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Jul 19, 2026 | Tim Moore
Preaching | Rev. Dr. Tim Moore
Sermon | "Listening Creates Inclusivity"
Scripture | Matthew 15:21-28
Listening sounds simple. It rarely is.
In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus encounters a woman from another culture whose persistence challenges assumptions and expands understanding. What begins as a difficult conversation becomes an invitation to deeper grace.
This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Tim Moore explores how genuine inclusivity requires more than welcome. It requires listening, humility, and openness to voices that may change us.
Part 2 of our series, Being a Liberal, 21st Century Church, considers how listening creates inclusivity.
#MPBC #BeingALiberal21stCenturyChurch #Inclusivity #Matthew15 #ProgressiveChristianity #SundayWorship
Preacher's Note:
Jesus takes a trip to another cultural land. No longer in Jewish territory he encounters a Phoenician woman who speaks to him as no one else had. Liberal churches are dedicated to being inclusive and diverse, but as Jesus found out opening yourself to multiple cultures can land you in unexpected, sometimes startling, conversations. Misunderstanding can wreak welcoming inclusion before it really gets started. Like Jesus, we often react, bringing out our worst selves. Jesus continues to listen and eventually speaks a word of grace to her. [Inclusivity]