To Be The Church

This week, Tyler, Andrew, and Ben discuss some of the recent events in Afghanistan. They talk about political unrest in the heart of the Middle East and what that means for Christians all across the globe. CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

This week, Tyler and Andrew relocate to the auditorium of our church building and talk about a sermon series that Northwest Gospel Church recently began, "The Story." The guys talk about the big-picture narrative of Scripture and how Christians can avoid losing the plot entirely. RESOURCES: - The Stories We Tell by Mike Cosper: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-We-Tell-Movies-Truth/dp/1433537087 - Ea...

Today, Andrew and Tyler answer listener questions, specifically about the role of our conscience in employer-forced vaccine mandates. Also, the guys discuss the book of Judges, how it's applicable today, and why our local church is preaching it this fall. CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

This week, Tyler and Ben are joined by none other than Andrew Murch, co-host and co-founder of the TBTC Podcast and Lead Pastor of Northwest Gospel Church. Andrew gives some updates from his time off and shares a few insights about pastoral sabbaticals. CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

With Andrew still on Sabbatical and Tyler out of the office, Ben is joined by Courtney Huna and Noah Soistmann. Courtney and Noah serve our local church as the Youth Ministry Associates. This week, Ben, Courtney, and Noah talk about youth camps, the awesome opportunities that camps offer, and what Northwest Gospel Church is doing for our camp this Summer. RESOURCES: - NGC's Summer Camp: nwgospel.c...

This week, Tyler sits down with author Drew Dyck to talk about self-control. What's the big deal about self-control? Why is self-control so hard? The guys discuss everything from habit formation to brain science to the spiritual disciplines. RESOURCES: - Your Future Self Will Thank You by Drew Dyck: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Future-Self-Will-Thank/dp/0802418295/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF...

This week, Tyler talks with Matt Smethurst, Managing Editor of The Gospel Coalition, about local church deacons. Tyler and Matt discuss some reasons for deacons and talk about the vital role that deacons play in the life of the church. RESOURCES: - Deacons by Matt Smethurst: https://www.amazon.com/Deacons-Strengthen-Building-Healthy-Churches/dp/1433571625/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matt+smethurs...

This week, Tyler talks with Jay Kim, author of Analog Church. The guys have a conversation about church live streams, COVID, and how real connections are still needed, even in the Digital Age. They also discuss how Christians live when the cultural values stand in direct opposition to gospel values. RESOURCES: - Analog Church by Jay Kim: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/083084158X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b...

This week, Tyler and Ben are joined by Gavin Hesse to discuss an interesting new version of the Bible. The God Bless the USA Bible joins the words of Scripture with America's founding documents. The guys discuss the tension between patriotism and idolatry and how Christians must prioritize God's Word. RESOURCES: - God Bless The USA Bible: https://godblesstheusabible.com/ CONTACT US: podcast@tobeth...

This week, Tyler continues his conversation with David Greco and Owen Githanga about the work of Compassion International and breaking the cycle of poverty. For part two, we'll hear a little more about Owen's story as well as the powerful impact of Compassion's church-centered model for care and development. RESOURCES: - Compassion International: https://www.compassion.com/ - Owen: https://www.com...

This week, Tyler is joined by David Greco and Owen Githanga to talk about the work of Compassion International. In this episode, we hear Owen's own story about growing up as a Compassion sponsee and how Compassion focuses its efforts on the local church through child sponsorships. RESOURCES: - Compassion International: https://www.compassion.com/ - Owen: https://www.compassion.com/christian-speake...

This week, Tyler and Ben are again joined by Gavin Hesse. Gavin serves as a non-vocational elder at Northwest Gospel Church. The guys discuss local church eldership, aspiring to eldership, and what it looks like to shepherd as an elder. RESOURCES: - NGC Governance Chart: https://lifepointchurch.s3.amazonaws.com/TBTCPod/NGC-Governance-Chart.png - The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Z. Witmer: https://ww...

This week, Tyler sits down with author/editor/film critic Brett McCracken to talk about how we feed our souls in a post-truth world. At the center of the conversation is Brett's newest book, "The Wisdom Pyramid," in which Brett tells us why wisdom is so rare in today's digital age, and how we can reorient our lives to gain wisdom. Follow Brett's work at https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ Buy the...

This week, Tyler and Ben discuss a listener questions about Episode 300 of the TBTC podcast. How can divided Christians be reconciled to one another? The guys talk about ways that Christians can overcome differences and be unified once again. RESOURCES: - TGC Article from Kevin DeYoung: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-reformed-evangelicalism-has-splintered-four-approache...

This week, Tyler and Ben are joined by NGC elder Gavin Hesse. Together, the guys continue last week's discussion about "porneia" and divorce. The guys expand on that conversation by discussing the redemption and restoration that is possible despite one's struggles with sexual immorality. RESOURCES: - Thomas Schreiner article on pornography/divorce: https://www.9marks.org/article/is-pornography-use...

This week, Andrew, Tyler, and Ben answer a listener question about pornography and divorce. Can divorce be justified if one's spouse has watched pornography? The guys respond to this question and dive into the Bible's teaching on lust, "porneia," and divorce. RESOURCES: - Thomas Schreiner article on Pornography/Divorce: https://www.9marks.org/article/is-pornography-use-ever-grounds-for-divorce/ -...

How is it that church gatherings across the world can look so similar? This week, the guys talk about the globalization of church music, gathering elements, and church "styles." RESOURCES: - Podcast on the globalization and industrialization of church music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-worship/id1503594795?i=1000490890453 CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobe...

This week, Andrew, Tyler, and Ben talk about pastoral sabbaticals. The guys discuss what sabbaticals are and the purpose they serve in the life of the church. CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

Happy 300th Episode! This week, the guys chat about masks and politics. Andrew, Tyler, and Ben respond to a listener question about whether or not wearing a mask is loving to one's neighbor. Also, the guys discuss a TGC article from Kevin DeYoung about Christians and our politics. RESOURCES: - TGC Article by Kevin DeYoung: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/why-reformed-evangel...

In light of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches have begun to offer Sunday morning live streams to help their people stay connected while being stuck at home. This week, Andrew, Tyler, and Ben discuss church gathering live streams and how they can both help and hurt local churches. RESOURCES: - 9Marks Pastors Talk Podcasts: On Multi-Site Churches (with Matt Chandler): https://www.9marks....

Christians are called to forgive. But do we also need to forget? This week, the guys discuss the idea of 'forgive and forget' and how Christians practice forgiveness in light of a whole host of circumstances. CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

This week, Andrew, Tyler, and Ben bring back a TBTC favorite: lyrical analysis. The guys look at Hillsong United's "Another in the Fire" and Phil Wickham's "Battle Belongs." Are these helpful songs for the church to be singing? CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch

The guys have talked before about how to transition in and out of a new local church context. But what about when you change roles within the same church? This week, Andrew, Tyler, and Ben discuss pursuing a different job on the same team and the fluidity of job descriptions. RESOURCES: The Imperfect Pastor by Zack Eswine: https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Pastor-Discovering-Limitations-Apprentices...

This week, Tyler sits down with Jared C. Wilson to talk about his book The Gospel-Driven Church. Jared tells about his journey in life, his experiences in pastoral ministry, and shares some insights on how churches can aim to be truly gospel-centered. Pick up a copy of The Gospel-Driven Church at https://amzn.to/3bXpsCC Check out Jared's new book Gospel-Driven Ministry at https://amzn.to/3cHSh54 C...

What's the best Bible translation? This week, the guys talk about why we have all the translations we do and the differences between them. RESOURCES: Bible translations comparison chart: https://www.chapter3min.org/bible-translations-comparison-charts/ CONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com facebook.com/tobethechurch twitter.com/tobethechurch instagram.com/tobethechurch youtube.com/tobethechurch