The Tale of Bay Hills
It seems to me that Bay Hills is a tale of two churches. Two generations.
What I mean by that is this. Bay Hills is still settling into a new identity, one inaugurated by the transition from my predecessor’s leadership. Under his tenure, Bay Hills was intentionally Sunday-centered. Our weekend worship services took center-stage. Most of our energy, effort, and resources were directed toward the success of a Sunday morning. Services were excellent, highly practical, and intentionally seeker-sensitive, all done with a genuine desire to reach people far from God.
Those values did not emerge in a vacuum. They were largely shaped by the Boomer Generation, which influenced the past three decades of Bay Hills’ life. Leadership in that era tended to be less collaborative and more reflective of a CEO-style of Senior Pastor. That model was largely shaped by influential figures such as Bill Hybels, with churches like Willow Creek on the cutting edge of reaching the Boomer Generation.
This is not a critique so much as a commentary. Every generation shapes the church in its own image (Psalm 145:4). Sometimes for the good. Sometimes with unintended consequences. But always with lasting impact.
Now, a new generation is shaping the future.
Gen X and Millennials each left their mark, but it is Generation Z that will likely shape the church for decades to come, much like the Boomers once did. Gen Z carries distinct values, expectations, and instincts. If the future of the church matters to us, and it should, then learning to understand this generation is not optional (Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 1 Chronicles 12:32).
More on that in a moment.
What I mean by that is this. Bay Hills is still settling into a new identity, one inaugurated by the transition from my predecessor’s leadership. Under his tenure, Bay Hills was intentionally Sunday-centered. Our weekend worship services took center-stage. Most of our energy, effort, and resources were directed toward the success of a Sunday morning. Services were excellent, highly practical, and intentionally seeker-sensitive, all done with a genuine desire to reach people far from God.
Those values did not emerge in a vacuum. They were largely shaped by the Boomer Generation, which influenced the past three decades of Bay Hills’ life. Leadership in that era tended to be less collaborative and more reflective of a CEO-style of Senior Pastor. That model was largely shaped by influential figures such as Bill Hybels, with churches like Willow Creek on the cutting edge of reaching the Boomer Generation.
This is not a critique so much as a commentary. Every generation shapes the church in its own image (Psalm 145:4). Sometimes for the good. Sometimes with unintended consequences. But always with lasting impact.
Now, a new generation is shaping the future.
Gen X and Millennials each left their mark, but it is Generation Z that will likely shape the church for decades to come, much like the Boomers once did. Gen Z carries distinct values, expectations, and instincts. If the future of the church matters to us, and it should, then learning to understand this generation is not optional (Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 1 Chronicles 12:32).
More on that in a moment.
The Tale of 2025
In many ways, 2025 at Bay Hills also felt like a tale of two churches.
The first half of the year was marked by extraordinary unity and momentum around the RISE Initiative. Against the odds, we came together to secure a more permanent foundation and platform for our mission into the future. The energy was palpable. The atmosphere was life giving. Guests felt it. Members felt it. Candidly, it was the most fun I have had in ministry in a very long time (Psalm 133:1).
But the Enemy rarely tolerates forward movement.
The Bible reminds us that Satan hates the church almost as much as he hates the name of Jesus (1 Peter 5:8). Like a snake in an otherwise peaceful garden, he went to work. The second half of 2025 exposed some of the most painful realities of local church life.
One of the unintended consequences of the seeker-sensitive movement is that it quietly reinforced consumeristic tendencies. Preferences began to shape programs. Programs slowly became the point, rather than serving the point. Over time, churches were prone to turn inward, away from the mission field and toward itself, losing sight of what mattered most.
Paul describes this dynamic with sobering clarity: division, dissension, jealousy, envy, gossip, slander, half truths, and outright untruths (Galatians 5:19–21). I now understand firsthand what he meant when he warned about Christians biting and devouring one another (Galatians 5:15). In the second half of 2025, we saw some of this play out in our own backyard.
It is important to say that most of this affected only a small number of people. As a result, many of you were blissfully unaware of what was taking place, and that was not accidental. Bay Hills is led by godly and growing leaders who refused to retaliate with gossip or respond to slander with more of the same. Instead, they chose the harder road. The higher road. They chose to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and keep their hands on the plow (Luke 9:62). To fix their eyes on what matters most (Hebrews 12:1–2).
The season culminated in some of the most difficult leadership decisions we have faced in recent memory. While redemption is always our hope (2 Corinthians 5:18), leaders sometimes have to settle for shaking the dust from their feet and moving forward (Matthew 10:14).
The first half of the year was marked by extraordinary unity and momentum around the RISE Initiative. Against the odds, we came together to secure a more permanent foundation and platform for our mission into the future. The energy was palpable. The atmosphere was life giving. Guests felt it. Members felt it. Candidly, it was the most fun I have had in ministry in a very long time (Psalm 133:1).
But the Enemy rarely tolerates forward movement.
The Bible reminds us that Satan hates the church almost as much as he hates the name of Jesus (1 Peter 5:8). Like a snake in an otherwise peaceful garden, he went to work. The second half of 2025 exposed some of the most painful realities of local church life.
One of the unintended consequences of the seeker-sensitive movement is that it quietly reinforced consumeristic tendencies. Preferences began to shape programs. Programs slowly became the point, rather than serving the point. Over time, churches were prone to turn inward, away from the mission field and toward itself, losing sight of what mattered most.
Paul describes this dynamic with sobering clarity: division, dissension, jealousy, envy, gossip, slander, half truths, and outright untruths (Galatians 5:19–21). I now understand firsthand what he meant when he warned about Christians biting and devouring one another (Galatians 5:15). In the second half of 2025, we saw some of this play out in our own backyard.
It is important to say that most of this affected only a small number of people. As a result, many of you were blissfully unaware of what was taking place, and that was not accidental. Bay Hills is led by godly and growing leaders who refused to retaliate with gossip or respond to slander with more of the same. Instead, they chose the harder road. The higher road. They chose to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and keep their hands on the plow (Luke 9:62). To fix their eyes on what matters most (Hebrews 12:1–2).
The season culminated in some of the most difficult leadership decisions we have faced in recent memory. While redemption is always our hope (2 Corinthians 5:18), leaders sometimes have to settle for shaking the dust from their feet and moving forward (Matthew 10:14).
The Tale of the Next Generation
Which brings us back to Generation Z.
This rising generation has little patience for pettiness, politics, and institutional friction. While Gen Z is deeply interested in Jesus, they are often deeply skeptical of church people. In addition, they are not looking for highly polished services that feel flawless or manufactured. They are far more interested in authenticity than production value.
This generation values leaders who are honest, raw, and willing to tell the truth about the Bible, even when that truth is costly or uncomfortable. They are less concerned with whether something is seeker-sensitive and far more concerned with whether it is real.
They want the real Jesus.
Not a curated version designed to avoid offense. They want to be taught the Bible faithfully, clearly, and without apology. They want leaders who believe what they preach and actually seek to live it out. Even if it costs them.
They also understand that Sunday services are not the point. Sundays matter, but they are not the measure of spiritual health. What they are longing for is authentic transformation that carries into the rest of the week. They want a faith that shapes how they work, love, serve, forgive, and live. They want to be part of a community where following Jesus leads to a life of real and meaningful purpose, not just religious adherence.
More than anything, they want to be part of something where God actually moves. Not just talked about. Not just programmed. But genuinely encountered. They long for a faith that is alive, transformative, and powerful. A faith that changes people, heals wounds, confronts sin, and brings dead things back to Life.
The Bible is unmistakably clear about what marks God’s people to a watching world. Their love for one another (John 13:34–35). If Bay Hills is going to continue reaching and growing in this landscape, our communal identity must keep maturing (Ephesians 4:15–16). The main thing must remain the main thing.
People need Jesus (Romans 10:14–15). The gospel must be preached (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). We are seeing new and emerging Christians baptized at a record pace (Acts 2:41). That is not peripheral...it's the point.
Our focus in this next season is clear. To lead people to Life, and to more Life (John 10:10). Not programs and agendas.
This rising generation has little patience for pettiness, politics, and institutional friction. While Gen Z is deeply interested in Jesus, they are often deeply skeptical of church people. In addition, they are not looking for highly polished services that feel flawless or manufactured. They are far more interested in authenticity than production value.
This generation values leaders who are honest, raw, and willing to tell the truth about the Bible, even when that truth is costly or uncomfortable. They are less concerned with whether something is seeker-sensitive and far more concerned with whether it is real.
They want the real Jesus.
Not a curated version designed to avoid offense. They want to be taught the Bible faithfully, clearly, and without apology. They want leaders who believe what they preach and actually seek to live it out. Even if it costs them.
They also understand that Sunday services are not the point. Sundays matter, but they are not the measure of spiritual health. What they are longing for is authentic transformation that carries into the rest of the week. They want a faith that shapes how they work, love, serve, forgive, and live. They want to be part of a community where following Jesus leads to a life of real and meaningful purpose, not just religious adherence.
More than anything, they want to be part of something where God actually moves. Not just talked about. Not just programmed. But genuinely encountered. They long for a faith that is alive, transformative, and powerful. A faith that changes people, heals wounds, confronts sin, and brings dead things back to Life.
The Bible is unmistakably clear about what marks God’s people to a watching world. Their love for one another (John 13:34–35). If Bay Hills is going to continue reaching and growing in this landscape, our communal identity must keep maturing (Ephesians 4:15–16). The main thing must remain the main thing.
People need Jesus (Romans 10:14–15). The gospel must be preached (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). We are seeing new and emerging Christians baptized at a record pace (Acts 2:41). That is not peripheral...it's the point.
Our focus in this next season is clear. To lead people to Life, and to more Life (John 10:10). Not programs and agendas.
The Tale of What Comes Next
To sustain that vision, we must become even more focused in 2026. This includes all layers and levels of leadership at Bay Hills. For the first time, we have now completed a full year with a unified Executive Leadership Team fully intact. They are strategic, aligned, and deeply in love with Jesus (Philippians 2:2).
In addition, our leadership structure must continue making room for high capacity, unpaid leaders. This has been an essential shift for a church in our context, especially given the realities of limited resources compared to churches of similar size.
Yes, I have seen some of the worst this year. But I am still that hopeful rebel. I genuinely believe some of the best is still ahead (Romans 8:18). You should, too.
Bay Hills will continue laying the groundwork for a culture with a low tolerance for anything that encumbers the next generation (Hebrews 12:1). A church relentlessly preoccupied with the mission of God and the things that truly matter (Matthew 6:33), even when that requires sifting (Luke 22:31–32).
Our leadership culture is growing healthier. Far from perfect. But healthier (Proverbs 4:18). As result, we can look to 2026 with hopeful anticipation. I am eager to see God use us, as He already has, but in ways we could never ask or imagine apart from Jesus (Ephesians 3:20).
So hold on to your hats, Bay Hills. The ride may be bumpy. The challenges innumerable. But I assure you, it will be worth it. How do I know? Because while Bay Hills has been the tale of two churches, it has always been the story of one God.
And God only writes the best stories.
In addition, our leadership structure must continue making room for high capacity, unpaid leaders. This has been an essential shift for a church in our context, especially given the realities of limited resources compared to churches of similar size.
Yes, I have seen some of the worst this year. But I am still that hopeful rebel. I genuinely believe some of the best is still ahead (Romans 8:18). You should, too.
Bay Hills will continue laying the groundwork for a culture with a low tolerance for anything that encumbers the next generation (Hebrews 12:1). A church relentlessly preoccupied with the mission of God and the things that truly matter (Matthew 6:33), even when that requires sifting (Luke 22:31–32).
Our leadership culture is growing healthier. Far from perfect. But healthier (Proverbs 4:18). As result, we can look to 2026 with hopeful anticipation. I am eager to see God use us, as He already has, but in ways we could never ask or imagine apart from Jesus (Ephesians 3:20).
So hold on to your hats, Bay Hills. The ride may be bumpy. The challenges innumerable. But I assure you, it will be worth it. How do I know? Because while Bay Hills has been the tale of two churches, it has always been the story of one God.
And God only writes the best stories.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) – So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
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