Kern Talks

Pastor Will explores the question, “What am I here for?” Through Jesus’ encounter with Peter, we discover that purpose isn’t a hidden plan to uncover, but a life of following Jesus. Even without knowing the future, we can trust God’s direction and take the next faithful step.

Pastor Will explores the question, “Where do I fit?” Through the story of David’s anointing, we discover that God sees beyond appearances, résumés, and expectations to the heart. Instead of measuring ourselves by what others expect, we’re invited to pursue justice, faithful love, and a humble walk with God.

Pastor Will begins the Good Questions series by asking, “What are you really looking for?” Through Jesus’ encounter with his first disciples, we discover that faith doesn’t require having everything figured out. In the midst of our searching for meaning, purpose, and hope, Jesus simply invites us to “come and see.”

Pastor Will explores Jesus’ command to “love each other” and what it means for life together in the church. More than programs or proximity, Christian community is built through shared life—knowing one another, making room, staying connected, and allowing the love we receive from Jesus to shape how we love others.

Pastor Will explores Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan and the ways busyness can cause us to miss the people right in front of us. Instead of letting hurry make the decision, we’re challenged to slow down, make room, and choose to be a neighbor when love interrupts our plans.

Pastor Will explores what it means to love where we live by moving beyond simply noticing people to actively including them. Through the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man, we’re challenged to identify barriers, recognize the people God has placed around us, pray for opportunities, and act when those opportunities arise.

Jesus welcomes us without requiring us to prove our worth. Through Matthew’s story, we discover that God’s grace reaches outsiders, sinners, and the hurting alike. As we receive Christ’s welcome, we are empowered to extend that same welcome to others—creating belonging and loving where we live. 

Pastor Will explores God's vision for overcoming the divisions that separate us. Drawing from Ephesians, he reminds us that Jesus doesn't create another camp—he creates a family. Discover how Christ calls us to move beyond attending church into shared life, belonging, and building authentic community across our differences.

Pastor Will explores Jeremiah 29, showing that God calls us not just to live where we are, but to love where we live. Rather than waiting for better circumstances, we're invited to pray for our communities, invest in our neighbors, and take practical steps to seek the good of the places God has planted us.

Pastor Will explores Jesus' call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, reminding us that God has already placed us where we can make a difference. Discover how ordinary moments, everyday relationships, and faithful presence can shine Christ’s light right where you are.

Pastor Will explores Hebrews 12, inviting us to identify the burdens we carry—worry, regret, sin, discouragement, and fear—and lay them at Jesus’ feet. Discover how releasing what weighs us down frees us to run the race of faith with perseverance, experience deeper joy, and love God and others more fully.

This week, Pastor Will explores how the early church devoted themselves to community, shared meals, and prayer, creating a place where people truly belonged. Discover why hospitality is more than friendliness, how ordinary relationships become sacred, and how each of us can help someone find connection, hope, and a place in God’s family.

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.