Welcome to Rays Substack

More than just inspiration—we want formation…into the likeness of the Son.

What if we’ve built beautiful churches, but forgotten how to build a home for God?

Let’s be honest—many of us know how to go to church, but few of us know how to be the Church. We know the language of faith, but often miss the life of communion. We’ve mastered performance, but forgotten how to host His presence. We can quote verses, craft services, sing the latest worship songs—but still feel spiritually dry, relationally disconnected, and unsure how all of it actually connects to the reality of God with us.

The truth is, a lot of Christians are exhausted. Not from a lack of activity, but from a lack of alignment. We’ve learned how to function without fire. We’re taught what to believe, but not always how to walk with Him. We know God is omnipresent, but we struggle to experience His manifest presence in the middle of our Monday mornings, in the tension of our relationships, or in the quiet ache of our hearts.

And that’s the tension that keeps pulling at me—and probably at you too.

That’s why I started writing.

Who am I?

Hi, I’m Ray. I’m a pastor, storyteller, and full-time lover of all things that live where Scripture, worship, and culture collide. I’m the kind of guy who loves when Augustine and The Lord of the Rings are quoted in the same breath—and somehow makes sense. My writing is a mix of theology and wonder, reverence and reality. Years of ministry, deep study, and a borderline obsessive love for both the early church fathers and Michael Scott have shaped how I see the world and the Church.

I carry a holy obsession: to see the Church become what it was always meant to be—a house of prayer, a family for the Father, and a resting place for the Spirit.

When I’m not writing or teaching, you’ll probably catch me reading, binging a series (with my wife’s popcorn, of course), building Legos with my kids, or dreaming about what the Kingdom of God might look like in a coffee shop, a bus stop, or a dinner table conversation.

My heart beats for Jesus, for His presence, and for helping people live lives that are aligned, honest, and fully alive. So I’m thinking let’s build something sacred—together.

1. Why this, why now

Why this, why now?

I was always resistant at sharing my voice in this type of space, mainly because I felt it was still under development and in many ways it will always be. But I believe the time is now. We’re living in a time where clarity and communion with God have never been more necessary—or more under threat. We’re surrounded by noise, speed, distraction, and performance. But I keep sensing God’s gentle, consistent call: “Make room.” Make room for My voice. My presence. My priorities.

This space is my attempt to answer that call.

It’s for those who are done with surface-level faith, done with compartmentalized Christianity, done with church-as-usual. It’s for those who long for more—for deeper intimacy with Jesus, a richer understanding of Scripture, and a life aligned with heaven’s reality. It’s for the ones who want to become a house of prayer, not just attend one.

Why now? Because I don’t want to wait for the perfect moment. I want to be faithful to the moment I’ve been given. I’ve been carrying these thoughts, prayers, and convictions for years—formed through ministry, wrestled through in quiet spaces, and stirred up in late-night conversations with friends. Now felt like the right time to let them breathe.

This is my small offering. A place to reflect, be challenged, be formed.

A digital altar.

A family table.

A resting place.

For God.

For us.

For now.

2. Those desiring to hear the heartbeat of Jesus for the global church

I’m not interested in building a crowd. I’m dreaming of a communion.

I desire to see communities that are not obsessed with platform or polish, but obsessed with God’s heart— found in His word, and obsessed with God’s people, and obsessed with God’s presence and glory being made manifest. A people who are done with hype and hungry for holiness. A family that values authenticity over performance, wonder over cynicism, formation over fast results.

This is for the ones who are tired of performing faith and are ready to live it.

I’m looking for readers, thinkers, worshippers, artists, pastors, builders, parents, singles—anyone who’s hungry to see what life looks like when it’s aligned with heaven. People who love Scripture but also love story. Who can sit in mystery without losing their anchor in truth. Who are willing to wrestle with hard questions, dwell deeply in prayer, and walk in the fear of the Lord and the joy of the Lord at the same time.

A community where we’re not just talking about God but actually learning to walk with Him. Where spiritual depth meets emotional honesty. Where theology leads to transformation. And where the Church is envisioned not as an event, but as a house of prayer, a family for the Father, and a resting place for the Spirit.

So if that sounds like something your soul is craving—welcome.

You’ve found your people. Let’s grow together.

3. Posting Rhythm

• Weekly Essays/Reflections – 1 deep, well-crafted piece a week. Think of it like a chapter to slow down with and reflect on.

• A theological framework piece per month – Think theological essays on topics such as Hell, Does Freud fit into Christianity? , Eternal Subordination of the Son and more.. I will always approach it from various angles and outlining different views within Christianity.

• Free bonus occasional Midweek Notes – Occasional shorter, more personal reflections, book/movie tie-ins, or cultural commentary that connects back to kingdom life.

• Seasonal Series – From time to time, I’ll run focused series (like on prayer, the presence of God, or spiritual disciplines) with guided reflections and resources.

So if you’re hungry to grow in Christian formation—if you want to be shaped deeply by Jesus, not just informed about Him…

If you long to be among those who one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”—to not just start the race of faith, but finish it with joy, maturity, and love…

If you want to live a life of real depth and real devotion—and support me and my family as we write, reflect, and explore the theological and relational beauty of walking with Christ…

Then you’re invited.

You’re so welcome to click subscribe and join us on this journey.

Let’s become the kind of people who build lives and communities where God is not only present—but at home.

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