In September, the group continued our series "Tested Faith: How to Navigate Our Faith in Hollywood." We spent time in Matthew 10, where Jesus instructs His followers to be “wise as serpents and gentle as doves.” This led to a thoughtful discussion about what that looks like day to day—how to walk in both wisdom and gentleness while navigating the often complex and challenging landscape of Hollywood.
We reflected on how Jesus modeled this balance in His ministry: healing the soldier’s ear after Peter cut it off, blessing those who persecuted Him, and saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These moments reminded us that we serve a counter-cultural God who calls us to respond to difficulty and opposition with grace, strength, and compassion.
Later in the month, we continued with Part 3 of Tested Faith, looking at James 1:2–7 and verse 12:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Our discussion centered on what it means to let perseverance “finish its work,” how to avoid being “blown and tossed by the wind” as described in verse 6, and how we can recognize examples of tested faith in our own lives. The stories and reflections shared were powerful—some heavy, some full of hope—but all pointing to the truth that God uses trials to shape and strengthen us.
Through both gatherings, we sensed the Lord’s presence deeply. It was a meaningful month of honest conversation, shared encouragement, and renewed trust in a God who brings purpose and beauty even from our hardest seasons.
We reflected on how Jesus modeled this balance in His ministry: healing the soldier’s ear after Peter cut it off, blessing those who persecuted Him, and saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These moments reminded us that we serve a counter-cultural God who calls us to respond to difficulty and opposition with grace, strength, and compassion.
Later in the month, we continued with Part 3 of Tested Faith, looking at James 1:2–7 and verse 12:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Our discussion centered on what it means to let perseverance “finish its work,” how to avoid being “blown and tossed by the wind” as described in verse 6, and how we can recognize examples of tested faith in our own lives. The stories and reflections shared were powerful—some heavy, some full of hope—but all pointing to the truth that God uses trials to shape and strengthen us.
Through both gatherings, we sensed the Lord’s presence deeply. It was a meaningful month of honest conversation, shared encouragement, and renewed trust in a God who brings purpose and beauty even from our hardest seasons.

