Grant’s message explored the idea that true wisdom is often found not in certainty, easy answers, or comfortable middle ground, but in the difficult space of tension, uncertainty, and faithful movement. Building on the series theme of “the middle,” Grant challenged listeners to resist simplistic solutions and instead embrace the wilderness where discernment is formed. Drawing from Jesus’ temptation in the desert, Proverbs, philosophy, and personal experience, he argued that wisdom requires humility, patience, and the courage to keep moving even when clarity is absent. Rather than grasping for quick certainty, followers of Jesus are invited to hold most things loosely while firmly committing to the truth that every person bears the image of God. The call was not to find perfect answers, but to step into hard conversations, costly compassion, and the ongoing work of love, even in the fog.

In this week’s message from the “Between the Noise” series, Jayme explored the courage it takes to live in “the middle” with conviction instead of being pulled toward cultural extremes. Drawing from John 6 and Jesus’ declaration that he is the “bread of life,” she showed how Jesus consistently held to his identity and mission even when others misunderstood or abandoned him. Using endurance training as a metaphor, Jayme described discipleship as a long, often lonely journey that requires resilience and a willingness to become what Richard Rohr calls a “holy fool” — someone who seeks God’s approval over the acceptance of any group. Her invitation was to consider where we feel isolated in our convictions and to remember that Jesus walked that difficult middle path first.

Jordan’s talk introduced the new series, The Middle Way, centered on the idea that following Jesus often means resisting the pull toward extremes and learning to live in the tension between them. He reflected personally on the loneliness of not fully identifying with either “side” in politics, theology, or culture, and described the “radical middle” as a posture marked by humility, discernment, empathy, curiosity, and courage. Using Matthew 7’s image of the narrow path, Jordan challenged listeners to pursue wisdom over certainty, listen deeply before reacting, and embrace a faith that prioritizes spiritual maturity over tribalism or cultural alignment. The message emphasized that living in the middle is not compromise, but a faithful commitment to truth, grace, and the way of Jesus even when it feels difficult or isolating.