TomNicholas.org

recent posts

about

I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

✨ 7. Christ’s Method Alone

Prelude Story: The One Who Knelt

Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, healed the sick, or sent out disciples, He knelt.
In a dusty upper room, hours before the cross, the One who had every right to be served took a towel and water and began washing feet.

That’s what divine leadership looks like.
It’s not just filled with power—it’s fueled by love.
It’s not just moved by the Spirit—it’s mastered by humility.

Jesus didn’t simply model a better method; He revealed God’s heart.
He showed us that true authority is found in service, true greatness in surrender, and true maturity in obedience.

Christ’s Method in Motion

Ellen White wrote:

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good; He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, and then bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”

This is not a program—it’s a way of life.
Every act of kindness, every shared meal, every prayer offered in someone’s driveway, every time we sit down to listen instead of speak—these are the moments when Christ’s method comes alive again through His people.

We’ve spent the week learning that:

  • Maturing in Christ means movement.
  • Every believer is a priest, empowered and gifted by the Spirit.
  • The Spirit leads when we surrender control.
  • Fire and discernment together sustain revival.
  • Christ’s method turns all of it outward—into mission.

Now the question is no longer “What will the church do?”
It’s “Who will you be?”

The Spirit-Led Church

The church that follows Christ’s method will never be defined by its size, budget, or programs. It will be known by its presence—by the way its people show up where Jesus would have gone.

Such a church doesn’t wait for perfect plans; it waits for the Spirit.
It doesn’t measure success by attendance, but by obedience.
It doesn’t strive to look impressive, but to make Christ visible.

When the Spirit fills the church, the method of Christ becomes the movement of Christ.

A Practice for Today

  1. Look for one person to serve today as Jesus would—quietly, joyfully, without expectation.
  2. Invite someone to Sabbath lunch who’s new, lonely, or often overlooked.
  3. Pray: “Holy Spirit, make Christ’s method my method.”

We’ve learned, prayed, and prepared.
Now it’s time to move—and let the Spirit write the next chapter of Christ’s ministry through us.

Blessings in Jesus’ Name,
Tom Nicholas, Pastor
We are a Holy Spirit-Filled Church Family whose members engage deeply, serve faithfully, and reach their community for Christ.

Posted in

Leave a comment