NCC Unplugged

🎙️ Welcome to the NCC Unplugged Staff Roundtable – Summer 2025 Edition! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at what summer really looks like for the Norwin Christian Church staff. From VBS chaos (yes, with cardboard bears and custom trading cards) to CIY trips, mission work in Arizona, and even skydiving plans 😳—this episode is full of laughs, ministry insights, and genuine conversation about...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Brion Elliott take a reflective look back at NCC’s recent sermon series on Sacrifice. From heart, mind, and time to money—this series challenged the church to go deeper in surrendering every aspect of life to God. Jeff shares the struggle of writing the final sermon on time and how it unexpectedly shifted direction. Brion opens up about the balan...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Matt is joined by Jeff and Joshua for a candid conversation about current trends in church attendance and engagement across America—and how those trends are playing out at Norwin Christian Church. They unpack: 📉 The nationwide decline in church attendance—and why it may have finally leveled off 📊 Surprising stats about millennials vs. boomers and their church ha...

  This Week on the Podcast: Let’s talk about the topic nobody really wants to talk about… money. (Don’t worry—it’s not what you think.) In this episode, Jeff, Matt, and Joshua have an open and honest conversation about how Jesus talked about money—a lot more than we realize—and what that means for us today. From cultural discomfort to church baggage, we unpack why money is such a sensitive subject...

Engaging Culture as Christians: Finding Balance Between Isolation and Influence As Christians, navigating our relationship with culture can be challenging. While we're called to be "in the world but not of it," finding the right balance between cultural engagement and maintaining our distinct Christian identity requires wisdom and discernment. What is Culture and Why Does it Matter? Culture encomp...

  🎧 Episode Overview: In this special episode of NCC Unplugged, we introduce you to the newest member of our staff, Brion Elliott, who recently joined Norwin Christian Church as our Worship and Tech Minister. Brion shares his story—from growing up in Virginia and attending Bible college to how God gradually led him into full-time church ministry. Get to know his heart for worship, his family, his...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, we dive deep into Christian higher education and its impact on ministry and faith. Join hosts Jeff Terpstra, Matt Mastroianni, and Garrett Crawford as they explore theological studies, the challenges facing Christian colleges, and Garrett’s journey toward his PhD. They discuss deep theological questions about God's sovereignty, human free will, and how quantum mec...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Garrett Crawford, the minister of outreach and small groups at Norwin Christian Church, shares his journey of being called into ministry and his recent decision to transition to another church. Garrett reflects on his initial resistance to ministry, his growth and experiences at NCC, and the confirmation he received from God to move to a new role closer to his fam...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged Rewind, we take a look back at an interview with one of our first outside guests, Patsy Sassano from the First Christian Church in New Salem. The topic was Christian Unity. Enjoy! ----more---- Today's episode features an important conversation about Christian unity, the importance of connections and relationships with other Christians within and beyond the walls of...

🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Matt Mastroianni discuss Norwin Christian Church’s January prayer initiative using Prayer Global. Learn how technology played a key role in engaging the church community in worldwide prayer, uniting them with believers across the globe. The discussion covers the impact of Prayer Global, the power of visual prayer prompts, and h...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged Rewind, we take a look back at our very first Staff Round Table. The round table format is a chance for the staff at NCC to pull back the curtain and let you know a little about what's going on in their personal lives. Enjoy! ----more----In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the staff members of Norwin Christian Church gather for a roundtable discussion. They share per...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Matt discuss the intricacies of sermon preparation, focusing on the current series on First Samuel. They explore the challenges of condensing a long book into a sermon series, the importance of biblical interpretation, and the themes of legacy, reversal of fortunes, and kingship in First Samuel. The conversation also touches on the practical aspe...

As we celebrate our 1 year podcasting anniversary we are going to Rewind some of our favorite episodes from this past year. This week we take a look at our very first episode that was published on December 12th, 2023. Enjoy! "Welcome to the inaugural episode of NCC Unplugged! We're thrilled to have you join us on this journey, whether it's your first time or you're revisiting our history. Today we...

In this special anniversary episode, the NCC staff reflects on their first year of podcasting, sharing personal highlights, memorable moments, and their vision for future episodes. The team discusses the podcast's growth, impact, and the unique way it allows them to connect with their congregation beyond Sunday sermons.   #NCCUnplugged #PodcastAnniversary #ChurchPodcast #ChristianCommunity #Norwin...

Show Description: Welcome to NCC Unplugged, the podcast where conversations, community, and culture converge. In this episode, the staff at Norwin Christian Church dive into their favorite books and discuss how these works have shaped their faith, perspectives, and lives. From theological classics to parenting advice and even some light-hearted fiction, there's something here for everyone. Join us...

Celebrating Christmas is a time to unplug from daily routines and immerse ourselves in the presence of God. This season, we celebrate Jesus, enjoy family, and find peace in our hearts. Even if Christmas is challenging, remember that God loves you deeply and is always with you. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's immense love for each of us. Reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth, who i...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff sits down with Allison Murray, the Director of Children's Ministries at Norwin Christian Church, to discuss the vision and intentionality behind the church's children's programming. Allison shares her journey from volunteer to director and emphasizes the importance of partnering with parents to guide children in discovering the truth of God's word. The conver...

Join us in our December series, 'Unwrapping Peace,' as we explore the biblical concept of peace, or 'shalom,' which signifies wholeness and tranquility. Discover how peace is depicted in the Bible, from the Old Testament's 'shalom' to the New Testament's fruit of the Spirit. Learn about the angels' proclamation of peace to the shepherds, the contrasting response of King Herod, and the faithful acc...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the staff of Norwin Christian Church shares their experiences, mistakes, and humorous moments in ministry. They discuss their plans for the upcoming holiday season, including Christmas and Thanksgiving, and reflect on the importance of community engagement and growth within the church. The conversation also highlights the various ministries, including youth and ch...

Norwin Christian Church offers a rich array of women's ministries designed to foster connection, growth, and service. With over seven weekly small groups, women can find a supportive community to delve into God's Word and build lasting friendships. The Fountain, a quarterly event, provides a space for worship, teaching, and fellowship, perfect for those seeking spiritual growth without the commitm...

Do Christians need to follow the Old Testament? This question often arises, especially regarding the Ten Commandments. The Old Testament is foundational, containing God's laws and prophecies pointing to Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws, introducing a new covenant based on internal transformation. While ceremonial and civil laws were specific to the Israelites, the moral laws, includin...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the Jeff and Joshua discuss the introduction and impact of the Thursday night service at Norwin Christian Church. They reflect on the community's engagement, the importance of accessibility in worship, and how the service has provided a welcoming environment for those who may find Sunday mornings challenging. The conversation also touches on scriptural insights re...

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, host Matt Mastroianni discusses the men's ministry known as The Forge with guests Rich Seman and Nate Stonecypher. They explore the origins of The Forge, its significance in the church community, and the upcoming Better Man Conference. The conversation highlights the importance of men's ministry in fostering community, addressing cultural perceptions of manhood, a...

Exploring the unique challenges and strengths of today's youth, this discussion sheds light on the impact of COVID-19, the pressures of gender identity, sexuality, racial sensitivity, and abortion, and the rise of anxiety and depression. It emphasizes the importance of finding identity in Christ and offers practical steps for the church community to support young members through open conversations...

Jeff and Joshua discuss the launch of a new Thursday evening service at NCC. This service is designed to meet the spiritual needs of community members with weekend commitments. The service will mirror the structure of Sunday worship, including sermons and communion meditation, but with an acoustic worship style to suit the evening ambiance. Children's programs will be fully operational, ensuring a...