Outside the Sanctuary

This week, Bill Merkh and Marc McCleary welcome a guest who has had a profound impact on countless families at The King's Christian School: principal Craig Beatty . For Bill, this conversation reaches back decades. He's known Craig since childhood, when Craig and Bill's sister shared a classroom. For Marc, the connection is just as personal. All four of his children have gone through TKCS, and thr...

In this thought provoking episode of Outside the Sanctuary , hosts Bill Merkh and Steve Entwistle invite listeners into the kind of conversations they have all the time when the microphones are off. Now those same honest, unfiltered discussions are happening on air, and they are diving straight into a question many people wonder about but rarely voice: Is my favorite celebrity actually a Christian...

Outside the Sanctuary brings hosts Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald, and Marc McCleary together for a heartfelt, joy filled look back at Immanuel Baptist Church in 2025. Right from the start, they reflect on how Immanuel truly is a special place, a church family marked by love, service, and a deep sense of community. They revisit the excitement of children's ministry, highlighting all the ways Keeley...

Step outside the walls and into the heart of global generosity on this episode of Outside the Sanctuary with hosts Marc McCleary, Katrina McDonald and Bill Merkh . This week, they sit down with the energetic and inspiring Dori Straub , one of New Jersey's key leaders for Operation Christmas Child, part of Samaritan's Purse, the worldwide ministry that delivers joy‑filled shoebox gifts to children...

This week, Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh welcome guest Jody Adams — a former New Jersey cranberry farmer turned missionary in South Africa. Together with his wife Kathy, Jody founded Acts 26 Missions , a ministry devoted to bringing hope and care to children in South Africa. You'll laugh, you'll reflect, and you'll be inspired as Jody shares his journey from the cranberry bogs of New...

Step outside the sanctuary and into real-life conversations with Pastor Vincent McDonald, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh. Outside the Sanctuary is a Christian podcast where faith, wisdom, and laughter come together to tackle everyday challenges. In this episode, the hosts explore the power of criticism —both the encouraging words that inspire us and the tough feedback that tests us. With b...

In this lively episode of Outside the Sanctuary , Bill Merkh and Marc McCleary welcome guest Mark Johnson for a conversation filled with stories, history, and laughter. Marc and Bill share highlights from their unforgettable ten-day journey through Israel—walking the streets of Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and visiting Bethlehem in Palestine. Mark brings his own unique perspective, r...

This episode of Outside the Sanctuary podcast is brimming with laughter and joy as Pastor Vince, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh gather to swap stories about their favorite holiday traditions. This episode is a lively mix of playful Halloween memories, hilarious Thanksgiving gatherings, and heartwarming Christmas celebrations. Their conversation is full of chuckles, good-natured teasing, and the...

Step outside the ordinary with hosts Marc McCleary , Katrina McDonald , and Bill Merkh as they welcome Lauren Correa , founder of the online magazine Lauren . This episode dives into the vibrant mix of faith, mental health, fashion, and food , showing how spirituality and creativity collide in everyday life. Lauren shares the story behind her magazine and how it became a space for honest conversat...

In this heartfelt episode of The Outside the Sanctuary podcast, hosts Bill Merkh and Katrina McDonald sit down with two inspiring Immanuel Baptist Church Women's Sunday School leaders—Lisa Merkh (Bill's wife) and Christine Neitzel—for an intimate conversation about the spiritual and practical sides of teaching. Together, they explore how Lisa and Christine prepare each week to lead the...

Join Bill Merkh, Steve Entwistle, Katrina McDonald, and Pastor Vince McDonald for a wild ride through the unexpected places we hear God's voice—in secular movies, mainstream music, and the cultural noise around us. In what Bill affectionately dubs a "bottle episode," the crew dives into a freewheeling, laughter-filled conversation that's part theology, part pop culture, and all heart. Expect...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Outside the Sanctuary , hosts Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald, and Pastor Vince McDonald sit down with Dylan Suplee, the passionate leader of the church's youth group, Abide. Dylan opens up about his personal journey—sharing the challenges and triumphs that shaped his faith and leadership. From pivotal moments in his past to the vision he carries for t...

In this episode of Outside the Sanctuary , hosts Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald, and Pastor Vince McDonald dive deep into the intersection of faith and finances. Through candid conversation and biblical reflection, they explore the concept of stewardship—not just as a church buzzword, but as a lifestyle rooted in Scripture. From practical budgeting tips to thoughtful family planning, the trio...

In this compelling episode, hosts Bill Merkh and Pastor Vince McDonald sit down with author Brandon Simpkins to unpack his provocative new book, Bound In Lies: The Biblical Case Against Slavery . Together, they explore the historical, theological, and cultural dimensions of slavery as portrayed in Scripture—challenging long-held assumptions and confronting misinterpretations that have echoed...

Is the end near? The Lord will return, but no one knows the time or day. Yet, nowadays, people keep telling us they know when He is coming back. This episode Pastor Vincent McDonald and Bill Merkh discuss the end of days. Listen now before the rapture.

This week Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald and Bill Merkh have a conversation with Lynda Lotierzo from being on the Board of Education in Maple Shade to her battle with breast cancer. In this deeply moving episode of Outside the Sanctuary , we hear her powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and hope in the face of cancer. Lynda opens up about her diagnosis, the emotional and spiritual bat...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking podcast, the panel explores the church's evolving role in supporting individuals navigating life after divorce. This episode is hosted by Dr. Marc McCleary, Katrina McDonald, Lisa Merkh, and Bill Merkh. The show offers a compassionate yet candid look at how faith communities can better serve those healing from marital breakdown. Bill Merkh shares his persona...

In the latest episode Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald and Steve Entwistle discuss the power of prayer. What does prayer look like? What does the Bible say about prayer? Who can speak with God? During this heartfelt episode, the three hosts—each with unique backgrounds and spiritual journeys—gather to explore the transformative power of prayer. Their conversation weaves together personal t...

Do you know what apologetics means? What does your faith look like? In this episode Bill Merkh has the conversation with Pastor Vincent McDonald, Katrina McDonald and guest, Teddy Chandler on the topic of christian apologetics. They examine why they believe what they believe and how they know the truth. Teddy talks about the class he is teaching at Immanuel Baptist Church on Apologetics Please joi...

Bill Merkh sits down with Pastor Vince McDonald and Katrina McDonald for an insightful conversation about the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in today's fast-paced world. As our schedules become increasingly packed, finding time for rest, family, and spiritual growth can feel overwhelming. In this discussion, they explore practical ways to prioritize the church in a busy life...

In this episode, Bill Merkh is joined by Pastor Vince McDonald and Katrina McDonald for a powerful conversation with local missionary Pascal Tuley from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Burlington, NJ. Together, they dive into Pascal's mission of reaching young athletes and coaches across New Jersey with the love of Christ. As part of a donor funded ministry, Pascal shares how the FCA equips...

Bill Merkh is joined by Pastor Vince and Greta McDonald's kids. Vince McDonald Jr., Deanna Kranefeld, and Natalie Ostrander. They discuss growing up in a pastor's home and their journeys in life. Each one shares a different and unique perspective. Listen to this fun and entertaining episode to hear thier stories.

Bill Merkh sits down with Pastor Vince McDonald and Lisa Merkh for a thought provoking conversation about the truth behind ghosts and the paranormal. Are spirits and supernatural creatures real? What does the Bible actually say about loved ones who have passed? Can they return as ghosts? And is working as a medium considered sinful? Tune in as they explore these mysterious topics from a biblical p...

Bill Merkh sits down with Pastor Vince McDonald to discuss the topic of protesting. In this conversation, they explore the nature of protest. From peaceful demonstrations and boycotts to more extreme actions like riots and violence. What does the Bible say about standing up for a cause? Are there godly ways to express disagreement, and where should we draw the line?

Bill Merkh sits down with Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald, and Dr. Marc McCleary to explore the topic of end of life care. When a person is given a prognosis of six months or less to live, families are often faced with the decision of whether to place their loved one in hospice care to help them live out their final days in comfort. Hospice care is sometimes misunderstood or viewed as a si...