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The Blog
Honest words about faith, doubt, family and following Jesus in real life.

Latest · September 22, 2026
Church Hurt Is Real. Here's How to Know If a New Church Is Actually Safe.
Church hurt is real, and being scared of church again is a sane response, not a character flaw. Here's how to actually tell if a new church is safe.
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September 11, 2026
Why We Say "Formation"
The first in a series on what we're building at NLC — and why we talk about formation instead of programs.

September 11, 2026
Your Story Is Safe Here
You do not have to clean yourself up or explain your past before you belong. At Next Level Church, you can come exactly as you are.

April 3, 2026
The Day Nobody Talks About
If you're sitting in uncertainty today — about faith, about God, about whether any of it is real — you're in better company than you think. The disciples weren't ready either. A short read for anyone

March 27, 2026
The One Question Underneath All The Other Questions About Faith
You might think you have a lot of questions about faith. But most of them are orbiting one. Here's what it is, and why it changes everything.

March 27, 2026
The Evidence I Couldn't Explain Away
If you've ever wanted to look at the evidence for the resurrection honestly, this is that conversation. No pressure to believe. Just the facts, and what to do with them. nextlevelchurch.com

March 27, 2026
Doubt isn't the opposite of faith. It might be the beginning of it
If you want to believe but you're just not sure yet, you're not alone. Peter saw the empty tomb and went home wondering too. Doubt isn't the opposite of faith. It might actually be where it starts.

March 27, 2026
What If Your Questions Aren't a Problem to Fix?
What if your doubts aren't a sign something's wrong with you? Honest questions aren't the enemy of faith. Avoided questions are. If you've been carrying something you've never said out loud, this is f

March 27, 2026
What to Do When You're Not Sure You Believe Anymore
What to do when your faith quietly falls apart — from someone who's been there. Pastor Clay Monkus walked away from ministry after 25 years as a Christian and spent two years questioning everything. H

January 8, 2025
5 Ways Social Media is Rewiring Your Soul (And What Jesus Says About It)
Discover how social media affects your mental well-being, from validation-seeking to attention spans. Learn practical steps to build healthier digital habits and reclaim authentic connections.

January 8, 2025
4 ways to fight the after-Christmas blues
Discover 4 practical and spiritual ways to overcome post-holiday depression. Learn how to transition mindfully, find new purpose, maintain connections, and reframe your perspective after Christmas. Pe
November 4, 2022
4 Signs of Bitterness in Your Life (And How to Overcome Them)
Bitterness does not just come from big offenses. Often it grows from a small offense: perhaps a passing word or a pair of dirty socks left in the middle of the living room floor. Yet when bitterness t

November 4, 2022
How to Invite Someone to at Easter
According to Thom Rainer's book, The Unchurched Next Door, 82% of our friends and family that don’t attend church are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited. There is more. Seven out o