We sure love "The Big Game." This past Sunday an estimated 151.6 million people watched the Packers and Steelers. We spent about $55 million on food and beverages, which included 28 million pounds of potato chips, 1 billion chicken wings, and 325.5 million gallons of beer. The pregame hype, the football stars, the commercials, the half-time show, the postgame analysis and antacid—is anything bigger than "The Big Game"?

Actually, yes, there is: it's called the church. Every week, as preacher, pastor, leader, spiritual guide and prophet, you get to proclaim the good news of Jesus in and through the church. And week after week Christ himself is shaping the church into the most redemptive community in the world.

In this week's sermon, Skye Jethani walks us through an exciting biblical idea: God displays his manifold wisdom through ordinary people and churches. Make sure you also check out Kevin Miller's great illustration about church life—how not to build community like a Home Depot store. Finally, I hope you can read Bryan Chapell's excellent sermon series from The Book of Daniel titled "Standing Your Ground."

Pastors, you often serve without the hype and fame (not to mention the free chips and dip), but your weekly labor of love matters to God the Father. It's a privilege to walk beside you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.