Kern Talks

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.

In A Different Kind of Gift, Pastor Will reflects on the Magi and reminds us that every Christmas gift fades. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were temporary, but the Magi’s first gift was worship. Before giving anything, they bowed and gave themselves. The lasting gift of Christmas is offering lives to Jesus, choosing a posture of worship that endures forever unchanging.

In A Different Kind of Love, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew’s Christmas story, showing love that isn’t sentimental or perfect. Through Joseph’s choice and God’s first move, we see Emmanuel—God with us—entering life’s mess. This love comes close, protects, forgives, and meets us in confusion, fear, and unfinished lives, inviting us to receive God’s presence as we are.

Pastor Will explores a different kind of Christmas joy—one deeper than lights and cheer. Acknowledging grief, doubt, and weariness, he points to Isaiah 35 and John the Baptist to show joy breaking in amid hardship. Jesus offers joy that welcomes questions, notices God’s quiet work, and joins in restoring lives, even when circumstances don’t change, during Advent and everyday faith.

Pastor Will continues A Different Kind of Christmas by exploring Isaiah’s vision of new life growing from a stump—reminding us that God brings peace where life feels cut down. Pointing to Jesus as the promised shoot, he invites anyone feeling stressed, grieving, or overwhelmed this season to receive Christ’s deeper peace that grows even in hard places and unexpected seasons.

Pastor Will explores how Advent invites hope amid holiday pressure, grief, and global uncertainty. Looking to Isaiah 2, he shows that God offers a future shaped not by fear but by peace, transformation, and shared journey. Hope grows as we walk together, learn from God, and let God reshape our hearts—taking small steps toward the light even when the world feels dark.

Pastor Will shares how Kern Church responded to a local food crisis with compassion, showing that “boring” everyday generosity—paying bills, supporting staff, funding ministry—makes extraordinary impact possible. He reminds us that steady, faithful giving is like sowing seeds: unseen at first, but multiplied by God to change lives, meet real needs, and keep the church’s mission alive.

In this message from The Grateful Life, Pastor Will explains that true generosity isn’t about amounts but about trusting God. Using Malachi 3 and stories of giving, he reminds us that giving is worship, not fundraising. God invites us to trust Him first, give proportionally, and take one step of faith—because generosity grows our hearts and deepens our dependence on God.

In Remember the Source, Pastor Will reminds us that all blessings—our food, health, opportunities, and success—come from God. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we’re called to remember God’s provision in hard times and good. By naming God’s faithfulness and praising Him, we cultivate gratitude, humility, and awareness that God is the ultimate source of all we enjoy.

In The Day the Dead Walked, Pastor Will explores Matthew’s eerie account of the earth shaking and tombs opening at Jesus’ death. What seems like horror becomes hope—the moment death begins to die. The torn veil and empty graves declare that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God. The grave doesn’t win. Jesus does.

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.