The year 2026 began with a powerful three-part message series from Pastor Charles R. Gibson entitled “Follow the Leader.” Through the first three Sundays of the year — January 4th, 11th, and 18th — Pastor C. challenged us to examine what it truly means to follow God by walking like Jesus did.
The series began with “Surrender,” reminding us that following God requires us to lay ourselves down by first yielding our will to His. The steps to Surrender include:
- Denying Self (Luke 9:23)
- Knowing Jesus is Lord and not a Consultant (Romans 10:9)
- Making a Daily Decision to Crucify the Flesh (Colossians 3:5)
- Knowing That Surrender Unlocks Direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Jesus Modeling Surrender by Surrendering His Will to the Father's Will (Luke 22:42)
On January 11th, “Trust Over Fear” challenged us again to walk like Jesus and not allow fear to paralyze us from moving ahead in the things of God. Pastor C. showed us that fear doesn't always scream or look like panic; sometimes, it whispers. It wants us to hold on to control rather than let go and depend on God.
The series concluded with “Step Out in Faith,” encouraging us to move beyond simply believing God and to boldly act (or step out) on the faith we have in God. We saw this firsthand in Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman who demonstrated a persistent faith. Jesus restoring her shows us that He honors faith that steps out and challenges faith that hesitates. Most times, God's requirements will not come with an instructional manual. True faith will not explain the destination but will always demand obedience.
Together, these messages set the tone for the year with a powerful reminder: when God is leading, our responsibility is to follow.
Watch the Highlights
Take a look back at moments from Pastor Charles Gibson's first sermons of 2026 and revisit the messages that challenged us to Surrender, Trust, and Step Out in Faith.
Watch the Series