A Different Monday Update

This post is a bit different than the typical Monday emails I send out. That's because, as 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect and look forward to 2026.

First, I'm so thankful for the many lives this ministry has touched. I wrote an internal letter to our 27 daily devotional contributors last week, and outlined a few specific ways I've sensed God's blessing this past year. For that I am grateful.

Second, looking forward to 2026, there are three things I'd love for you to keep on your radar—tools I hope you pass on to others.

Tool 1: The Daily Devotional

From Tuesday through Friday, we have a wonderful team of contributors, coordinated by TMC editor Jessica Hartkopf. If you haven't already subscribed, it's only $3.99 a month. Cancel anytime.

Each month, we go through a new series (this month's is Advent), and each day you'll receive a key verse, a story, Biblical insight, and a thought to inspire you to start your day.

Tool 2: The Bible in a Year

Some people hate subscriptions. I get it. That's why I'm excited to announce something special.

Two years ago, I spent an entire year writing through the Bible. I'm happy to report that this year-long series is now available for a one-time purchase. All you have to do is CLICK HERE to start your reading plan today. I put a ton of time into this, and I trust you'll find it meaningful.

Tool 3: The TMC YouTube Channel (NEW)

Last week, I launched our brand-new YouTube channel, where each Saturday I'll be releasing one new video to help you put your Sunday belief into Monday action. This is all thanks to my TMC editor, Elliot Huff. While most of our current views come from social media, we're trying to build our YouTube audience, so we'd appreciate it if you would check it out and subscribe.

Again, I know it's that time of year when everyone is asking for your money. But if you like what TMC is about, consider making a monthly or one-time donation.

So that's that.

Switching gears, occasionally someone will ask why I put so much effort into TMC, and my answer is two-fold. It comes down to worship and relationships.

An Act of Worship

Several years ago, I had a chance to interact with NYT bestselling author Mark Batterson, and he said something that has always stuck with me. “Writing is an act of worship.”

That’s how I view it. I’m not into the pump-and-dump content-creation business and will always battle against just releasing more information. You have AI for that. I want Spirit-inspired articles and videos that comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable (another Batterson line).

What motivates me to do TMC? It’s certainly not money, because each year I lose several thousand to keep everything running, and subscription fees just do a bit to offset this loss. It’s because I believe in the mission of turning Sunday belief into Monday action. I believe there is tremendous value in helping everyday Christians understand how to live out the nitty-gritty details of their faith.

When I was a pastor, I loved baptisms and conversions. I still do. But what excites me more today is to see people shaped into the image of Christ.

Nothing is more awesome than seeing someone make an intentional sacrifice to follow Christ—they become more generous, volunteer in a new role, or make a decision against themselves that will cost them financially but is what Jesus would want. That’s when I know they’re getting it. Following Jesus isn't just a religion to them. It's personal. It's relational.

This brings me to my second point.

Building Great Relationships

Beyond seeing lives transformed, I love building a team. My personal motto is that I want to do those things in life that matter by running with others who want to make a difference.

As a professional ghostwriter, I spend my days helping others tell their stories. That’s how I see my role with our site contributors. I want to do everything I can to help foster the gift God has placed in their hearts.

TMC isn’t designed to “go viral.” It’s a, to borrow Eugene Peterson language, “long obedience in the same direction” kind of mindset.

It’s about featuring everyday people—doctors, farmers, and missionaries from differing theological perspectives—and using their collective voices to give God glory and spur others to become more like Him. People like:

• Jesse Keep - A barista in Frisco, Texas.
• Nathan Stanley - An insurance agent in Nampa, Idaho
• Renee Muir - An educator in Fairbanks, Alaska
• Jim Halbert - A Nazarene church superintendent in Los Angeles

How Can You Be A Part?

Looking ahead to 2026, I'd love it if you could share TMC with others. Share articles, share video clips, and subscribe.

That's one way, but maybe God has blessed you with unique writing or content creation abilities. You've thought about starting your own site and creating something on your own, but the cost and stress feel overwhelming.

If that's you, check out this contributor link and send me an email (ezra@themondaychristian.com) and let's chat. I would love nothing more than to support your God-given gifts so that you can be a greater encouragement to others and make much of Jesus.