Roots and Branches Podcast

Although we’re already a month into our summer sermon series, Pastors Brent and Paul banter about 13 topics under the banner of “What Does the Bible Say?” From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches us everything we need for salvation; godly living as individuals and in community; living on mission; and anticipating our eternal destiny for those in Christ Jesus. Our sermons are available on Vimeo (since 2018) and iTunes (since 2023, audio only) as well as in two formats on our website.

Now that the school year has ended and we’re in the full swing of summer, Pastors Paul and Brent are finally back behind the microphones to recap Pastor Brent’s recent one-off elective class. With the analogy of a building, Pastor Brent reviews his class with “Site Work” (e.g., Jude 3 and several examples of early creeds and councils in the Bible); “Foundation” (e.g., comparing capital “A” Authority of the Bible with lower-case “a” authority of consensus throughout church history); “Framing, Fixtures, and Finishes” (e.g., major councils, major creeds, and major confessions). This broad topic is important for Christ-followers to understand in 2026 in order to believe proper doctrine and live in accordance with that doctrine. Pastor Paul’s benediction is from Acts 15:8-11, the first major council in the early church. He encourages exploring this topic further through watching or listening to the 2025 EFCA Theology Pre-Conference on the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.

Pastor Paul offers his first solo episode since New Year’s Day with a focus on various venues of formal prayer among the people of New Life EFC. Annual prayer priorities include big crowds (such as April’s District Blitz youth conference in Duluth) and cities (such as the Hastings Prayer Breakfast on the National Day of Prayer). Weekly and daily prayer priorities including among our church ministries (Sunday mornings, leadership meetings, affinity groups) and personal cloisters (alone, with a spouse or prayer partner, with one’s family, with closest accountability circle). Pastor Paul encourages using tools such as a prayer calendar and prayer journal, recording answers as well as re-reading past entries to see the Lord’s hand in and through a lifestyle of prayer in Jesus’ name. Scriptures cited include Ps. 145:18-20 and Jude 24-25 (in the double-benediction) plus other direct and indirect references. Remember to prioritize prayer with and for fellow Christ-followers (and public officials) in huge assemblies, civic settings, church events and teams, with dearest loved ones, and alone with the Lord.

As a follow up to his recent elective class, Pastor Brent along with Pastor Paul discuss the Bible’s geography, particularly the land of Israel as a stark contrast to the land of Egypt as experienced by the people of Yahweh during and after the Exodus. Geographically comparable to the state of California, Israel was (and is) a land of topographical extremes, and the Israelites learned that they needed to trust God for His provision (e.g., rains, as seen in 1 Kings 18, which in some ways was a fulfillment of Deut. 11:8-17). The pastors also talk about the geographical centrality of the land of Israel which made it a hub of trade routes (e.g., “The Great Trunk Road”). Pastor Paul ends with a benediction from Ps. 84:10-12 and our longing to be with the Lord Himself as our dwelling place.

After an opening ditty and a few comments about the late missionary to television, ordained minister Mr. Fred Rogers, Pastors Paul and Brent offer “preachers’ commentary” amidst our four weeks preaching through Romans 8. Beloved by believers and lauded by theologians, Romans 8 exudes eternal truths and deeply comforting verses as both a culmination of Paul’s writing in chapters 1-7 and a set up for the rest of the letter. For those wanting to go back and watch or listen to past sermons, our video archive is available on Vimeo and we have a separate podcast (on iTunes and nlefc.org) with the sermon audio for each weekly sermon.

Pastors Brent and Paul drop a Holy Week episode focused on reading Colossians five times to prepare our hearts for Redemption Weekend. Whether reading quickly or slowly; taking notes or just taking it in; or looking for grand theological themes or nitty-gritty words and names, there are countless blessings to be had in reading God’s Word and seeking to understand and apply His whole counsel. Jesus purchased our peace through His blood (1:20) so that we can purchase the time and answer each person (4:5-6) all the while putting off the old self and putting on the new self (see all of ch. 3!), “renewed in knowledge after the image of (our) creator” (3:10, ESV).

With two weeks remaining in Lent 2026, Pastors Paul and Brent dedicate this episode to the wisdom and blessing for Christ-followers to prepare our hearts for Holy Week. The pastoral pair guide their discussion using four broad categories as we approach Palm Sunday through Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday: 1) Scripture and Prayer; 2) Music and Worship; 3) Fellowship and Corporate Gathering; and 4) Service and Outreach. With several citations and personal anecdotes in each category, Brent and Paul banter about the categorical flow from the Lord to the lost including our own growth, joy and sanctification. Recommendations include reading Colossians five times during Holy Week; listening to the music of Michael Card and Seeds Family Worship; considering watching the biblically rich animated film The Miracle Maker (1999); and growing in bold efforts in prayer and outreach.

In early February, Pastors Brent and Paul again attended the Theology Conference offered by the EFCA National Office. This year’s theme was God Will Raise the Dead Bodily and Judge the World: Evangelical Convictions of Eternal Realities. Based on Article 10 of the EFCA Statement of Faith, the seven plenary sessions and five breakouts all focused on the Bible’s teaching on eternal salvation (Heaven) for those in Christ and eternal damnation (Hell) for those outside of Christ. The structure of the conference covered Biblical and Systematic Theology: God’s Revealed Truth; Historical Theology: Historical Consensus of the Church; and Pastoral Theology: Perspective and Practice. Our podcasting pastors share their personal highlights from speakers across the entire conference, including Greg Strand, Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing. All conference speakers, breakout sessions, and the booklet are available free of charge on the EFCA.org as well as in audio-only form on Apple Podcasts and on Spotify.

In Part 2 of this topic on the spiritual realm, Pastor Brent continues walking us through his recent elective class describing the good news of Jesus’ triumph over all demonic forces through both His first coming and His future Second Coming; biblical tactics for spiritual warfare; patterns, cautions, and encouragements; and how to pray. Two fictitious but helpful books recommended by the pastors include This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. In addition to an opening quote from Gimil the Dwarf in The Lord of the Rings and a closing prayer and benediction from Jude 24-25, this episode includes several personal anecdotes and experiences in the lives of the pastors and our church.

After an unintentional month-long hiatus, Pastors Paul and Brent eagerly return to this all-purpose podcast as a unique aspect of our local church’s ministry. This two-part topic is based on a recent elective class taught by Pastor Brent. With many Scripture references (as always!), Part 1 defines the spiritual realm, angels, and demons. From the opener (Ps. 138:1-3) to the benediction (Rom. 16:20) and everything in between, listeners are encouraged to know the Bible’s teaching on the spiritual realm and then to live wisely, prayerfully, and fruitfully as Christ-followers in light of the unseen forces of good and evil all around us.

The pastoral team is back together for the first time in 2026 with an exciting update regarding the dream (now five years in development) to expand our facilities at New Life EFC. Pastor Brent reviews the vision undergirding our collaborative efforts to build a new classroom wing, lobby, and bathrooms, and he and Pastor Paul once again touch on the creative ministry strategy of disciple-by-doing. Several areas of confirmation indicate that 2026 is the year that things will begin to take physical manifestation. Thriving affinity ministries; recent donations; and strong teams of volunteers all support this exciting confluence of circumstances! Phil. 2:12-13 and 4:19 end the episode, drawing a parallel between our personal sanctification and God working in the process of this building project while providing for every need of ours in Christ. God has done great things; He is working; and He will continue working for our joy, others’ good, and His glory!

Pastor Paul ushers in the New Year with a traditional goal setting refresher, building on Episodes 34, 35 and 92. After recapping five basic categories of goal setting (Spiritual, Physical, Financial, Skillful, Relational) and three types of measurable goals (Mini-Goals, Medium Goals, Mega Goals), Paul expounds on the theme of HOPE for why we should live intentionally through goal setting. Key supporting Scriptures include Deut. 6:5; Prov. 6:6-8; Eccl. 11:1-2; Mark 8:34-35; 12:30; Rom. 5:1-5; 8:22-25; Eph. 5:16; Phil. 2:12-13; 3:14; and Heb. 11:1; 12:8-11. He also includes a few film references; reviews selected met and unmet goals from 2025; and updates a few goals for 2026. Psalm 136:1 bookends this episode with a benediction from Heb. 13:20-21, admonishing listeners to consider ways to be “faithful over a little” in order to be commended by our Lord Jesus (Matt. 25:21, 23, LSB).

Pastors Paul and Brent sit down with Mateo Hidalgo, Youth Group member and recently named Eagle Scout. Mateo shares his family background, his personal faith journey in Christ, and how Scouts BSA and New Life EFC (two key shaping influences in his life) converged for his Eagle Scout project in 2024. In addition to honoring his parents and naming several mentors and peers, Mateo shares his development from a reclusive youth to one whom the Lord has given a heart for people and for service, citing Micah 6:8 as a life verse.

The great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” On the occasion of challenging the New Life EFC Youth Group to read the entire New Testament in 2026, Pastor Paul admonishes the listeners to have a plan for systematic Bible reading as we rapidly approach a new calendar year. Regardless of translation, pacing, and personal study quirks, make regular Bible reading a disciplined priority! Among the many citations that Pastor Paul shares in this episode (go figure ;-), key verses include Psalm 119:9, 11, 18; John 6:68; 20:31; 21:25.

Pastors Brent and Paul follow up on Episode 130 by offering commentary on Brent’s Advent sermon series in the book of Ruth. Pastor Brent highlights Naomi as the central character in ch. 1 and a woman of deep and exemplary faith despite her emotional distress. The Bible is direct and realistic about the pain and suffering that exists in this world. When we, like Naomi, reach the place of emptiness, God has us exactly where He wants us when we fully return to Him. After Brent briefly previews ch. 2, Paul plugs our New Life EFC Vimeo page to watch past sermons (incl. the current series in Ruth) and ends with a benediction from 1 Thes. 1:9.

Following up on his elective class on Dec. 2, Pastor Brent banters with Pastor Paul about the call for wisdom (“biblical truth lived out”) and restraint as we’re surrounded by digital technology in our lives. As image bearers and Christ-followers, we must cultivate and protect biblical priorities. In addition to personal and cultural examples of exercising self-control, the pastors discuss several biblical texts including Gen. 2:15; Gal. 5:22-23; and 1 Cor. 9:24-27. Ultimately, all technology (including digital technology and AI) can and should be used to fulfill The Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31) and The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). “ ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12b, ESV)

Pastor Paul offers a Thanksgiving Weekend devotional on giving thanks for trials and difficult times in addition to what we think of as pleasant things and blessings. Using various Thanksgiving weeks from his own life ranging from 1985 through 2025 (most notably a depression-ending breakthrough in 2002), Pastor Paul focuses on 1 Thes. 5:18, Eph. 5:20, and Col. 3:15-17 as key thanksgiving verses. Supporting passages include Job 1:21; 2:10; John 3:30; Rom. 8:28; 2 Cor. 12:9; Col. 1:24-29; Jas. 1:2-4, 17; 1 Pet. 1:6-9; and 2 Pet. 3:18.

Pastor Brent and Pastor Paul overview New Life’s Advent sermon series for 2025, The Book of Ruth (Nov. 23-Dec. 21). Conceived well over a year ago as a unique but gospel-centered Christmas message, Pastor Brent outlines several key theological themes in Ruth: 1) Suffering and Pain; 2) Trust and Commitment; 3) Redemption and Restoration; and 4) Unworthy and Worthy. Pastor Paul calls Ruth “a Samwise Gamgee of the Bible” (see 1:17) and offers a parallel between Ruth 1:16 and John 20:17. From Pastor Brent’s Preaching Series Overview: “The book of Ruth is a ray of hope in the midst of despair. This story foreshadows the coming of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”

Three years ago today, the Roots & Branches podcast debuted! While the original purpose was to discuss the Biblical Foundations and Transformational Outcomes of our vision to expand the ministries and facilities at New Life EFC in Hastings, MN, Pastor Paul articulates five main reasons why this podcast continues: 1) church vision-casting; 2) fun conversations; 3) biblical teaching; 4) in-depth interviews; and 5) solo commentary. He also introduces a new feature, “Congregational Questions,” where listeners are encouraged to submit questions and/or comments to [email protected] for possible inclusion in future episodes. After sharing “timely” excerpts from Eccl. 3 and Titus 1, Pastor Paul references or quotes other Scriptures throughout this anniversary episode, including Job 38-41; Matt. 6:26b; 7:7-8; Eph. 6:10-20; Heb. 10:23-25; and Phil. 1:6.

On this Reformation Day 2025, Pastor Paul and Pastor Brent address in broad terms the various crises being experienced within our church family right now. Hospitalizations, end-of-life struggles, financial stresses, and other “trials of various kinds” (Jas. 1:2) can sometimes feel overwhelming. In His sovereignty, God does what He pleases (Ps. 115:3); but in His providence, He works through both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances for our good (Rom. 8:28)! In addition to poignant passages (e.g., Matt. 7:7; Heb. 10:24-25; 12:5-7; 2 Cor. 12:7-10), the pastoral pair discuss biblical ideas from authors Randy Alcorn (“Heaven”); John Calvin (“Institutes of the Christian Religion”); Kevin DeYoung (“Daily Doctrine”); Erwin Lutzer (“One Minute After You Die”); and Jerry Sittser (“A Grace Disguised”).

One of the fruits of his recent sabbatical is that Pastor Brent strongly desires to regularly teach elective classes here at New Life. In this episode, he banters with Pastor Paul about five one-off elective classes coming up this school year on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Dome. Nov. 4: “The Last Days: Introduction to the End Times”; Dec. 2: “Wisdom in a Digital Age: Devices, Social Media, and AI”; Feb. 17: “The Spiritual Realm: Angels and Demons”; April 28: “Geography of the Bible: What It Matters”; and May 26: “Councils, Creeds, and Confessions: Are They Authoritative?” A long-term goal is to offer Sunday school for adults and youth in the current classroom wing, which is yet another reason we’re praying for a new classroom wing to be built as the Lord wills and provides! Meanwhile, these one-off electives (and more in the future) will help our local body to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2) and deepen our fellowship and whole-life discipleship.

Reflecting on his recent commissioning on Sunday 10/12/25, Associate Pastor Paul Arneberg starts with an ABBA parody and then reviews three title changes since being hired on 10/1/23. This episode also includes lauding the plurality of leaders and teams at New Life EFC; Paul’s earnest prayers for the Lord’s direction regarding location, congregation and vocation starting in January 2020; endeavoring to live out Pastor Brent’s “prophecy” of fruitfulness (based on faithfulness) in addition to the dichotomous goal of being a catalyst and collaborator; and sharing how the Lord answered in times of desperate need and only by His strength. Pastor Paul interweaves several key Scripture passages that continue to be key in his calling and growing trust in the Lord, including Ps. 23:3; 118:5; Isa. 40:30-31; Mark 10:13-16; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:5; and Jas. 4:15.

Paul and Pastor Brent discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its deep affect on many among us. Key points in their dialogue include boasting only in the cross of Christ; increasing our boldness for the gospel; and prioritizing in-person relationships, especially rooted in fellow believers through the local church. Paul also reflects briefly on Charlie Kirk’s faith and his Sept. 21 memorial service where many eulogists openly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also recaps five points as taught to our Youth Group who are processing the events of the past three weeks. Pastor Brent ends with a strong exhortation to curb the use of social media (even challenging some to consider a fast) before Paul closes with a benediction from 2 Tim. 3:12-17.

At 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, 1985, Paul witnessed his mom die after long battles with breast cancer and leukemia. This poem was written during the pandemic for Paul’s former monthly column for Jugheads Youth Juggling Co. As Audrey Arneberg’s death in the middle of Paul’s high school career is a major part of his testimony, he reads the poem along with brief commentary on death; how survivors should use death as an occasion to glean examples from the departed while also renewing one’s purpose to trust in and live for the Lord (see Eccl. 7:2); and look to Jesus and our blessed hope in Him, His return, and His promise that all the redeemed will live forever together in His kingdom (see 1 Thes. 4:13-18). The final four lines of Paul’s 92-line poem attempt to express Christ-centered stewardship of the years the Lord gives us (regardless of lifespan) and the highest aim for one’s life and death in Christ: “I want to live well and to die in the Son / When All told, I yet live for an Audience of One.”

Pastor Brent and Paul introduce the new sermon series on Romans by discussing faith in both the Old and New Testaments. Salvation by faith is traced to the very first chapters of the Bible, and the Apostle Paul grounds his argument in the OT prophet Habakkuk. Centering on Rom. 1:16-17 (the thesis statement of Romans), Pastor Brent and Paul also cover strong supportive passages for salvation by faith, including Heb. 11 and Eph. 2:1-10.

On the brink of Labor Day and the start of a new school year and ministry season, Pastor Brent and Paul discuss ministry cohorts as life-giving and applicable to all Christ-followers. A key element in long-term ministry is consistent, intentional connections with other believers going through (and mentors who have gone through) similar experiences, challenges, and joys. Paul opens this episode recognizing the recent passing of Dr. James Dobson and the influence he’s had on many in the church since the 1970’s. He and Brent then share specific ministry cohorts with which they’re currently involved. When the word “resiliency” is used by the secular corporate world as compared with the Christian world, Pastor Brent asserts that the former uses it merely to apply to life management and burnout prevention while the latter uses it to grow in Christ-centeredness. A good thesis statement for this episode is a quote by one of Pastor Brent’s seminary professors, Dr. Donald Guthrie: “The secret sauce to resiliency is peer groups.”

Five days back from his three-month sabbatical, Pastor Brent talks with Paul recapping the purpose of sabbatical and sharing stories of family and personal adventures. The two banter regarding how New Life functioned well in Brent’s absence and how our congregation can move forward with resolve for increased ministry “ownership” as well as appreciation for one another. Paul’s opener is a parody of the 1970’s TV sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter”, and his benediction from Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV) points to the Lord who graciously preserves His people, in this case the Kompelien family specifically, in our “going out and (our) coming in from this time forth, even forevermore.”

“Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated.” —Deut. 34:7 (ESV) Keying off of this episode number and Moses’ remarkable lifespan and strong ending, Paul overviews three areas of physical challenges with which nearly all humans struggle: from birth (defects, etc.); from activities (injuries, etc.); and from aging (both predictable and unpredictable maladies). Using a few personal examples with an aim to challenge listeners in Christ to long for our resurrection bodies even while humbly adapting to our temporal issues, Paul draws on key passages from Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Cor. 4:16-17; and 1 Cor. 15. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” —2 Cor. 4:16 (ESV)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” —Psalm 119:09 (ESV) In Part 2 of this interview with Carl & Becky Lewis, Paul asks the Lewises how they came to New Life as well as specific steps they’ve taken to restore trust and safeguard against returning to sinful addictive tendencies. Carl reviews his years in the Pure Desire ministry (with Becky in a group called Beyond Betrayal) which led Carl to start a ministry called Pure Men here in Hastings. Becky also shares her struggle of overcoming and managing anxiety, depression and bi-polar B. Phil. 4:13 and Heb. 11:1 are respective life verses for Carl & Becky, and Paul’s benediction from Phil. 4:8-9 emphasizes the purity and peace that comes from God alone.

Carl & Becky Lewis have been committed New Lifers since 2011. In this transparent-yet-discreet interview with Paul, the Lewises give their marriage journey, faith story, and overcoming sexual addiction by God’s grace, forgiveness, and accountability. Part 1 focuses on how Carl & Becky came together as a couple; how infidelity led to separation; and how the Lord used a Greg Laurie crusade to bring them both to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s opener and benediction were both drawn from Psalm 118, rejoicing in the days the Lord has appointed for us and praising Him for being rejected for us, bearing our sin, and giving us new life and acceptance by God the Father through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ the Son for our sins.

“Only Jesus Lights the Way Home.” This is the living epitaph for Ben Myre, our guest in part 2 of “Building His House.” Ben struggled for 10 years exploring other religions to find God, but he realized at age 24 that Jesus is the ONLY way to God! The title for these two episodes has a three-fold meaning: 1) Ben is building his family with his wife, Kristi; 2) Jesus is building His spiritual house, the Church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:4-5); and 3) Lord willing, New Life will soon build a new classroom wing for the glory of God (physical space expansion; multiplying ministry options; and further developing Disciple-by-Doing). New Lifers interested in discussing and possibly leading D-by-D activities (with a few forming a leadership team led by Paul) are encouraged to attend a vision & brainstorm meeting on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 6-7:30 in the Dome.

Paul sits down with his friend Ben Myre, New Life member and new chair of our Building Team. After swapping impersonations of one another, Part 1 focuses on Ben’s testimony and family, including how the Lord brought the Myres to New Life EFC in 2023 after living in five locations and having four kids along the way! Although highly active as a husband, father, project manager, and volunteer in several ministry areas at New Life, Ben’s testimony to his saving faith in Christ can be summarized in six words which he’d like as his epitaph: “Jesus Lights the Way Home.”

In this mid-summer episode, Paul returns to “regularly scheduled church programming” by discussing a few summer meetings that vitally inform and empower ongoing ministry. Paul opens with short tributes to the iconic TV series “The Twilight Zone” (1959-1964) and the recent passing of long-time pastor and theologian John MacArthur (1939-2025). He then offers a preview and overview of New Life’s Annual Meeting on July 27 and discusses leadership teams for Kids Ministry and Youth Ministry. He ends by reviewing of our Disciple-by-Doing ministry strategy and plugs a vision & brainstorm meeting on Sun., Aug. 3 after which a leadership team will help drive Disciple-by-Doing across all affinity ministries at New Life.

Paul walks through his life-long love of film by overviewing some origins and milestones for why movies (aka cinema, motion pictures, flicks, talkies) are an enduring favorite hobby. From gathering around the family TV in the 70’s to regularly hosting movie parties large and small, Paul continues to develop a Top 200 Movie list he began 40+ years ago. His criteria for ranking his favorite films include: standing up to/improving with repeated viewings; biblical worldview; writing/story; acting performances; directing/technical; design; entertainment value (notably the soundtrack/score); and cautions against offensive material (minimal innuendo/sinful sexual content, God’s name in vain/excessive profanity, or gratuitous violence devoid of redemptive/historical value). Ultimately, films should inspire and direct our hearts to the reality of the story of redemption being played out in our lives and in history until Jesus returns to renew all things!

Paul Arneberg brings back a report from EFCA One, the biennial national conference for our denomination. This year’s location was Valley Church in West Des Moines, IA and marked the 75th anniversary of the EFCA Merger in 1950. Paul overviews the five worship service (plenary session) speakers; the six trainings (breakout sessions) he attended; opportunities to connect with vocational church staff and missionaries; and a special presentation and dinner honoring Rev. Dr. Kevin Kompelien as he retires as president of TEDS and formerly president of the EFCA. Paul also shares his personal highlights, including the message by Pastor Quintin Stieff, “We Are People Who Love Our Neighbors and Love Our Communities”, and our own Pastor Brent Kompelien’s training session, “Re-placing Discipleship in the Local Church: Hands-on Learning that Embodies, Embeds, and Enacts the Biblical Story.” Just today, the EFCA posted videos of the five worship service speakers and other helpful resources, including an inspiring reenactment of the 1950 merger photo with the 1,003 conference attenders in 2025!

Paul concludes his two-part interview with Administrative Coordinator Anne Van Kleek. After recapping her testimony, Paul asks Anne to describe how her church staff experience has been deeply enriched amidst her current two-year process of taking the Prepared class through the EFCA. The second half focuses on her and Glenn raising their special needs daughter, Mary. (Note: The intentional misspelling in the title is a nod to the MN State Fair’s “Admin Too” building by the Bandshell and a subtle tip-of-the-hat to the many proofreading needs required of those who regularly publish newsletters, emails, postings, and podcast descriptions. ;-)

Paul sits down with Anne Van Kleek, our faithful Administrative Coordinator who has been serving vocationally at New Life since October 2021. In Part 1, Anne shares her testimony, including how the Lord has guided both her and her husband of 35 years, Glenn, through many trials and joys: their initial pregnancy ending in a stillbirth at 7.5 months; a healthy boy; an early miscarriage; and a special needs daughter. Anne shares the Van Kleeks’ journey through three local churches and how the Lord has blessed them through each experience during specific seasons of life, including gaining a heart for missions. The last part of Part 1 covers Anne’s hiring at New Life; a typical day in her job role; and her recent freedom of seeing her Sunday morning role as an act of worship rather than merely a to-do list.

Paul starts this second podcast on his life mission statement with a triple-shoutout to the number 110: the lifespan of Joseph (a type of Christ); the lifespan of Joshua (Heb.: Yeshua, another type of Christ); and the messianic Psalm 110. Paul then dives into his life mission statement using select Scriptures and commentary: “Bearing fruit for Jesus Christ, faithfully stewarding mentorship, teaching, leadership, writing, speaking, marriage, and hospitality, by God’s grace, through the Spirit’s power, for His glory.” The seven targeted words reflect a calling to influence, communicate, and life-share, all centered in our Triune God. Regardless of gifts, age, or spiritual maturity, all Christ-followers should examine priorities for purposeful living for the Lord!

As Pastor Brent is still in the early weeks of his 3-month sabbatical, Paul recounts his own partial sabbatical back in 2016. Tying together his life-changing summer as a camp counselor in 1989 with a year of marriage restoration in 2007, Paul details how a challenging adventure to Philmont Scout Ranch prompted him to write a 25-word life mission statement. In so doing, Paul has seen the Lord’s grace and a continuity of calling from age 20 through today and as long as the Lord wills him to live. All listeners are challenged to make intentional choices and respond to unexpected trials in order to live more fruitfully and purposefully for the Lord our God.

Paul offers “director’s commentary” for his Psalm 8 sermon on 5/25/25. The themes of our human weakness, the strength of the LORD (YHWH), and the grace of Jesus are found throughout Psalm 8. Key cross-references include Heb. 2:5-9; 4:14-16; Matt. 11:25-30; 21:16; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; and Rev. 22:3-5. God’s Name, God’s Glory, and God’s Will in Psalm 8 help us to make sense of the dichotomy of our sinful, broken state apart from Christ—and His offer for redemption and fulfillment to reign with Him forever in glory and honor on the New Earth!

Initially intended as a commentary on his latest sermon delivered during Pastor Brent’s sabbatical, Paul turned Episode 107 into a personal glimpse into his preparation process for his intermittent preaching at New Life. Despite holding B.A. in Speech-Communication and having 37 years of teaching the Bible to all ages, Paul has had a steep learning curve as he’s navigated the breadth, depth, and nuances of preparing sermons for our church family. Over the past 15 months, preaching six times has been Paul’s experience of receiving “disciple-by-doing” thanks to much coaching and trust from Pastor Brent. A theme of this episode (and of Psalm 8, discussed more in Part 2) is that the Lord establishes strength in our weaknesses, evidenced by Paul battling in the Spirit and against his flesh to learn this new challenge. NOTE: Two more key steps were omitted in Paul’s “10 Steps for Sermon Prep” in this episode: thinking of illustrations and applications! Those key elements transform a sermon from a lecture to a pastoral exercise affecting the will in a relational context.

Paul and Pastor Brent look ahead to our 17-week summer sermon series in the Psalms. While Pastor Brent will kick off this series on May 11 and take the last two sermons (Aug. 24 & 31), 11 other preachers will cover 14 weeks during the entirety of Pastor Brent’s sabbatical. The co-hosts discuss specific psalms and themes; name the elders and EFCA leaders who will join Paul in preaching this summer; and challenge the youth (and anyone who chooses) to read all 150 psalms from June 1-Aug. 31. Pastor Brent also announces other sermon series plans, including Ruth for Advent 2025 and Romans spanning this fall through most of 2026. Finally, Paul and Pastor Brent put a bow on other big picture plans at New Life EFC by touching on growth groups, possible electives, and an upcoming Disciple-By-Doing Leadership Team forming later this year.

Pastor Brent and Paul preview a culminating day in the life of our church. On 5/4/25, we’ll have one service at 10 am, combining abridged corporate worship (including the end of our James series) with a business meeting detailing the 14 pp. packet emailed to our members on Resurrection Sunday. Key words are covered here (vision, staffing, serving, building, budgeting, fundraising, voting) and in much more detail on May 4th.

Pastor Brent and Paul discuss the why, what, and when of Pastor Brent’s 3-month sabbatical from pastoral ministry this summer. This period of rest, reflection, refocusing and realignment is based partly on Lev. 25 and is being advised by the North Central District of the EFCA, benefitting both the Kompelien family and New Life EFC. Paul’s opening passage (Matt. 11:28-30) and benediction (Rev. 7:15-17) both point to Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd and giver of rest, protection, presence, and peace.

Paul Arneberg and Pastor Brent Kompelien overview the purpose and process of ministry credentialing (licensing) and ordination in the EFCA. Paul is nearing the end of his 18-month journey (pending final approval from BOMS, the national board of ministerial standing), and Pastor Brent addresses the importance of this commendation from the Lord and the body of Christ. Key Scriptures shared include 2 Cor. 3:1-5; 10:18; and 1 Cor. 2:1-5.

Pastor Brent and Paul preview an upcoming elective class at New Life EFC entitled “Foundations.” Paul’s opener is from Psalm 102:25-27 (quoted in Heb. 1:10-12). Just as the Lord laid the foundation of the earth, He also gave us “foundations” to the Christian life, which Pastor Brent articulates as “Who is God?”, “What is the Gospel?”, “What is the Bible?”, “What is the Church?”, and “What is Spiritual Growth?”. These major foundational topics will be covered weekly and in-person from March 25-April 22, including Q&A and growth with brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of stage of spiritual maturity. In addition to Paul & Pastor Brent’s typical banter and color commentary, Paul ends with Heb. 13:8 as a benediction and antidote to the transient nature of this creation and this life: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

This episode (the final in a four-part series) covers the same material that Pastor Brent presented at New Life EFC on 3/4/25. “Session 4—Staging Parables of the Kingdom: Learning to Love People and Place.” With 2 Cor. 5:11-21 as his main passage, Pastor Brent discusses “Ambassadorial Discipleship,” Foretaste and Signpost of the Kingdom of God,” and “Staging Parables of the Kingdom.” He draws on Christian theologians and authors Lesslie Newbigin, Jonathan Leeman, and Kevin Vanhoozer.

What began as a communication strategy in Fall 2022 to kick off our building campaign has developed into our weekly, comprehensive all-purpose church podcast! Paul and Pastor Brent celebrate the origin, traditions, interviews, innovations, and purpose of this Roots & Branches podcast. They also recap the recent vote to hire Station 19 as our architect and look to the future of expanding ministry options to all ages, especially our kids and youth.

This episode (the third of four) covers the same material that Pastor Brent presented at New Life EFC on 2/25/25. Session 3 is entitled “Capturing the Imagination: Gospel Transformation and Renewal.” Keying off of The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-31), Pastor Brent discusses “Reordering What We Love” (heart); “Redefining Our Identity” (soul); “Rediscovering What Is True” (mind); and “Repatterning Our Behavior” (strength). He also covers “Instruments vs. Devices” and “Tacit Knowledge—Inhabiting the Biblical Story.” He ends with a proper understanding of improvisation as it relates not just to theater and music, but to the Christian life that relies on years of discipleship training to adapt to the constant changes we experience.

This episode (the second of four) covers the same material that Pastor Brent presented at New Life EFC on 2/18/25. Session 2 is entitled “Biblical Solution: God Forms His People in Particular Places.” Pastor Brent begins with “The Importance of ‘Place’ in the Bible” (from Eden through the New Earth) and goes on to discuss “Places vs. Non-Places,” “Distortions in Western Culture,” and “Recovering God’s Good Design.”