Together We Go reminded us that the future of the Church is never built by spectators. It is built by stewards. Over the past three weeks, we have talked about vision, discipleship, community, generosity, outreach, and the calling God has placed upon Donelson First to remain the light on the hill. But this week, Senior Pastor Jeffrey Smith challenged us with an important truth:

"Vision without stewardship eventually remains only words."

This message was not merely about finances. It was about worship. Obedience. Spiritual maturity. And understanding that every ministry moment, every transformed life, every child discipled, every family restored, and every person reached with the Gospel is made possible through the faithful generosity of God's people.

We also celebrated one of the greatest strengths of Donelson First: Groups. From children to young adults to senior adults, we heard powerful testimonies of how biblical community changes lives and helps people move from simply attending church… to truly belonging to the Church.

The mission before us is great.
The opportunity is now.
And together… we go.

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."
— Psalm 24:1

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
— Matthew 6:21

"Whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
— 2 Corinthians 9:6

Senior Pastor Jeffrey Smith continues the Now We Go Vision Sunday series by answering a critical question for the Church: How do we actually go? Drawing from Ephesians 4, this message reveals that the mission of the Church was never designed to rest upon a few leaders, but upon an entire body of believers fully surrendered to Jesus Christ and fully engaged in His Kingdom work.

In this powerful and deeply practical message, Senior Pastor Jeffrey Smith casts vision for the future of Donelson Firstwhile calling every believer to move from attendance to active ministry. Through biblical teaching, compelling stories, and a direct challenge to serve, this sermon explores what it truly means to become a healthy church that reaches people, raises disciples, and sends leaders to live on mission for Christ.

You will hear the heart behind several major ministry initiatives at Donelson First, including outreach to local schools, community visitation, guest experience ministries, safety teams, and the launch of Awana this fall. More than a vision presentation, this message is a call to action — reminding the Church that healthy churches do not merely consume ministry… healthy churches become ministry.

In Part 1 of the three-week Vision Sundays series, Pastor Jeffrey Smith challenges the Church to reject cultural compromise and rediscover the call to holiness, unity, and mission. "Now We Go" reflects on six years of revitalization at Donelson First while casting a bold vision for the future: reaching people, raising disciples, and sending leaders to live on mission for Christ. Through biblical conviction, personal testimony, and a powerful call to spiritual preparation, this message reminds believers that healthy churches do not stand still—they pray, grow, unite, and go. As Donelson First enters a new season of ministry, this sermon serves as both celebration and consecration: a call for the Church to prepare inwardly before moving outwardly into the city with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.

Part 15, "Shine," centers on Epistle of James 2:8 and the "royal law" of love, emphasizing that true belonging in Christ is never abstract but visibly lived out. This message challenges believers to treat love not as a suggestion, but as a binding decree from the King - authoritative, public, and without exception. It confronts the tendency to edit or limit love based on preference, comfort, or bias, calling the Church instead to embody impartial, obedient, and unwavering love. When lived this way, the Church becomes a radiant witness, shining the light of Christ through a culture shaped by heavenly wisdom and visible righteousness.

Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith

Donelson First

Part 15 - Shine

April 26, 2026

The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ draws from Epistle of James chapter 3 to confront the power of our words as a true measure of spiritual transformation. This message explores how the tongue, though small, can either ignite destruction or become an instrument of Christlike love within the Church. Listeners are challenged to move beyond passive faith and intentionally use their speech to build others up, reflect the heart of Jesus Christ, and create a culture of belonging marked by love. Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 14: Love April 19, 2026

This week's message explores the kind of deep, enduring hope described in James 5- a hope that does not remove waiting but transforms it. In seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and delay, you are reminded that true hope is rooted in confidence in Christ, not in quick answers or easy outcomes. Like a farmer trusting the unseen growth beneath the soil, you learn to trust God's timing even when nothing seems to be changing. Because your belonging is in Christ, you can stand firm with steady hope, knowing He is near and faithful to fulfill His promises. "Real hope is built on the nearness, presence, and certainty of Jesus Christ." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 13: Hope April 12, 2026

In our formation journey through the letter of James, Pastor Jeffrey challenges us to examine whether our faith is truly alive - because real faith doesn't stay still, it serves. When we understand our belonging in Christ, serving shifts from obligation to a natural response of a transformed heart.