April 30, 2025
Grace & Truth: The Heartbeat of Passion Church
Joshua Tufte
Starting with Grace, Leading to Truth: The Heartbeat of Passion Church
I will never forget an encounter that changed my life.
For this blog, we’re going to say it was a day I was talking with Tammy. Tammy was a teen I had been working with at my gym, training her in self-defense and fitness. She was precious—tender-hearted, kind, smart, and full of promise. All the reasons her dad wanted her to be equipped to protect herself in today’s world.
Over the years, we built a strong friendship. She was like a little cousin to me. But one day, she came in visibly upset. We went through the workout as usual, but something was off. Jokes fell flat, silent tears were shed, and her whole demeanor had shifted. At the end, I gently asked if something was wrong.
It was like a dam broke.
Tammy opened up and shared something deeply personal—she was struggling with homosexual thoughts and urges. Wanting guidance, she had confided in her pastor. But instead of compassion, she was met with condemnation. She described nearly two hours of being berated, judged, and warned she would burn in hell if she didn’t repent. He told her she could no longer serve at the church if this was the path she’d chosen.
But here’s the thing—she hadn’t chosen anything. She was experiencing confusing emotions and looking for help. She loved the church. She loved her friends there. She loved Jesus. She came seeking understanding and got rejection. That was the last time she set foot in that church.
I sat there, heartbroken and angry. Tammy wasn’t rebellious—she was wounded. She needed grace, not a spiritual beatdown. And there I was, a Bible-believing Christian and conservative church pastor, holding the tension of truth and compassion in my hands. I believed in the biblical view of sex and marriage. But what about grace? What about loving her through a confusing season, mentoring her with wisdom, helping her process powerful emotions—not by affirming them as right, but by acknowledging them as real and pointing her toward Jesus?
That day, something changed in me.
I knew that something had to shift. And it needed to start here—with a new way of thinking. One rooted in Jesus. One that starts with grace and leads to truth.
Why Grace Comes First
Jesus modeled this for us. Whether it was the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus the tax collector, or Peter after his denial, He led with compassion before correction. He didn’t ignore sin—but He didn’t start there. He met people with grace first.
Because grace softens hearts. It disarms fear. It invites relationship.
That’s what we want people to experience at Passion Church. Whether it’s their first Sunday or their first time back in years, we want them to know: there is grace for you here.
Grace Isn’t the End Goal
But grace isn’t the destination—it’s the invitation. Because grace without truth may comfort us for a moment, but it will never transform us for eternity.
Truth without grace leads to Hell—but grace without truth doesn’t exist.
That might sound bold, but it’s biblical. If we base our salvation on truth alone—just law, just right and wrong—then we fail every time. Romans says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If truth were the only measure, then by truth alone, we are all heading toward separation from God.
But grace steps in. Grace makes a way.
Yet grace that ignores truth isn't love. You cannot love someone and withhold the truth from them. That’s not compassion—it’s cruelty dressed in kindness.
It’s like this: imagine I tell my daughter not to touch the electrical outlet. I warn her over and over. I even smack her hand away when she reaches for it because I love her and want to protect her. But then I walk away, and she touches it. She gets hurt. When I come back, I don’t shame her—I comfort her. I care for her, tend to her wounds, and get her the help she needs.
But imagine if, at the end of that moment, I said, “Honey, if the light socket makes you feel good, go ahead and touch it again.”
That wouldn’t be love—that would be abandonment.
Love protects those it loves. Love accepts the mistake, but it doesn’t affirm it. That’s the heart of Jesus. Grace wraps its arms around you in your pain, but truth gently guides you toward freedom.
We need both.
Leading to Truth
Truth isn’t a weapon—it’s a key. It unlocks the door to freedom. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
We don’t use truth to shame—we use it to shepherd.
At Passion Church, we believe you don’t have to sacrifice love to speak the truth, and you don’t have to water down truth to be loving. We walk with people through real struggles—just like Tammy—and we don’t abandon them to those struggles, nor do we affirm the lie that they are defined by them. We mentor, we guide, and we let the Holy Spirit do the heart work that only He can do.
This is what real discipleship looks like: walking together, in grace, toward truth.
What This Looks Like at Passion Church
It looks like real stories—of redemption, healing, and restoration.
It’s the single mom who finds community before anyone asks about her past.
It’s the teenager wrestling with identity who finds love before receiving direction.
It’s the addict who walks into a service hungover and walks out full of hope.
From our welcome team to our worship, from the sermon to the follow-up, every part of our church culture is built to reflect this value: we start with grace, and we lead to truth.
Why This Matters
The world is confused about love and truth. Some churches speak truth so loudly they forget to love. Others love so broadly they forget to speak truth.
But we believe the Gospel is better than that.
Jesus meets us where we are, but He never leaves us there. And as His church, we’re called to do the same.
At Passion Church, our mission is to help people become fully alive in Jesus. That starts with grace. But it never ends there.
Final Invitation
Maybe you’ve felt the sting of truth without grace. Maybe you’ve been handed grace without direction.
Maybe you’re like Tammy—longing for a church that sees the struggle, speaks the truth, and never lets go of your hand in the process.
If that’s you, know this: you are welcome here.
There is grace for you. And there is truth that will change everything. Let’s walk that journey together.
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Local Church Events for families You Can’t Miss in Kernersville Looking for local church events near me in Kernersville? At Passion Church, we believe church is more than a Sunday service—it’s a community where people of all ages can grow, connect, and make a difference. That’s why throughout the year, we host events designed to help you build relationships and experience the love of Jesus in real ways. Weekly Gatherings You’ll Love Sunday Services (9:30 & 11:00 AM) – Two opportunities to worship with passionate music, practical teaching, Kids Church, and a youth small group Bible study during the second service. Kids Church (both services) – A fun, safe place where children journey through the entire Bible every three years , learning God’s truth from start to finish. Youth Small Group (11:00 AM) – Middle and high school students meet for Bible study and real-life discussions while adults are in service. Small Groups for Adults – Whether weekly or monthly, small groups are a great way to build relationships and grow in faith. At Passion Church, groups meet at different times to fit your schedule: Sunday afternoons or evenings Monday evenings Thursday nights Monthly or bi-monthly on Friday nights or Saturday mornings Special Events Throughout the Year Passion Church is known for creating opportunities where the whole community can gather. Some highlights include: Baptism Sundays – Every third Sunday of the month , we celebrate new life in Christ through water baptism. Family Fun Days – Food, games, and activities designed to bring people together. Holiday Services – Christmas and Easter services filled with hope, joy, and community. Church Anniversary Celebration (August 25th) – Every year we celebrate what God has done in and through Passion Church with worship, fellowship, and joyful celebration. Church Fellowship Meals – Throughout the year, we host regular gatherings for the church to share meals together, build community, and enjoy time as a church family. Community Outreach Events – Service projects, food drives, and local partnerships where we share the love of Jesus beyond our walls. A Safe and Welcoming Environment At every event, safety and hospitality are top priorities. Our robust safety team —including a uniformed police officer on-site each Sunday —helps ensure peace of mind for families. Kids check-in is secure, with unique matching name tags for every parent and child , so your family is always cared for. Come as You Are Whether it’s a Sunday morning or a special event, there’s no dress code. At Passion Church, you’ll see everything from full suits to shorts and flip flops. Pastor Josh Tufte usually preaches in jeans and a t-shirt. The goal isn’t what you wear—it’s that you come ready to encounter Jesus and build meaningful relationships. Stay Up to Date on Events Want to know what’s happening this month at Passion Church? From kids’ events to adult gatherings, there’s always something going on. Check out our Events Page for the latest updates on upcoming opportunities to connect, serve, and grow. Not Just Welcome—Wanted Here Some churches or events may say you’re welcome but don’t go out of their way to make you feel at home. At Passion Church, it’s different. You’re not just welcome here—you’re wanted here. We love growing, meeting new people, serving together, adding new small groups, and seeing new faces at every event. We genuinely love people and want anyone who is interested to join us as we follow after Jesus Christ. Join Us at Passion Church If you’re searching for local church events in Kernersville that are safe, family-friendly, and centered on God’s Word, Passion Church has a place for you. 📍 Passion Church – Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times – Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Come early, grab some coffee and snacks, and connect with people who will make you feel right at home.
Sunday Service Times in Kernersville: What to Expect at Passion Church If you’re searching for a church near me in Kernersville or looking for a welcoming, Bible-based community for your family, Passion Church is here for you. Whether you’re brand new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, we want Sundays to be the best day of your week. When We Meet We gather every Sunday at two service times designed to fit your schedule: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Each service lasts about 60-75 minutes and includes modern worship, practical Bible teaching, and ministry opportunities for every age group. Come Early for Coffee, Snacks, and Community We encourage you to arrive a little early! Every Sunday, we provide coffee and light snacks so you can relax, meet new people, and build friendships. At Passion Church, we believe church isn’t just about attending a service—it’s about belonging to a family. Kids Church – Growing in God’s Word We believe kids aren’t just the church of tomorrow—they’re the church of today. That’s why Kids Church happens during both services, designed for infants through 5th grade. Engaging worship and Bible lessons taught on their level A curriculum that takes kids through the entire Bible every three years, giving them a big-picture view of God’s story Fun activities in a safe, caring environment led by trained volunteers Safe and Secure Kids Check-In The safety of every child matters deeply to us. That’s why our kids’ check-in system gives each child and parent a unique matching name tag every Sunday. Parents keep their tag and must show it when picking up their child, ensuring your child is always released safely and securely. A Safe Place for Your Family Passion Church is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Each Sunday, our robust safety team is on site, alongside a uniformed police officer, to ensure the protection of our children, families, and guests. You can worship with peace of mind knowing your loved ones are cared for. Youth Small Group – Bible Study & Discussion Middle and high school students have a special opportunity during the 11:00 AM service. While adults are in the main worship service, teens gather for a youth small group Bible study and discussion. Real conversations about faith and life Guided Bible study that helps students apply God’s Word A safe space to ask questions and build friendships What to Wear One of the questions people often ask before visiting a new church is, “What should I wear?” At Passion Church, the answer is simple: come as you are. Most of our church family dresses casually—jeans, t-shirts, or whatever makes you comfortable. You’ll also see some people dressed in full suits and others in shorts and flip flops. Our pastor, Josh Tufte, typically preaches in jeans and a t-shirt. We care far more about you than what you wear. So whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, you’ll fit right in. What to Expect on Sundays From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly volunteers who are ready to make you feel at home. Here’s what a typical Sunday looks like: Welcoming atmosphere – Coffee, snacks, and people eager to connect. Passionate worship – Our band leads with modern, Christ-centered music. Relevant teaching – Pastor Josh preaches directly from the Bible in a way that applies to everyday life. Community – Opportunities to connect, serve, and grow are available every week. Why People Choose Passion Church in Kernersville There are many Kernersville churches, but people choose Passion Church because: We’re committed to preaching and teaching God’s Word. We’re a community of authentic people striving to follow Jesus. We provide ministries for the whole family—kids, teens, and adults. We prioritize safety so you can focus on worship without worry. We believe church should be filled with hope, joy, and real relationships. More Than Welcome — You’re Wanted Here Some people and places may say they want to meet you, that they wish you would come—but when you do, they don’t go out of their way to make you feel at home. At Passion Church, it’s different. You’re not only welcome here, you’re wanted here. We love growing, meeting new people, serving alongside others, adding new small groups, and seeing new faces every Sunday. More than anything, we genuinely love people and want anyone who is interested to join us as we follow after Jesus Christ. Join Us This Sunday If you’re looking for a Kernersville church that’s passionate about Jesus, welcoming to families, committed to God’s Word, and intentional about creating a safe, joyful environment, we’d love to meet you this Sunday. 📍 Passion Church – Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times – Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Come early, grab some coffee, connect with others, and experience a church where you truly belong.
How I Write My Sermons One of the questions I get asked most often as a pastor is: “How do you write your sermons each week?” The truth is—it’s a process filled with study, prayer, creativity, and a lot of time staring at a blank page asking the Holy Spirit to lead me. In this post, I want to pull back the curtain a little bit. Sermon preparation isn’t some mystical thing that just happens magically, and it’s definitely not something that can be accomplished in 30 minutes. It takes intentional time and focus to hear God’s voice, understand His Word, and prepare to share it faithfully. I usually aim to spend 15–18 hours a week preparing my sermons. But the reality is that ministry life is busy, and often I end up with closer to 8–10 hours of prep time. Whether it’s on the longer or shorter end, I’ve learned to trust that God can multiply the hours I give Him. Here’s a look at what my typical week of sermon prep looks like: 1. Research (1–3 Hours) The first step for me is always diving into the Word itself. I’ll spend 1–3 hours digging into the passage, studying the original language, exploring cultural and historical references, and looking at the context around the story. This deep understanding of Scripture is what allows me to be more easily led by God into the message He has for Passion Church in Kernersville. When I know the subject, timeline, or history well, I find that God can work more broadly than if I’m walking in unprepared and ignorant. Preparation gives God room to expand the message. I’ve also found that the more I prepare, the freer I become when preaching. A personal goal for me is to use my notes as a reference, not a crutch. The deeper I know the material, the less I have to rely on reading my notes word-for-word, which leaves more space for the Spirit to move in the moment. 2. Learning from Others (2–4 Hours) After that, I usually spend 2–4 hours watching other pastors preach on similar passages or themes. It’s worth noting: at Passion Church, we draw a significant amount of inspiration for sermons and series from other churches, and we recommend that others do the same—with permission and proper referencing. A great example is Life.Church’s Open Church Resource, which provides free sermon series, graphics, and a wealth of resources to support local churches. Now, I don’t recommend stealing an entire church’s series and replacing your prep with their work. Nor do I recommend following someone else’s script word-for-word, because that can remove room for the Spirit to lead. But inspiration can come from others—and God can absolutely use their work to spark something new in you. You never know how He may choose to work through the Body of Christ. 3. Prayer, Worship, and Reflection (2–4 Hours) A big part of sermon prep for me is not just information, but transformation. I have to let the message work in me before I can share it with you. That means I’ll spend 2–4 hours in prayer, worship, and reflection, asking God to show me what He wants to say to Passion Church this week. During this time, I also go back through my notes and manuscript, reading them aloud. Doing this while praying and worshiping helps calm my mind, keeps my heart centered on God, and cements everything into place before I step on stage. 4. Practice, Editing, and Refining On weeks when I have more time, I’ll split extra hours between practicing the delivery, watching more sermons for inspiration, and spending even more time in prayer and worship. I also personally find that editing my jokes takes up a significant amount of time. The more I prepare, the shorter my sermons usually run and the more “acceptable” my jokes become. Humor is a big part of preaching for me. I believe God loves me in spite of me—and that’s a reason to be joyful! Because of that, many of my sermons include intentional humor. Our relationship with God should absolutely be one of respect, love, and submission, but it should also be full of humor and joy. For me, preaching isn’t just about content—it’s about carrying the presence of God and making His Word come alive for people. 5. Using Helpful Tools Something that has surprised me in recent years is how helpful AI tools have become in this process. I use AI for research, organization, and even structuring my thoughts. It’s not a replacement for the Spirit’s leading (and it never will be), but it has helped me use my time more effectively so I can spend more of it in prayer and preparation. At the end of the day, sermon writing is not just about crafting words—it’s about hearing from God and faithfully communicating His truth. Whether I spend 18 hours or 8 hours preparing, I remind myself of Jesus’ words: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) That’s why every sermon begins and ends with dependence on Him. Looking for a Church in Kernersville? If you’ve been searching online for a church near me in Kernersville, exploring Kernersville churches, or simply wondering about Christian churches near me, we’d love to invite you to Passion Church in Kernersville. We’re a community of authentic people doing our best to follow after Jesus Christ. Every message is preached and taught from God’s Word, and every service is designed to help you take your next step with Him. Join us in person or online for one of our services—you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, meaningful worship, and teaching rooted in Scripture. 👉 Learn more at www.passionchurchnc.com/PlanYourVisit