We recently connected with Sam Nobles and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Many churches and ministries adhere to certain “invisible rules” or cultural norms that aren’t explicitly rooted in Scripture but have become part of their identity or tradition over time.

Dress codes, worship styles, service structure, traditions, titles, sacred spaces, and the unreal expectation of leadership often arise from cultural influences, preferences, or traditions rather than biblical mandates. At the heart of these invisible rules is often a fear of letting go of human control and fully trusting God to lead. These invisible rules persist because they provide comfort, identity, and a sense of order, but they can unintentionally hinder the gospel by emphasizing cultural norms over biblical truths.

Breaking free from these rules requires a return to Scripture, an openness to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to prioritize grace and love over tradition.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Traditional church structures often unintentionally create barriers that hinder people from experiencing authentic connection and life-changing transformation. Layers of bureaucracy, such as strict bylaws and endless committee approvals, can make the church feel more like an institution than a community. Add to that an unspoken expectation of perfection, and many feel like they need to have their lives “together” before they can even step through the doors. This often leaves people feeling excluded, judged, or unworthy.

In contrast, my ministry is rooted in a simple yet powerful principle: meet people exactly where they are. I strive to create a space where everyone—no matter their story, struggles, or doubts—feels welcomed, valued, and inspired by God’s Word. It’s a “come as you are” approach, centered on the grace and love of Christ. The goal is for people to encounter Jesus in a way that transforms them from the inside out, empowering them to carry that same love and hope back into their own communities, becoming ministers of grace in their everyday lives.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There was a season in my ministry when we experienced an influx of individuals from the homeless community attending our church. While it was encouraging to see more people joining us in worship, their presence made some members of the congregation uneasy. Concerns were raised—some legitimate, such as issues of mental health, addiction, or the potential for theft. Others, however, stemmed from personal preferences, like discomfort with how these guests dressed, their hygiene, or fears about what might happen if we welcomed them fully into our church family.

As the complaints mounted, I found myself wrestling with how to respond. In that moment, God gently spoke to my heart with a profound truth that changed my perspective: people are not the problem; they are the treasure. This became the message I sought to share with our congregation—that every person who walks through our doors is a gift, an opportunity to show Christ’s love, and a reminder of His grace that meets us all, just as we are.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Our community is filled with so many churches that it’s hard to keep count. Yet, the heartbreaking reality is that many of them have become revolving doors for the same people, year after year, with little growth or impact beyond their walls. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because we often focus on reaching people who look like us, talk like us, and act like us, rather than embracing the call to reach everyone—no matter their background, appearance, or story.

The best strategy any church or ministry can adopt is the one Jesus gave us in the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” That command doesn’t leave room for preferences or comfort zones. To me, “all nations” means everyone—without exception. We cannot preach a “go therefore” gospel while expecting the world to conform to a “come to us” model of ministry. When we open our doors and our hearts to truly welcome everyone, we’ll be amazed at how many will respond to the invitation. Real transformation begins when we stop building barriers and start opening our doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samnobles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samnoblesministries/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561810074429
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-nobles-469530302
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samnoblesministries/playlists
• Other: https://www.prophetbones.com/

Image Credits

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