Kern Talks

Pastor Will reflects on how worry often steals our peace, even during life’s lighter seasons. Drawing from Philippians 4, he reminds us that Paul wrote about joy and peace while imprisoned, proving God’s presence is greater than our circumstances. Instead of letting anxiety control us, we’re invited to bring every worry to God and experience His peace guarding our hearts and minds.

Pastor Will explores how life’s unexpected detours can become opportunities for God’s grace. Through Paul’s journey in Acts 16, he shows that closed doors are not signs of abandonment but invitations to trust God’s leading. Rather than needing the whole map, faith means taking the next faithful step, trusting God to redeem every disappointment for His greater purpose.

Pastor Will explains that chasing happiness through possessions, comparison, or cravings ultimately leads to emptiness and even harm. Drawing from James 1, he teaches that true joy is not found in striving but in recognizing God’s unchanging goodness and gifts. By practicing gratitude and trusting God’s provision, we receive lasting life and discover that the “good days” are already present.

Pastor Will contrasts cultural ideas of freedom with Paul’s teaching in Galatians, explaining that true freedom in Christ is not escape from responsibility but the Spirit-enabled ability to love. Selfish pursuits lead to bondage, while the Holy Spirit produces fruit—love, joy, peace, and more—forming real freedom lived out daily in relationships, service, and faithful obedience to God for believer...

Pastor Will contrasts summer’s promise of rest with the deeper rest Jesus offers. While vacations and time off help, they don’t heal exhausted souls. Jesus invites the weary to find true renewal by learning His way—walking with Him daily. Real rest isn’t escape from life’s burdens, but a Spirit-shaped life where burdens become lighter and souls are restored.

Pastor Will contrasts cultural ideas of freedom—escaping responsibility or living for self—with biblical freedom in Christ. True freedom isn’t selfish independence but the Spirit-empowered ability to love others. Self-centered living leads to bondage, while the Holy Spirit produces fruit like love, joy, and peace. Real freedom is found in relationships, lived daily as the Spirit transforms and gui...

Pastor Will shares a home project that didn’t go as planned to illustrate how tightly we hold expectations. Like the disciples expecting a restored Israel, we often limit God’s work. Instead, Jesus offers something greater—Spirit-empowered mission beyond our plans. When expectations shift, the Holy Spirit gives power to take faithful steps and become witnesses to God’s expanding work.

Pastor Will reflects on everyday division, using a store encounter to show how disagreements become deep fractures. Drawing from Corinthians, he explains that while people differ, the Holy Spirit unites believers as one body. Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, not division. True identity is in Christ, calling the church to unity, humility, and shared purpose.

Pastor Will introduces a new series on the Holy Spirit, reflecting on exhaustion and spiritual emptiness. Using the image of a powerless tool, he explains that life without the Spirit leaves us drained. Rooted in Scripture, he emphasizes the Spirit as God’s life-giving presence, inviting listeners to stop striving and receive the fullness of life God freely offers.

Pastor Will reflects on gratitude, drawing from Philippians and Exodus to show how God’s people respond through giving. He invites the church to prayerfully consider their part in growing the next generation. Emphasizing equal sacrifice, not equal gifts, he encourages everyone to participate, trusting God to use their generosity to accomplish something meaningful together for the future.

Pastor Will reflects on learning yard work as a passed-down tradition, using it to illustrate a deeper calling: passing on faith to the next generation. Drawing from Psalm 78, he emphasizes the responsibility to share God’s story so future generations can know Him. The church is invited to create space for families to belong, grow, and continue the story of faith.

Pastor Will compares life’s uncertainty to learning scuba diving—where slowing down and trusting what feels unfamiliar brings peace. In Acts 4, the early church faced fear but chose prayer over retreat, asking for boldness. God responded with courage, unity, and generosity. He invites us to pray, trust God in uncertainty, and join His mission with faithful obedience today.

Pastor Will highlights how busyness can blind us to God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on 75 years of ministry, he shows how gratitude fuels generosity, using David’s example of giving sacrificially for the temple. As gratitude spreads, so does generosity, shaping future generations. He invites the church to begin with gratitude and respond by investing in the next generation.

Pastor Will uses the image of feeling stuck to connect with Easter’s hope. Like Mary Magdalene in grief at the empty tomb, we often believe our story is over. But when Jesus calls her name, everything changes. The resurrection reveals that we’re not stuck—death, despair, and pain don’t win. In Christ, God is still writing our story with new life.

Pastor Will reflects on Jesus’ burial through Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—unlikely witnesses who step forward in courage and devotion. Their actions reveal that the cross doesn’t scatter people but draws them together, forming a wider, diverse community. As Easter approaches, we’re invited to expand our circles, extend belonging, and welcome others into the transforming community created by...

“Likely Witnesses” challenges the idea that following Jesus is for someone else. Through scripture and a powerful parable on procrastination, Steve reveals that ordinary people are called, equipped, and invited now—not later—to live as disciples. We are not unlikely; we are chosen. The question isn’t if we’re called, but whether we will respond without delay.

Pastor Will explores the unlikely witness of Simon of Cyrene, the man forced to carry Jesus’ cross on the way to crucifixion. What began as an unwanted burden became a life-changing encounter with Christ. Simon’s story reveals that following Jesus means taking up our cross daily—and discovering that when we carry it with Jesus, his presence brings rest.

Pastor Will reflects on fear through the story of Barabbas, the guilty prisoner set free while Jesus takes the cross. In this moment, Barabbas becomes the first living picture of grace—undeserved freedom given through Christ’s sacrifice. The message reminds us that Jesus meets us in fear, failure, and forces beyond our control with mercy and new life.

Pastor Will explores the struggle of akrasia—knowing what’s right yet failing to act. Through Peter’s denial of Jesus and the unnamed servant girl’s challenge, he reveals how fear and self-protection silence faithfulness. Echoing Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to courageous action, he invites us to confront resisting voices and pray for strength to live boldly.

Pastor Will challenges our habit of postponing faith, reminding us that tomorrow never comes. Beginning Lent, he reflects on Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus, showing devotion that acts now, not later. Her example teaches that following Jesus isn’t about waiting for perfect timing but offering ourselves today. Present faithfulness shapes future discipleship—because now is the moment to respond.

Pastor Will challenges the idea that purpose is something we must find. In Matthew 4, Jesus shows that purpose comes through following him in everyday life. Fulfillment grows over time as we walk with Christ and others, allowing him to transform ordinary work and relationships. Purpose isn’t discovered through pressure or perfection—it’s revealed through faithfully following Jesus together each da...

Pastor Will reminds us everyone has influence, and followers of Jesus are called to use theirs for good. Drawing from Matthew 28 and Colossians 4, he teaches that impact isn’t forceful evangelism but everyday presence—living with love, wisdom, and gracious speech. By sharing faith through relationships and ordinary moments, we reflect Jesus and make a meaningful, lasting impact.

Pastor Will explores resilience through faith, reminding listeners that endurance has limits and hitting them isn’t failure. Drawing from James 1, he teaches that hardship can grow maturity and that when strength runs out, prayer is the way forward. God meets us at our limits with wisdom, grace, and guidance for what comes next.

Pastor Will explores how relationships often break down under pressure and how followers of Jesus can level them up. Drawing from Colossians 3, he invites listeners to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. When conflict arises, let Christ’s peace be the umpire and ask, “What would Jesus do?”

Pastor Will shares how hidden foundation cracks at a beloved family cabin reveal a spiritual truth: real change starts below the surface. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, he challenges listeners to stop relying on resolutions and start building life on Christ. Storms come to everyone, but a life grounded in Jesus stands firm, grows deeper, and levels up.