In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow is joined by Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to reflect on a recent sermon from Isaiah 43:1–7. Nearly one year into the podcast, the conversation centers on why this specific passage—preached as the "next up" in a long-running expository series—struck such a profound chord with the congregation. The hosts explore how the sovereign timing of God’s Word meets the specific anxieties of his people, whether they are facing global instability or personal trials like illness and relational brokenness.

The discussion highlights the vital importance of expository preaching, where the Lord sets the agenda for the church rather than the pastor. By walking through the text, the pastors show how God anchors his command to "fear not" in his own identity as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. They examine the depth of God’s covenant language, noting how he calls his people by name and regards them as "precious" and "glorious". This is not merely a motivational sentiment but a positional reality for the believer, grounded in the redemptive work of Christ.

Drawing connections to Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, Kent, Matt, and Jeremy explain how the sufficiency of Scripture provides a unique remedy for fear that the world cannot offer. Whether you are a "suffering saint" needing comfort or a "sinning saint" laboring for sanctification, this episode offers a pastoral look at how resting in God’s presence and providence transforms our response to a fearful world. This conversation serves as a reminder that because we belong to Him, we do not lose heart.

Welcome to NorthCreek Church!

In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.

Connect With Us:

Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM

Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Online Resources:

Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/

NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/

Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901

Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

How should believers read and apply Old Testament stories without making themselves the hero or over-spiritualizing the historical details?

In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to debrief a recent expository preaching workshop hosted for 90 men across the greater Bay Area. While reflecting on the encouragement of studying Old Testament narrative together, the pastors take a practical deep dive into 1 Samuel 17, the familiar story of David and Goliath.

The conversation unpacks common pitfalls in teaching and reading historical narratives. It is easy to turn the five smooth stones into symbolic virtues or to identify ourselves with David bravely facing our daily giants. Instead, the pastors demonstrate how faithful Scripture application requires looking at the narrative flow and paying attention to what the main character says, rather than just focusing on the climactic action. David explicitly stated that his victory was to declare that there is a God in Israel, acting as the anointed king delivering a fearful people. Ultimately, this historical reality points the believer to the greater deliverance worked through Christ our King.

Whether you are an aspiring teacher laboring over sermon preparation or a church member seeking to grow in your personal Bible reading, this episode offers helpful tools to mine the depths of God's Word. Join the pastors as they encourage listeners to open the Bible with humility, reliance on the Spirit, and a desire to see wonderful things from God's law.

Welcome to NorthCreek Church!

In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.

Connect With Us:

Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM

Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Online Resources:

Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/

NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/

Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901

Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

What are you actually saying when you tell someone "I forgive you"? It doesn't mean you'll forget it. It doesn't mean the consequences disappear. What it does mean is that you're sending the offense away — you're not going to bring it up to them, bring it up to others, or let it sit and breed bitterness in your own heart. And beyond that, biblical forgiveness (the Greek word is charizomai — to give graciously) involves actually moving toward the other person with warmth. Not just biting your tongue, but extending grace.In this final episode of the series, the guys define forgiveness carefully, talk through the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and address when it's right to just let love cover an offense rather than making it a bigger conversation. They share honest stories, recommend some specific resources for anyone who wants to go deeper, and close with a direct word for anyone who already has someone in mind. Forgiveness can be hard, slow work — but the Spirit makes it possible, and you don't have to figure it out alone. If you're stuck, this episode will help you take the next step.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

If God has forgiven us vertically in Christ, what does that mean for how we forgive each other horizontally — in marriage, in parenting, in the church? In this episode, the guys pick up where Part 1 left off and get practical. They walk through the biblical basis for horizontal forgiveness, drawing from Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18, Luke 7, and the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 — showing that forgiveness isn't a one-time event but a daily practice that flows out of understanding what God has already done for us.From there, the conversation gets into the stuff that actually comes up at home. What's the difference between an apology and asking for forgiveness? They're not the same thing, and blurring the line creates more problems than it solves. An apology acknowledges hurt. Forgiveness covers sin. Most of us stop at "I'm sorry" — but Scripture calls us further. They also get honest about why asking for forgiveness is so hard: it takes humility, someone has to go first, and most of us would rather make it a transaction than go to the cross. If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is worth your time.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

What does it look like to faithfully lead and disciple women within the local church? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Laurie Agnello and Katie Willis, the co-directors of women's ministries at NorthCreek Church. Together, they share their personal backgrounds, their unique paths into leadership, and how their complementary gifts serve the body of Christ.

The conversation highlights the vital role of Christian discipleship, exploring how women can balance the desire to be equipped with the biblical call to actively disciple others. Laurie and Katie discuss practical avenues like the Gospel Moms program and one-to-one discipleship, emphasizing the beauty of multi-generational Bible studies in making a large church feel smaller and more connected. Looking to the future, they share a deep pastoral burden for increasing biblical literacy, equipping women to read, understand, and apply God's Word for themselves in everyday life.

Whether you are actively serving in ministry, looking for ways to grow, or simply seeking encouragement in your Christian life, this episode offers a helpful look at both the private and public ministries of the Word. Ultimately, it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness—from seeing women come to saving faith in Christ to watching them faithfully endure hard circumstances by resting in His sovereignty.

Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

What happens when a believer stays silent about their sin? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow is joined by Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to introduce NorthCreek’s memory verse for the year: Psalm 32. While the church recently finished memorizing the book of Titus, the pastors explain that this Psalm offers a more attainable but deeply profound focus on the “joy of forgiveness”.Walking through the text verse-by-verse, the conversation highlights the stark contrast between the misery of unconfessed sin and the freedom found in repentance. The pastors discuss David’s description of the “heavy hand” of the Lord, noting how spiritual distress can manifest physically when we refuse to confess. They explore the urgency of seeking God while He may be found—before the “rush of great waters” overwhelms the sinner—and the wisdom of not being like a stubborn mule that requires a bit and bridle to stay near.Ultimately, this discussion points to the gospel found in the Old Testament: that the one who trusts in the Lord is surrounded by steadfast love and counted righteous. This episode lays the theological foundation for understanding biblical confession and the sweetness of being restored to the Lord.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

In this second part of a two-part series, Pastor Kent Dresdow, Matt Rehrer, and Jeremy Pray continue their conversation on how to maintain biblical friendships with the opposite sex, shifting the focus from general principles to specific guardrails. While the previous episode established the biblical call to treat one another with pure affection, this discussion tackles the internal and external warning signs that indicate a relationship may be drifting into dangerous territory.Drawing from the concept of the "anatomy of an affair," the pastors discuss the subtle, invisible steps of the heart—such as emotional readiness, comparison, and taking one’s delight off the Lord and one’s spouse—that often precede physical sin. They emphasize that the best defense against temptation is a vibrant walk with Christ and the intentional pursuit of one’s own spouse.The group shares personal practices for integrity, including the importance of rest, total transparency with devices, and trusting the "spidey sense" of a spouse who might spot a concern before you do. This episode is a call to wisdom, watchfulness, and reliance on the body of Christ for accountability.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

How should Christian men and women relate to one another within the church? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow is joined by Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to answer a thoughtful question from a church member regarding the boundaries and biblical nature of friendships between the opposite sex. While modern culture often sexualizes these interactions, the Bible calls believers to treat one another as brothers and sisters with absolute purity.The conversation begins by anchoring the discussion in Scripture, specifically Romans 15:7, which commands us to "welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you". The pastors discuss the tension between maintaining high standards of holiness—avoiding even the appearance of indiscretion—while not becoming cold or distant toward sisters in Christ. They explore the biblical concept of the "holy kiss" as a model for warm, family-like affection that is distinct from the world’s sensuality.This episode also offers practical wisdom for ministry and workplace environments, such as open-door policies and transparent calendars, ensuring that our conduct glorifies God and protects the reputation of the church.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow provides a special mid-sabbatical update, sitting down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to discuss the progress of his time away. While Kent is currently in a season of rest, he shares how the Lord has been strengthening him through a lack of daily ministry obligations and a focus on "purposeful rest".The conversation explores the biblical rationale for a sabbatical, tracing the concept back to the Sabbath rest established at creation and its application for vocational ministers today. The pastors discuss the unique "spiritual heaviness" of ministry life—where the care for souls often follows a pastor home—and why periodic seasons of withdrawal are necessary for long-term endurance in the local church.Kent also shares his "master planning" for the year ahead, specifically his work with the MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching to lead workshops for the next generation of preachers. This episode serves as a reminder of the sufficiency of Scripture and the importance of heart-level refreshment for every believer.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"

What does it look like to leverage art, stewardship, and technical skill for the sake of the Gospel? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Brent Moutier, NorthCreek’s Director of Operations, to discuss the intersection of campus stewardship and creative outreach. Brent shares his personal testimony, tracing his journey from the film industry in Los Angeles to overseeing the development of NorthCreek’s campus, viewing facilities not as the ministry itself, but as a stewardship that allows ministry to happen without distraction.The conversation then turns to "The Story," NorthCreek’s annual Easter presentation of living art (tableau vivant). Brent takes listeners behind the scenes of this massive production, explaining how hundreds of volunteers—from carpenters to musicians—unite to recreate classic biblical masterpieces. They discuss the theological "why" behind the event: while the art and music are compelling, the primary goal is to provide a clear, biblically accurate presentation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Kent and Brent also highlight the importance of multi-generational service within the local church and the rigorous process of ensuring the narration remains faithful to Scripture. Whether you are interested in the technical side of ministry or looking for an opportunity to invite unbelievers to hear the truth of salvation, this episode offers an encouraging look at how the body of Christ works together to spotlight the Savior.The Story 2026 runs from March 27–29. For tickets and information, visit https://thestory.art/.Welcome to NorthCreek Church!In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"