Claim OwnershipCity Central Church Podcast
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City Central Church is a place where followers of Jesus Christ seek God's power and presence by adoring the Savior, becoming more like Him and contending for His kingdom. Based in Tacoma, Washington, City Central seeks to share the good news about Jesus with those who are lost, bring restoration and healing to those who are broken and build up and train the saints of God. This podcast features sermons originally delivered at City Central Church in Tacoma during Sunday morning worship services. A few highlighted midweek teachings are included as well. Lead Pastor, Chris Hippe, preaches the majority of the Sunday morning sermons. Occasional guest messages are delivered by City Central elders, staff members, or friends of the ministry. Sermon series notes, links and processing questions can be found in the Resources section of the City Central Church website. God is moving in the city of Tacoma! Join us as we dive into God's Word and seek to know Him more intimately and experience greater depths of His truth and love. If you are listening to this podcast from out of town and have any plans to visit the Puget Sound area, stop by the "Jesus Cares About You" sign at 4041 Tacoma Mall Blvd and say hello!
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This week, Pastor Chris shared Jesus on the parable of the Great Banquet to illustrate the open and generous heart of God, who invites all—especially the humble and overlooked—to His eternal banquet. While many respond to this invitation with excuses rooted in worldly distractions, their rejection reveals misplaced priorities and hidden idols. Ultimately, the parable reminds us that God's kingdom is for those who respond in faith and humility, and it challenges us to extend that same invitation to others before it's too late.
This week, pastor Chris taught on forgiveness from the parable of the unforgiving servant. We were reminded of the profound truth that God's forgiveness toward us is both undeserved and immeasurable—and we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others. Though forgiveness can be difficult and costly, it is a freeing act of obedience that reflects the heart of God and protects us from the torment of bitterness.
This week, Pastor Chris taught on worship and the condition of our heart. In the parable of the sinful woman, Jesus reveals how extravagant grace produces extravagant worship. Those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness respond with deep love, heartfelt devotion, and joyful service. This sermon explores how God’s grace—not human effort—brings forgiveness, restores relationship, and sets us free to love Him and others with overflowing gratitude.
This week was Youth Takeover Sunday! We heard several of our high school students share on Micah 6:8, and God’s heart for us to “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” This verse isn't just a poetic statement—it's a call to action, a blueprint for how we’re meant to live every single day. As followers of Christ, we’re invited into a life that reflects God’s heart: one that stands for justice, overflows with compassion, and walks in humility before Him.
This week, Pastor Larry Jones taught on the parable of the prodigal son highlighting the themes of mercy, restoration, humility, and the boundless love of the Father. He reminded us that while sin can lead us far from God, His grace makes a way for our return—and that return should be celebrated, not criticized. The parable also challenges us to examine our own hearts, whether we identify more with the rebellious younger son or the resentful elder brother. Above all, we see a picture of a Father who runs to meet us, covers our shame, and restores us with joy.
This week, City Central elder Darrin Miller taught on the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. Jesus paints vivid pictures of what the Kingdom of Heaven is really like. Though small and hidden at first, the Kingdom grows, spreads, transforms, and proves to be of immeasurable worth. Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for decades or are still exploring who He is, these parables challenge us to reflect on what we value most—and to consider what it really means to surrender everything for the sake of something greater.
This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Elder Eric Jones, who shared a compelling message titled “The Weight of Grace: Stewarding What God Has Entrusted to Us.” Teaching from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Eric reminded us that God has graciously entrusted each of us with something of eternal value: our time, gifts, resources, and influence, not to bury, but to steward faithfully in preparation for the return of the King. This parable calls us to reject fear-based living, confront faulty views of God, and step into a life of faithful, fruit-bearing work that honors the Master.
This week, City Central had the privilege to hear from our dear friend and founder of the Racial Reconciliation Cohort, Pastor Lonnie Arnold. He shared a powerful message on the parable of the Good Samaritan, shifting the focus from defining a “neighbor” to becoming one. Through this parable, Jesus exposes the limits we often place on love and reveals that true neighborly compassion crosses boundaries and takes sacrificial action. Ultimately, the story points to the Gospel truth that we are the wounded ones in need of rescue, and Jesus, the Greater Samaritan, is the one who shows us mercy so that we, in turn, may go and do likewise.
This Sunday, Pastor Chris kicked off our summer series “The Parables of Jesus” with a message titled “The Prepared Heart.” Parables are not just clever stories, they are ingeniously simple word pictures that illuminate profound spiritual truths. Jesus used them to teach moral lessons, challenge assumptions, invite reflection, and ultimately reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who were humble and hungry (Matt. 13:10–12). At the same time, these stories concealed truth from those whose hearts had grown dull or resistant (Matt. 13:13–15), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah and demonstrating God’s gracious will to reveal truth to the childlike and dependent (Matt. 11:25–26).
This week, Pastor Chris shared a message on generosity and joyful giving. True joy in life is not found in accumulating wealth, but in releasing it for eternal purposes. This message explores the biblical foundation for generous, cheerful giving as a reflection of God’s ownership, our stewardship, and the reality that heavenly treasures last forever. By embracing a life of joyful generosity, we break free from materialism, align our hearts with God’s kingdom, and invest in what will truly endure.
This week, we were reminded that life is not about accumulating wealth on earth, but about investing in what lasts forever. Through the story of Zacchaeus and other biblical examples, we see how generosity, surrender, and eternal perspective reflect true transformation by grace. God owns everything, and we are simply stewards of His resources, called to use them for His kingdom. Rather than living for the temporary things of this life, we are challenged to live for eternity—laying up treasure in heaven where it truly counts.
This week, we celebrated Father’s Day with a sermon about the powerful role of fathers through the lens of God's perfect example. As our faithful, loving, and compassionate Father, God calls earthly fathers to reflect His heart through integrity, presence, life-giving words, spiritual legacy, and intentional leadership. When fathers walk in these truths, they not only bless their families but also leave a lasting impact for generations.
This week, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday with a sermon on the Power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus prepared to ascend to the Father, He left His disciples with a powerful promise—the gift of the Holy Spirit—who would not only dwell within them but empower them for bold and effective ministry. The Holy Spirit equips us to fulfill the mission of Christ, overcoming sin, fear, and every barrier that stands in the way of gospel advancement. Through the Spirit’s presence and power, believers are transformed into witnesses who proclaim the mighty works of God to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Hebrews series with a message about allowing Jesus to change our hearts from the inside out. In a world filled with temporary solutions and imperfect systems, Hebrews 8 reminds us that there is no one greater than Jesus. As our eternal High Priest, He offers a better covenant—one that fulfills the old, replaces ritual with relationship, and transforms us from the inside out. Unlike the law, which could only guide behavior externally, Jesus writes His truth on our hearts and offers complete forgiveness and lasting intimacy with God. This is not about rule-keeping, but about heart renewal through the superior work of Christ.
City Central’s Young Adult Pastor, Adina Olson shared the Word this week about Jesus being a priest who stays on the throne. We’re invited to see Jesus not just as Savior, but as our eternal High Priest—appointed by God’s unchangeable oath, not by human tradition. Unlike the flawed and fading priesthood of old, Christ’s priesthood is permanent, powerful, and personal. He offered Himself once for all, securing a better covenant and granting us full access to the throne of grace. This isn’t just theology—it’s a holy invitation to step into our priestly calling and live as those redeemed, interceding, and carrying the presence of God into the world.
This week, we explored the rich biblical theme of typology, where Old Testament figures and events foreshadow the greater fulfillment found in Christ. From Moses, Solomon, and the land of Canaan, we are pointed to Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer, King, and inheritance. The mysterious figure of Melchizedek highlights the eternal priesthood of Christ. Through Jesus, we are invited to draw near to God with confidence, living not as owners of our resources, but as stewards of His grace and provision.
This week, Pastor Jena delivered a powerful Mother’s Day message, calling women to embrace their God-given identity as helpers, life-givers, and warriors. As helpers, we are strong, life-giving supporters modeled after God’s own help; As mothers (both biological and spiritual), we are nurturers who birth and sustain life through love, care, and sacrifice; and as warriors, we are called to rise up, intercede, and stand against darkness with God’s truth. Each role reflects a divine calling to walk in the works God prepared for us, living as reflections of His strength, compassion, and courage.
This week, Pastor Chris gave a message about waiting on the promises of God. Throughout the Scriptures, the Lord gives us many promises—and He is always faithful to fulfill them. However, there are often seasons of waiting, which God uses to grow our faith, build our character, and deepen our trust in Him. As we wait on the Lord, we are encouraged to embrace the process with patience and active faith, knowing He will finish what He started. Ultimately, God’s promises anchor our souls with enduring hope and give us strength to persevere through every season.
This week in our Hebrews series, Pastor Chris challenged us to move beyond spiritual immaturity and press on to maturity in Christ. Just as a seed is expected to become a thriving plant, and a child to grow and develop, so too should our faith move from the basics toward depth and strength. Through sobering warnings and hopeful encouragements, Scripture calls us to examine our faith and pursue a life marked by discernment, endurance, and fruitful obedience. The goal isn't simply gaining knowledge—but growing deeper in our relationship with Jesus.
This Easter Sunday, Pastor Chris shared a powerful message about the Samaritan woman in which a weary Jesus intentionally meets a weary woman at a well—and changes her life forever. In a culture divided by race, gender, and religion, Jesus crosses every barrier to offer something far greater than physical water: the living water of eternal life. This woman came searching for something temporary, but found the only One who could satisfy her deepest thirst. Just like her, we are all thirsty—searching, longing, and often settling for things that can never truly satisfy. But Jesus still meets us where we are, offering rest, renewal, and a relationship that quenches our souls forever.
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