Kern Talks

In Graveyard Shift, part of Spooky Stories from the Bible, Pastor Will explores Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones coming to life. Through this haunting story, he reminds us that even in our most lifeless and hopeless moments, God’s Spirit can breathe new life. When we pray and partner with God, miracles happen—hope rises, and the impossible lives again.

In The Witching Hour, Pastor Will opens the series Spooky Stories from the Bible with Saul’s haunting visit to a medium in 1 Samuel 28. When fear silences his faith, Saul turns to darkness for control—and loses everything. Pastor Will reminds us that in life’s witching hours, we overcome fear not through control, but by trusting God.

In Widening the Circle, Pastor Will concludes the series Find Your People, Love Your Neighbor with a call to radical hospitality. Sharing stories of opening his home and reflecting on Hebrews and Luke, he reminds us that God’s community isn’t just for us—it’s for those not here yet. True belonging happens when we make space, invite others, and draw the circle wider.

Samantha Johnson talks about how we can get out of our comfort zone and step out in faith.

In Just Take a Walk Together, Pastor Will reminds us we’re not created to go through life alone. Drawing from Romans 12, he shows how faith and community flourish when we carry each other’s burdens, share joy, and walk side by side. True belonging comes when we choose vulnerability, generosity, and love—living as one body in Christ.

In You Don’t Have to Have It All Together, Pastor Will challenges us to drop the masks we wear—hiding stress, fear, or imperfection—and embrace vulnerability. Jesus modeled openness, and Paul showed strength in weakness. True belonging, growth, and community come when we are real with God and each other. God’s grace is enough, and vulnerability connects us to others.

Love your neighbor.

Pastor Will shares Bartimaeus’ story of moving from stuckness to freedom through Jesus’ call. Growth requires persistence, faith, and belonging. True healing comes not from isolation but from community—the body of Christ. Jesus invites us forward, out of roadside living, into connection, purpose, and neighborly love. Don’t stay stuck—step into belonging.

In Blessed to Make a Difference, Pastor Will reflects on how God calls us beyond rules into relationship. Drawing from Micah 6:8, he reminds us that walking humbly with God leads to justice and faithful love. True blessing flows outward—serving neighbors, practicing fairness, and embodying God’s steadfast love. Walking with God transforms us to bless others.

Pastor Will explores the tension between technology’s promise of connection and the growing epidemic of loneliness. From Genesis to the early church, Scripture shows we were created for community. Real belonging happens not through screens but through life shared—meals, encouragement, prayer, and support. Discover how being “blessed with others” means finding and building authentic relationships t...

Pastor Will explores how we often live with a “scarcity mindset,” fearing we lack time, money, or energy. Drawing on Paul’s teaching, he shows that God’s abundance is “enough” for today—not for hoarding, but for sharing. Through stories and Scripture, we’re challenged to trust God’s provision and overflow blessings into others’ lives.

Pastor Will calls us to follow Jesus’ example of humility and putting others first. When we choose His peace over life’s chaos, our actions and words reflect His love. In doing so, we shine His light into darkness, offering grace, hope, and compassion so that others experience the heart of Christ through us.

When stress builds and chaos surrounds us, it’s easy to mirror the mess. Pastor Will explores how adopting Jesus’ humble, others-first attitude transforms not only our outlook but the world around us. Reflecting Christ means choosing peace, grace, and light—especially when life feels heavy. Don’t mirror the mess. Reflect the light. Shine like stars in the world.

Pastor Will reflects on the start of a new school year and how stepping into the unknown—whether school, work, or life—can be both exciting and scary. Drawing from Abram’s story in Genesis 12, he reminds us that we are blessed to be a blessing. No matter what you face, God’s got your back—and will walk with you.

In this message, Pastor Will compares Jesus’ Great Commission to a lifelong game of tag: once you’re tagged, it’s your turn. Drawing from Matthew 28, he challenges us to embrace Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples.” Even when we feel unprepared, Jesus equips and goes with us. The mission is big—but we’re not alone. Tag—you’re it.

In I Am the Resurrection, Pastor Will reflects on Jesus’ words to grieving sisters and the raising of Lazarus. Through tears, truth, and power, Jesus reveals that resurrection isn’t just future hope—it’s a present reality in Him. In a world marked by death and grief, Jesus meets us with compassion and declares that the worst thing is never the last thing.

In This is My Body, Pastor Will explores the meaning and mystery of communion. More than a ritual, communion is an invitation to receive Jesus’ grace and presence. Rooted in the Last Supper and the story of God’s redemption, this sacred meal reminds us we are loved, fed, and never alone. Jesus still meets us at the table.

In “The Love Commandment,” Pastor Will explores Jesus’ call to love one another as he has loved us. In a world where Christians are often known for what they oppose, Jesus offers a different way: radical, self-giving love. This kind of love isn’t optional—it’s the mark of true discipleship and the most powerful witness to the world.

When life feels uncertain and disorienting, it’s easy to wonder which way to go. In this message, Pastor Will reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just show the way—He is the way. Drawing from John 14, this sermon offers hope for anyone feeling lost, inviting us to trust Jesus as our guide, truth, and life.

On Pentecost, Pastor Will reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit—how it ignited the church and still transforms us today. Even a little faith, like yeast in dough, can rise, grow, and feed others. You don’t need to be bold like Peter to make a difference—your small faith, empowered by the Spirit, is more than enough.

When Jesus told a story about a rule-breaking son and a resentful brother, he wasn’t just talking about a family—he was revealing the heart of God. In this message, Pastor Will explores how God’s grace welcomes the lost and challenges the faithful, inviting us all—line-cutters and long-servers alike—into a celebration of redemption and love.

This Memorial Day weekend, Pastor Will challenges us to slow down to see. In a season packed with plans and pressure, we risk missing what—and who—really matters. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, we’re reminded that love requires margin. Don’t live at the speed of busy—this summer, make space to notice, care, and be a true neighbor.

Even small acts of compassion matter. In this message from Matthew 25, Pastor Will explores how Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats challenges us to live out our faith through action. You don’t have to do everything—but you can do something. And when you love and serve “the least of these,” Jesus says, you’re doing it for him.

Pastor Will shares a powerful message from the mountains of Tellico Plains, reflecting on a rugged journey to Whig Meadow as a metaphor for life’s uncertain paths. Drawing from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he challenges us to examine our “trail markers” — the fruit of our lives — and choose the narrow road that leads to real life, love, and purpose.

In a world obsessed with appearances, Pastor Will invites us to trade performance for authenticity. Drawing from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this message challenges us to let go of image management and embrace a “greater righteousness”—a life that flows from a transformed heart. Real change begins with honest prayer and a commitment to live authentically before God.