Outside the Sanctuary

Bill Merkh, Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald sit down with a special guest, Christine Neitzel, to explore how everyday people can make a lasting impact in the Christian community. Christine, a dedicated member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 20 years, continues to serve faithfully in many behind the scenes roles. Though she may not be in the spotlight, her influence reaches far outside...

Bill Merkh sits down with Steve Entwistle and Dr. Marc McCleary for an honest conversation about temptation. The Bible shows us that temptation itself isn't sin—it's giving in that causes harm. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He overcame it by standing on Scripture and living out the fruits of the Spirit. This episode reminds us that while temptation is part of being human, we're never...

Bill Merkh and Katrina McDonald interview Katrina's sister-in-law, Natalie Ostrander, to discuss how maintaining a positive perspective can transform your day. Everyone faces difficult moments, and it's easy to fall into negative thinking. But with God's help, there is always a way forward. He provides the perfect example of how to remain grateful, even in challenging times.

False prophets are all around us, and their influence can be subtle but dangerous. In this eye-opening episode, Bill Merkh is joined by Steve Entwistle and Dr. Marc McCleary to uncover how to spot a false prophet and why it's so easy to be led astray by deceptive teachings. If we're not vigilant, we risk embracing doctrines the Bible warns us against. Follow us

Pastor Greg Ginion and Bill Merkh explore the aspects of forgiveness. They look at God's forgiveness and how we are directed to forgive. We need to forgive others and ourselves as well. Please like and follow us! Share it with everyone!

Bill Merkh, along with co-hosts Steve Entwistle and Katrina McDonald, interviews Bill's wife, Lisa Merkh, about her journey to finding faith later in life. She shares how she transformed her former lifestyle to align with her newfound beliefs. Today, Lisa actively serves on the Immanuel Baptist Church AV team and helps lead the women's Bible study group.

Bill Merkh and Pastor Greg Ginion reflect on Bill's early days as a stand-up comedian and blogger. They also discuss the plays performed by church members and how incorporating entertainment into church life helped strengthen relationships within the church body. In fact, this very podcast serves as another form of connection and entertainment.

Bill Merkh and Katrina McDonald interview Jess Johnson about her role as a previous child life specialist. In this position, she supports children and their families through traumatic medical experiences in, helping them feel safe and aiding in their emotional recovery throughout their stay in the hospital. It's an essential yet often overlooked job that can be emotionally taxing.

Idolatry is one of the most challenging sins to confront, largely because it often falls into a grey area. Anything that distracts us or takes precedence over our relationship with God can become an idol. In this episode, hosts Bill Merkh, Steve Entwistle, and Katrina McDonald explore the far-reaching impact of idolatry on the world—and discuss practical steps we can take to break free from...

This week Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald and Steve Entwistle sit down with Dr. Marc McCleary. They tackle different topics of being a Christian husband, father and doctor. They discuss his military service and why he has made some of those decisions. Follow, Subscribe and Share.

This week's episode has Bill Merkh and two special co-hosts, Steve Entwistle and Katrina McDonald talking with guest, Sami Chandler. Sami grew up in the church watching both of her parents serve, she learned the importance of not only going to church, but also serving. Follow and Like and of course Listen.

Everyone experiences anger, but is all anger the same? What's the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger? In Scripture, even Jesus expressed anger—so does that mean He sinned? In this episode, Bill Merkh and Pastor Vince McDonald explore the powerful distinction between the righteous anger Jesus displayed and the kind of anger that leads us into sin. They also share practical in...

Pastor Vince and Bill Merkh invite a new guest. How challenging is it to run a business while staying true to your faith in Christ? For Brian Bowman, one of the owners of Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, it's a daily commitment. His mission: serve great food and create an even greater environment. Hear more about Brian's journey during this episode. Order At One Of His Delicious Restauran...

Pastor Vince and Bill Merkh sit down with Mark Johnson, a track coach and teacher in a public school. Mark shows his kids how to be better track, but also shows them how to be better people. He shows the love of Christ and stands up for what is right.

What is Legalism? How does it affect the church? Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh discuss Legalism. What is it exactly? How can it harm the church? Listen and find out. Subscribe and follow. Share with your friends and family.

This week, Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh sit down with Katrina McDonald, mother of three and daughter-in-law to Pastor Vince. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, including her daughter Vivian's stay in the CHOP intensive care unit, which led to surgery, and her son Grayson's constant struggle with low respiratory immunity. They share how building strong trust in God and your spouse i...

Pastor Vince and Bill welcome back Pastor Greg. PV and PG discuss their duties and involvement as two of the Maple Shade Police Department chaplains. They discuss how they became involved, different trainings and how they deal with difficult situations. Join us in this fascinating episode. And remember to Follow Us!

Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh sit down with author and pastor, Shane Colwell, from Grace Bible Church in Barrington, NJ, to discuss his book, I Know It Hurts: 6 Biblical Truths from a Pastor and Father of a Medically Fragile Child. In this heartfelt interview, they explore Shane's journey as the father of his son, Chase, and delve into the emotional highs and lows of raising a child with sp...

This week's episode talks frankly about the struggles of anxiety and depression. Pastor Vince and Bill discuss the real life battles of both. As Christians how are we suppose to deal with them?

Pastor Vince and Bill are joined by Keeley Samson. She discusses her life as a missionary to Australia and her time back home as the director of children's ministries at Immanuel. Join them as learn about Keeley's amazing journey, from the people, the friendships and translating the Bible.

Pastor Vince and Bill welcome Steve Entwistle to the podcast. They discuss home schooling, public school and private school. Is there a right choice in today's world? What is the parent's role? What can the church do? Listen now.

Pastor Vince and Bill welcome Pastor Greg Ginion. Pastor Greg is the assistant Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church. Pastor Greg has many years of experience at all capacities. He tells them his journey from childhood to joining Immanuel.

Pastor Vince and Bill talk about Pastor Vince's preaching style. Pastor Vince's influences in ministry and how he prepares for sermons. Subscribe and follow.

Pastor Vince and Bill discuss worship, from Sunday worship to everyday worship. How do we worship and what does worship mean? Subscribe or follow to get updated content.

This is the first episode. We will meet our hosts, Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh. We hear their stories and what brought them to Immanuel Baptist Church in Maple Shade, NJ. What separates Immanuel from other churches? Listen to find out. Enjoy!