Potted or Planted? Choosing Deep Roots Over Surface Growth
- The Chapel Ministry
- May 12
- 3 min read
Spiritual growth isn’t just about what’s visible on the surface—it’s about where you're rooted. That was the powerful truth behind today’s Mother’s Day message at The Chapel, where we gathered to reflect, worship, and grow deeper in our walk with Christ.
Opening Our Hearts with Praise
The morning began with vibrant worship that set the tone for a Spirit-filled encounter. Pastor Jeremy reminded us that worship isn't just a routine or a Sunday task—it’s our response to God’s goodness and presence. He encouraged us to come expecting, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and hungry for real transformation.
Planted with Purpose: Aleigha Tucker’s Message
Pastor Jeremy then welcomed guest speaker Aleigha Tucker, a mother, intern at South Ridge Church, and a woman of deep, authentic faith. Aleigha’s message—“Potted vs. Planted”—was as heartfelt as it was convicting. Through laughter, honesty, and tears, she invited us into her own journey of learning what it really means to be rooted in Christ.
During the Easter season, Aleigha and her children created a resurrection garden—an interactive project designed to teach them about Jesus’ resurrection. At first, it flourished. But eventually, the plants wilted. Despite their beautiful beginnings, they had no lasting life. Why? Because they were potted, not planted.
That small garden became a mirror to her soul—and to many of ours.
Potted Faith: Convenient but Fragile
Aleigha used the garden as a metaphor for faith that’s surface-level. Being potted is neat, manageable, and easy to move. But potted plants don’t have the depth they need to thrive when conditions change. Just like us, when our faith is built on convenience rather than commitment, it will begin to wither under pressure.
She challenged us to ask:
Am I rooted in God’s Word, or just occasionally nourished by it?
Am I staying in environments that support spiritual growth, or avoiding the discomfort that often comes with being truly planted?
Planted Faith: Deep, Resilient, and Fruitful
Aleigha then turned our hearts to Jeremiah 17:7–8, where God promises that those who trust in Him are like trees planted by the water—trees that continue to bear fruit even in drought. Unlike the shallow roots of potted plants, planted faith goes deep. It stays put in God’s truth, even when life is hard. It produces fruit that lasts.
She also shared about the Aura bush, a plant that looks healthy from afar but produces toxic fruit because it grows in dry, salty soil. It served as a powerful picture of how spiritual appearances can deceive. True health—and lasting fruit—only come from being planted in Jesus.
Root Check: Time to Replant?
Before closing, Aleigha issued a loving but bold challenge to every woman in the room:
“You can’t bear kingdom fruit if you’re living in a potted faith. God is calling you to be planted—in His presence, His Word, and His purpose.”
She reminded us that even if we've been stuck in old patterns, it’s never too late to replant. God is gracious, patient, and ready to give you new soil and deeper roots.
Final Encouragement from Pastor Jeremy
Pastor Jeremy wrapped up the morning by reinforcing this call to growth. He reminded us that storms will come—but those planted in Christ won't be shaken. The goal is not comfort, but transformation. Not to be seen, but to be rooted and built up in Him (Colossians 2:6-7).
Reflect + Respond
🌱 Where in your life have you settled for surface growth?
🌿 Are you giving God permission to plant you—even when it’s hard?
🍃 What steps can you take this week to deepen your roots in Christ?
Let this be your season of being planted, not potted.
A season of letting God cultivate real, lasting growth.
Your roots matter.
Let Him grow something unshakable in you.
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