Sermon Notes:

Series: Influencer

August 9, 2026 "The Model of Influence" 

By: Pastor Joel Philbrook


Consider this...

We live in a world obsessed with scale. Influence is measured in subscriber counts, total dollars raised, and how loudly a message can ring across the room. We are subtly trained to believe that if something isn’t big, visible, or publicly validated, it doesn't carry real weight.


Jesus completely turns this math upside down.


Standing in the Temple court, surrounded by wealthy donors making massive, noisy contributions, Jesus ignores the big splashes. Instead, His eyes land on a poor widow dropping two tiny copper coins into the treasury. In the eyes of the world, her gift was a drop in the bucket. In the eyes of Jesus, it outweighed everything else offered that day.


The world measures influence by quantity; Jesus measures influence by quality.


The widow’s gift wasn't influential because of its size, but because of her sacrifice. She gave out of her poverty, placing absolute faith and trust in God. Jesus models a radical truth for us: kingdom influence is not about making a point; it’s about making a quiet difference.


Your most life-changing ministry will rarely happen on a stage or in front of an audience. It happens in the unglamorous, unseen moments: a private prayer for someone who hurt you, a quiet act of generosity when money is tight, or a humble conversation of encouragement. When we exchange the pressure to be "big" for the faithfulness to be surrendered, our small acts of faith carry eternal weight.

  • Reflection & Prayer:

    Pray this prayer to start your day:

    "“God, who have you called me to love this week? Make me available to the interruptions, inconveniences and opportunities to express humility that I would otherwise miss.”

  • Motives & Visibility:

    In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek validation through visibility—doing things to "make a point" or be seen, rather than simply seeking to serve? What would it look like to shift your focus toward quiet, unseen faithfulness in those areas?


  • Surplus vs. Sacrifice:

    The wealthy gave out of their surplus (what was comfortable and extra), while the widow gave out of her poverty (what required trust). Are you currently giving God your "surplus"—whether in time, energy, or resources—or are you stepping into moments of true, trust-requiring sacrifice?


  • Identifying the "Small" Opportunities:

    Think about your upcoming week—your workplace, home, or neighborhood. What is one "small, copper coin" act of love or service you can extend to someone that no one else may ever notice, but that reflects the sacrificial heart of Jesus?

What's Coming Next in our teaching series called "Influencer"

We all want to make a difference with our lives. In an age of social media and endless content, the word "influencer" has become a goal, yet it often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and unseen. But what if we've been looking at influence all wrong? Jesus changed the world without a podcast or a social media account. He didn't have a large platform or a political title. Instead, He redefined the very measure of success by making a difference—not just making a point—and He did it one person at a time.


This series challenges our modern definition of influence by exploring the revolutionary model of Jesus. We'll see how He changed the world through simple, personal moments: one conversation, one meal, and one interruption at a time. His legacy teaches us that true influence moves from small to big, not the other way around. This series will equip us to follow His example and find purpose in the small ways we can impact those around us, proving that the most lasting influence is not built on a platform but on a person.


  • Join us for...

    Week 1: 7/26 "It Starts With One" John 4 by Pastor Joel Philbrook

    Week 2: 8/2 "Proximity of Love" John 13:34-35  by Caroline Carpenter

    Week 3: 8/9 "The Model of Influence" Luke 21:1-4 by Alayna Edwards

    Week 4: 8/16 "The Extra Mile" Matthew 5:38-42 by Pastor Joel Philbrook

    Week 5: 8/23 "Out of Hiding" Mark 4:21-25 by Pastor Joel Philbrook


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