The LIGHThouse Guardian
April 29, 2026
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. — Romans 5:3-5
Choosing Growth over Comfort
Scriptures:
Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 1:6-7
Matthew 16:24
James 1:2-4
Hebrews 11:8
Revelation 3:16
Ryan Crist gave an awesome presentation on the dangers of comfort in our Christian walk. Comfort is a natural and scientific idea. Our bodies work to make us comfortable, whether it is to conserve energy, responding to strong odors, or processing stimuli. We routinely find ourselves uncomfortable - so our bodies begin to adapt.
As adaptation occurs physically and emotionally, we also see growth through discomfort. How then do we respond to hardship and uncertainty? The answer does not lie in comfort. Rather, we embrace discomfort and allow God to grow us in character.
Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 1:6-7
Matthew 16:24
James 1:2-4
Hebrews 11:8
Revelation 3:16
Ryan Crist gave an awesome presentation on the dangers of comfort in our Christian walk. Comfort is a natural and scientific idea. Our bodies work to make us comfortable, whether it is to conserve energy, responding to strong odors, or processing stimuli. We routinely find ourselves uncomfortable - so our bodies begin to adapt.
As adaptation occurs physically and emotionally, we also see growth through discomfort. How then do we respond to hardship and uncertainty? The answer does not lie in comfort. Rather, we embrace discomfort and allow God to grow us in character.
- What is something uncomfortable you usually try to avoid?
- Why do you think we naturally choose comfort?
- Can discomfort ever be a good thing? Why or why not?
- How can discomfort help us grow in our faith or character?
- What is one small step you could take this week to choose growth instead of comfort?
HighLIGHT: Teen Life Truths
Teen Life Truths (TLT) is coming up in a couple weeks. As you may know, it is a 10-week course we offer on Wednesday nights, going through the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Out of those passages, we extrapolate essential truths that will teach young middle school students what they may encounter in life and what it means to follow Christ. In the past we have done TLT every Spring; however, we believe it will make for a good initiation into the LIGHThouse youth group. Here are some details.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
Upcoming Events
LIGHThouse Cookout 2026
May 13th @6:30pm
The LIGHThouse Cookout is coming up! Join us as we celebrate and reflect on the school year and welcome in the summer. We will also “pass the baton” to our graduating seniors AND welcoming the incoming 6th grade students. So exciting!
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 22
Life Group for Teens (LG:t) will be cancelled through the month of May.
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. April is posted!
May 13th @6:30pm
The LIGHThouse Cookout is coming up! Join us as we celebrate and reflect on the school year and welcome in the summer. We will also “pass the baton” to our graduating seniors AND welcoming the incoming 6th grade students. So exciting!
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 22
Life Group for Teens (LG:t) will be cancelled through the month of May.
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. April is posted!
Programs
LG:t (Life Group for Teens) meets on Sunday evenings, 6:00pm to 8:15pm in room 115. We have been going through the Letter to the Galatians. Bring your Bible and a snack to share with the whole group!
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 6:50pm to 8:15pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a sermon, discipleship groups, and games! Our new series is on the Letter to the Romans Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 6:50pm to 8:15pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a sermon, discipleship groups, and games! Our new series is on the Letter to the Romans Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
SSB Student Ministries exist to share the Gospel and to make Christ-like Disciples and Servant Leaders of the Church.