Local stories are stories of God's grace at work in the lives of those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete. We want to highlight his activity and celebrate his grace.

As we celebrate six years as a church community, it’s important that we slow down and ask what it means to be a follower of Jesus; to remind ourselves what it’s all about. Matthew 4 explores the message and invitation of Jesus that has shaped us since day one. It’s a message that is still breaking through darkness with hope and freedom. It’s an invitation still to walk in his ways and join him on mission.

Temptation is part of life in a broken world. Every day we wrestle with desires and decisions that can take us to dark places. In Matthew 4, Jesus shows us that victory over temptation is possible, and that temptation itself can become an opportunity for closeness with God.

The beginning of the year is time when bad habits are put away and new ones are established. But true and lasting change always requires a radical reorientation, a change of direction that includes clearing the path of anything that might get in the way. Matthew 3 is about the change of direction needed for anyone wanting to follow Jesus. There’s never been a better time to ready our hearts, clear the path and reorient our lives on him.

As we enter a new year, it is a time of reflection and anticipation. Many goals and resolutions will be made as we pursue growth and renewed purpose. John 15 clarifies these desires for improvement through an analogy of a vineyard and helps us focus on what is most important – how we can be fruitful followers of Jesus.

Who is Jesus and what did he accomplish? What difference does it make in our everyday lives? Matthew 1 answers those questions with a stunning portrait of Jesus that describes who he is, why he came and what that means for our greatest fears. It’s a portrait we’re meant to celebrate and carry with us.

What do you do when you can’t see the way forward? When you’re struggling to understand what’s happening and why? When confusion, fear or uncertainty seems to be winning? It’s in that very atmosphere Jesus speaks the words of John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life” - offering honest answers to honest questions and comfort to troubled hearts.

Local churches—communities of people, humbled by the gospel and living on mission—have been God’s mission strategy and means of discipleship ever since the first followers of Jesus. Because of that, we want to continue to support church plants and pastors and see more healthy churches established in St. Pete and beyond. A primary way Local Church St. Pete can take part in this mission is by participating in the training and formation of future pastoral leaders, endeavoring to equip them for a ministry career marked by faithfulness, health, and longevity.