having a heart for encounter, the lost, and holiness. His message centres on having a Heart for the House—a deep, unwavering commitment to the church.
He draws from Acts 2:42, highlighting the word devoted, which means persistence and commitment, not just fleeting emotion. In today’s world, true devotion to community is rare. Many people treat relationships and even church like a consumer experience—attending multiple churches, picking what benefits them, and leaving when things get hard. Research shows a decline in church membership and an increase in “church hopping.”
But this is not God’s design. Josh reminds us that from the beginning, God created humanity for community. The church is not a man-made institution; it is God’s plan. Jesus himself said, “I will build my church.” The church is described as the bride of Christ—deeply loved and cherished—and the body of Christ, meaning each believer has a vital role.
He challenges the audience to shift their mindset:
- See the church as a home, not a hotel—a place where we take ownership, not just receive.
- Be present and engaged—our absence affects the church body.
- Commit to the long haul—rather than leaving at the first inconvenience.
Josh calls believers to embrace the church, not just as attendees, but as essential, active members of God’s family. . He encourages people to serve rather than be served and to contribute rather than consume. Instead of attending church with the mindset of getting something out of it, he urges believers to come prepared to give—whether through encouragement, prayer, or prophecy. He highlights the biblical call to gather not just to receive but to build each other up.
Josh also challenges the tendency to complain about church issues without taking action. Instead of pointing out problems, he suggests finding ways to help and improve things. He compares this to how we treat our own homes—taking responsibility rather than expecting others to fix things for us.
In closing, he calls for an attitude of participation, reminding everyone that church thrives when its members are actively engaged in making it a welcoming, uplifting space for all. He believes that God can bring revival to the town, but only if everyone in the church takes responsibility for carrying out the mission. The mission must be actively lived out daily by every member, not just discussed in sermons. It’s an inspiring mission that requires full participation from all to make a meaningful difference in the community.