Kern Talks

Belief isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about trust. In "Belief Matters," Pastor Will explores Romans 10, showing how faith isn’t found in endless searching but in trusting God’s presence at hand. Instead of seeking clarity, we’re invited to rest in God’s love, forming a character rooted in faith. Join us for this powerful message.

In week two of Lent, Steve explores Christian hospitality—how it reflects our understanding of the Gospel and our call to share sacrificially. Drawing from Hebrews 12-13, he contrasts biblical hospitality with ancient Greek xenia, emphasizing how God’s love calls us to a deeper, boundary-breaking generosity toward others. Listen in!

In "The Passion to Become," Steve explores Jesus' journey of preparation, from His baptism to the wilderness temptation. He unpacks the meaning of Christ’s passion—not just suffering, but devoted, God-directed perseverance. Through Jesus’ trials, we learn how trust in God shapes us into who we are meant to be. Tune in for a powerful Lenten reflection.

Pastor Will’s sermon, “Live With Purpose,” challenges us to follow Jesus’ radical call to love—even our enemies. Looking at Luke 6, he explores how living with purpose isn’t just about good intentions but about taking action: loving, giving, forgiving, and blessing others, even when it’s difficult. Discover how Jesus’ teachings flip cultural norms upside down.

Pastor Will explores the deep longing for purpose in life, drawing from Luke 5 and Peter’s call to follow Jesus. He shares personal experiences of searching for meaning and highlights how Jesus meets us where we are, transforming our daily lives into mission fields. Discover how your work, relationships, and skills can be used for God’s purpose.

Jesus lived on purpose, and so can we. In this sermon, Pastor Will explores Luke 4 and how Jesus' mission—preaching good news, bringing freedom, and healing the broken models a life of intention. Discover how to move beyond distractions and busyness to align your life with God's purpose. Take ten minutes this week to refocus and live intentionally.

Pastor Will's sermon, Identity Reset, explores how we carry labels that limit us and sabotage our well-being. Drawing from Isaiah 62, he reveals how God gives us new names that reflect our true identity: beloved, redeemed, and chosen. By letting go of false labels and embracing who God says we are, we find freedom and joy.

Pastor Will shares how God’s redemption can transform your life, not just your year. Drawing from Isaiah 43, he reminds us that God’s love rescues us from hopelessness and creates lasting change. Whether feeling stuck in relationships, habits, or faith, God’s grace offers renewal and community. Discover how trusting God can lead to a truly new you.

In Unwrap the Smallest Gift First, Pastor Will challenges the idea that significance comes from power or wealth. Using Micah 5 and Luke 1, he shows how God uses the small and unassuming—like Bethlehem, Mary, and even us—to achieve big things. This Christmas, discover how simple, faithful actions, like inviting someone to church, can have a lasting impact.

In Unwrap Peace, Pastor Will reflects on the emotions of the holiday season, contrasting fleeting cultural happiness with lasting joy rooted in God. Drawing from Philippians 4:4-9, he shares a "list for blessing at Christmas"—a guide to finding joy, overcoming stress, and embracing God's peace that transcends understanding. Discover how to move beyond holiday chaos to rejoice in the presence of Ch...

Are you chasing the “perfect” Christmas? Pastor Will shares a story about his family's magical holiday in the mountains—a reminder of how our pursuit of perfection often distracts us from what truly matters. Drawing from Philippians 1:3–11, he explores how gratitude and love can replace stress and unmet expectations. Tune in to discover how growing in love—not perfection—can transform your holiday...

Christmas traditions can bring joy or stress, from grief to financial strain. Drawing from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, Pastor Will reminds us true hope lies in God’s love and community. This message invites us to focus on what matters most: supporting one another and finding strength together. Whether celebrating or struggling, love and connection can transform your...

Pastor Will reflects on generosity through a personal story of Miss Barbara, who inspired him with her kindness. This sermon explores Jesus’ teaching on generosity from Matthew 25, emphasizing that generosity isn’t about the amount you give but about faithfulness with what you have. Pastor Will challenges the common "when this, then I will" mindset, urging listeners to stop waiting for the perfect...

In "Finding the Financial Freedom Jesus Promises," Pastor Will challenges cultural views on wealth, emphasizing Jesus' call to prioritize spiritual over material treasures. He teaches that our heart follows our money, urging us to give first, save second, and live on the rest. By creating financial margin and aligning spending with God’s mission, we can live with purpose, even during holiday spend...

In the first message of this new series, Pastor Will dives into the discomfort many of us feel around money—whether it’s about debt, budgeting, or conversations we've been avoiding. Reflecting on Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler, Pastor Will challenges us to consider if we truly trust God with our finances. He encourages us to break through fear and shame, reminding us that money is as...

In this final message of the "Under God?" series, Pastor Will explores how Christians can stay united in a divided world. Reflecting on Jesus' prayer for unity, he reminds us that true faith isn’t about political alignment but love. Pastor Will challenges believers to reject division, focus on common values, and build bridges by loving unconditionally. In a time of polarization, the church must co...

In this sermon of the "Under God?" series, Pastor Will explores how Christians can live faithfully under God in a culture often at odds with biblical values. Drawing from Daniel’s story, he challenges listeners to reflect on whether they’re more influenced by culture or by God. Through practical examples about money, time, relationships, and opinions, Pastor Will encourages pre-deciding to follow...

Pastor Will’s sermon “Under God? One Nation” addresses the division during election season, reminding believers that their primary allegiance is to God’s kingdom. He emphasizes that Christians are ambassadors of Christ, called to represent His love beyond political differences. Regardless of election outcomes, God remains sovereign, and believers are united as a heavenly nation, tasked with embody...

Pastor Will shares his experience with Positive Intelligence, where he learned to manage anxiety from hyper-achievement and hypervigilance. He connects this to Exodus 17, where the Israelites doubted God’s provision in the desert, yet God faithfully provided water. Pastor Will encourages trusting God’s provision, especially in moments of doubt and uncertainty. He reminds the congregation that just...

In this sermon, Pastor Will celebrates faith growth at Kern Church through baptisms and new members, emphasizing the importance of belonging in a world filled with loneliness. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4, he compares the strength of community to a three-ply cord that isn’t easily broken. He encourages the congregation to join Belong Groups, finding support and purpose together. This sermon kicks o...

Pastor Will shares a powerful message about navigating life's unexpected challenges through faith and prayer. Using the story of Jairus from Mark 5:21-43, he illustrates how even in the face of illness and uncertainty, incremental prayer can lead to small but meaningful miracles. Drawing on both biblical teachings and real-life experiences, Pastor Will encourages listeners to trust in God, pray st...

In this sermon, Pastor Will shares the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to explore the challenges of family life. Drawing parallels to his own experience of parenting children of different ages, he highlights the difficulties and missteps that can arise in families. Despite the mistakes made, God’s faithfulness remains constant, offering hope and redemption. Pastor Will encourages listeners to r...

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the pressure to appear perfect while sharing his family's story in a local magazine. Using the story of Adam and Eve, he explores the challenges all families face and introduces the concept of a "redo"—a chance to start over after mistakes. Pastor Will emphasizes that while no family is perfect, God offers grace and second chances. Tune in for an honest and...

Discover how Kern Church addresses the challenges in our community of 81,000 people, including health issues, depression, and loneliness. Reflecting on summer activities and neighborhood connections, this sermon explores why people need Jesus and the church. Learn about Kern Church's vision to help people belong, grow in faith, and make a difference through new "belong groups." Whether you're cons...

Join us in our current message series, "3 Big Questions." This week's sermon dives into the vital topic, "Why Do People Need the Church?" Building on last week's exploration of why people need Jesus, we delve into the church's role in our lives and society. Amidst a backdrop of declining church attendance and spiritual dissatisfaction, we discuss how the church is essential for spiritual growth, c...