Sunday Teaching

The Sacred Worth of Life

Message questions

In this message, you’ll receive a direct look at what it means to recognize the worth of every life, not because of what the world says, but by seeing how God values people. Steven Van Denend walks through what it means for your beliefs about life to be shaped by something deeper than trends or popular opinion. As part of the “Aligned” series, today's sermon challenges you to reflect on where your values come from, and how honoring life goes beyond any labels or politics. Whether you’re reconsidering your beliefs or looking for honest reflection, this is a conversation for anyone who wants to take a closer look at what truly matters.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Seek First

Message questions

What if finding your way this year isn’t about fixing your schedule or chasing self-improvement, but about getting real with God? In this message, Steven Van Denend talks honestly about starting fresh and looks at five simple habits anyone can try to stay aligned. But more than any habit or practice, what matters most is where, or in whom, you’re centered. This conversation is a straightforward look at why real change comes from your connection with Jesus, not from ticking off spiritual checklists. If you’re wondering what it might look like to line up your life with something real, you’ll find some honest direction here.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Seek First

Message questions

What if joy isn’t about everything working out, but about what, or who, you lean on while you wait? This Advent message, “Joy Will Hold,” invites you to think honestly about the things you carry during the holidays and beyond. Pastor Steve Van Denend walks through a story about ordinary people facing the unknown and what it means to trust, remember, and choose where you put your focus. Whether faith is a central part of your life or something you’ve put to the side, here’s a conversation for anyone wrestling with hope or feeling the weight of this season. You’re invited to listen in and consider what “joy” could really look like for you this Christmas.

This message was recorded on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Faith Is How We Follow | Luke 1:26-38

Message questions

What do you do when life goes off-script and you’re left with more questions than answers? In this week’s message from our “Advent-ually” series, Pastor Steve Van Denend explores what it really means to live by faith when your plans are interrupted. Drawing from Luke’s story of Mary, we ask if there’s more to waiting and uncertainty than frustration—maybe even something good. Whether you feel certain, skeptical, or just tired, this conversation is for anyone trying to make sense of what comes next.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Hope Will Come | Isaiah 9:2-7

Message questions

Does the run-up to Christmas ever leave you feeling worn out instead of hopeful? In this message, Neil Schori invites you to pause during the holiday rush and ask some deeper questions about what you’re really waiting for this season. "Advent-ually" is a series about more than just countdowns and to-do lists—it’s about what helps you find light in all the darkness and chaos that can settle in this time of year. If you’re feeling the weight of the season—whether from longings, old memories, or endless errands—you’re not alone. Take a breather, and see if this message re-frames what hope and waiting can actually mean for your Christmas.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Pointing to Jesus | Mark 1:6-8

Ever feel like you're just running from one task to another, forgetting why you're doing any of it in the first place? In this message from The Edge Church, Brandi Schori digs into the story of John the Baptist and uncovers a simple but profound truth about living with purpose. She explores how easy it is to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of what really matters, using personal stories and insights from the Bible to help you reconnect with what's truly important. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by life's demands or just looking for some perspective, this message offers a fresh look at how to stay focused on what counts. Join Brandi as she unpacks how to live with intention and meaning, even when everything around you feels chaotic.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Prepare the Way | Mark 1:2-5

Ever wonder if God actually shows up when life feels stuck? In this message from the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Steve explores how hope arrives in unexpected places and unexpected ways. Diving into a story about preparation and promise, this sermon tackles the universal human questions of waiting, purpose, and transformation. Whether you're feeling frustrated with your current circumstances or searching for meaning, this message offers a fresh perspective on how change begins. You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your own journey and the possibility of unexpected breakthrough.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

The Beginning of The Good News | Mark 1:1

"What if following Jesus isn't about adding something to your life, but completely changing how you live?" In this first message of our Gospel of Mark series, Pastor Steve Van Denend breaks down the opening verse of Mark's gospel and explores what it really means to follow Jesus. He tackles the big questions we all have - who is Jesus, why does He matter, and what does discipleship look like in a world that's constantly pulling us in different directions. Drawing from personal stories and practical insights, Steve unpacks how the Gospel of Mark challenges us to move beyond casual Christianity and commit to a genuine, life-altering journey with Christ. Whether you're new to faith, feeling stuck, or just curious about what following Jesus could look like, this message offers a fresh, honest perspective on spiritual life.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm One Hundred Forty-Five | Our Good & Faithful God

Ever wonder if you're really not alone in your struggles? Derek Fitting dives into Psalm 145, sharing how life's challenges don't have to define you - even when everything feels like it's falling apart. As The Edge Church celebrates 15 years together, this message explores how community and faith can help you navigate tough times, from personal health scares to everyday setbacks. You'll hear real stories about trusting something bigger than yourself and finding hope when you least expect it. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about what genuine support looks like, this message cuts through the noise and offers a straightforward look at finding strength.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm Eight | Majestic Praise

"Who am I in this massive universe?" Pastor Steve Van Denend tackles this question head-on in this message exploring Psalm 8. You'll discover how praise isn't just singing songs, but a way to shift your perspective and push back against life's challenges. Steve unpacks how the same God who scattered stars across the sky actually knows your name and cares about your life. He explores how praising God can transform your thinking, helping you break free from negative thought patterns and see yourself with new eyes. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about the impact of praise, this message offers a practical look at how your words and attitude can change everything.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm Sixty-Seven | Blessed to Bless Others

"What if your blessings aren't just for you?" In this compelling message from The Edge Church's summer Psalms series, missionary JDD Nduwayo shares a transformative perspective on how God's gifts are meant to be shared. Drawing from personal experiences in Burundi and scriptural insights, JDD explores how each person has unique talents and resources that can make a real difference in their community and beyond. He challenges listeners to look beyond themselves and consider how they can use their skills, languages, and opportunities to support and uplift others. Whether you're feeling stuck, wondering about your purpose, or simply curious about how ordinary people can create meaningful change, this message offers practical, down-to-earth wisdom about living with intention and generosity.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm One | Happy In The Lord

"What if happiness isn't about what you have, but how you think?" Join Brandi Schori as she unpacks the first Psalm, revealing a refreshing perspective on finding genuine joy and contentment in the Lord. In this kickoff to The Edge Church's summer series, Brandi breaks down how our inner thoughts and daily choices shape our spiritual life, using personal stories and insights from the Bible's songbook. She explores what it really means to live a "blessed" life, challenging common misconceptions about happiness and success. If you're feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or just want a fresh take on personal growth, this message offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to live with more purpose and peace.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.