afterWord with Pastor Kent

Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Adam Chiappelone, NorthCreek's Director of College and Singles, for a wide-ranging conversation about the church's ministry to young adults. Adam shares his own story — from a near-fatal fall at Yosemite that God used to arrest his attention, to his training at Talbot and Master's Seminary, to nearly two decades of shepherding college students and singles at NorthCreek. The conversation covers the structure and vision behind Interchange, Impact, and Kaleo, the challenges facing this generation (fragmented attention, weak spiritual disciplines, and the erosion of rest), and what it looks like to disciple young people toward real commitments — to Christ, to the local church, and to one another. Adam also shares the story behind Kērussō, NorthCreek's campus ministry at UC Berkeley, which grew from a conversation with three women and a commitment to simply open the Bible.

Do you have the kind of spiritual habits that could serve as a model to a younger believer who is watching your life? If you are in a season of singleness, are you using it as a season of purposeful growth rather than waiting for life to begin? When is the last time you genuinely unplugged long enough to sit with God and his Word without distraction? And for those further along — are you actively investing in the generation behind you, or leaving that work to someone else?

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"

Pastor Kent Dresdow, Executive Pastor Matt Rehrer, and Pastor Jeremy Pray return to the topic of Christian giving with a set of practical questions left over from Part 1. The conversation moves from biblical principles to everyday application — wrestling with where giving should be directed, how the local church functions as the primary channel for generosity, what role parachurch ministries play, how to care for the poor and those in immediate need, and how married couples should approach giving as a shared act of worship. Along the way, the pastors share honest observations about giving patterns in evangelical churches and offer pastoral encouragement to those just starting out.

Are you and your spouse making giving decisions together, or has it quietly become one person's domain? If you've been a Christian for several years, have you ever honestly evaluated whether your giving has grown — or stalled? When someone in your church has a financial need, do you see that as the church's job to handle, or as an opportunity for you personally?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, Executive Pastor Matt Rehrer, and Pastor Jeremy Pray open a conversation that rarely gets a full hearing: what does Scripture actually say about Christian giving? Beginning with the admission that the topic often goes unaddressed, the three work through key passages including 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8–9, Philippians 4:10–20, and a brief visit to Malachi 3 — tracing the biblical vision of giving not as a financial obligation but as an act of worship. The discussion covers the tithe, the distinction between Old Covenant law and New Covenant generosity, how to think about giving under financial pressure, and why Scripture consistently frames the giving of the local church as something warm and deeply personal before the Lord.

Do you think of your giving as an act of worship, or does it mostly feel like a line item? If you're in debt or under financial pressure, have you ever talked with a pastor or elder about how to navigate giving faithfully rather than stopping altogether? When the offering plate passes, what is it doing to your heart — and what would it look like to let that moment be a genuine prayer of trust?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 is joined by Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to discuss the "third W" of the church's mission: walking in love. After several intense deep dives into topics like fear and idolatry, the team explores the practical philosophy of how believers move from being a face in a crowd to being an integral part of the body of Christ.

The conversation centers on the biblical necessity of being known and exercising the "one-another" commands of Scripture. Drawing from the patterns of the early church in Acts 4 and the exhortation in Hebrews 3 to encourage one another daily, the pastors explain why intentional community is mission-critical for every believer to avoid being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. They break down the specific NorthCreek philosophy of utilizing both "Life Stage" groups for stability and "Community Groups" for depth, arguing that being involved in both helps mitigate the common pitfalls of isolation or shallow fellowship.

Beyond small groups, the pastors discuss the vital role of service and the importance of intergenerational relationships, highlighting Titus 2 as a model for growth. Whether you are navigating a busy season of life or looking to deepen your commitment to the local church, this episode provides a pastoral roadmap for moving into the life-giving rhythms of the communion of saints.

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"

In this second part of a two-episode conversation, Pastor Kent Dresdow continues his discussion with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray on the intersection of fear, faith, and the recurring temptation of idolatry. Picking up from their study of Isaiah 43 and 44, the pastors explore the nature of fear, distinguishing between physiological reactions to crisis and the spiritual responses that reveal where we place our ultimate trust.

A central theme of this episode is the relationship between "sinful fear"—defined as a paralyzing distrust of God—and the "factory of idols" within the human heart. The conversation moves from the literal household idols of ancient Israel to the modern-day "techniques" and "comforts" we run to for refuge, such as social media, financial security, or the approval of others. Drawing from pastoral experience and the writings of John Flavel, the hosts provide practical diagnostic questions to help believers identify where a good desire has become an "ultimate thing".

This episode emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture in confronting the "blindness" of our own hearts. By looking to God’s character as revealed in the text, believers are encouraged to move from a "closed-fisted" demand for control to an "open-handed" trust in God’s providence. Whether you are struggling with "spinning and toiling" thoughts at night or seeking to steward your life for God’s glory, this discussion offers grounded, biblical wisdom for finding true security in 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 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"

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"