Ward Church Podcast

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...

As we prepare our hearts for Lent, Dr. Scott McKee explores the profound significance of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God. Looking at the deep Old Testament roots of sacrifice—including the Day of Atonement and Passover—Pastor Scott reveals how Jesus fulfills these ancient practices in a way that is final and eternal. Through powerful imagery, including the role of the scapegoat and the blood...

In the final message of the "I Never Said That" series, Dr. Scott McKee examines the popular phrase, "Hate the sin, love the sinner," and reveals how, despite its widespread use, it isn’t found in the Bible. Drawing from Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18, Pastor Scott challenges us to confront our own sin rather than focusing on the faults of others. This message expl...

In this continuation of the "I Never Said That" series, Dr. Scott McKee unpacks the commonly misquoted phrase, "Money is the root of all evil," revealing the truth from 1 Timothy 6:10: "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Exploring what the Bible truly says about wealth, greed, and contentment, Dr. McKee highlights the dangers of loving money and how it can trap us, regardless of ou...

In the latest "I Never Said That" message, Rev. Terence Gray explores the popular phrase "Ask Jesus into your heart," revealing that while common in Christian culture, it’s not a biblical command. Instead, scripture emphasizes repentance and belief in the gospel as the true response to Jesus. Drawing from Revelation 3:20 and Acts 3:19, Pastor Terence unpacks how salvation isn’t about inviting Jesu...

Dr. Scott McKee continues the "I Never Said That" series by challenging the common saying, "God won’t give you more than you can handle." While often used to provide comfort, this phrase is not found in the Bible. Instead, scripture reveals that God allows people to face trials far beyond their own strength—so they will rely on Him. Drawing from Paul’s letters and personal experiences, Pastor Scot...

Rev. Terence Gray kicks off the new series, "I Never Said That," by addressing the popular misconception that "God only helps those who help themselves." Drawing from scripture, he highlights how God extends His grace to the helpless and opposes the proud. Through examples like the healing of the leper and Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” Pastor Terence reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in o...

Rev. Terence Gray closes the "Good Plans" series with a message on seeking and doing God's will. Reflecting on Matthew 7 and the inspiring life of George Müller, Pastor Gray emphasizes that doing God's will involves progressive steps of faith and occasional leaps, rooted in trust and dependence on Him. He challenges us to examine our motives, place our full weight on God, and live lives marked by...

Rev. Nicole Unice continues the "Good Plans" series with a message on discovering God's will, addressing the common question, "What does God want for my life?" Drawing from Romans 12, Proverbs 3, and James 1, she offers practical insights on aligning our lives with God's purpose. Through foundational commitments, intentional reflection, and seeking God's guidance in daily decisions, she encourages...

Rev. Terence Gray kicks off the new year with the sermon series "Good Plans: Defining, Discovering, and Doing the Will of God" by exploring how we can understand and embrace God’s will. Using scripture and practical examples, Pastor Terence unpacks the two aspects of God’s will—His commands and decrees—and reminds us that God’s plans always lead to restoration, joy, and victory. Even when life fee...

On the last Sunday of the year, Dr. Scott McKee reflects on the practice of patiently enduring problems, an often-overlooked discipline that can shape our character and deepen our faith. Drawing from James 1:2-4, this message explores how trials, whether big or small, can become opportunities for spiritual growth when viewed through the lens of faith. Pastor Scott shares personal insights from his...

In this Christmas Eve message, Dr. Scott McKee invites us to rediscover the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of the shepherds, who were astonished by the news of Jesus' birth. Drawing from the awe and amazement in Luke 2, Pastor Scott explores how wonder opens the door to hope, faith, and possibility in a dark world. Reflecting on how Jesus, the Light of the World, entered humanity in humility...

In this week’s message, Rev. Terence Gray continues the "I've Got Questions" series by exploring the question, “What shall we name Him?” Drawing from Matthew 1:18–25, Pastor Terence reflects on the power of names, how they shape our identity, and how Jesus' name—meaning salvation—reveals His purpose and destiny. This message reminds us that while the world may label us with names that burden or ha...

Rev. Nicole Unice invites us into the journey of the Magi as they ask the question, “Where is He?” in their search for the newborn King. In this powerful Advent message, Nicole reminds us that our own journeys are filled with questions—where is God in our mess, doubts, or disappointments? Yet Jesus, born into the brokenness of the world, is not distant but present, standing and knocking, inviting...

Rev. Terence Gray delivers a heartfelt and intergenerational Christmas message, "How Will This Be?", exploring the profound truth that when we receive God's Son, we receive everything. Drawing from Mary’s journey in Luke 1 and Isaiah 9:6, Pastor Terence reminds us that the story of Christmas isn’t about how but who. Through engaging illustrations, audience interaction, and the symbolism of gifts,...

Dr. Scott McKee kicks off the Advent season by exploring different questions of Christmas, beginning with Zechariah’s heartfelt inquiry in Luke 1: “How can I be sure?” This powerful message invites us to embrace the sacred gift of silence, using Zechariah's transformation from doubt to faith as a reflection of the season’s call to wait, wonder, and watch for signs of God’s presence. Pastor Scott r...

In this week’s message, Pastor Terence stepped in for Pastor Scott and shared a powerful reminder of God’s rescuing love from Exodus 14:15. Reflecting on Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, he emphasized that God meets us in our weakness and rescues us not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is. Pastor Terence shared personal stories to remind us that God’s love pursues us even...

In this week's special message, guest preacher Mike Kuhn joins us for Ward Church's Global Impact Summit to reflect on Acts 8 and "The Great Pivot." Highlighting Philip's role in crossing cultural barriers to bring the gospel to Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch, Mike challenges us to embrace the call to share Jesus' love with those on the margins of society. Drawing parallels to today's global ref...

In this week’s sermon, Dr. Scott McKee concludes the "Up" series by exploring the practice of speaking up for our faith, as demonstrated in Luke 15:1-10. Through parables of the lost sheep and lost coin, we see God's deep joy in finding those who are spiritually lost. Pastor Scott shares personal stories and challenges us to live as people called and sent by God, to connect with others through sim...

In this week’s sermon, Dr. Scott McKee dives into the theme of accountability, exploring its role in our spiritual growth and relationships. Reflecting on Colossians 3:12-17, Pastor Scott explains how accountability is a gift from God, guiding us to live in alignment with His teachings. Through stories and scriptural insights, we’re encouraged to confront our own excuses, invite trusted people int...