NCC Unplugged

Sin does not begin with bad behavior. It begins with a great exchange, trading the worship of the Creator for the worship of creation. Romans 1 makes this uncomfortably clear, and it does so for a reason. The darker the background, the more brilliantly the gospel shines against it. God's wrath is not the reaction of an angry deity waiting to punish. It is the response of a good God who refuses to ignore the harm sin causes in His creation. And yet, His response does not end with judgment. It ends with kindness. His kindness has a face, and that face is Jesus Christ, who pursued us into the middle of our mess so that we could be genuinely transformed from the inside out.

The Book of Romans opens with one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture. Paul identifies himself not by his accomplishments or reputation, but as a servant set apart for the gospel of God. From the very first verses, he makes clear that the gospel is not a philosophy or a set of rules. It is about a person, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of every promise God made throughout the Old Testament. This gospel is for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or moral history. Righteousness before God is not something we earn through performance. It is received through faith. The same gospel that transformed a persecutor into an apostle is available to every person today.

The parable of the Good Samaritan answers a question most of us quietly ask: who do I actually have to love? Jesus responded not with a rule but with a story that erased every boundary the lawyer was hoping to find. A neighbor is not just someone who looks like you or lives near you. A neighbor is anyone God places in your path. Real love, the kind the New Testament calls agapao, is not a feeling but a deliberate choice that seeks the true good of another regardless of the cost. The Samaritan gave his time, his resources, and put himself at serious personal risk for a complete stranger. Jesus did the same for all of us. The call is simple, even if it is not easy: put down the rope, erase the circle, and love whoever God puts in front of you today.

Most of us treat interruptions as obstacles, but some of them are actually invitations from God to something greater. In Luke 10, two stories reveal two kinds of good interruptions every follower of Jesus needs to be open to. The Good Samaritan shows us what it looks like to truly see a person in need and respond with biblical pity, which moves us to action rather than just sympathy. Mary and Martha remind us that it is possible to be so busy doing things for Jesus that we miss simply being with Him. Jesus Himself modeled a rhythm of withdrawal and rest, and He calls us into that same pattern. Slowing down is not passive. It is intentional, and it is how we make ourselves available to what God is doing around us.

Discipleship is not reserved for Sunday mornings or mission trips. It happens in the ordinary moments of everyday life, from the checkout line to the dinner table. Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, true discipleship involves following Jesus, being changed by Him, and joining His mission in the world around us. The Samaritan did not stop because he had extra time. He stopped because he saw a person where others saw a problem. God's love reorients how we see people, what we value, and who we are becoming. Salvation is not earned through perfect obedience but received through faith in Jesus Christ. Out of that grace, we are transformed and sent to love others in the same way we have been loved.

Psalm 150 is the grand finale of the book of Psalms, and in just six verses the word 'praise' appears thirteen times. Praise belongs to God alone, not to angels, leaders, or any other person. It can happen anywhere, because believers carry the presence of God within them through the Holy Spirit. We praise Him for His mighty acts and for His unchanging character. That kind of praise does not depend on circumstances going well. It is rooted in who God is, which means there is always a reason to offer it. Praise is not a performance. It is a declaration of worth, and there is no one more worthy than the Lord.

Praise is not just a Sunday morning ritual. It is the highest calling of every believer and, according to Psalm 103, the greatest source of joy available to us. David opens and closes the psalm with the same declaration, reminding us that praise is a posture for all of life, not just a practice for a worship setting. One of our greatest spiritual dangers is forgetting what God has done for us. Prosperity, comfort, and the busyness of life can cause us to drift from gratitude. But when we remember His benefits, including forgiveness, healing, redemption, and His unfailing love, praise rises naturally. Becoming a person of praise takes intentionality, daily reminders of who God is, and a willingness to preach truth to your own soul even when your emotions pull you elsewhere.

What if God's protection was never meant to keep you from hard things, but to prepare you for them? Psalm 121 has been speaking to weary travelers for thousands of years, and it still has something to say to you today. He is not watching from a distance. He is right beside you, and He has not slept.

Psalm 25 offers a powerful framework for positioning ourselves to receive God's direction. Before asking for guidance, David opens with trust, declaring his confidence in God before making a single request. Humility is equally essential, because God guides the humble, not the most experienced or confident. His presence is always near, even when we cannot feel it, and our past failures never disqualify us from His guidance. Forgiveness and direction belong together, and everything David longed for in Psalm 25 finds its fulfillment in Christ. When we take a wrong turn, God does not shame us or abandon us. He simply recalculates and keeps guiding us home.

Feeling distant from God is one of the most common struggles in the Christian life, and Psalm 42 speaks directly to that tension. Our souls were designed for God's presence, but life, pain, and distraction can make Him feel far away. The key insight is that our feelings, while real, are not always reliable narrators of what is actually true. Rather than dismissing those feelings, we are called to listen to them, then preach truth back to ourselves. Remembering what God has done in the past is one of the most powerful tools we have in seasons of spiritual dryness. Bringing honest, even raw questions before God is not a sign of weak faith. It is actually an act of trust. Feeling far from God does not mean He has moved. It means your soul is calling out for alignment.

Psalm 51 is one of the most honest prayers ever recorded, written by King David after a season of devastating moral failure. Rather than making excuses or minimizing what he had done, David came before God with full humility and named his sin directly. His prayer moves through three powerful movements: asking God to forgive him, to change him deeply, and to use him again. Through Jesus Christ, every believer today has the same direct access to God that David sought. Repentance is not a sign of weakness. It is the doorway to renewal, and on the other side of that door is the joy of salvation.  

Psalm 23 reveals profound truths about God's character through David's shepherd imagery. The declaration that we lack nothing doesn't mean we get everything we want, but that God provides what we truly need. Our struggle to find rest often stems from trust issues rather than scheduling problems, as we tie our worth to performance instead of God's grace. Purpose isn't something we desperately search for but a gift God reveals as we follow His leading. Even dark valleys are part of God's intended path, where we experience His intimate presence most deeply. God's goodness and love actively pursue us through every season of life.

Psalm 91 presents a powerful choice about who we will ultimately trust in life's uncertainties. The psalmist declares God as his refuge and fortress, inviting us into intimate spiritual closeness where we can find safety in God's presence. While healthy fear protects us, paralyzing anxieties about finances, relationships, or social situations need to be addressed through our relationship with God. God offers special protection for those following His mission, using angels and supernatural strength to support His work. Rather than trying to change entire cultures, we can faithfully serve God in our spheres of influence - our homes, workplaces, and communities. When we choose to love God back, He promises to answer our calls, be with us in trouble, and satisfy us with His salvation.

In our anxiety-driven world, Psalm 131 offers a beautiful picture of spiritual rest - like a child sleeping peacefully in their parent's arms. David teaches us that true contentment comes not from constantly seeking more, but from recognizing God's goodness and accepting our human limitations. We can choose to calm and quiet ourselves, finding rest in God's presence rather than in our circumstances. When anxiety overwhelms us, we can return to our rest by remembering that God is good, we are not God, and Christ's love demonstrated through His death and resurrection proves we can trust our heavenly Father's care.

Finding your God-given purpose isn't about completing spiritual checklists or searching endlessly for your calling. Scripture reveals that purpose is deeply connected to the relationships God places in our lives. From the Garden of Eden, where God declared it wasn't good for man to be alone, to Jesus calling disciples to first be with Him before sending them out, relationships form the foundation of purpose. Throughout the Bible, people like Esther and Moses discovered their calling through relationships that opened their eyes to needs around them. In our modern world of increasing isolation, we must prioritize relationship-building as a spiritual discipline, recognizing that our connections with others and with God are often the very pathway to discovering and living out our purpose.

Many people search for purpose by looking inward at their own abilities and achievements, but this approach always falls short. Like Leonardo da Vinci watching his masterpiece deteriorate, human accomplishments are temporary. True purpose comes through the Holy Spirit, who reveals our God-given gifts and guides us into the good works God has prepared in advance. Our spiritual gifts serve as clues to our purpose, not destinations themselves. Rather than chasing purpose elsewhere, we discover it through daily faithfulness and dependence on the Holy Spirit right where we are.

Many people search for the perfect job to find purpose and fulfillment, but true purpose comes from how we live for God in whatever work we do. Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us that work viewed only from an earthly perspective can feel meaningless. However, when we shift our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities, as described in Colossians 3:1-3, our perspective transforms. Nehemiah's example shows us how to face workplace opposition through prayer, focus, and hard work. Whether planning a career move or feeling stuck in your current job, the key is working as if you're serving Christ directly. True fulfillment comes not from finding the perfect position, but from perfectly living for God wherever you are.

Being a missionary isn't about traveling to distant countries or learning new languages. It's about making disciples who follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and are committed to His mission, right where you are. Purpose isn't something to hunt for but staying close to Jesus and taking your next step with Him. Through stories like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, IDES disaster relief, and Team Expansion, we see that God uses ordinary people who are simply willing and available. The key is looking for needs around you and taking one practical step to meet them, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you along the way.

Many people exhaust themselves searching for their life's purpose, believing it's hidden somewhere waiting to be discovered. However, purpose isn't found through endless searching but through staying close to Jesus and faithfully following Him in current circumstances. Biblical heroes like Moses and Esther didn't hunt for their calling - they simply responded to God's work around them. True purpose emerges when we set our hearts on things above and do everything for God's glory, whether big or small. Instead of chasing after worldly definitions of meaning, we find our identity and calling in Christ, bringing eternal significance to daily activities through faithful obedience.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything, transforming fearful disciples into martyrs who wouldn't stop proclaiming what they witnessed. Mary Magdalene, devastated by Jesus' death and the empty tomb, searched desperately for His body until Jesus called her name - that single word transformed her despair into joy. The resurrection proves that our worst moments aren't our final chapters. Just as Mary discovered new life in what seemed like a place of death, we can find hope in our darkest circumstances. Jesus knows your name and calls it with love, inviting you into the life-changing reality that death doesn't have the final word.  

For thousands of years, God's people waited for the promised Messiah - the anointed one who would bring salvation to all humanity. The Gospel of John reveals three crucial aspects of Jesus as the Messiah that give us hope today. First, Jesus is the way to God, welcoming everyone regardless of background while calling us to seek God first. Second, he is the divine Son, giving us direct access to God himself when we pray. Third, Jesus is the good king whose kingdom meets our deepest spiritual needs and extends beyond this world into eternity. In a world where trust is running low, the Messiah offers hope that transcends our immediate circumstances.

Jesus chose to become fully human not because He had to, but because He wanted to identify with us completely. By experiencing physical exhaustion, temptation, and human limitations, Jesus moved into our neighborhood to empathize with our struggles. Unlike celebrities telling us to stay home from their mansions, Jesus understands our weaknesses because He lived them. He was tempted by power, the desire to avoid suffering, and the urge to fight back, yet He never sinned. This means we can approach God with our failures, doubts, and pain, knowing that Jesus truly understands our human experience and is moved with compassion toward the broken.

The Holy Spirit serves as our advocate and helper, coming alongside us like a paramedic or sponsor to provide spiritual support when we need it most. Rather than leaving us to try harder on our own, Jesus promised this Helper who reveals spiritual truths about both Christ and our identity as God's children. The Spirit advocates for truth when our feelings or circumstances try to convince us otherwise, reminding us that we are worthy of God's love despite our imperfections. We can either fuel or quench the Spirit's work through our choices - obedience creates space for God's presence while disobedience dampens it. Walking by the Spirit produces fruit like love, joy, peace, and patience, contrasting with the destructive acts of the flesh.

Jesus is the light of the world, representing God's presence among us. Throughout Scripture, light has consistently revealed God's presence, from creation to the pillar of fire guiding Israel. When Jesus came, He declared Himself to be this light, bringing God's presence in human form. Light exposes what we love - some embrace it while others prefer darkness because their deeds are evil. Jesus doesn't shine light to condemn but to heal and restore what's broken. As believers, we're called to be light bearers, carrying His light into the world as a community of faith working together.

Jesus gave his disciples a revolutionary command during their final Passover meal together: love one another as I have loved you. This wasn't just any kind of love, but sacrificial agape love that puts others' needs before our own comfort and status. Jesus demonstrated this by washing his disciples' feet, showing servant leadership in action. To live out this command today, we must stay connected to Jesus as our source and prioritize loving our family, church community, and others God places in our path. When we choose sacrificial love, we experience freedom from grudges and hatred while pointing others toward the gospel through our actions.

Jesus revealed His divine identity through seven powerful "I Am" statements in John's Gospel. He declared Himself the Bread of Life, Light of the World, Gate, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way Truth and Life, and True Vine. Each statement addresses fundamental human insecurities and needs. Understanding who Jesus truly is matters because wrong beliefs about Him lead to broken living, while embracing the truth about His identity transforms our daily existence from the inside out.

Fire provides warmth when contained but destroys forests when uncontrolled. The same is true with spiritual zeal. Are you channeling your passion for God in ways that build His kingdom or are you burning bridges? When Jesus cleansed the temple, it wasn't anger - it was holy zeal that couldn't be contained. What is God stirring in your heart that you've been hesitant to act on?

John begins his Gospel not with Jesus' birth, but by declaring that Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before creation. The Greek concept of Logos represented the organizing force of the universe, while Jewish understanding saw God's Word as powerful and creative. John's revolutionary claim is that this Word became flesh in Jesus Christ, making God accessible to humanity. Though many rejected Jesus because His light exposed their spiritual darkness, those who receive Him become children of God through faith, not works. Jesus serves as our temple, priest, and sacrifice, making religion unnecessary because we have direct relationship with God as His adopted children.

John's Gospel was written with a specific purpose: to help readers believe that Jesus is the Messiah and experience true life through Him. Unlike other Gospel writers, John begins by revealing Jesus as the eternal Word who existed before creation. Through seven carefully chosen miracles, John shows that Jesus is the promised Anointed One who offers a preview of God's kingdom. These signs point to eternal celebration, complete healing, abundant provision, and perfect restoration. John emphasizes that Jesus wants to give us life - not just existence, but abundant life both now and eternally. The story of Thomas demonstrates that honest doubt can lead to profound faith when we encounter the risen Christ personally.

What if hope isn't about what you bring to the table, but about who invites you to sit down? The disciples on the road to Emmaus thought all was lost until they recognized Jesus breaking bread with them. Sometimes we think we need to get our act together before coming to God, but what if He's actually inviting us to come empty-handed? 

The Last Supper stands as history's most significant meal, where Jesus demonstrated profound love through humble service. Despite knowing betrayal and suffering awaited Him, Jesus eagerly desired this time with his disciples. He washed their feet, showing that true greatness comes through serving others. When Jesus established communion with bread and the cup, He created a new covenant that delivers us from sin and death. Even as the disciples argued about greatness immediately after, Jesus patiently taught them about humble leadership. Communion unites believers from all backgrounds at one table, reminding us that we share the same grace and hope in Christ.

Jesus chose the title Son of Man to describe himself, connecting to Daniel's prophecy of one who would overthrow earthly kingdoms. However, instead of coming with armies, Jesus revolutionized the world through sharing meals and building relationships. His three purpose statements reveal that he came to serve, save the lost, and eat and drink with people. The story of Levi the tax collector demonstrates how Jesus calls the unlikely and transforms lives through community. At Jesus' table, it's okay to come broken, but the expectation is transformation through relationship. We must avoid creating barriers that keep others from experiencing God's grace.

Jesus doesn’t reserve His table for the put-together—He welcomes the broken. In Luke 7, we see how grace levels the ground, transforms hearts, and sends people away changed. The invitation is simple: come to the table.

Hey NCC family,   Just a quick update on NCC Unplugged. The podcast isn’t going away—it’s just taking a short break. We’re in a busy season and want to be thoughtful about how we care for what we’re producing. During the hiatus, we’ll be sharing our weekly sermons here instead. We’re already looking forward to coming back to the podcast with fresh energy. Thanks for your understanding and continued support. — The NCC Unplugged Team

Merry Christmas from all of us at NCC Unplugged. We’re so grateful for this season and for a Savior who stepped into our world to bring hope, peace, and new life. Our prayer is that you and your family experience the joy and love of Jesus today and throughout the year ahead.

Welcome back to Part 2 of Ask Us Anything on NCC Unplugged. In this episode, the NCC staff continues answering real questions submitted by our church family—ranging from fun and lighthearted to deeply thoughtful and personal.    The conversation kicks off with a fan-favorite question: If you weren’t in ministry, what would your dream job be?    From there, the team shifts to practical questions about church growth—specifically the crowded lobby and coffee ministry—and begins dreaming out loud about what an ideal church space could look like. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how leadership thinks about growth, space, and serving people well.   The episode then turns more reflective with a powerful question: What guidance would you give someone later in life who is seeking Jesus?    Finally, the episode wraps up with the first-ever Rapid Fire Round, tackling the truly important questions (note the sarcasm). It’s a fun, human ending to a meaningful conversation.   #NCCUnplugged #NorwinChristianChurch #AskUsAnything #ChurchPodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChurchLife #FaithJourney #FollowingJesus #LateToFaith #ChurchGrowth #BehindTheScenesChurch #JesusChangesLives #fyp #shorts

In this special Ask Us Anything edition of NCC Unplugged, Matt sits down with Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister), Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Alison Murray (Children’s Director), and Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister) to answer real, anonymous questions straight from our congregation. This is part one of a multi-episode series because you sent in so many thoughtful, vulnerable questions. The team starts by pulling back the curtain on their own lives—talking honestly about anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, finding worth in what you do instead of who you are in Christ, and the everyday struggle of marriage and parenting. From there, they dive into big theological questions: How do I know I’m ready to be baptized? If I was baptized as a child in another tradition, do I need to be baptized again? Does NCC believe God still physically heals people today? If God knows me and loves me, why has my life felt like constant survival—and how many trials can one person take? Along the way, they talk about the importance of small groups, why NCC emphasizes conscious immersion in baptism, how we view healing without turning it into a spectacle, and how God can redeem suffering—even when you’re exhausted and still waiting for relief. The episode wraps with a lighter segment about what pastors actually see from stage (yes, they notice the naps and Candy Crush). If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, suffering, baptism questions, or just wondered whether your leaders “have it all together,” this honest conversation is for you. #NCCUnplugged #NorwinChristianChurch #AskUsAnything #ChurchPodcast #Baptism #FaithQuestions #ChristianPodcast #WhenLifeIsHard #JesusIsOurHope #MentalHealthAndFaith #TrustGod #BibleTeaching #ChurchLife #shorts #fyp

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff sits down with Joshua and Allison to talk about gratitude — not just the kind we share around a holiday table, but the deep, internal thankfulness that grows from what God has done in us. From the misunderstood history of Thanksgiving to David’s powerful song in 2 Samuel 22, the team digs into how Christians can cultivate a thankful heart in every circumstance. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a little hope this Thanksgiving. And don’t forget to rate and review NCC Unplugged — it helps more people discover these conversations. For service times, ministries, and upcoming events, visit norwinchristianchurch.com.   Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🦃🙏   #NCCUnplugged #Thanksgiving2025 #ChristianPodcast #NorwinChristianChurch #BibleTeaching #FaithJourney #GiveThanks #Gratitude #Thankfulness #ChristianLiving #SermonDiscussion #PodcastEpisode #FYP

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra sits down with Joshua and Allison, to reflect on their time at the 2025 Spire Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The team unpacks what it means to “Catch the Wind” — the conference theme centered around the Holy Spirit — and shares how it rejuvenated their hearts and ministries. From practical leadership insights to personal spiritual renewal, this conversation explores how the Holy Spirit continues to move through Norwin Christian Church and beyond.   Spire Network: https://spire.network Norwin Christian Church: https://norwinchristianchurch.com Submit questions for our upcoming AMA Episode: https://form.jotform.com/253012468879062

Join the staff of Norwin Christian Church for a special Roundtable Edition of NCC Unplugged, where conversations, community, and culture come together. In this episode, Jeff, Matt, Jonathan, Allison, and Brion sit down to share stories from the summer—mission trips, skydiving, family milestones, ministry growth, and more. You’ll hear everything from Allison’s reflections on sending her daughter off to college, to Jonathan’s student adventures at CIY, Brion’s first summer as a new dad, and Matt’s wild Hawaii trip (complete with an unexpected tsunami evacuation). They also discuss new small groups, upcoming retreats, ministry highlights, and what’s ahead for the fall season at NCC. If you’re part of the NCC family—or just love hearing real, authentic stories of faith and community—this episode will encourage and connect you.   Connect with NCC Website: www.norwinchristianchurch.com Service Times: Thursdays at 7:00 PM (Acoustic Worship) Sundays at 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM Follow along for updates and future episodes of NCC Unplugged. #NCCUnplugged #NorwinChristianChurch #FaithCommunity #ChurchLife #YouBelongAtNCC #Podcast #MinistryStories

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Allison Murray (Children’s Ministries Director), and Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister) conclude our six-part discipleship series. Together, they reflect on what it truly means to live as a disciple of Jesus and how to naturally share our faith in everyday life. From sharing your story—whether it’s dramatic or quiet—to seeing people with Christlike compassion, this conversation highlights how discipleship is less about programs and more about relationships. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate disciple-making into daily rhythms, whether with family, co-workers, or friends. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from simply “knowing” about discipleship to actually living it out, this episode will encourage and challenge you to take the next step. 📝 Show Notes Episode Highlights: Looking in the mirror: Why being a disciple comes before making disciples. Everyone has a story—big or small—that God can use. Discipleship happens best in relationships, not programs. Deuteronomy 6 and living discipleship in the everyday rhythms of life. Practical next steps: start with just two people already in your life. The importance of patience, compassion, and prayer in disciple-making. Encouragement to keep the conversation going, even though the series is ending. Key Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 18:21–35 (The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant) Deuteronomy 6 (Discipleship woven into daily life) 2 Timothy 2:2 (Passing faith to the next generation) The Parable of the Lost Sheep Takeaway: Discipleship is not about adding more to your schedule—it’s about shifting your focus and living intentionally with the people God has already placed in your path.

In this week’s episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua Persall (Executive Minister), Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister), and Allison Murray (Children’s Ministry Director) dive into what it means for a church to truly be a disciple-making church. They explore: The difference between “doing church” and living as disciples Why discipleship is more than a program—it’s an identity How Scripture shapes our approach to measuring growth The tension between numbers, stories, and transformation Practical ways NCC seeks to live out the Great Commission You’ll hear reflections from Colossians, the Great Commission in Matthew 28, and real-life examples of transformation happening in our community. Whether you’re a church leader, a long-time believer, or someone just exploring faith, this episode will challenge and encourage you to see discipleship as a way of life. 👉 Learn more about Norwin Christian Church: www.norwinchristianchurch.com 📅 Join us in person: Sundays at 8:45am & 10:30am, Thursdays at 7pm

This week on NCC Unplugged, Joshua is joined by Allison Murray (Children’s Ministry Director), Jonathan Slatt (Youth Minister), and Richard Seaman (Elder & Forge Team Member) to continue our series on discipleship. We explore what it looks like to follow Jesus in every context of life—from raising children at home, to discipling teenagers and young adults, to walking faithfully as empty nesters, and even living out our faith in the workplace. Key Highlights: What Deuteronomy 6 teaches about discipleship in the home How teenagers and young adults grow through relationships and community The importance of not compartmentalizing our faith Practical encouragement for parents, grandparents, volunteers, and mentors How NCC partners with families through events like Coffee & Conversations Discipleship isn’t a program or a checklist—it’s a way of life. Join us as we talk about living out our faith in ordinary, everyday moments. 👉 Listen now and be encouraged to see your relationships as opportunities to disciple and be discipled.

On this episode of NCC Unplugged, we dive into one of the most important yet often misunderstood aspects of following Jesus—discipleship. More than just a label, being a disciple means walking in intentional relationship with Christ and others. Together with Allison Murray, NCC’s Director of Children’s Ministries, and elder Rich Seaman, we unpack what it looks like to move from being a disciple to becoming a disciple-maker. From exploring the biblical foundation in the Great Commission to sharing practical next steps, we discuss how discipleship is relational, lifelong, and deeply personal. Whether it’s through prayer, investing in one-on-one relationships, navigating family dynamics, or simply being intentional in everyday conversations, this episode offers encouragement for anyone who wants to live out Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples.” Show Notes Episode Highlights What is discipleship really about? Moving beyond titles and labels, discipleship is intentional, relational, and lifelong. The role of elders at NCC Rich explains how NCC’s elder team functions as spiritual shepherds and why a plurality of leadership reflects the biblical model. The Great Commission as our foundation We revisit Matthew 28:18–20 and reflect on how Jesus’ final words are still our mission today. Evangelism vs. Discipleship Evangelism plants the seeds, but discipleship nurtures growth through relationship, prayer, and life together. Practical next steps Begin by being a committed disciple yourself. Pray for God to reveal who He’s placing in your circle. Focus on relationships, not projects. Start small—invest deeply in just one or two people. Use everyday opportunities (like conversations at work, coffee meetups, or family gatherings) to point others to Jesus. Family dynamics in discipleship Discipling family members can be challenging, but Scripture shows us examples of bringing loved ones to Christ with humility and love. How to invite someone into deeper conversation Look for natural openings—sharing how faith impacts your daily life, offering to pray with someone, or inviting them to study Scripture together. Encouraging multiplication True disciple-making doesn’t end with us. As new believers grow, they’re called to bring others along in the journey too. Key Takeaways Discipleship is not about numbers—it’s about people. Relationships are the soil where discipleship grows. Everyone can be part of God’s mission, regardless of personality type or fears. The Great Commission is for all believers, not just church leaders. Scripture References Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission Matthew 9:36 – Jesus’ compassion for the crowds John 1:40–42 – Andrew brings his brother Peter to Jesus John 4:28–30 – The Samaritan woman tells her town about Jesus Next Episode Preview We’ll be talking about the different places discipleship happens—in our homes, workplaces, community, and church—and how to be intentional in each setting.

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Joshua and Allison dive into the second installment of our discipleship series by exploring a surprising fact: the word Christian only appears three times in the New Testament, while disciple shows up over 250 times. What does that tell us about how Jesus wants us to identify ourselves—and live? They unpack: The historical difference between the words “Christian” and “disciple” What it meant to follow a rabbi in the first century How the early church operated—and how it evolved into what we know today Whether "bigger church" means "better church" How reaching one person at a time may be God's original plan for spreading the Gospel This is an eye-opening, encouraging, and practical conversation for anyone who wants to take the next step in their faith or help someone else do the same. Next episode sneak peek: We’ll explore what it actually looks like to reach your one.

Welcome to the first episode in our brand-new NCC Unplugged series on Discipleship! In this conversation, Jeff Terpstra (Preaching Minister) hands the mic to Executive Minister Joshua Persall as they unpack one of the most important—yet often misunderstood—concepts in the church today: being a disciple of Jesus. Why is “discipleship” making a comeback in church language? What does it actually mean to be a disciple, not just a churchgoer? And how do we live out Jesus’ Great Commission in a modern context? In this episode, Jeff and Joshua dive into: The biblical definition of discipleship (Mark 1:17 + Matthew 28) Why the Church is shifting focus from attendance to transformation The impact of COVID on how we think about church The tension between cultural Christianity and full surrender Why discipleship isn’t about guilt, but about joyful response Whether you’re new to faith, spiritually stuck, or just ready to go deeper, this episode sets the foundation for a life of purpose and growth as a follower of Jesus. Stay tuned as Joshua continues the series with guests and stories that bring discipleship to life in the everyday.

This week on NCC Unplugged, Jeff and Matt dive into one of the most personal and impactful parts of ministry: officiating weddings and funerals. Jeff shares real stories, wisdom, and some behind-the-scenes insight on what it’s like to walk with families through both the joyful highs and the difficult lows of life. From premarital counseling to writing personalized funeral messages, you’ll hear how our church approaches these moments with intentionality, conviction, and grace. Topics include: Why we take weddings seriously (and what premarital counseling looks like) Church policies on who we marry (and why) The evolving role of ministers in weddings today The sacred weight of funerals—and how we offer hope without assumptions Funny moments (yes, even in the rain), awkward slip-ups, and meaningful memories Whether you're planning a wedding, grieving a loss, or just curious about the pastoral side of things, this episode is packed with authenticity and heart.

🎙️ Welcome to the NCC Unplugged Staff Roundtable – Summer 2025 Edition! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at what summer really looks like for the Norwin Christian Church staff. From VBS chaos (yes, with cardboard bears and custom trading cards) to CIY trips, mission work in Arizona, and even skydiving plans 😳—this episode is full of laughs, ministry insights, and genuine conversation about what it means to serve, grow, and rest well as a church family. 👥 Featuring: Jeff Terpstra, Jonathan Slatt, Joshua Persall & Matt Mastroianni 📍Topics include: What’s new for VBS 2025 (and what nearly broke the stage) Family mission trips & youth group summer events Why one staff member may or may not survive a skydive Bike gangs, dad jokes, and...pogo sticks? 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of NCC Unplugged – where real conversations meet real community. 📌 Learn more about Norwin Christian Church at: https://www.norwinchristianchurch.com   📅 Join us for worship: Sundays at 8:45am & 10:30am Thursdays at 7:00pm   #NCCUnplugged #ChurchPodcast #VBS2025 #CIY #FaithAndFun #ChristianLife #YouthMinistry #ChurchBehindTheScenes #FunnyChurchStories

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Brion Elliott take a reflective look back at NCC’s recent sermon series on Sacrifice. From heart, mind, and time to money—this series challenged the church to go deeper in surrendering every aspect of life to God. Jeff shares the struggle of writing the final sermon on time and how it unexpectedly shifted direction. Brion opens up about the balance between worship leadership and heartfelt praise. Together, they explore Jesus’ teachings, prayerful moments in service, and the power of preparing both spiritually and practically. They also tease what’s coming next: a new sermon series on Intentional Discipleship—what it means to follow Jesus and help others do the same. 💬 Topics include: The Holy Spirit’s surprising work through feedback Why praising God is meaningless without sacrifice Creating authentic worship moments beyond performance Loving correction in the church family Where NCC is headed this summer 🔗 Scripture Highlights: Matthew 25, Luke 14, Hebrews 13:15-16, Ephesians 5:2 🙏 "There's no praise without sacrifice."

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Matt is joined by Jeff and Joshua for a candid conversation about current trends in church attendance and engagement across America—and how those trends are playing out at Norwin Christian Church. They unpack: 📉 The nationwide decline in church attendance—and why it may have finally leveled off 📊 Surprising stats about millennials vs. boomers and their church habits 🏛️ Why non-denominational churches are on the rise 🧭 How NCC is adapting to meet people where they are—without gimmicks 🤝 What it means to walk with Jesus and be part of a local church Whether you're a committed churchgoer, a spiritual seeker, or someone wrestling with church hurt, this episode is full of insight and heart. It's not about the numbers—it’s about the people behind them. 👉 Subscribe and share this episode if you found it helpful. 🕊️ Learn more or plan a visit: norwinchristianchurch.com #ChurchTrends #NCCUnplugged #FaithAndCulture #MillennialsInChurch #ChurchGrowth #RestorationMovement #NonDenominational #ChurchHurt #FaithIn2025