Canoeing the Mountains is a visionary series that invites The Shores Church to navigate uncharted territory as we approach our 100th year. Drawing from the leadership lessons of Lewis and Clark’s expedition—and grounded in the call of Scripture—we're learning how to lead and live faithfully when the maps we’ve depended on no longer apply. Like the Corps of Discovery, we find ourselves at the edge of a landscape no one fully anticipated. Our world, culture, and ministry context have shifted, and God is calling us to embrace adaptive leadership, courageous faith, and Spirit-led flexibility for the journey ahead.

Over these ten weeks, we’ll explore how to lead with conviction while letting go of outdated expectations, how to foster trust and unity as we navigate the unknown, and how to become a church that listens to the Spirit’s voice in real time. We’ll be challenged to rethink success, create margin for what truly matters, and stay deeply rooted in the mission of Jesus—making disciples who can thrive in this new frontier. Through it all, the heartbeat of this series is simple: while the terrain may have changed, the mission has not. And God is not finished writing our story.

Psalm 46:1-10 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the End of the age.”

For those exploring faith and checking out The Shores Church:

Whether you join us online or in person, Pastor Scott and Annie want you to know that you are genuinely welcome at The Shores Church. Our mission is simple: We want to help people live lives anchored to Jesus. That’s not a one-time moment—it’s a journey, and every journey starts with a first step.

If you’ve never decided to accept God’s forgiveness and declare Jesus as the Lord of your life, today could be the day everything changes. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Salvation is the beginning of a life anchored in Jesus. It’s a personal belief that God sent His Son to die on the cross for your sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day. But it’s also more than belief—it’s a confession. It’s saying out loud, “I need Jesus, and I want Him to lead my life.”

If you’re ready to take that step, your prayer could be as simple as this:
"Jesus, I believe You are for me. I believe You died, were buried, and rose again for me. I confess I am a sinner, and today I receive Your forgiveness. I declare that You are the Lord of my life. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

If you prayed that prayer—or are still processing—we would love to hear from you. Following Jesus is a lifelong journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way.