Make Jesus Known Podcast

In this episode of the Make Jesus Known Podcast, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Amanda dive into the opening of their Exodus series by talking about how God’s rescue defines our identity. They address the loud, false stories our culture tells us about who we are and contrast them with the truth of being sons and daughters of God. They also reflect on the meaning of names in Scripture and encourage listeners who are waiting for God’s rescue with the reminder that He sees, knows, and is always at work.

In this episode of the Make Jesus Known podcast, Amanda and Riley unpack how the gospel unites what culture often divides. Drawing from Revelation 7 and Matthew 22, they explore God’s heart for many nations and what it practically looks like to love our neighbors across cultural differences. Together they discuss the practices of cultural intelligence, curiosity over assumptions, humility in relationships, and the essential role of the Holy Spirit in building true unity in the church.

In this episode of the Make Jesus Known Podcast, the conversation unpacks Pastor Andrew’s message, “The No-Bound Gospel,” from John 4 and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. The hosts explore how naturally we draw boundaries around people—labeling others as “in” or “out,” worthy or unworthy of our time, attention, or even the gospel itself. They share personal stories of being put in a box because of church size and reputation, as well as times they themselves made assumptions about others based on labels, past experiences, or appearances.From there, they contrast Nicodemus, the respected religious leader, with the rejected Samaritan woman and reflect on how Jesus fully engages both ends of the spectrum with the same pursuing love. They discuss how the gospel truly knows no bounds, pointing to the Revelation 7 picture of a multiethnic, multilingual multitude worshiping before the throne as the end result of this boundary-breaking good news.The episode also gets practical: How do we prepare our hearts and minds to share Jesus with people who are different from us, difficult for us, or even prejudiced against us? The hosts talk about abiding in Christ, cultivating humility, daily time in Scripture and prayer, emotional and spiritual self-awareness, and relying on the Holy Spirit in uncomfortable conversations. They emphasize that no single person can reach everyone, but that God has uniquely placed each believer in specific communities—families, workplaces, cultures, and friend groups—to make Jesus known there. Ultimately, listeners are invited to lay down their labels, remember what Christ has done for them, and step into everyday opportunities to embody a truly no-bound gospel.

Pastor Matt and Andrew reflect on an unforgettable Holy Week at New Life Church, including a packed, multi-church Good Friday service that showcased powerful unity in a largely unchurched region. From there, they dive into Jesus’ words in John 14, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” exploring what His exclusive claim means in a culture that insists all paths lead to God. Andrew shares vulnerably about losing his son and what it looks like to wrestle with God in seasons of deep pain and disorientation. Together they unpack how Jesus as “the way” guides us when we feel lost, how “the truth” is ultimately a person rather than just ideas, and how “the life” is more than the American dream—it’s a Spirit-filled, abundant life that can endure suffering and still find hope.

In this episode, Worship Pastor Bethany sits down with Pastor Heidi Messner to unpack Heidi’s recent Palm Sunday message about how our beliefs shape the way we live. Heidi shares how hidden mindsets like “If I don’t do it, no one will” or “If I don’t do everything right, my life won’t be good” grew out of her experiences growing up overseas and as a young wife and mother—and how Jesus began to transform those beliefs.They talk about worship as far more than singing in church: it’s a lifestyle of glorifying Jesus in everyday actions—our work, generosity, relationships, and the way we care for others. Heidi explains why real worship always costs us something, because it involves surrendering control and trusting God with our time, finances, identity, and plans. She offers simple, practical ways to surrender to Jesus daily, like starting the day in prayer and letting God reorder our “overloaded plate” of responsibilities.They also explore why being around church and spiritual environments isn’t the same as having a surrendered heart, and how we can turn from just being in proximity to Jesus to actually facing Him and trusting Him. In the context of Palm Sunday, Heidi reflects on the crowds laying down their cloaks and how true worship means laying down the identities and coverings we cling to, and instead letting God define who we are.If you’ve ever felt over-responsible, not enough, stuck in shame, or unsure how to truly live a life of worship, this conversation will help you see Jesus’ constant presence with you and invite you into a deeper place of surrender and freedom.

In this episode of the New Life Podcast, Cristen from the nursery team sits down with Pastor Matt Messner to talk about life-changing moments, new seasons, and the power of baptism.Fresh off a Sunday where 24 people were baptized at New Life, they reflect on why baptism is such a significant marker in a person’s faith journey. Matt shares his own baptism story—complete with an unexpected poolside rescue—and connects it to what it means to quietly live a life of ministry without needing applause. Kristen tells the moving story of how she and her husband, coming from little to no Christian background and her own history in the Mormon church, both encountered Jesus, found a sense of belonging at New Life, and chose to be baptized together.They also look ahead to Palm Sunday and Holy Week, exploring how Jesus’ final days show that God often does His greatest work in seasons of suffering. Whether you’re curious about baptism, feeling lonely or spiritually adrift, or just wanting to better recognize the season you’re in with God, this conversation offers encouragement to take the next step—right where you are.

In this episode of the New Life Podcast, Randy sits down with Pastor Andrew to unpack the Sunday teaching on witnessing and sharing our faith. They swap personal stories of how they first came to know Jesus—from early childhood experiences in church and altar calls to life-changing encounters at recovery meetings and winter camps—and reflect on the many people God used along the way to draw them to Himself.Their conversation explores what it really means to be a witness for Jesus and how sharing our faith often happens best through everyday relationships, not just big moments or platforms. They talk about how to share your story without being pushy, how to respond with both truth and love to people who disagree or live differently, and how simple acts of kindness, integrity at work, and being a good neighbor can powerfully reflect Christ.They also address the common feeling of “not having a big testimony,” reminding listeners that every story of God’s grace—whether dramatic or seemingly ordinary—is valuable and needed in the body of Christ. You’ll be encouraged to see your own journey with Jesus as a story worth telling and to let God use your story for His glory wherever He has placed you.

In this episode, Pastors Heidi and Natalie dive deeper into what biblical community really is—and why it’s so much more than Sunday services, surface-level small talk, or Christian busy-ness. They unpack Acts 2:42–47, the Abrahamic promise, and how the very nature of the Trinity shapes the way we’re meant to live together.They also honestly address church hurt, fear of vulnerability, introvert/extrovert dynamics, and the lies that keep us isolated. You’ll hear practical ways to re-enter community after being wounded, how to move beyond “weather and sports” conversations into soul-level connection, and simple first steps like getting to know your neighbors, opening your home, and praying with people in everyday settings.If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I really need Christian community?” or “How do I risk trusting again?,” this conversation will help you see why we were never meant to walk this life alone—and how God can use community as a place of healing, growth, and generational impact.

Pastor Matt joins Riley to unpack what it really looks like to practice the way of Jesus through service. Drawing from stories like tearing down a garage in the Mojave Desert, waxing church floors on his first day, navigating a youth group food fight that almost turned violent, and praying with the sick in a leprosy community in the Philippines, Matt shares how serving has consistently stretched and reshaped him.They explore why so much real ministry happens in unseen, practical work, and what it means to keep serving even when you don’t see immediate fruit, trusting that God may be changing you as much as the people you’re serving. Matt and Riley talk about the “ministry of presence” and the power of simply showing up, listening, and being an open vessel for God to work through. They reflect on John 13 and Philippians 2 to consider how Jesus models servant leadership by washing feet and humbling himself, and then move into John 15 to discuss friendship leadership and why Jesus calls His disciples friends, not just servants.The episode also addresses the dangers of pedestal leadership in the church, the loneliness many leaders experience, and why it is vital for those in positions of influence to keep their hands dirty in service, especially toward “the least and the lowest.” If you’re wondering how to live out your faith in tangible ways at church, in your neighborhood, or in your everyday routines, this conversation will encourage you to take a humble, realistic next step and simply show up.

Pastor Susan and Daniel unpack Pastor Andrew’s recent sermon on generosity, tithing, and stewardship. They share personal stories about budgeting in marriage, overcoming fear around finances, trusting God with the tithe, caring for the poor, and taking practical next steps toward living open-handed and financially free.

In this episode of the New Life Podcast, Bethany and Amanda continue the Practicing the Way series with an honest, down‑to‑earth conversation about Sabbath. Bethany shares how her own journey into Sabbath began in crisis and why “stopping” was the hardest part for her—harder even than resting or delighting. They talk about the pace of modern life, how our identity gets tangled up in our work, and the dangers of ignoring God’s rhythm of work and rest, including burnout and damage to our mental, physical, and spiritual health.You’ll hear practical ideas like “brain dumping” to‑do lists so you can actually rest, as well as a vision of Sabbath as a weekly practice of trust, freedom from slavery to productivity, and a time to intentionally seek delight in God, relationships, and creation. They also unpack how Sabbath can surface what’s really going on in our souls, why it can feel like “detox” at first, and how it has transformed Bethany’s walk with Jesus, her ability to hear God, and even her marriage. The episode closes with Scripture and a pastoral prayer for those wanting to step into the gift of Sabbath.

In this episode, Pastor Heidi and Riley unpack what it means to move from simply consuming Scripture to being transformed by it in everyday life. They discuss practical rhythms for engaging the Bible in busy seasons, how to include kids and spouses in time with God, the power of reading Scripture in community, and how to heal from experiences where the Bible has been misused.

On Sunday, Pastor Amanda spoke on the practice of prayer. In this episode, Amanda and Riley discuss what it means to be a person of prayer and how to incorporate the practice into our daily lives by staying present with Jesus in everyday moments.

In this episode, Andrew and Amanda, pastors at New Life Church, explore the key themes of "Practicing the Way," focusing on following Jesus every day and in every way. Delve into the challenges and practices of integrating faith into everyday life, from parenting to personal spiritual growth, as outlined in this transformative book. Discover how surrendering control and embracing transformation can lead to a deeper relationship with Christ.