Topic: Inclusivity

In “Where is an Editor When You Need One?”, Pastor Wes examines the unsettling encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28. He acknowledges how Jesus’ initial response—dismissing the woman and referring to her as a “dog”—feels uncharacteristically harsh. Reflecting on the human tendency to act poorly when “Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired” (HALT), Pastor Wes wonders if Jesus, too, was worn down. He challenges the idea that Jesus was merely testing the woman, instead suggesting that this moment reveals his humanity. The sermon highlights the Canaanite woman’s persistence and faith, likening her to other outsider women in Scripture—Rahab, Tamar, and Ruth—who influenced the Jewish tradition. Ultimately, Pastor Wes urges reflection on how we still “other” people today and how we are called to listen, learn, and grow from those we might dismiss.

Pastor Wes’s sermon, based on selected verses from Acts 10, emphasizes the theme of inclusivity in the early Christian church. He reflects on his childhood experience as a safety patrol member, drawing parallels to the apostle Peter’s adherence to Jewish dietary laws. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision from God, instructing him to eat foods previously considered unclean, symbolizing the breaking of traditional boundaries. Despite initial resistance, Peter learns that God’s love transcends cultural and religious barriers, as exemplified by the inclusion of Cornelius, a Gentile and Roman centurion, into the faith community. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to examine their own “badges” or unwritten rules that may hinder embracing others fully, urging them to draw the circle wider and practice a faith that is both curious and creative.

Pastor Wes reflects on the transformative encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch as described in Acts 8:23-36, 38. He emphasizes the unexpected nature of their meeting, highlighting Philip’s obedience to God’s call to travel a wilderness road without a clear destination. This journey leads Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official searching for spiritual understanding. Their interaction, culminating in the eunuch’s baptism, serves as a powerful example of breaking societal and religious barriers. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to consider their own journeys, the friendships formed along the way, and the importance of embracing inclusivity and belonging within the church community.