NorthWoods Church Matters

Ho ho ho! In this festive episode of NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Matt, Lexi, Rachel, Kyle, Ryan, Darin, and Bobby gather for a lighthearted and laughter-filled Christmas special. We share funny yuletide stories, debate the merits of caroling, and reflect on the most bizarre gifts we've ever given or received. Plus, hear how we keep our families focused on the gospel amidst the holiday rush.

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Lexi sits down with Pastor Bobby, Pastor Matt and our new Communications Director, Jim Miller to discuss how NorthWoods Church chooses worship music and why transparency matters.  The four discuss how discernment and intentionality in song choices can: Prepare our hearts for God's word. Elevate our view of God. Advance the mission of NorthWoods Discover alternative resources for Worship Help us navigate when division is needed   Pastor Matt's Toolbox of References: Kevin Twit & Indelible Grace Mike Winger's 6 hour Expose on the Bethel Scandal Keith & Kristyn Getty - Getty Music Sing Conference Sovereign Grace Music City Alight   ____________________________________ Want to learn more about NorthWoods Church?  Contact us at https://www.northwoodschurch.org/ Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodschurchevv  Watch our Live Sermons on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@northwoodschurchevv

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, we explore Exodus 21–24, a section of Scripture that's often skipped but deeply important. Instead of preaching these chapters, Pastor Bobby Pell and Lexi walk through them in conversation, unpacking how God's covenant laws shaped Israel's life and what they reveal about God's character today. These chapters address justice, responsibility, and human dignity, including difficult topics like servitude, restitution, and the limits of power. The discussion clarifies how God regulated broken systems, restrained vengeance through proportional justice, and consistently showed concern for the vulnerable. As the conversation moves to Exodus 24, Bobby and Lexi focus on the covenant itself, God formally binding Himself to His people and inviting them into a relationship marked by obedience and trust. This episode helps listeners slow down, understand a challenging passage, and see how these laws ultimately point forward to Christ and a Spirit-filled life of grace.

This week on the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Lexi sits down with Pastor Bobby for an extended follow-up to Sunday's sermon, exploring the deeper layers beneath Exodus 17–18 and what it means to live with prayerful dependence in 2026. Together, they unpack why the real battle isn't won by effort alone, but by dependence on God, and why prayer is not an accessory to the Christian life, but the engine. Pastor Bobby explains the powerful image of Moses' raised hands, the role of Aaron and Hur, and how community prayer sustains faith when we grow weary. They also dive into practical theology: what it truly means to pray "in Jesus' name," why evangelism flows best from compassion rather than obligation, and how prayer reshapes the way we see and love others. A key focus of the conversation is the Circles, a simple way to identify people God has already placed in our lives who need Jesus. Click here to print your copy and get using it today!

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Lexi sits down with Larry Riley, who will be joining the NorthWoods staff in January as Ministry Director. Larry shares about growing up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, coming to faith as a teenager, and discovering a lifelong calling to ministry. Along the way, he reflects on God's faithfulness, the importance of relationships, and what it means to join God where He is already at work. You'll also hear why NorthWoods stood out to him, what excites him most about the Ministry Director role, and how the church can pray for him as he steps into this new season.

What does it really look like to live on mission, right where you are? In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Lexi sits down with Ryan Moore, Missions Pastor at NorthWoods, to reflect on the Do Not Be Silent Missions Conference and unpack how God is calling ordinary believers to faithful, everyday obedience. Ryan shares personal stories from hosting missionaries from around the world, explains how evangelism fits into discipleship, and offers practical next steps for anyone who feels stirred to witnessing but unsure where to begin. From sharing the gospel with neighbors, to serving locally, to joining mission teams headed to Peru, Ecuador, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and beyond, this conversation paints a compelling picture of what it means to live "from Evansville to everywhere." You'll also hear exciting updates about: Local NorthWoods mission partnerships and volunteer opportunities Upcoming 2026 mission trips NorthWoods' growing Deaf Ministry

In this special "Get to Know the Staff" episode, Pastor Bobby sits down with Lexi Bruner, the NorthWoods Communications Director and the new voice of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast. Lexi shares about her small-town upbringing, her journey to USI, and how a shift from long-term care to marketing set her on a path she never expected. She describes growing up a "Christmas and Easter" churchgoer, how God woke her up from that, and the big part that NorthWoods has played in her testimony. Lexi and Bobby also look ahead to the future of the podcast: why it matters for discipleship in a growing church, how it creates space for conversations that Sunday mornings can't hold, and what's coming when the new building opens, including the launch of a full vodcast. Lexi even shares her dream guest list (and Bobby doesn't shoot any of them down!).

In this special episode, Lexi sits down with Pastor Bobby Pell and Elder Troy Lucht to walk through NorthWoods' proposed 2026 annual budget. Together, they unpack why the church creates a budget each year, the major categories that shape our financial planning, and what's changing as we look ahead to a new year of growth and ministry. Troy explains the core purposes behind the budgeting process: planning, mission alignment, stewardship, transparency, and accountability. Bobby adds insight about how the budget reflects the heart of our church's mission. They discuss expected shifts for 2026, including the mortgage for the new building, adjustments in Cooperative Program giving, changes in staffing roles, and the financial impact of NorthWoods' recent 15% growth. You will also hear why some line items are increasing, how ministry expansion affects spending, and how the elders evaluate stewardship through historical trends, mission focus, and real-time financial health. The team also outlines how members can review the budget, ask questions, and participate in the upcoming approval vote. Check out the budget here!

On this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Pastor Matt and the gang continue their conversation on language and cursing. Are "Christian cuss words" really any better than the real thing? What does our speech reveal about the condition of our hearts? From "dag-nabbit" to cultural taboos, the crew talks about how words shift across generations, how Christians should respond when faced with other folks' foul language, and why holiness matters even in our humor. They also tackle how media, music, and technology shape our tongues—and what practical steps believers can take to guard their speech in a world that's lost its filter.

On this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt is joined by Ivan and Carey to tackle a subject the church often avoids—cussing and profanity. Together, they explore how culture's shifting standards on language compare with God's unchanging Word. The conversation highlights how generational views on profanity differ and why Gen Z Christians often have looser tongues, the influence of the internet and media on what society considers "acceptable speech," and what the Bible says about the power of words, especially from James 3. They discuss why careless or corrupting talk reveals the heart, how Christians are called to use speech to build up rather than tear down, and practical wisdom for watching our words, guarding our hearts, and teaching children about godly speech.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, missions pastor Ryan Moore is joined by church membes Eli and Kimberly to reflect on their recent mission trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they dive into why Utah is such a unique and spiritually urgent mission field, and what it's like to share the gospel in a culture dominated by Mormonism. The conversation highlights key theological differences between evangelical Christianity and the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—while offering practical insights into how to lovingly engage with LDS friends and neighbors. You'll hear what a typical day on the mission trip looked like, from early breakfasts and canvassing neighborhoods with door hangers, to preparing for block parties, supporting two local churches, and even handing out water bottles during Utah's Pioneer Day parade. As the team reflects on their time in Utah, they talk about moments when they felt especially used by God, the importance of approaching every conversation with both truth and love, and how the experience has changed the way they view evangelism at home.

In this second installment of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast series on alcohol, Matt and the team dig deeper into what Scripture teaches about drinking. How should we understand Paul's advice to Timothy to take "a little wine" for his stomach? Why does Paul contrast drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5? And what does Christian freedom look like in a culture where alcohol is both celebrated and misused?

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt sits down with Carey and Ivan for a candid conversation about alcohol. From the church's historical stance on drinking—spanning John Wesley, the Temperance Movement, and Prohibition—to the biblical passages that warn against drunkenness while also portraying wine as a good gift, the crew explores both sides of the debate. They discuss practical questions every Christian faces: Where is the line between moderation and excess? How do we know when alcohol has become an idol? What wisdom does Scripture offer for navigating gray areas? Whether you've wrestled with alcohol yourself or simply want to understand the church's complicated history with it, this episode invites you to look beyond what is merely lawful and consider what is truly wise, helpful, and honoring to God.

Can demons cause physical ailments? What about deliverance ministries—are they biblical, or do they risk becoming spectacle? Bobby, Matt, and Rache explore these questions in part 2 of our conversation on healing. Along the way, they caution against turning suffering into a guessing game, highlight the hope believers have in Christ's victory, and stress the importance of humility and community when walking through illness. Whether you're wrestling with your own suffering or seeking to minister to others, this episode offers both truth and encouragement rooted in the gospel.

What does the Bible really say about the spiritual gift of healing? Is it still around today? And why do some ministries make handkerchiefs sound like magic wands? In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Bobby, Matt, and Rachel dive into one of the least-discussed (and most misunderstood) spiritual gifts: healing. From 1 Corinthians 12 to James 5, from mud in the eyes to mailed-out prayer cloths, we sort through what's biblical, what's questionable, and what's just plain strange. The conversation explores why "gifts of healing" is written in the plural, whether healing in Acts should be seen as descriptive or prescriptive, and how prayer, faith, and God's sovereignty actually work together in healing. We also unpack why it can be dangerous to build a ministry around miracle-stories and how God uses both healing and suffering for His glory and for our growth in holiness.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Lexi sits down with Rachel and Bobby to reflect on the Wholehearted Women's Summer Bible Study on Deuteronomy 6:4–9, the Shema. Together, they unpack the timeless call to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, exploring what it means to listen with intent, live with visible faith, and pass on God's Word to the next generation. Along the way, they tackle common excuses that hold us back, share practical memorization tips, and challenge listeners to daily evaluate whether God truly has their ear, and their heart.

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Matt, Bobby, and Rachel dive deeper into the allure and evils of New Age spirituality. They tackle tough questions like: is there a biblical connection between soul and body? Has God promised to heal emotional pain? What's the difference between walking in the Spirit and continuing revelation? Can Christians expect direct messages from God today? Whether you're skeptical of the New Age or tempted by its promises, this episode invites you to anchor your faith in God's Word and the slow, sanctifying work of the Spirit.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Matt, Pastor Bobby, and Rachel discuss the growing trend of New Age practices within the Christian community. They explore the roots of New Age philosophy and its modern expressions—like energy healing, chakras, and especially Splankna, a so-called "Christian energy healing" method. Can believers participate in these practices if they remove the spiritual elements? Is it possible to mix Christianity with New Age thinking? With biblical clarity and pastoral insight, the team answers these questions and reminds us why true healing is found in Christ alone.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Executive Pastor Darin Garton sits down with Pastor Matt to share the heart and purpose behind his upcoming sabbatical. You'll hear why sabbaticals matter for long-term pastoral health, the emotional and spiritual challenges Darin anticipates, and how time away can benefit not just the pastor, but the whole church.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell joins the conversation to unpack the structure, purpose, and often confusing world of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Whether you're a long-time Southern Baptist or brand new to Northwoods, this episode is designed to help you make sense of the acronyms, agencies, and hot topics that shape the SBC. We break down how the SBC is not a top-down denomination but a cooperative group of independent churches focused primarily on missions. Pastor Bobby and Pastor Matt discuss everything from the Cooperative Program (our "missions piggy bank"), to the work of the International and North American Mission Boards, to the role of our seminaries, Lifeway, and even the sometimes-controversial Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). They also take a gracious but honest look at current SBC controversies, and much more. If you've ever wondered about anything SBC-related, be sure to checkit out.