🌾 Still Here

Why staying matters—but so does bearing fruit.

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Have you ever had one of those days when you wanted to just get in the car and leave? Not run away, but run to something new.

In a world of quitting and chasing the next big thing, there’s something quietly powerful about simply staying.

Still showing up.
Still praying.
Still trusting.
Still pouring out your life in a corner of the world that most people forget.

I’ve met pastors who wonder if it’s worth it.
Parents who feel like nothing they do makes a dent.
Christians who are faithful but tired—and feel invisible because they’re not flashy or fast.

And to all of you, I want to say: It matters.

Jesus sees your faithfulness.

But let me offer a gentle word too: faithfulness is not just existence.

I’ve known churches with barely four or five people who meet out of habit, not out of hope.
No vision. No burden. No fruit.
And while I deeply honor perseverance, I don’t believe Jesus meant for us to confuse stagnation with faithfulness.

In John 15, Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (v. 5)

Faithfulness is staying connected.
Fruitfulness is what happens when that connection is real.

Jesus didn’t just say “remain.” He said, “remain in Me.”
Not in your routine.
Not in your building.
Not even in your reputation.
But in Him.

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (v. 8)

The Father is glorified—not just by our endurance, but by our fruit.

So yes—stay. But don’t stay stale.
Stay rooted.
Stay nourished.
Stay surrendered to the Vine who gives life.

Jesus even tells us the Father is the gardener:

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (v. 2)

Sometimes staying means allowing God to prune things you thought were essential—so that you can grow in ways you didn’t expect.

If you’re holding down the fort in a small town or rural church—don’t give up.
If you’re raising kids in the love of Jesus while running on empty—don’t stop.
If you’re quietly obeying God while no one notices—don’t think for a moment it’s wasted.

But also ask:
Is my life still growing?
Is my church still reaching?
Is my soul still open to the Father’s pruning?

God doesn’t ask you to be impressive.
He asks you to be faithful and fruitful.

That might look like staying where you are—but with a new openness to what He wants to do in you and through you.

If today feels small, remember:
It’s in the small that God often does His best work.

Your job is to stay connected to the Vine.
Jesus will bring the harvest.

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🪑 Porchside Update

This past week was full. Ministry, family, and a sweet night of sharing God’s love during our first Summer Shine Night at Bethany. The kids laughed, learned, and sang, and I had the joy of sharing the story of the Good Samaritan with a room of little hearts.

Last week, Libby & Sophia spent a few days at church camp, and David started baseball camp. Christina and I are wondering where the time has gone as we’ll soon be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary.

Also—The Pastor’s Porch is growing! Over 130 of you are now here. Your encouragement and shares mean a great deal.

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Don’t forget to share and refer a friend! (You get perks, too!)

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🛠 Coming Soon to the Porch…
Starting next Monday, I’ll be introducing a few new ways to support this space—including bonus posts and behind-the-scenes updates for those who want to go deeper.
Don’t worry—the main Monday reflections will always remain free.

But if The Porch has become part of your rhythm, I’d love to invite you to help it flourish. More on that next week.

In the meantime, keep showing up.
Stay connected to the Vine.
Let God prune and grow you.
And trust Him for the fruit.

See you next Monday.

– Adam