Sermons from Pastor Steven Canfield

This Is the Kingdom Way opens with Matthew 5:1–3. Jesus overturns Rome-shaped power and Greek virtue with a shocking claim: the broken and powerless receive the kingdom—and that’s where real life begins.

In this most-voted text by the congregation, Pastor Steven explores 1 Timothy 2:11–12. How should we understand Paul’s words about women in the church? This sermon digs into the context and affirms the importance of women’s voices today.

In this second most voted text by the congregation, Pastor Steven explores Romans 13:1-7. Do Paul’s words on government still apply today? Romans 12 challenges us to rethink obedience, resistance, and where true authority lies.

This week, Pastor Steven tackles the 3rd most curious text as voted on by the congregation, Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. What happens when you look at life as if God’s love and wisdom aren’t there? Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 invites us into that perspective — and this sermon shows why it matters.

In the fourth most voted "Curious Text" by the congregation, Steven tackles Psalm 137:8-9 in this second message in our Curious Texts series.

Pastor Steven kicks off a new summer series, Curious Texts, diving into scriptures the congregation voted as the most surprising, curious, or concerning. For week one, he dives into Mark 11:12-14, The Cursing of the Fig Tree.

In this final message of Steven's series on the symbolic world of Genesis 1–3, we reflect on the moment everything fractures. As Adam and Eve hide among the trees, God’s voice echoes with a question that still resonates today: “Where are you?”This sermon explores the deep human impulse to hide—born out of sin, shame, and suffering—and the ways it manifests through blame and broken relationships. But within this ancient story lies something more; it reveals a pattern that helps us understand ourselves, and a God who still comes walking in the garden, calling out for us.

In Part 4 of Steven's Temple The Symbolic World of Genesis 1-3 Series, we turn to Genesis 3 and the moment the serpent enters the story. Through a visual and symbolic exploration of the Garden narrative, this sermon unpacks the meaning behind the two trees—the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.As we reflect on the temptation to "be like God" and the desire for wisdom apart from trust, we see how this ancient story still speaks into our lives. With simple illustrations and thoughtful teaching, we’re invited to wrestle with what it means to choose dependence over pride, and relationship over control.

In Part 3 of our The Symbolic World of Genesis series, Steven reflects on the biblical theme of water—a symbol that flows from the chaotic deep in Genesis 1 to the still rivers of Revelation. This message centers on the symbolic weight of water as a force of cleansing, a source of life, and a reminder of the chaos God brings order to.Through storytelling and reflection, we’re invited to see how water—used in everything from creation to campgrounds—still speaks today. Whether it's the Spirit hovering over the waters or a hose washing away a child's shame, God's presence is made known through the most ordinary yet sacred substance.

In Part 2 of our “Temple” series through Genesis 1–3, we shift our focus to Genesis 2—a second, more intimate telling of the creation story. Here, we explore how the Garden of Eden is more than paradise; it is a sacred space, carefully planted and filled by God, where humanity is placed to dwell in relationship with the Creator.This message uncovers the rich temple imagery embedded in the narrative: the dust, the breath of life, and the garden—all pointing to a world where heaven and earth meet. As we reflect on these symbols, we begin to see Eden not just as the beginning of life, but as the original sanctuary where God and humanity coexisted in harmony.