Under the Hood

We’re kicking things off with a dose of heart-warming nostalgia as Pastor Joe shares a special moment with his son, Brock—even if it does lead to one of those classic stories Kirsten has heard once or twice before! From there, Pastor Joe and Kirsten lean into the deep end, revisiting last week’s sermon to explore the radical truth that God consistently chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary feats for His Kingdom. You’ll want to lean in for the data, too; Pastor Joe reveals a startling statistic regarding the most influential decade for Jesus in a believer's journey that caught Kirsten completely off guard. We wrap the episode with a look at Pastor Joe’s recent DIY adventures, proving that while he’s a pro behind the pulpit, he might just be ready for a second career in the handyman business. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Get ready for a mix of laughs and deep reflection as Pastor Joe and Kirsten recap the Pasta & Pie Auction. Pastor Joe defends the questionable smell of his "whipped cream beard" as a small price to pay for the students, prompting a nostalgic trip down memory lane about his own Christ in Youth (CIY) experiences—including a "crush" whose name is long lost to history. The conversation takes a serious turn during "Stump the Pastor," where Kirsten tackles a modern dilemma: how should Christians navigate mandatory pronouns in email signatures? It’s a nuanced discussion on workplace culture and personal conviction that ultimately anchors on the simple goal to "be like Jesus." They wrap up with a sneak preview of Acts 4 and the early church's first taste of opposition. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are quite literally airing some "dirty laundry" from the Williams’ household this past weekend. Between a mysterious disappearance of a favorite top and a rogue tube of lipstick, things got a little grumpy behind closed doors. The tension eases as Kirsten grills Joe on that "two novels" bombshell from last week, leading to a surprising reveal about a guilty pleasure they both secretly share. They’re also getting vulnerable about the fast-approaching reality of "Emptynestville," discovering they have polar opposite reactions to their last one launching. Let’s pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Buckle up, because this week we’re kicking things off with a revelation no one saw coming! If the Williamses hadn’t answered the call to ministry, they wouldn’t be behind a pulpit—they’d be chasing...tornadoes?! Pastor Joe takes us back to his college days with a harrowing story involving a "doozy" of a storm. Next, Kirsten checks in on Pastor Joe’s transition to the new Thursday Night Service routine. Turns out, rewriting your internal clock and sermon prep rhythm is no small feat! To wrap things up, they put producer, Abbey, in the hot seat and ask what kind of preacher she'd be, and there's no shortage of opinions! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten begin with an Easter recap! Pastor Joe points out what he believes is a fundamental difference between men and women when it comes to expecting company! Next, they pivot into a powerful shift, inspired by the Holy Spirit during Easter week. Pastor Joe then reviews the 3 critical questions from his Easter message. They also dive into key ideas from a conversation on The Sean Ryan Show with Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, touching on topics such as the Shroud of Turin and the intersection of faith, history, and evidence. They close by introducing a new series, HIS WORDS: UNLEASHED, a 21-week journey through the Book of Acts designed to challenge, equip, and ignite a bold, active faith. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe and Kirsten are back from a "last hoorah" vacation with their graduating senior, Brock. They rehash some harrowing travel tales...if Diet Coke drama can be considered "harrowing!" The conversation then takes a global turn as the duo dives into a lively exploration of Easter traditions from around the world. Along the way, Joe recounts the nerves of preaching his very first Easter sermon, while Kirsten revisits a regrettable Easter fashion choice from the late 90s. To wrap it all up, they’re venting about the return of some very uninvited and highly irritating guests. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

This week on Under the Hood, things get hilariously real as Pastor Joe and Kirsten dive into a marital spat sparked by Joe’s relentless optimism—and the clever gift Kirsten bought just to keep from crying. Once the dust settles, the duo pivots to the cutting room floor, sharing powerful insights on generosity that Joe couldn't fit into last Sunday’s sermon. Centered around the wisdom of Proverbs 3:9-10, they tackle the heavy-hitting question: "Do I truly trust the Lord in this area of my life?" We wrap things up with a heartfelt tribute to our incredible listeners and a warm send-off for Spring Break. Let’s pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

From fast food feuds to life-altering grace, this week’s episode of Under the Hood covers the full spectrum. After a quick (we promise!) final word on the Great Chicken Biscuit Debate, Pastor Joe and Kirsten dive into the powerful conclusion of our Hope and a Future series to discuss a wonderfully surprising outcome. Things get personal as Pastor Joe unpacks a moving story of a time they received an act of outrageous, undeserved generosity—a memory that still stirs up deep emotions and serves as a beautiful reminder that God’s timing is never accidental. We wrap things up with a lighthearted revelation about what Joe has recently discovered regarding his cats’ "true" feelings toward him. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Is there a "right" way to eat a chicken biscuit? This week, Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick things off with a high-stakes culinary debate that proves even the simplest breakfast can spark a lively disagreement. But once the crumbs settle, the conversation shifts from the drive-thru to the soul as they "pop the hood" on last week’s moving sermon regarding Christlike Compassion. Pastor Joe reflects on the powerful story of his son, Brock—a moment of vulnerability that resonated deeply across the entire NewLife community—while taking us on a few signature "rabbit trails" down memory lane to revisit the mental snapshots of some perfect moments. As the episode unfolds, Kirsten shares her heart on why she believes our church is entering a unique, transformative season of spiritual growth. This leads to a stirring charge from Pastor Joe for all of us to not just notice the world around us, but to see, feel, and be moved to action like Jesus. We wrap things up with an exciting look at the horizon, previewing the many big things in store for our future. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pull up a chair for an episode that moves from a lighthearted pizza parlor date to the front lines of global ministry. Before diving into the deep end with NewLife Go Partners Tommy and Shiny, Pastor Joe and Kirsten share an intimate Valentine’s conversation that's both relatable and hilarious. The tone shifts quickly as Tommy and Shiny reveal the staggering impact of their ministry's work in India, where the miraculous is becoming a daily occurrence. You’ll hear the incredible account of an unbelieving paraplegic whose life was so transformed by compassionate care that he not only found faith but built his own home to support his family. From a single believer’s grueling eight-hour round-trip trek that resulted in 32 baptisms in one day, the evidence of life change is undeniable. However, these victories come at a cost. The team provides a sobering look at the intensifying persecution in India, where new anti-conversion laws and unfounded accusations have forced their ministry to pivot rapidly to ensure the safety of their workers. This episode is a call to action for the global church to stand in prayer for Tommy, Shiny, and the resilient believers facing these growing challenges. Let’s pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Buckle up for a journey that spans from the sunny central valley of California to the vibrant heart of India as Pastor Joe and Kirsten sit down with Go Partners Tommy and Shiny. This episode of Under the Hood kicks off with a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as all four dive into their shared history as Ozark Christian College alumni before unpacking the incredible path God paved to bring Tommy and Shiny together. Their story is a beautiful tapestry of cross-cultural ministry, but in true Under the Hood fashion, the conversation takes plenty of delightful detours along the way. Whether they are navigating the cultural nuances of "love marriages" versus arranged marriages or debating the merits of fried okra and beards, this fast-paced episode offers a raw and joyful look at the realities of the mission field. It’s an invitation to see the human side of global ministry—equal parts heart, humor, and deep faith. Be sure to listen to the inspiring conclusion of this interview next week! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

This episode kicks off with a hilarious play-by-play of Pastor Joe’s sermon-turned-funeral for his beloved Chiefs. From the story behind Kirsten’s black veil—originally purchased for the Queen’s passing—to the literal sour grapes Pastor Joe tossed into the crowd to commemorate his Super Bowl sorrow, no detail of the mourning bit is left behind. The duo also dives into the cultural zeitgeist, breaking down the controversial halftime show before taking a moment to reminisce about the icon that is Dolly Parton. The conversation takes a serious—but exciting—turn as they announce a major shift for the church: starting April 9th, the Saturday night service is officially moving to Thursday nights. Kirsten drops some exclusive, "under the hood" tidbits about the logistics of the move, while Pastor Joe offers a heartfelt perspective on why change is difficult even when it’s for the better. After a deep dive into the developing Young Adults ministry, the episode wraps up in the most unexpected way possible with a spontaneous sourdough devotional. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe kicks things off by spilling a "delicious" secret about Kirsten that’s definitely not diet-friendly, but oh-so-satisfying. Moving from the kitchen to the awards stage, the duo dives into Jelly Roll’s viral Grammy acceptance speech. While Pastor Joe offers a gentle warning about the dangers of sourcing your theology from hit singles, he also issues a challenge to long-time believers, including himself: the fight against Pharisaical legalism is real and constant. Kirsten keeps things grounded with her signature wit, reminding Joe that she’s his best defense against that slippery slope because, at the end of the day, we’re all just "measly blobs of clay" in the hands of the Maker. Stick around until the end for a closing update that Kirsten insists is definitely not about the cats! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss not just surviving the snowstorm but thriving, with homemade soups, warm fires, and couch cuddles. Then they move on to where the Hope and a Future series is headed this weekend. Pastor Joe is so fired up to answer three pivotal questions for the NewLife family that he nearly delivers his entire Sunday sermon! Finally, they conclude with a discussion of the upcoming trip to Israel. It's going to be an amazing time, and most importantly, you're invited! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

After an unplanned week off, Pastor Joe and Kirsten return to the mics—though they can’t quite seem to agree on why they were gone. As they settle back in, the duo prepares for an impending snowstorm and takes a moment to clear up the confusion surrounding a "big reveal." The conversation shifts from local updates to the future of the church as they discuss the heart behind the new Young Adults Ministry, before pivoting into a fascinating and timely exploration of Artificial Intelligence. To wrap it all up, things get personal as Joe and Kirsten celebrate the bittersweet milestone of their youngest child’s 18th birthday. It’s an episode full of laughs, deep questions, and heartfelt reflections on moving into new seasons. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Happy 2026! Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten as they "pop the hood" on a brand-new year. From nostalgic Y2K memories and the unwelcome transition to empty-nesting to a deep reflection on the end of the 59-week His Words series, this episode is packed with heart. We’re looking back at what we’ve learned and leaning into a fresh vision with the new Hope and a Future series. Stick around for a quick cat update at the end! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

In this powerful conclusion to their conversation with Pastor Elisha, Pastor Joe and Kirsten take us from the relatable busyness of the holidays to the front lines of faith in India. Pastor Elisha shares the origin story of Grace Ministries and the reality of facing organized persecution. With his daily preaching schedule, Pastor Elisha models his ministry after Jesus' by 'preaching and feeding.' Through his ministry, Muslims are being baptized, Hindus are asking for prayer, widows and orphans are receiving care, and the homeless are restored to dignity. "If I rest, I rust!" That's his motto. Pastor Elisha calls every listener to pray for the salvation of the people of India. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten as they sit down with Pastor Elisha from Grace Ministries, a dedicated NewLife GO Partner! You'll be deeply moved as Pastor Elisha shares the incredible, generations-spanning story of his family's faith journey in India, where the dominant religion is Hinduism. In this first part, you'll hear the powerful testimony of Pastor Elisha's father, who was the first Christian in his entire village. Becoming a follower of Christ meant facing severe ostracization and persecution from his community. Discover how his unwavering devotion to Jesus became the seed that allowed the Gospel to spread, despite the relentless opposition. Pastor Elisha credits his father's faithfulness as the foundational reason he and all his siblings are serving the Lord today, and why Grace Ministries exists. Plus, Pastor Elisha offers a fascinating, eye-opening look into cultural customs and differences as he discusses his own arranged marriage. This is just the beginning of an inspiring testimony you won't want to miss! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick off the post-Thanksgiving season with a relatable, hilarious discussion about gifts. Kirsten shares that her love language is gifts, while Pastor Joe candidly confesses that gift-giving is a major "growth area" for him. From there, they pivot to some neighborhood breaking news—a spontaneous report on the local cat drama! The conversation then takes a deeper turn as Pastor Joe shares his heart regarding the current "His Words" sermon series, the longest he's ever preached, lamenting his desire for more time to truly dig deep into the text and explore the scriptures. Finally, they wrap up the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude for their recent GO Partner interviews, highlighting the inspiring Kingdom work these partners are doing all over the world. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Overland Missions' Hannah Tynes is back in the studio with Pastor Joe and Kirsten, and her story is more challenging than ever. Hannah shatters the myth that the younger generation is the church of "tomorrow," powerfully demonstrating that God will use anyone who is fully surrendered to build His Kingdom—no matter their age. Get ready to be fueled by her infectious optimism and encouraged to move with bold courage toward the divine plan God has for you. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe and Kirsten sit down with NewLife GO Partner Hannah Tynes of Overland Missions, a young woman who sacrificially laid down her life as a teenager to answer God's call in Zambia. Hannah's powerful story of witnessing Christ transform the darkest corners of the world makes Pastor Joe ask the central question: "Why does it shock us when people go all out for God?" Plus, the episode kicks off with a celebration of the 100th episode of Under the Hood, featuring heartfelt messages of appreciation from listeners. You won't want to miss the inspiring first part of this two-week special. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

NewLife GO Partner, Matt Rule of Crossover Global, returns to the studio with Pastor Joe and Kirsten to continue sharing his powerful journey! Matt dives deeper into the practical realities and spiritual rewards of serving in the Middle East. Get ready for more inspiring, firsthand accounts of life on the mission field as Crossover Global works to see unreached peoples know Christ. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten welcome Matt Rule of Crossover Global, one of NewLife's GO Partners. Matt shares his amazing, life-changing testimony: He left the corporate banking world to trade "building his own kingdom" in Middle America for building God's Kingdom in the Middle East. Get ready for powerful, firsthand accounts of Muslims stepping out of the darkness of Islam and into the light of Christ. This is just Part 1—you won't want to miss next week's continuation! Let’s pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

This week, Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick things off by chatting about the gorgeous Fall weather and their hilarious, albeit annoying, bird problem. Then, the conversation shifts to this week's message on Repentance. They discuss how the critical theme of repentance seems to be fading in many of today's churches, but Pastor Joe reminds us of Jesus' challenging words: if we don't repent, we, too, will perish. Sticking with the sermon, Pastor Joe gives us a fun, under-the-hood look at how he creates his AI-generated sermon graphics—which leads to a funny revelation about his secret dream to become a Jedi! Finally, they wrap up the episode with a less-than-stellar update on the NewLifeNWA app. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Can you tell what's real anymore? Pastor Joe and Kirsten tackle the growing challenge of AI-generated videos and deepfakes, sharing their frustration over the spread of fake news on social media. Then, they pop the hood on last week's sermon—and Pastor Joe's surprising admission that it was "a little long." Plus, get all the details on the new Foundations discipleship class and the upcoming Holy Land trip information meeting! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

An accidental communion spill leads to a lengthy review of Pastor Joe & Kirsten's favorite church bloopers. From a problematic pizza delivery to a baptism tidal wave, this opener is good for a laugh. Next, they discuss a much more serious topic: the recent headline about Gateway Pastor, Robert Morris. They discuss what constitutes a disqualification for ministry, how repentance and forgiveness play a role in restoration, and the boundaries they've implemented in their own lives to avoid the appearance of evil. Finally, they provide an update on 'Vulture-gate'! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe pulls back the curtain on his sermon-writing process, revealing how Kirsten's feedback is key to polishing his messages. This leads to a lively discussion about asking permission before sharing personal stories from the pulpit—something Pastor Joe, as a PK (Pastor's Kid), knows is vital. Get ready for some sweet, personal anecdotes about his own dad, Pastor Dick Williams, that informed his approach. Then, they dive into last week's message on John chapter 10. Pastor Joe makes a bold statement: understanding and believing the two central claims Jesus makes in this chapter is non-negotiable for a Christian. He also shares some helpful Christian apologetics resources to help listeners dig deeper. Finally, they wrap up with another vindictive vulture attack! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten pick right up where they left off last week. Pastor Joe starts off by giving a sure-fire way to spot a Progressive Christian church. Then, they dive into a conversation about forgiveness. Pastor Joe reminds us that it's level ground at the foot of the cross. None of us wants to be caught behaving like "the unmerciful servant." How should we conduct ourselves in light of all Christ has forgiven us? They wrap up with a US Naval Academy hoax that nearly turned deadly and a "personal" attack by some turkey vultures! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics after Summer Break! A lot has happened since we last heard from them, so buckle up! They give a family update and launch into a discussion of "Freezergate." Pastor Joe had surgery over the summer, too, and that leads to a trip down memory lane. Finally, they talk about how Pastor Joe's sermon on "The Unmerciful Servant" touched a nerve at NewLife. The discussion on forgiveness leads into a timely reflection on the death of Charlie Kirk. Come back next week for Part 2! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten for a very special episode as they sit down with NewLife's Worship Pastor Jon Moore and his wife, Monica. For the past year and a half, the Moore family has walked a long and difficult journey. In this heartfelt (and sometimes hilarious!) conversation, Jon and Monica courageously share their story directly, offering listeners a chance to truly understand what they’ve faced. You'll undoubtedly find inspiration in their faith and resilience. If you feel led to support the Moore family, you can give at https://www.newlifenwa.com/give/ and choose "Moore Love Offering" or email [email protected] with any questions. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss their childhood gaming habits. Pastor Joe reveals that after 26 years of marriage, there are still things he does not know about his wife. A listener surprised Pastor Joe with a shocking confession, leading Kirsten to discover a kindred spirit! Then, they discuss last week's sermon about Jesus' teaching on motives for acts of righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 6. Pastor Joe reiterates that we should serve an 'Audience of One' - only God. Finally, we bid the Under the Hood Podcast listeners farewell for the summer! We'll be back with Season 4 in the Fall! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Today's episode is a family affair! Kirsten's parents, Ken & Scheri Bentsen, are in the house, and let's just say they came armed with some highly entertaining (and maybe slightly incriminating for Kirsten!) stories from her childhood. Prepare for tales that prove Kirsten has always been Kirsten! Then, Pastor Joe shifts gears for a truly heartwarming moment, highlighting that all of Ken and Scheri's grown children are serving the Lord. He picks their brains for invaluable advice for young parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising the next generation. Get ready for some genuine pearls of wisdom, sprinkled with a few more hilarious Bentsen family anecdotes. Finally, Pastor Joe & Kirsten talk about their whirlwind 48-hour visit from Neil for Mother's Day! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

A mysterious stench has left the Williams' home flipped upside down, but Pastor Joe & Kirsten reveal its not-so-mysterious source in today's episode! They laugh about their polar opposite spending habits, and then launch into a Holy Land discussion. They reminisce about their June 2023 Israel trip and look forward to the next one in the Fall of 2026. Pastor Joe does a deep dive on what it means for salt to lose its saltiness in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Finally, they wrap it up with a cat update and a surprise from Neil. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Ever wonder what keeps your pastor up at night? Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss what's left him bleary-eyed this week! But the real debate heats up when they tackle a topic near and dear (and maybe a little pricey): cake! Pastor Joe confesses to a reaction he's not exactly proud of, which leads them to revisit last week's powerful sermon on the Beatitudes. They discuss how these eight seemingly simple statements paint a picture of a life transformed by Jesus. Plus, Pastor Joe shares a heartfelt call to prayer, urging us to invest in the next generation of godly leaders and championing participation over perfection. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten this week as they shine a spotlight on, as they call them, the "unsung heroes" of NewLife – the Administrative Assistants! They discuss the wonderful Easter services we had at NewLife despite the wind and rain. Then, prepare for a passionate dive into one of Pastor Joe and Kirsten's biggest pet peeves: the mystery of the left-lane cruisers. They also unpack a truly strange and somewhat disturbing marketing trend some churches tried out this Easter. Next, they rave about the phenomenal talent of the NewLife worship team before wrapping things up with a major Williams' cat milestone. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Get ready for some Easter cheer with Pastor Joe and Kirsten! They're diving into their favorite things about the holiday, from delicious candies to springtime outfits and cherished memories. Then, brace yourselves as Kirsten spills the beans on a hilarious "oopsie daisy" that snuck into last week's sermon! Pastor Joe offers insightful context around Jesus' powerful triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, setting the stage for a meaningful Easter weekend. Their heartfelt encouragement? To pray for open ears and open hearts for everyone joining us at NewLife. And just when you think the conversation is over, stick around for a delightful update involving...fish and cats! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Something smells fishy in today's opener with Pastor Joe & Kirsten, and it may not be what you think! Then, they dive deep into the challenges of distractions, the experience of being called out from the pulpit, and the nuances of legalism. Pastor Joe shares some insight on a textual variant in John chapter 5, and Kirsten grills Pastor Joe on superstitions. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Kirsten's back! Get ready for a candid catch-up on her post-surgery recovery (prepare for Pastor Joe's squirming!). Then, they reveal the "cutting room floor" moments from Pastor Joe's sermon on Matthew, including the story everyone's been asking about: the neighbor! Finally, Kirsten shares a moment of sincere gratitude with the listeners. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe and NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, pick up his story by sharing how Pastor Sonny was called out of air traffic control and into full-time ministry. Now, instead of directing planes to runways, he's directing people to Christ. He reveals how his leadership training in the U.S. Navy is directly impacting NewLife's discipleship efforts, emphasizing the power of relationships in fulfilling the church's core mission: to GO make disciples. Pastor Sonny's passion is contagious! He wants everyone at NewLife to be either making disciples or being discipled. Tune in to hear his vision and find out how to connect with him. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe sits down with NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, to discuss the transformative power of faith in his life. From a self-proclaimed atheist to a fully devoted follower of Christ, Pastor Sonny's story is a testament to God's ability to reach even the most unlikely individuals in the most unbelievable ways. Pastor Sonny's journey is filled with divine appointments. Hear how God moved in his life, culminating in a powerful moment of leading his dying father to Christ. Part 2 of Pastor Sonny's story will be out next week! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten jump right into a wonderfully weird pancake debate and the rabbit trail ensues! Then, shifting gears, they delve into Pastor Joe's sermon from Luke 5. It's a familiar passage, one he's preached on multiple times, yet the message hits him with fresh power each time. The Word of God doesn't change, but we do. Jesus ending up in Peter's boat was, Pastor Joe believes, a divine appointment. He challenges the listener to consider if they've had God-orchestrated "boat moments" in their lives. Share your story with us: [email protected]. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten welcome the month of March with some nostalgia! Then, they jump into Part 2 of Robert & Jennifer Banes' testimony. Just when they thought their race was over, it was really just beginning. Jesus is radically transforming them into a new creation, and their transparency and authenticity will bless all who have ears to hear. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten explain the big gap in the recording schedule for the Under the Hood podcast. It wasn't intentional, we promise! Next, they introduce a special couple in our NewLife family, Robert & Jennifer Banes. The Banes share a powerful testimony of the radical transformation God is orchestrating in their lives right now. They share how the Lord rescued them both from the brink of destruction despite their trauma-filled early years, and how He has helped them to fully surrender to His will for their lives, both individually and together. Part 2 of their inspiring testimony will be out next week! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are ecstatic that the Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl AGAIN! They're looking forward to all their fun traditions in Kansas City and Super Bowl weekend at NewLife! Then they jump into a discussion about the latest His Words sermon. Pastor Joe points out how Jesus' first miracle points to His last, the Resurrection. The qualities of overabundance and 'very best' excellence reflect the character of God; how He overflows us with more mercy, grace, and forgiveness than we will ever need. Pastor Joe reflects on the fact that he is still growing as he studies scripture. Finally, in our "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, there's an eye-opening moment caught on camera during a church service that leads to some lively discussion! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics after a month-long hiatus and a lot has happened! There have been some highs and lows for the Williams family. Joe shares, as he calls it, a "massive cat update!" Then, they discuss the benefits of studying the life of Christ chronologically in the current His Words series. Finally, Kirsten shares a personal breakthrough in her culinary endeavors! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

They're baaaaaaaack! The Williams boys are back in the studio, and it's a lively one on the Under the Hood podcast! Pastor Joe & Kirsten enlist the boys to give a family update. Brock has been busy with orchestra and finals, and Neil is a "Plebe No More" at the Naval Academy. Pastor Joe and Kirsten ask their sons to talk about staying anchored in their faith amid such busy seasons. Then they all talk favorite Christmas traditions...including some not-so-favorite memories! Finally, they wrap up the podcast with a cat update and everyone has BIG feelings about it. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten have a bunch of updates for the Under the Hood audience! Thanksgiving, Neil, cats, football, sourdough, and blessings to name a few. Several fun stories pop up and a chance run-in with Kansas City Chiefs Safety, Justin Reid, leads to an interesting investigation of what true blessing looks like. Pastor Joe poses the question, "Are we thinking about blessings the right way?" They look at how blessing is used in the Bible and compare it to our modern vernacular use. Finally, you won't want to miss Kirsten's earth-shattering sourdough update! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recount a weekend full of loss - all sports-related disappointments! Then they dive into the sermon and Kirsten confesses that she learned something new in last week's sermon. Next, Pastor Joe shares a stomach-turning clip in the "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment. Finally, Kirsten offers a brief but triumphant sourdough update, and they both share the latest in their kitten saga. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten have a big sports week lined up! They discuss the Chief's last-minute block, this week's upcoming game and even a few boxing matches they're looking forward to. Then, they unpack Pastor Joe's sermon series, His Words, in a little more depth and even drop some hints about where we're headed. The finale this week is loaded with sourdough, kittens, and social justice - it's a doozy! Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten launch into a discussion about their late night watching the polls come in. Kirsten recounts a hilarious election night tradition that started when their boys were younger. Next, they talk about the astounding turnout for the disciple-making workshop, and Pastor Joe shares his excitement for the start of the "His Words" sermon series all about Jesus. Finally, in this week's "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, Pastor Joe digs up a clip from across the pond to help us all develop a more discerning ear. Let's pop the hood! Email: [email protected] Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/