Restorative Sermons and Songs

In 1 Kings 19, the origin story Broom Tree gets its name from, Elijah the prophet is DONE. 

He has just experienced the greatest “success” of his prophetic career (see 1 Kings 18). He challenged the prophets of Baal to a duel (Whose god can show up with fire?), won decisively, turned the people of Israel back to the true God, defeated the false prophets, prayed for rain and ended a three-year drought. Then he outran a horse for the length of a marathon. Elijah was winning! He could/should/would have felt great.

But Jezebel, the wicked queen who is his nemesis, pops that bubble. She sends Elijah a message swearing to have him killed by tomorrow. So he runs for his life, for more than a day, and collapses under a broom tree.

Elijah needed shade. He needed refuge. He needed rest. Soon he would need food and water and further instructions, but first, first, he needed to lie down in the shade. 

Have you been there, like Elijah? Perhaps it was a great success, or perhaps a great failure. And now it’s the after. When the adrenaline burns off, there’s the letdown, the exhaustion, that hollowed-out feeling. Your legs feel like they’re made of concrete – not…one…more…step. 

We’ve definitely been there, more than once. Finding ourselves in need of shade – a pause, some cover, respite from the sun, a protected place to get some rest. 

If that is you today, here are some resources that have sheltered us when we felt done. They won’t fix everything, but they can provide a moment or two of relief.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way by Nate Miller

God Moves in a Mysterious Way by Nate Miller

God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm you fearful saints, fresh courage take the clouds you so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.

Inspiring A New Level Of Growth

In the last 30 years, 40 million people who used to attend church stopped their participation. Broom Tree Media exists for those who want to love the church – and who wish the church could do better and be better.

A recent study reported that 46% of pastors under the age of 45 say they are considering quitting full-time ministry. Broom Tree Media offers content and support to care for struggling leaders, and to imagine alongside them a model of leadership that leads to flourishing for leaders and their communities.

Research shows that 92% of individuals who actively engage with faith-based content online report a positive impact on their spiritual growth and connection with God. Broom Tree Media's online resources and content can contribute to the spiritual development and well-being of individuals seeking to deepen their faith.

“In this season of my life, I have undertaken a spiritual journey. The quality of the journey is reflective of the material I can access. Broom Tree Media is that unique forum whose sources offer variety, depth and breadth. You will be challenged and inspired. Broom Tree Media reflects the curiosity, the scholarship and the authenticity of Rankin and Morgen Wilbourne.”

MaryAnne F.

“I’ve been listening to Rankin’s sermons for about a year and I always enjoy the truth that flows from him as the Lord uses him in a special way to speak to me and my group of friends. I have recently struggled with a season of deep depression and anxiety and God used two messages in particular to speak to my heart. Rankin’s experience with deep anguish resonated with my own as the Holy Spirit gifted Rankin to be able to speak of this darkness. The Lord is producing a beauty from Rankin’s pain. Now I see, through my own depression, how the Lord is walking beside me and holding my hand as He enables me to shed off the superficiality of my faith. The Lord is bringing me to a deeper place with Him. And that is only possible in the darkness.”

Doris G.

“The church as Jesus designed and called it has never been needed more (at least in our lifetime) than it is needed today. Pastors are quitting, and churches are dwindling, and young people are deconstructing at record rates. Rankin and Morgen are uniquely equipped by massive giftings of intellect and communication — as well as by painful journeying — to speak into such a time as this. Our heartiest endorsements are with them.”

John and Nancy Ortberg

“The best cure for the immaturity and division besetting churches is insightful, relevant, gospel-based teaching on how Christians can engage one another with Christ-like humility, wisdom and graciousness as we seek to discern biblical solutions to today’s pressing issues. Rankin and Morgen have been modeling and teaching these concepts for years, so we are thrilled to partner with them and Broom Tree as we work together to promote spiritual maturity, relational wisdom and unity within the body of Christ.”

Ken and Corlette Sande

Join Our Community Today!

Nurturing Faith. Inspiring Community.

Rest

Living Water

Renewal

Guidance

Insights

Journeys

Encounters