Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Wendell also stressed, “We’re not concocting something new and exciting,” but pressing into “the historic faith” and especially “the kingdom message”—what does that suggest about God’s priorities in the church, and what popular “fresh” trends or novelty-driven ministries might this teaching implicitly challenge?
Another way to ask: If they say they aren’t making something new but are leaning into the historic faith and the kingdom message, what does that show about what God wants the church to focus on? What popular “new and exciting” ministry trends might this challenge?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests God’s priority is faithfulness to Jesus’ “kingdom” message and the historic Christian faith, not constant novelty. It implicitly challenges ministry approaches that depend on being new, trendy, or built around excitement rather than rooted teaching.
- Wendell explicitly rejects novelty: “We’re not concocting something new and exciting.”
- He defines the focus as “the historic faith,” grounded in Jesus’ message: “Jesus’ kingdom message…‘kingdom of heaven is at hand’…the basis of his message.”
- He frames their work as building up believers through teaching and testimony, not new formulas: “good teaching and testimonies and good discussion.”
- Sam describes their content aim as “biblical teaching, simple messages…relevant to every people group around the world,” which assumes timeless applicability.
- Glenn notes they prioritize doctrinal integrity: avoiding “false doctrine and false teachers,” aligning with “the faith…delivered to the saints.”