In this episode of afterWord, we continue our conversation on private worship — not just time in the Word, but the often-overlooked discipline of biblical meditation. What does it mean to truly meditate on Scripture? How does it differ from the emptying practices of the world? Why do so many believers rush through the Word without lingering in it?Together, we explore how biblical meditation awakens the affections, anchors us in trials, and fuels meaningful prayer. With reflections on Psalm 1, Psalm 19, Joshua 1, and more, we unpack how meditation isn't passive but active — a way to fill the mind and stir the soul.Whether you’re battling distraction, box-checking habits, or a desireless heart, this episode encourages you to slow down, press in, and be “swallowed up into God.” Join us as we recover this vital grace.

In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent sits down with executive pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to dive into the life-changing discipline of daily devotions. They unpack why carving out regular time in God’s Word isn’t just a good idea, but essential nourishment for your soul—and a key weapon in the ongoing spiritual battle against distraction.Together, they share candid stories of how buzzing smartphones, work pressures, and family responsibilities have derailed their own rhythms—and the practical tweaks that helped them recommit. You’ll learn:When to choose print versus audio ScriptureSimple strategies for staying mentally engaged—even on hectic morningsHabits that turn brief Bible time into lasting spiritual impactPlus, Matt, Jeremy, and Kent swap favorite tools, reading plans, and “light bulb” techniques designed to spark curiosity and fuel deeper meditation. Whether you’re just starting your devotional journey or seeking fresh inspiration, this honest conversation will equip you to overcome common barriers, strengthen your faith, and feast on your “daily bread.”Tune in, be encouraged, and make every moment count with afterWord!

In this second part of our conversation on the local church, Pastors Kent Dresdow, Jeremy Pray, and Matt Rehrer dive deeper into why the church matters—biblically, theologically, and practically. Picking up where Part 1 left off, they explore imagery from Scripture including the church as the bride, the body, the family, and the temple of the Holy Spirit.You’ll hear reflections on the value God places on the local church, the dangers of going it alone, and how the Spirit works within the gathered body. They also unpack the biblical marks of a true church, the importance of church leadership and accountability, and how consumerism and cultural habits can challenge our view of the church.Whether you're deeply invested in your local church or wrestling with its role in your life, this honest and encouraging conversation is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of afterWord with Pastor Kent, where we explore meaningful conversations about life and ministry.#LocalChurch #HolySpirit #ChurchLeadership #afterWordPodcast #NorthCreekChurch #ninemarks #9marks #podcast

Welcome to afterWord, an extended conversation about topics that matter, hosted by Kent Dresdow, senior pastor at NorthCreek Church. In this episode, Kent is joined by Jeremy Pray as they sit down with Matt Rehrer, one of NorthCreek’s executive pastors.

Matt and Jeremy currently share the role of executive pastor, and this episode focuses on Matt’s story. In the next episode, the conversation will turn to Jeremy.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt to hear his powerful story—one marked by early faith, deep sorrow, and profound grace.

Raised in the South and drawn to Christ at a young age, Matt shares how a personal struggle shaped his understanding of the gospel. But it was a life-altering event in his twenties—just after marriage and the start of a demanding professional journey—that tested everything. What followed was unimaginable loss... and unexpected preservation. In the midst of devastation, certain items were untouched—reminders that God was near, even there.

Matt opens up about the quiet strength that sustained him, the words that held him together, and the slow process of healing. He also reflects on the unique overlap between his calling in medicine and his role in ministry—how caring for the body has shaped his approach to caring for the soul.

You’ll also get a glimpse into his work as an author, where he brings biblical wisdom to real-world struggles like grief and sleeplessness.

This is part one of a special two-part conversation designed to help you get to know the executive pastors at NorthCreek Church. It’s a story of loss, healing, and hope—one that reminds us how God meets us in our deepest valleys.

afterWord, Podcast, NorthCreek Church, Kent Dresdow, Jeremy Pray, Matt Rehrer, Executive Pastor, Christianity, Faith, Testimony, Conversion, Baptism, Grief, Suffering, Family Tragedy, Loss, Car Accident, Psalm 73, God's Grace, Ministry, Medicine, Medical Ministry, Doctor, Emergency Room Doctor, Biblical Counseling, Caring for Soul and Body, Christian Writing, Redeeming Memory: How God Transforms Memories from a Heavy Burden to a Blessed Hope (Counsel for the Heart), Sleep, Sleepless, Biblical Worldview, Christian Living, Pastoral Ministry, Wisdom

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

01:04 Matt's Journey to Christ

03:36 Family and Personal Life

04:05 Tragedy and Transformation

14:21 Education and Medical Background

19:19 The Intersection of Medicine and Ministry

28:01 Writing and Future Projects

Join host Kent Dresdow and executive pastors Matt and Jeremy on afterWord as they begin a conversation about the profound importance of the local church. Kicking off the discussion, they explore the biblical understanding of the church as ekklesia, the "called-out ones," emphasizing the significance of the gathered assembly of believers.

The pastors address common questions, including a clarification of Matthew 18:20, explaining its context within church discipline rather than as a justification for isolated faith. They also discuss the valuable role of parachurch ministries, distinguishing their supportive function from the central, irreplaceable nature of the local church.

A key focus of the episode is the rich biblical imagery that reveals the value God places on the church. They touch upon the church as the bride of Christ, the body of Christ (highlighting the need for all its diverse members), and the household of God, emphasizing the unique spiritual family bond shared by believers.

This episode serves as the first part of an ongoing exploration into the local church, with further discussion planned for a future episode of afterWord.

Keywords

local church, ecclesiology, church importance, parachurch ministries, body of Christ, bride of Christ, household of God, church community, church membership, church purpose

Chapters

02:56 - Understanding the Local Church06:08 - The Importance of the Local Church09:14 - Parachurch Ministries vs. Local Church12:05 - The Body of Christ and Its Functionality18:03 - The Church as the Bride of Christ20:46 - The Church as the Household of God33:05 - Conclusion and Future Discussions

In part two of our executive pastor series, Jeremy joins Matt and Kent to share his story—one that’s shaped not by dramatic turns, but by steady faith and quiet surrender.

Jeremy describes his early profession of faith as “boring,” but as the conversation unfolds, you’ll see how a life of subtle beginnings can still lead to deep conviction. From a childhood story that sparked belief to a mission trip moment he didn’t realize was shared with his future wife, Jeremy’s life is full of quiet providence.

He reflects on unexpected turns in his family story—twists they wouldn’t have written, but that the Lord used to draw them closer to Him. Through years of waiting, surprise blessings, and unplanned challenges, Jeremy and his wife learned to hold their plans loosely and trust God’s purposes.

You’ll also hear about his unlikely journey from operating heavy machinery to shepherding hearts in vocational ministry. Jeremy shares what it's like to carry the emotional weight of counseling others and how he avoids becoming overwhelmed by constantly placing burdens where they belong—back in the hands of the Lord.

This conversation touches on everything from construction sites to counseling centers, from theology degrees to bedtime stories. It’s a look into how a life of faithful service—whether in boots or a Bible—can be used powerfully by God.

Keywords

testimony, baptism, family, infertility, ministry, education, vocational ministry, counseling, ACBC, collaboration

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

01:15 Jeremy's Testimony and Baptism

05:00 Family Life and Infertility Journey

09:27 Education and Vocational Background

11:37 Transition to Vocational Ministry

16:32 Publishing and Counseling Ministry

18:55 ACBC Involvement and Training

25:47 Navigating Knowledge of Congregants' Lives

30:54 Collaboration Between Executive Pastors

The afterWord podcast exists to carry biblical conversations beyond the pulpit and classroom. Hosted by NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek, CA, the podcast offers a space to reflect on sermons, theology, and interviews with guest speakers—bringing those insights to a wider audience for deeper, ongoing engagement. Regularly featuring Kent Dresdow, NorthCreek’s lead pastor, afterWord invites listeners into thoughtful, Christ-centered discussions rooted in Scripture and shaped by the life of the local church.