Why Celebrating What God is Doing Matters

Why Celebrating What God Is Doing Matters

It’s easy to move from one thing to the next without slowing down long enough to recognize
what God is doing in the moment.

Visionaries often live looking ahead. Churches can move quickly from one event to another. And
sometimes, in the middle of planning what’s next, we accidentally overlook the victories God has
already given us.

That’s what made this episode of Forward Extra so important.

Pastor Justin sat down with Pastor Caleb and Pastor Jonston to look back, celebrate what God
has been doing at Forward Church, and talk about what’s ahead.

And the conversation was filled with reminders that God is moving in powerful ways.

Celebrating the Harvest from Easter Weekend

One of the biggest moments discussed in this episode was Easter weekend.

Between Good Friday, Easter at the Field, and Sunday morning services, over 1,600 people
attended throughout the weekend. More importantly, 58 people made decisions for Christ during
Easter weekend alone.

The number became especially meaningful because it connected directly to a vision of church
had carried throughout the year: 100 souls in 100 days.

What began as a prayer and a goal became something the entire church family embraced
together.

And by Easter, the goal had already been surpassed with 115 counted decisions for Christ.

But one of the strongest takeaways from the conversation was this:

The harvest didn’t happen because of one person.

It happened because the church became involved.

People invited others. Teams served faithfully. Outreach events created opportunities for
connection. Families encountered the love of Jesus.

And through all of it, God received the love of Jesus.

And through all of it, God received the glory.

Outreach Creates Lasting Impact

The conversation also reflected on the church’s Easter outreach partnership with Feeding the
Gulf Coast.

Hundreds of families were served, thousands of pounds of food were distributed, and
relationships were formed that extended far beyond a single event.

What stood out the most was the reminder that outreach is not just about one day, it’s about
creating opportunities for people to encounter Jesus through consistent love and connection.

Some of the families who attended those outreach events later came to church, experienced
God’s presence, and made decisions for Christ.

That’s why serving people matters.

The Comeback Series Continues to Speak to Real Life

The episode also revisited The Comeback series and reflected on how each message
connected with different struggles people face.

Pastor Caleb shared about Coming Back from Doubt and reminded listeners that doubt does
not disqualify someone from faith. Instead, when handled honestly, doubt can actually lead
people closer to Jesus.

The discussion highlighted the story of Thomas and the way Jesus responded to him – not with
condemnation, but with invitation and truth.

One of the strongest reminders from the conversation was this:

Jesus is not afraid of your questions.

He meets people in their fear, doubt, disappointment, and uncertainty.

Seeing Jesus Completely Changes Everything

Another powerful moment in the conversation centered around the Book of Revelation and
understanding Jesus more fully.

Pastor Caleb explained that many people only know certain parts of who Jesus is:
● The baby in the manger
● The Savior on the cross
● The miracle worker in the Gospels

But Revelation reminds us that Jesus is also King, Judge, and the One who holds all authority.

The conversation emphasized that spiritual growth involves continually learning who Jesus is
more deeply over time.

Not just meeting Him once, but growing in relationship with Him daily.

Building a Culture of Excellence and Worship

The podcast also looked ahead at exciting things happening within Forward Worship.

Pastor Jonston shared the vision behind bringing choir back and continuing to create
opportunities for people to serve and grow in worship ministry.

The heart behind it was simple: create environments marked by:
● Christ
● Culture
● Development
● Excellence

The goal is not performance, it’s discipline, growth, and creating space for people to use their
gifts for God’s glory.

Investing in the Next Generation Through Worship University

The conversation closed by highlighting Worship University, a camp designed to help students
grow in worship, leadership, and spiritual development.

The heart behind Worship University is not just training musicians, it’s equipping the next
generation to lead well in their own churches and communities.

Through worship tracks, leadership sessions, songwriting, and practical development, students
are being challenged to grow both spiritually and practically.

Because the next generation matters.

Closing

As the episode wrapped up, one truth remained clear:

God is moving at Forward Church.

Lives are changing.

People are encountering Jesus.

Families are finding hope.

And the church continues moving forward together.

And while there’s still more ahead, it’s important to pause long enough to celebrate what God is
already doing right now.