Dear Church Family,

As we continue our Pathways journey, we’re keeping the vision in front of us: honoring the past, extending the gospel, and creating new spaces for transformation.

This week, we’d love for you to watch a short Pathways story entitled “The Power of a Meal.” In it, Dr. James Tour and his wife, Shireen, share how a simple (and surprisingly powerful) act of generosity, hospitality, and selfless service toward college students can shape lives over time. Let this story encourage you at whatever age you are. (And you might even decide to take Dr. Tour up on his challenge of skipping a cup of coffee!)

Next, for all who are ready to lead out with an early commitment to Pathways, mark your calendar for Advance Commitment Night on Sunday, February 22, at 6P at our West U Baptist campus. That evening, we’ll gather as one church family for a special night of worship, testimony, and commitment. It’s a chance to go first before our special Commitment Sunday services (on March 1) and inspire others as we step forward together into the next century of ministry here at CityRise. Keep praying and listening for the Spirit’s direction about your role in Pathways and whether to take that step at Advance Commitment Night or on Commitment Sunday.

Lastly, our Global Outreach Pastor, Rynie Badenhorst, was featured in a recent International Mission Board article about IMB’s Missions College! Rynie shares how CityRise is strengthening a “pathway for sending and sustaining the next generation on mission,” and why every believer has a role to play.


Thank you for praying and seeking the Lord about your part in Pathways. God does extraordinary work through ordinary people who live and give selflessly. We’re grateful to step into the next hundred years of His work in our city together.

We’ll see you on Sunday, Church Family, and don’t forget to bring your Pathways book with you! (If you didn’t receive one last week, you will find a copy at the campus’s Welcome Center.)


Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger