Ward Church Podcast

Continuing our Revelation series, Dr. Scott McKee explores the seven letters to the churches in chapters 2 and 3—a personal and prophetic message from Jesus to communities facing persecution, compromise, and complacency. Focusing on the churches of Ephesus, Pergamum, and Laodicea, Pastor Scott highlights Christ’s blend of affirmation and correction: a call to rekindle first love, resist compartmen...

Rev. Terence Gray kicks off our summer series on Revelation with an invitation to see this often-misunderstood book not as a confusing end-times riddle, but as a multi-dimensional message of hope. With clarity, humor, and pastoral warmth, Pastor Terence unpacks the key genres and interpretations of Revelation, reminding us that while symbolism and mystery abound, the main theme is profoundly simpl...

In this energizing and heartfelt message, Rev. Terry Robinson challenges us to live the Christian life in 3D—through the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, and the Great Concern. With warmth, humor, and biblical clarity, Pastor Terry paints a vision of faith that is not flat or theoretical but vibrant, relational, and transformative. Drawing from Jesus’ call to love God and neighbor, to make...

Rev. Sean Carroll delivers a powerful message on the “theme music” of God—five core attributes revealed in Exodus 34: compassion, grace, patience, steadfast love, and faithfulness. Just as a film score helps us anticipate the arrival of a beloved character, God’s signature shows up in our lives and the world around us, pointing us to His presence. Tracing the character of God from Moses on Mount S...

As Ward Church prepares to host the 45th General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Dr. Scott McKee concludes the Firm Foundation series with a deep dive into the essential beliefs that unite us. Drawing from both scripture and history, Pastor Scott explores nine core doctrines that have guided the global church for centuries: the authority of scripture, the full divinity and humanit...

As Ward Church wraps up another program and fiscal year, Dr. Scott McKee reflects on what makes this church distinct—not the flashy or obvious, but the often-overlooked strengths that define its character. In this message, he lifts up three quietly powerful aspects of Ward’s identity: a deepening heart for individuals with special needs, a long-standing and relational commitment to the city of Det...

In week three of Firm Foundation, Dr. Scott McKee takes us on a sweeping journey through 2,000 years of church history to remind us of the rich legacy we inherit as followers of Jesus—and as part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. From the bold reforms of Martin Luther and John Knox to the founding of Ward Church in Detroit during the Great Depression, Pastor Scott traces the faithful witness...

In week two of Firm Foundations, Dr. Scott McKee explores Jesus’ bold declaration: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Drawing from Matthew 16, Pastor Scott reminds us that the Church isn’t a human invention—it’s Jesus’ idea, his body, and his plan for redeeming the world. In a culture that often dismisses or doubts the Church, we’re called to remember who the Ch...

On Mother’s Day, Dr. Scott McKee launches the new Firm Foundations series with a message centered on grace—God’s unmerited favor that meets us not in our strength, but in our weakness. Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s thorn-in-the-flesh story in 2 Corinthians 12, Pastor Scott reminds us that grace isn’t just a promise of heaven, but a present, sustaining power in our everyday struggles. Through per...

On Star Wars Day, Dr. Scott McKee delivers a meaningful message on the real, personal, and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit—no sci-fi required. Reflecting on his own story and the biblical account of young Samuel, Pastor Scott reminds us that God still speaks today: through Scripture, through others, and through the still, small voice within. Whether you’re ten or sixty, God may be prompting y...

The week after Easter can feel like a return to the ordinary, but Rev. Nicole Unice invites us to see it differently. Continuing in the spirit of resurrection, she explores John 20 and the first appearance of Jesus to His disciples after the tomb was empty. In a world still weighed down by fear, fatigue, and failure, Jesus breathes peace and new life into His followers—and into us. Through stories...

On Easter Sunday, Dr. Scott McKee concludes The Lord Our Shepherd series with a powerful reflection on the final verse of Psalm 23: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, and shifting foundations, Easter offers unshakable security through the risen Christ. Drawing from the full arc of the psalm, we’re reminded that the Good Shepherd not only guid...

In this final episode, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong is joined by Pastors Terence Gray and Sean Carroll to reflect on the concluding verse of Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Together, they unpack the richness of the Hebrew words tov (goodness) and hesed (mercy, steadfast love), exploring how the...

This week, we continue our journey through Psalm 23 with a powerful message on verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Rev. Terence Gray unpacks the rich biblical imagery of hospitality, honor, and intimacy with God—moving us from green pastures to the banquet table of a gracious Host. With warmth and depth, he explores...

This week, the imagery in Psalm 23 takes a dramatic turn—from pastures and valleys to a royal banquet table. Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong leads a rich conversation with Pastors Scott McKee and Terrance Gray as they unpack the meaning behind “You prepare a table before me... You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Together, they explore God as the ultimate host—lavish, intentional, a...

In this week's sermon, Dr. Scott McKee explores one of the most misunderstood yet powerful lines in Psalm 23: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” With wisdom, humor, and pastoral insight, Dr. McKee reflects on God’s loving discipline, our tendency to wander, and the deep comfort found in a Shepherd who both protects and corrects. From viral sheep videos to biblical truths, this sermon invi...

Discipline and comfort—two words we rarely associate, yet Psalm 23 brings them together in a powerful way. In this week's discussion, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong hosts a thoughtful conversation with Pastor Scott McKee and Pastor Terrance Gray on the meaning behind “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Together, they explore how God’s authority, correction, and protection all serve to...

What does it mean to trust God in our darkest valleys? This week, Dr. Scott McKee explores one of the most personal and powerful lines of Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” With heartfelt vulnerability, Dr. McKee shares reflections from his own journey through serious illness and reminds us that valleys—whether of gri...

We all face valleys—times of darkness, uncertainty, and fear. But what if we could walk through them with confidence? In Week 4 of our journey through Psalm 23, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong leads a conversation with Pastor Scott McKee and Pastoral Resident Sarah Horton about what it means to trust the Good Shepherd in our hardest seasons. How does His presence change the way we experience s...

What guides you—truly? This week, Kelsey Jenney invites us into a powerful reflection on Psalm 23:3—“He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Drawing from her experiences in ministry, spiritual direction, and a life-shaping trip through Israel, Kelsey explores our deep desire to be guided, the many competing voices in our lives, and the gentle, faithful way God leads us into ri...

We all follow something—but are we being led by the Good Shepherd? In Week 3 of our journey through Psalm 23, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong explores with Pastor Scott McKee and guest Kelsey Jenney the meaning of walking in “paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” How does God guide us in a world full of competing voices? What does it mean to be truly led by Him? This conversation delves...

True rest is found only in the presence of the Good Shepherd. This week, Rev. Terence Gray unpacks Psalm 23:2-3, showing how, like sheep, we struggle with restlessness—held captive by fear, conflict, distractions, and unmet needs. Yet, Jesus, our Shepherd, leads us to green pastures and quiet waters, providing exactly what we need at the right time. When we chase after greener pastures on our own,...

We long for rest, but do we truly embrace it? In Week 2 of our journey through Psalm 23, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong guides a discussion with Scott and Terence on how God makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. Why is rest something we often resist? And how does the Good Shepherd restore our souls? Together, they explore the tension between contentment and com...

When Jesus is our shepherd, our every need is met. This week, Mark Ordus unpacks Psalm 23:1—“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing”—and explores how we can truly live in that reality. Through stories, humor, and biblical wisdom, he reminds us that just as a shepherd protects, feeds, heals, rescues, and guides his sheep, Jesus does the same for us. When we seek first His kingdom, we find that in...

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture, but what happens when we slow down and truly let it shape us? In this episode, Small Groups Director Sarah de Jong moderates a conversation with Pastors Scott McKee and Terence Gray as they kick off a seven-week deep dive into 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.' What does it mean to trust in Jesus as our Good Shepherd? How does H...