In this message, Pastor Matt Ayars kicks off Wellspring Church’s 2026 focus on evangelism and outreach with a challenging introduction to the book of Jonah. What begins as sermon prep for an encouraging new year quickly becomes a personal conviction: Jonah isn’t a cute Sunday school story—it’s a sobering mirror for the church.
You’ll hear why sharing our faith is not our idea but God’s, why Jonah (whose name means “dove”) ran in the opposite direction, and how many Christians today have become “fishermen who don’t fish.” Pastor Matt also reflects on the irony of Jonah sleeping through the storm, the mercy of God even in discipline, and the call to take spiritual maturity seriously—not just growing in faith, but growing in mission.
This sermon includes a powerful pastoral reminder: people come to church carrying real burdens, and the gospel must be preached with weight, urgency, and compassion. As the message ends, communion becomes a call to action—receiving Christ’s life not only for personal healing, but for the strength to go to “Nineveh” and share the mercy we ourselves have received.
If this message encouraged or challenged you, consider sharing it with a friend—and ask God who you might reach this week.
