Description

Encounter Henley Welcomes Lead Pastor: Tim Littleford

In this episode, Lead Pastor Tim Littleford tackles the "exhaustion" of the New Year. We are bombarded with motivational posts telling us to "dream bigger" and "write a good story" on our 365 blank pages. But what happens when the pressure to create a "DIY Self" becomes a form of slavery?

Key Insights in this message:

• The Exhaustion of the Idealized Self: Tim discusses the heavy burden of modern self-optimization—trying to be the perfect spouse, parent, and professional while staying "jacked" and reading 100 books a year.
• Identity as a Gift, Not an Achievement: In a world that has stripped away rites of passage, we are told to "work out" our own identities. Tim reminds us that we are created by God; our true uniqueness isn't earned—it is received as a gift.
• Contract vs. Covenant: Using the example of his 10-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Ash, Tim explains that a covenant is personal and relational, not just a list of obligations.
• The Unconditional New Covenant: While the Old Covenant was conditional on human obedience, the New Covenant—ratified by the blood of Jesus—is built on God’s unconditional grace and promise to write His law on our hearts.

"Knowing ourselves must begin by knowing the self that is known by God." — David Bennett

The Covenant Prayer

At the conclusion of this message, Pastor Tim invites you to pray the famous Wesleyan Covenant Prayer. Whether you are listening at home, in the car, or at the gym, we invite you to use this moment to renew your partnership with God for 2026.

Excerpt from the prayer: "I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will... Let me be full, let me be empty. I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service."