Belay Partners Assemble
The Hull That Holds the Ship Together

Paul Durbin • Lead Pastor
July 29, 2026

3 Minute Read

Belay Partners Assemble

To assemble is to gather together for a common purpose.

It's not the same as attending a concert or catching a movie. Those are things you simply consume as a spectator. To assemble is to contribute. It communicates that you're part of a body, a people, and a shared mission.

As we keep building our *Partner-ship*, assembling is like the hull.

The hull essentially is the ship. It's the main body — the bottom, the sides, the deck. Without the hull, you don't have a ship. And every plank matters. Pull a few out and the ship begins to sink.

The church works the same way. Without people assembling together, you don't have a church. Every Partner is a vital piece of the hull—a precious piece of timber holding us all together.

You'd think this would go without saying. But somehow, it's easy to find reasons not to gather.

The writer of Hebrews saw this coming:

“... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NASB95)

Notice why we gather: to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. To encourage. We can't do that from the couch. It only happens when we show up.

Everyone Brings Something

Paul told the Corinthians:

“When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV)

Did you catch that? Each of you has something. God has given every Partner something to bring to the gathering—a word, an insight, an encouragement, etc.

When you don't assemble, a piece of the hull is missing. And our whole ship feels it.

Built Up Together

Paul says something similar to the Colossians:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Teaching. Admonishing. Singing. Sharing. This is what happens when we assemble — and it only happens when we assemble.

Take Your Place in the Hull

Belay Partners assemble. Not because it's a rule, but because every piece matters. Every Partner strengthens the ship. Every gathering builds us up for the voyage ahead.

So let's keep showing up—for each other, for the mission, and for the God who put us on the same ship.

Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:
July 28, 2026
Belay Partners Resource

Every ship needs a well-stocked storeroom to complete its voyage. In this post from our PARTNER series, we explore how faithful, generous giving keeps Belay supplied for the mission God has called us to.

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From this Author: Paul Durbin
August 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
August 2026
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Paul Durbin

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Paul Durbin

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August 4, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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Paul Durbin

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August 2, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Are You Running From What God Is Calling You To Do?
OVERVIEW 👀 Pastor Paul Durbin opens a new series in the book of Jonah, walking us through chapter one and the story of a prophet who knew exactly what God wanted him to do—and ran the other way. Paul reminds us that God still invites regular, rebellion-prone people like us to partner with Him in His work, and that saying yes always beats running away. Through Jonah's storm, the sailors' fear, and Peter's contrasting obedience in Acts, we're challenged to stop running, surrender sooner, and trust that God's mercy keeps offering us another chance to say yes.running TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to flee to a random city tomorrow like Jonah fled to Tarshish, where would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Jonah 1:1-16 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." 7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." 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Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. OBSERVATION 🔎 What does the passage tell us about how Jonah physically responds to God's word—where he goes, what he does, and how he acts on the ship? Notice the sailors in this chapter. How do they change from verse 5 to verse 16, and what causes the change? What details does the text repeat or emphasize about Jonah "running from the Lord" and about the storm? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your life right now do you sense God calling you to something you'd rather not do? Paul talked about how we often know the thing we're supposed to do but resist it. This question is a chance to get honest about where you feel that pull today. 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Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 31, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
What is a Belay Partner?
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Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 30, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Pray
Belay Partners Pray If we imagine Belay Partnership as an actual ship, prayer is the sail. A sail doesn't do any good if it's never raised. But once it catches the wind, it moves the whole ship forward. Prayer works the same way. We all agree it's important — but until we actually pray, its power sits folded and unused. Yet when we pray, the wind of the Holy Spirit fills the sail and moves us in the direction He wants us to go. Jesus said it like this to his disciples: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24 (NIV) In other words: "Your ship has a sail, but you haven't raised it yet! Raise it, and you'll be amazed at what happens." What Do Partners Pray For? Partners Pray for the Leadership of Belay. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he didn't ask for comfort or an easier road — he asked for prayer that doors would open and that he'd speak clearly. “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Colossians 4:3–4 (NIV) Belay's leadership need that same kind of prayer — open doors, clear words, and courage to keep going. Partners Pray for the Church. When the early church faced pressure, they didn't first pray for the trouble to go away. They prayed for boldness and for God to move. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29–30 (NIV) That's the kind of prayer that moves a church forward — asking God to make us bold, and asking Him to do what only He can do. Raise the Sail. Belay Partners pray. Not because prayer is a box to check, but because it's the sail that catches the wind of the Spirit. Without it, we drift. With it, we go wherever God leads. So let's raise the sail — for our leaders, for our church, and for the mission God has given us. And let's see what He does. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Partnership

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

Currently Reading
July 29, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Assemble
Belay Partners Assemble To assemble is to gather together for a common purpose. It's not the same as attending a concert or catching a movie. Those are things you simply consume as a spectator. To assemble is to contribute. It communicates that you're part of a body, a people, and a shared mission. As we keep building our *Partner-ship*, assembling is like the hull. The hull essentially is the ship. It's the main body — the bottom, the sides, the deck. Without the hull, you don't have a ship. And every plank matters. Pull a few out and the ship begins to sink. The church works the same way. Without people assembling together, you don't have a church. Every Partner is a vital piece of the hull—a precious piece of timber holding us all together. You'd think this would go without saying. But somehow, it's easy to find reasons not to gather. The writer of Hebrews saw this coming: “... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NASB95) Notice why we gather: to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. To encourage. We can't do that from the couch. It only happens when we show up. Everyone Brings Something Paul told the Corinthians: “When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV) Did you catch that? Each of you has something. God has given every Partner something to bring to the gathering—a word, an insight, an encouragement, etc. When you don't assemble, a piece of the hull is missing. And our whole ship feels it. Built Up Together Paul says something similar to the Colossians: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Teaching. Admonishing. Singing. Sharing. This is what happens when we assemble — and it only happens when we assemble. Take Your Place in the Hull Belay Partners assemble. Not because it's a rule, but because every piece matters. Every Partner strengthens the ship. Every gathering builds us up for the voyage ahead. So let's keep showing up—for each other, for the mission, and for the God who put us on the same ship. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Assemble

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 28, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Resource
Belay Partners Resource Imagine setting sail on a long voyage — and never filling the ship with supplies. How far would you make it? Probably not more than a few days. Every voyage of any real length needs a well-stocked storeroom to make the mission successful. That's what resourcing is all about. As we build our Partner-ship at Belay, we need partners committed to keeping the “storeroom” full — a team of faithful givers who make it possible for Belay to meet ongoing needs, pay the bills, support missions, and prepare for the ministry ahead. Paul put it this way to the Corinthians: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NIV) Notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't guilt anyone into giving. He doesn't set a number. Instead, he points to the heart — decide in your heart, then give cheerfully and generously. How Do Partners Resource Belay? Partners Give Regularly. Paul told the Corinthian church to build giving into the rhythm of their week: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) Regular giving is what keeps the storeroom stocked. A ship that only gets resupplied once in a while runs out fast. But a ship whose crew keeps the shelves full is always ready for the next leg of the journey. Partners Give Generously. Generosity isn't measured by the amount — it's measured by the heart. Belay Partners give a generous portion of their tithes and offerings because they believe in the mission and want to see it thrive. And here's the promise God attaches to generosity: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) God supplies what we need so we can be part of the good work He's doing. Resource the Storeroom. Belay Partners resource. Not because giving is a bill to pay, but because it's how we keep the ship supplied for the voyage. Without a full storeroom, the mission stalls. With one, we're ready for wherever God leads next. So let's stock the storeroom — cheerfully, regularly, and generously — and watch what God does with it.Give Now Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Take Initiative

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 27, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Take Initiative
Belay Partners Take Initiative Belay is not a cruise ship. It's a Partner-ship. A cruise ship is designed to meet your every need. You pay for a ticket, step on board, and the crew works around the clock to keep you comfortable, fed, and entertained. You're a passenger. A guest. A customer Sadly, a lot of churches function that way—and a lot of church-goers fully expect them to! But when you enter a Partner-ship, something clicks: you're not a passenger. You're the crew. That's what taking initiative is all about. It's every Partner waking up to the reality that the ship doesn't run itself, and that God has placed each of us on board with something to contribute. Peter said it plainly: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you. Not just the pastors. Not just the "super-Christians." Every Partner has been given something—and that something is meant to be used. Every Partner Has a Role Paul makes the same point to the Romans, using the picture of a body: "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:4–6 (NIV) Every crew member on a ship has a role. Some adjust the sails. Some navigate. Some cook, clean, repair, welcome new passengers, or keep watch through the night. No role is unimportant, and no role can be skipped without the whole ship feeling it. The same is true here. When Partners take initiative — discovering their gifts, growing in them, and putting them to work — the ship stays healthy, responsive, and ready for whatever's next. Initiative Is Powered by the Spirit Taking initiative isn't about gritting your teeth and volunteering for everything. Jesus told his disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV) The Spirit is the one who empowers us to serve. Our job is to be available—to step up, lean in, and let Him use what He's already put in us. Take Your Place on the Crew Belay Partners take initiative. Not because we're trying to earn anything, but because we've realized the truth: we're not passengers on someone else's cruise. We're the crew of a Partner-ship on mission with Jesus. So find your place. Discover your gifts. Grow them. Use them. And let's sail together toward everything God has for us. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Nurture Health

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 26, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Nurture Unity
Belay Partners Nurture Unity If you're sailing the open seas under a cloudy sky, it can be hard to know which direction you're going. That's why every ship has a compass. One look, and the crew knows whether they're on course or need to make an adjustment. Church life can feel the same way. With ministry developing, relationships forming, and outreach happening, it's easy to lose track of whether things are going as they should. Even when everything looks fine on the surface, how do we really know if we're a healthy church? Is there something on board that can tell us? Something that cuts through the fog and shows us if we're still on course? There is. It's called unity. Unity is the compass of the church—and a healthy church is one that walks in unity. It's what Jesus prayed for: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20–21 (NIV) It's what Paul told us to protect: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Notice the language — make every effort. Unity doesn't just happen. It has to be nurtured and protected. In other words, unity isn't the absence of contention — it’s what we contend for. Conflict is bound to happen. Any time real people do real ministry together, feelings get hurt, lines get crossed, and misunderstandings happen. Yet as those conflicts arise, we make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Jesus gave us the playbook: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15 (NIV) Notice what Jesus doesn't say. He doesn't say to vent to your friends, post about it online, or quietly pull away. He says to go — directly, humbly, privately — and work it out. That's how unity gets protected. That's how a church stays healthy. Check the Compass When we nurture unity, we're checking the compass. We're asking: Are we still walking together? Are there fractures to mend? Conversations to have? Forgiveness to offer? A partnership that never checks the compass drifts. A partnership that checks it often stays on course. Keep Us Pointed True Belay Partners nurture unity. Not because we expect everything to be smooth, but because we know unity is worth the effort. When Partners guard the unity of the church, we’re staying true with the compass—and the whole ship keeps heading where Jesus is leading. So let's keep watch. Let's do the hard work of reconciliation when it's needed. And let's stay united, so the world may believe in Him. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Embrace

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 26, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Where Will Your Name Appear in the Credits?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this closing message from Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks Belay'ers through the final verses of Paul's letter—the part most of us skip like movie credits. But hidden in those names are seven roles that make a church thrive: testimony teller, unity bringer, relationship restorer, prayer warrior, faithful healer, helpful host, and mission completer. Paul invites us to picture the credits rolling on our own lives and asks the honest question: which of these roles will our name appear beside?credits TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 Do you stay for the credits at the movies, or are you out the door the second the screen goes dark? Why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 4:7-18 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. OBSERVATION 🔎 Paul lists a lot of names here. What descriptive words or phrases does he attach to each person, and what stands out about the way he talks about them? What specific actions or contributions do these people make to Paul's ministry, and how do those contributions differ from one person to the next? In verse 17, Paul sends a direct word to Archippus. What does the wording of that message suggest about Archippus' situation, and why might Paul say it publicly through this letter? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your everyday conversations are you most tempted to slide from testimony into gossip, and what would it look like to catch yourself and turn the corner? This is less about big sins and more about the small tone shifts in our talk about coworkers, family, or other Belay'ers. Onesimus took a huge risk to walk back into a broken relationship. Is there a relationship in your life where you've been "running by geography"—hoping distance will fix it Sometimes we change jobs, churches, or friend groups instead of stepping into the harder work of repair. Who in your life needs someone willing to do a little sleuthing and take initiative to restore a broken relationship? Could that person be you? Restoration rarely happens by accident. It usually takes one person willing to make the first awkward move. When was the last time you said "I'll pray for you" and then didn't? What would change if you swapped that phrase for "Can I pray for you right now?" Praying on the spot feels vulnerable at first, but it turns a polite line into a real moment. Luke stayed. Demas left. In the current season of your life, which one are you more like, and why? Faithfulness is usually tested in the unglamorous middle stretch, not the exciting beginning. What space has God given you—a home, an apartment, a backyard, a lunch table at work—that could become a place where ministry happens? Helpful hosts don't need big houses. They just need open doors and a willingness to make room. Is there a "ministry you have received" that you've set down—a call, a burden, a project, a dream? What would it look like to pick it back up this week? God rarely reassigns something He's clearly put on your heart. Sometimes He's just waiting for you to start again. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Text or call three people this week and share a specific "gold" you see in them—something good God is doing in or through their life. Identify one broken or distant relationship and take one small step toward restoration: a text, a call, a Culver's meet-up. Retire the phrase "I'll pray for you" for the next 30 days and replace it with "Can I pray for you right now?" Open your home (or your table, or your backyard) once this month for a meal, a study, or just hanging out with someone outside your usual circle. Write down the "ministry" or assignment you sense God has given you, and take one concrete step toward it this week—even if it's small. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to help you become a testimony teller—someone whose words consistently build up rather than tear down. Pray for a specific broken relationship in your life, and ask God to show you your part in the restoration. Ask the Spirit to make you a real prayer warrior, not just someone who says the words. Pray for the Belay'ers around you—that our church would be full of faithful healers, not hurtful deserters. Ask God to remind you of any ministry you've set down, and to give you courage to pick it back up. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: The final verses of Colossians read like movie credits—and hidden in those names are seven roles that help a church thrive. Testimony Tellers (Tychicus) Share the good news, not gossip Look for the gold in people Choose positive talk over negative Unity Bringers (Onesimus) Take risks to build bridges Stop running from conflict Step into painful situations Relationship Restorers (Paul & Mark) Try again when it seems hopeless Sometimes we play the role, sometimes we need someone to play it for us Bury the hatchet, do the hard work of repair Prayer Warriors (Epaphras) Wrestle in prayer for others Stop saying "I'll pray for you"—start praying on the spot Real intercession is hard work Faithful Healers (Luke) Stay close, don't desert Be a healing presence, not a Demas Listen to the Spirit's promptings to reach out Helpful Hosts (Nympha) Open your space for the gospel Use what you have, not what you don't Ministry often happens around a table Mission Completers (Archippus) Don't quit when you get sidetracked Pick back up what God has assigned you Complete the ministry you've received Takeaway: One day the credits will roll on your life—may your name appear beside every one of these seven roles.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Is Your Speech Salty Enough?
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt." (Colossians 4:6) I love that Paul used salt as the picture. Because salt does four things—and they all say something about how we're supposed to talk. Salt is savory. It makes bland things delightful. Salt adds value—it was so precious in the ancient world that people used it as currency (that's actually where the word "salary" comes from). Salt limits decay. And salt makes you thirsty. So here's the question worth chewing on: When people walk away from a conversation with you, what do they feel? Do they feel like their time was worth it? Do they feel like something in them woke up? Do they leave a little more thirsty for Jesus—even if they can't quite name why? Most of us don't think about our conversations that carefully. We just talk. But the people around you—your coworker, your neighbor, the barista, your kids—they're eating whatever you're serving. And Paul says: make it worth their time. You don't have to preach. You don't have to have all the right verses ready. Just let your words carry a little of Jesus with them. A little grace. A little truth. A little salt. People are hungry. And your conversation might be the meal.Salt

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor