Let's Get Real

Joel and Sara draft their dream small groups—right from the NCCTK staff! 🎉 Get to know some of our amazing team in this fun bonus clip.

Loneliness is at epidemic levels, and most of us know it — we just don't know what to do about it. This episode makes the case that belonging isn't something you earn; it's something you already have. Sara and Joel dig into what it actually means to act like family — not just attend one — and why showing up messy, sleepy, or mid-breakdown still counts as belonging.

God loves you — sure, you've heard that. But does he actually like you? This episode tackles one of the most quietly loaded questions in faith: what does it actually mean to be friends with God? Joel and Sara get honest about Bible streaks as idols, dirty sock wounds, yelling at God in the car, and why showing up messy might be exactly what real friendship with him requires.

What does it actually mean to love God — especially when life is hard, your feelings lie to you, and faith feels more like a chore than a calling? Joel, Sara, and special guest Summer dig into the honest tension of loving God through grief, loss, and identity shifts. From spiritual disciplines to "living on the other side of the but," this conversation is real, warm, and surprisingly practical.

You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?

You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?

Easter is one of the most important days in the Christian faith—but a lot of the traditions surrounding it can feel a little confusing. In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara talk about the cultural side of Easter—where things like eggs and the Easter Bunny came from—and how those traditions ended up connected to the holiday. More importantly, they refocus on what Easter is actually about: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings. It’s a light, fun conversation that helps separate the celebration from the story.

Jesus says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” But what does that actually mean when life still feels heavy? In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara unpack Matthew 11:28–30 and talk honestly about spiritual exhaustion, misplaced burdens, and the kind of rest Jesus is really offering. If you’ve ever wondered where that promised rest is supposed to show up in real life, this conversation is for you.

In this final episode of our Hard Conversations series, we dive into the power of our words — and how even well-meaning comments can hurt more than help. From grief and mental health to faith struggles, politics, and celebrating good news, we talk through common things people say that often land poorly. More importantly, we share better ways to respond with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Because as Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, life and death are in the power of the tongue — so let’s choose life.

Hard conversations are exactly that — hard. Most of us avoid them, delay them, or rehearse them in the shower… and none of that actually helps our relationships.In this episode of GET REAL, Joel and Sara continue the Hard Convos series by tackling one of the most common challenges we face: how to start awkward conversations with honesty, humility, and love.Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and insights from books like Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations, they unpack practical tools for navigating high-stakes moments — from checking your heart and managing tone to asking better questions and moving toward resolution.Because avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships… it slowly erodes them. If you’ve ever wondered:“How do I bring this up without hurting them?”“What if they react badly?”“What if I say it wrong?”This episode gives you a framework for having hard conversations in a way that reflects Christ — full of truth, grace, and relational courage.

We live in a reactionary world. Politics. Parenting. Baptism. Alcohol. Women in ministry. Technology.It doesn’t take much for conversations to escalate.In this episode of Hard Convos, Joel and Sara tackle one of the most difficult challenges Christians face today: how to disagree without dividing. Drawing from church history, Scripture, and personal experience, they unpack a centuries-old phrase that still speaks into our modern tension:In essentials, unity.In non-essentials, liberty.In all things, love.But what actually counts as “essential”?How do you slow down when your emotions spike?What if being wrong feels like losing your identity?And how do you love someone when you think they’re completely mistaken?This episode isn’t about winning arguments.It’s about protecting relationships while holding convictions with grace.Because following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding disagreement —it means learning to navigate it without becoming reactionary or cruel.

Doubt. For a lot of Christians, it feels like a dirty word — something we’re supposed to hide, fix, or pray away as fast as possible. But what if doubt isn’t the enemy?In this first episode of our new Hard Convos series, Sara is joined by her friend Amber to talk honestly about the questions many believers carry but rarely say out loud: • Does doubt mean my faith is weak? • Why does God feel distant in hard seasons? • What do I do when belief feels more intellectual than emotional? • Where is God in suffering, loss, or unanswered prayer?If you’ve ever felt shame about your questions… you’re not alone. 

Some church words sound… unsettling. If you didn’t grow up in church—or if you did but never stopped to ask questions—these words can feel more like horror movie titles than good news.In this final Word Nerds episode, Joel and Sara tackle the “creepy” biblical language we’ve inherited and explore why these words sound strange, how culture reshaped their meaning, and what they were actually meant to communicate in the first place. With humor, honesty, and zero pressure to have it all figured out, they reframe these phrases in ways that make faith feel clearer, less awkward, and more human.This conversation isn’t about dumbing down theology—it’s about reclaiming language so faith can be talked about naturally, confidently, and without fear.

We sing these words almost every week. Hallelujah. Holy. Hosanna. Emmanuel. They’re printed on screens. Written into choruses. And carried through centuries of worship.But what do they actually mean?In this episode of Word Nerds, we dive into some of the most common worship words in Christianity—where they came from, what they originally meant, how they’re often misunderstood, and why they still matter. We talk about ancient language, biblical context, and how these words connect us not just to modern church…but to believers who’ve been worshiping God for thousands of years.Because these aren’t magic church words. They’re real words meant to give voice to real experiences with God. And worship changes when you actually know what you’re singing.

There are some church words we all use…but if we’re honest, they don’t really mean much anymore. They’ve become filler. Christian small talk. Spiritual-sounding noise. So in this episode of GET REAL, we’re doing something a little different. We’re putting some of our most overused church words on trial. We talk about where these words came from, how they’re often used, why they can actually get in the way of real faith—and whether any of them deserve to stay.BTW This episode is honest, sarcastic, and surprisingly meaningful as we wrestle with one big question:Are our words helping us follow Jesus…or helping us avoid being real?

In this kickoff episode of our new series Word Nerds, we unpack some of the most common church words people say all the time… without really knowing what they mean.What is the gospel?What does it actually mean to be saved?Is faith just believing something — or is it something more?And why do words like grace and repentance feel so heavy?We take these “Christianese” words out of religious fog and bring them back into real-life language so faith becomes clearer, richer, and way more honest.

Every January we feel pressure to change fast and aim big—but most resolutions don’t last. In this episode, Joel and Sara explore a better way forward: building sustainable habits, embracing wise limits, and letting go of what no longer serves us. If you’re tired of starting over, this conversation offers a gentler, more faithful path to real change.

Christmas music is everywhere—but what’s actually beneath the familiar melodies? In this festive episode, Joel and Sara unpack the difference between carols, hymns, and Christmas songs, explore why Old Testament scripture shows up so often at Christmas, and share practical ways to refocus our hearts on Jesus during the season.  

Sarah welcomes guest Bethany Adams for a funny, honest, and deeply practical look at “mom mode” during Christmas—why the pressure feels so heavy, how unrealistic expectations sneak in, and how to build a more peaceful, meaningful season with your family. A gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. 

In this episode, Joel and Sarah take anxiety out for coffee, ask it some hard questions, shine flashlights at it, hand it a magnifying glass, and even give it a megaphone (responsibly). With humor, honesty, and just enough self-roasting, they unpack four tools for making friends with your anxiety instead of fighting it. It’s real and it’s hopeful!#️⃣ Hashtags (light, fun, on-topic)#MakingFriendsWithAnxiety#GetRealPodcast#PastorsWithProblems#FaithAndFeelings#AnxiousButHopeful#RealPeopleRealTalk#ChristianMentalHealth#AnxietySupport#FaithTools#ScriptureAndSanity#ChurchHumor

“It’s the day before the big feast, and we’re diving into what it really means to Thanksgiving well. In this episode, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson unpack how to navigate the holiday physically, emotionally, and spiritually — without losing your sanity (or your stretchy pants). So grab a cup of coffee, sneak a bite of pie, and let’s talk about how to actually give thanks in all circumstances — even when Uncle Zeke brings up politics again. #HowToThanksgiving #GetRealPodcast #Thanksgiving2025 #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #HolidayFaith #GratitudePractice #SpiritualGrowth #RealTalk #JesusAndJoy

Churches grow LARGER through EVANGELISM

Churches grow STRONGER through WORSHIP

Find out your unique strengths, abilities, and passion into action by serving on a team. Check out NCCTK.com/serve to find all the teams we have waiting for you.

Joel and Sara talk about what it means to be a real part of NCCTK through generosity and inviting people in!

No matter your stage in life there is always a next step you can take to grow in your faith. If you want to grow in your faith we have some great resources and ways for you to grow just for you. Check out NCCTK.com/grow 

NCCTK Small Groups exist to help you build real friendships that lead to real growth. Each week, Small Groups meet to have fun, pray, and discuss the best way to live and love like Jesus.Learn more at ncctk.com/smallgroups

Baptism: More than just water!It’s about: • Declaring your faith publicly • Dying to your old self • Being reborn in Christ • Becoming part of a supportive community Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progression—we’re all on this journey together!"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" – Mark 9:24If you’re ready to take this step of faith, we’re here to walk with you. Reach out to us today!