NCC Unplugged

NCC Unplugged

By Norwin Christian ChurchReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

NCC Unplugged episodes

  • Part 2: Coffee Creamer to California A Conversation with Liv Orischak

    Divine Appointments and Changed Lives

    In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of faith and the remarkable encounters that occur when individuals step out in obedience to their calling. From overcoming anxiety to finding hope in despair, these stories highlight the profound impact of God's love and the unexpected ways He works in our lives.

    1. **Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith:**

       - A team member faced his fears of public speaking and social anxiety by accepting the challenge to open air preach, leading to an unexpected breakthrough.
       - Despite facing opposition and ridicule, his act of courage led to an outpouring of support and the dismantling of his fear of man.

    2. **Embracing Divine Appointments:**

       - The Circuit Riders team shares their experiences of partnering with communities and individuals across college campuses, offering support and connecting them with local ministries.
       - Through QR codes and personal connections, they strive to ensure that no one is left without support or guidance.

    3. **A Mother's Unwavering Faith:**

       - A janitorial worker shares her journey of relocating to Colorado in search of her missing son, driven by faith and determination.
       - Despite facing challenges and heartbreak, her unwavering belief in God's guidance sustains her through the darkest moments.

    4. **Divine Encounters and Prayer:**

       - Amidst the routine of daily life, moments of divine intervention occur, prompting individuals to step out in faith and offer prayers of hope and support.
       - Through these encounters, lives are transformed, and the power of prayer is affirmed as a catalyst for change and healing.

    Join us as we explore these compelling narratives and reflect on the profound significance of divine appointments and the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.

    38 min
  • Part 1: Coffee Creamer to California A Conversation with Liv Orischak

    Olivia Orischak shares her experience with Circuit Riders, a discipleship training school based out of YWAM. She talks about her journey from being involved in various ministries at Norwin Christian Church to deciding to join Circuit Riders. Liv discusses the training she received during the lecture phase, particularly during Holy Spirit week, where she gained a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in her life. She also shares stories from her time on tour, where she and her team would visit college campuses, evangelize, and hold events to share the message of Jesus. Olivia emphasizes the importance of being normal and having genuine conversations with people, planting seeds of faith along the way.

     

    Keywords

    Circuit Riders, discipleship training, YWAM, Norwin Christian Church, ministries, Holy Spirit, tour, college campuses, evangelism, genuine conversations, planting seeds of faith

     

    Takeaways

    • Getting involved in various ministries at church can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth in faith.
  • Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial for an intimate relationship with Jesus.
  • Sharing the message of Jesus can be done through normal, genuine conversations with people.
  • Even small encounters and conversations can have a powerful impact on someone's faith journey.
  • Being open to divine appointments and trusting in God's guidance can lead to life-changing experiences.
  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Splitting the Interview

    08:13 Getting Involved in Church Ministries and Building Faith
    27:17 The Power of the Holy Spirit in Olivia's Faith
    37:48 Divine Appointments and Trusting God's Guidance

     

     

    40 min
  • NCC Round Table: Garrett uses big words. Are 2nd Cousins a Thing? Jonathan buys a house without his wife seeing it

    In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the staff members of Norwin Christian Church gather for a roundtable discussion. They share personal experiences, including Garrett's trip to Boston to present a paper, the process of moving into a new house, and visiting friends from out of town. They also discuss upcoming events such as Serve Day and the Membership Class. The conversation highlights the importance of community, ministry, and serving others.

    Takeaways

    • Community and relationships are important aspects of church life.
  • Engaging in academic and theological pursuits can deepen one's understanding of faith.
  • Moving to a new house can be a significant life event.
  • Participating in service projects and joining a church membership class can help individuals grow in their faith.
  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    01:07 Garrett's Trip to Boston
    05:00 Discussion on Hermeneutics
    07:21 Discussion on Traveling and Family
    10:16 Discussion on Moving and New House
    13:25 Discussion on Visiting Friends
    21:37 Discussion on Serve Day and Membership Class
    29:29 Conclusion

     

    31 min
  • Easter and the Paradox of Grace

    Welcome to another exciting episode of NCC Unplugged, featuring in-depth conversations from the heart of Norwin Christian Church. In this episode, our hosts - Media and Tech Director, Matt Mastroianni and Preaching Minister, Jeff Terpstra - delve into discussions about Easter Sunday, our unique church traditions, and the thought-provoking concept of spiritual paradoxes.

    Gather insights about Norwin's philosophy on significant religious events and services. 

    Find out more about the unique 'Paradox of Grace' Easter message being circulated in various churches across Westmoreland County.

    Stay tuned to learn about Norwin Christian Church's anticipated Easter events. Understand how we foster deep connections with tradition, community, and faith during this vital period of the church year. Explore how our staff and volunteers gear up to welcome worshippers for Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, catering to diverse schedules and requirements.

    In our special Easter message titled "The Paradox of Grace", we'll explore the intrinsically paradoxical nature of grace and its implications. Listen as we extend the conversation to more spiritual paradoxes in the upcoming Sundays.

    Appreciate the immense role of our dedicated volunteers, who consistently serve beyond Sundays, orchestrating such significant events. Listen to sincere expressions of gratitude for their selfless devotion towards the Gospel and God’s kingdom and learn about the strong sense of community fostered within Norwin Christian Church.

    Join us this Easter at Norwin Christian Church, as a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, and feel the genuine joy and unity at our spiritual gathering. Be a part of our community that extends beyond religious observance, into the sphere of service, love, and unity.

    18 min
  • Kate Middleton, Sasquatch, Pigeon Drones: The Christian Response to Conspiracy Theories

    Summary

    In this episode, the hosts discuss false teaching and conspiracy theories. They explore the importance of testing false teaching against Scripture and evaluating conspiracy theories based on truth, praiseworthiness, and biblical principles. They emphasize the need for love and intentionality when addressing false teaching and the importance of unity in the church. The hosts also provide practical steps for dealing with false teaching and conspiracy theories within the church community.

    ----more----

    Takeaways

    • Test false teaching against Scripture and evaluate conspiracy theories based on truth and praiseworthiness.
  • Approach false teaching and conspiracy theories with love and intentionality.
  • Prioritize unity in the church and address false teaching within the community.
  • Use Scripture to evaluate and address false teaching and conspiracy theories.
  • ----more----

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    00:44 False Teaching and Spiritual Warfare
    04:09 Identifying False Teaching
    05:34 Types of False Teaching
    08:10 Attitude and Heart Behind the Message
    09:05 Controversial Speculations and False Teaching
    10:29 Pride and False Teaching
    11:55 False Teaching and Manipulation
    13:34 Testing False Teaching with Scripture
    15:05 Evaluating Conspiracy Theories
    19:59 Solar Eclipse Conspiracy Theory
    21:54 Evaluating Conspiracy Theories with Scripture
    23:22 Approaching False Teaching and Conspiracy Theories
    28:08 Dealing with False Teaching in the Church
    31:23 Testing False Teaching with Scripture
    33:18 Approaching False Teaching and Conspiracy Theories with Love
    38:07 Using Scripture to Evaluate Conspiracy Theories
    41:30 Conclusion

    44 min
  • Interview: Preaching Minister Jeff Terpstra - Leading and Salting the Oats

    In this episode, Jeff Terpstra, the preaching minister at Norwin Christian Church, shares his journey into preaching ministry and how his identity and purpose have evolved. He emphasizes the importance of being a child of God and the responsibility of leading others to the gospel. Jeff also discusses the role of the preacher and the factors that go into deciding sermon topics. He expresses his appreciation for the church community and the support he receives. Overall, this conversation highlights the dedication and passion required for effective preaching ministry.----more----

    Takeaways

    • Preaching ministry involves more than just delivering sermons on Sundays. It requires building relationships, understanding the needs of the church community, and being intentional in delivering the message.
  • The identity of a preacher is rooted in being a child of God and understanding the significance of that relationship. This identity shapes the preacher's purpose and guides their ministry.
  • The role of a preacher is to lead and guide the church community in their faith journey. While the preacher may be seen as the face of the church, it is important to recognize the collective leadership of the elders and the involvement of the entire church body.
  • Preaching topics are determined based on the needs of the church community, the goals of the church, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The preacher must be intentional and purposeful in selecting topics that will edify and challenge the congregation.----more----
  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    00:42 Transition into Preaching Ministry
    04:33 Changing Identity and Role in the Church
    07:55 Responsibility for Faith Development
    08:54 Leading and Salting the Oats
    10:19 Verses and Passages that Drive Preaching Ministry
    20:22 Preparation and Factors in Deciding Sermon Topics
    22:18 Impromptu Preaching Scenario
    24:12 Factors in Deciding Sermon Topics
    27:05 Appreciation for Norwin Christian Church
    29:03 Conclusion

    30 min
  • Interview: NCC Youth Minister from Sandwich Artist to Youth Minister

    Summary

    In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Jonathan Slatt discuss youth ministry at Norwin Christian Church. Jonathan shares his background and passion for youth ministry, highlighting his journey from graphic design to faith-based counseling. They emphasize the importance of youth ministry in the church and debunk the myth that it is just about playing games. They also discuss inspiring Bible passages and the various youth ministry programs offered at NCC, including the Bridge Service and weeknight hangouts. Overall, the conversation highlights the role of youth ministry in equipping students to grow in their faith and become active members of the church community.----more----

    Takeaways

    • Youth ministry is an important and thriving ministry at Norwin Christian Church, with a focus on equipping students to grow in their faith and become active members of the church community.
  • Youth ministry is not just about playing games; it is a space for students to discover and own their faith, build relationships, and have encounters with Jesus.
  • The role of youth ministry is to bridge the gap between parents and middle school students, providing a space for them to learn about God together and navigate the challenges of this stage of life.
  • Norwin Christian Church offers a variety of youth ministry programs, including the Bridge Service, youth group, classes, and weeknight hangouts, providing opportunities for students to connect, grow, and serve.
  • ----more----

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    00:45 Highlighting Youth Ministry
    03:11 Passion for Youth Ministry
    04:11 Involvement in Worship and Leadership
    05:08 Discovering a Calling to Ministry
    06:04 Transitioning to Faith-Based Counseling
    07:28 Stepping into the Youth Minister Position
    08:57 Youth Ministry at Norwin Christian Church
    10:37 Youth Ministry is More Than Playing Games
    11:36 Inspiring Bible Passages
    13:33 Youth Ministry as a Small Group
    15:01 Importance of Games in Youth Ministry
    17:53 Inspiring Bible Passage: Woman at the Well
    19:22 Inspiring Bible Passage: Colossians 1:28
    21:15 Inspiring Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 4:12
    22:39 Youth Ministry at Norwin Christian Church
    23:37 Youth Ministry Volunteers
    25:04 Youth Ministry Programs at NCC
    28:56 The Bridge Service
    30:43 Regular Youth Ministry Programs
    33:38 Weeknight Hangouts
    34:08 Conclusion

    36 min
  • A Candid Conversation on School Choice - Home School, Public School or Private School

    Summary

    In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the hosts discuss the topic of educational choices for children. They share their personal experiences and the reasons behind their chosen models of education, including public school, homeschooling, and private school. The conversation highlights the blessing of having options and the importance of considering individual circumstances. The hosts also address the pitfalls and challenges of different educational choices and emphasize the need for parental involvement regardless of the chosen model. They encourage listeners to prioritize following Jesus and to make educational decisions that align with their faith.----more----

    Takeaways

    • There are different educational choices available for children, including public school, homeschooling, and private school.
  • The decision of which educational model to choose is a personal one and should be based on individual circumstances and convictions.
  • Parental involvement is crucial in any educational choice and plays a significant role in a child's success.
  • Regardless of the chosen model, the ultimate goal should be to raise children who are disciples of Jesus and to prioritize their spiritual development.----more----
  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:11 The Blessing of Educational Choices
    08:27 Reasons for Choosing a Specific Model of Education
    09:25 Pitfalls and Challenges of Different Educational Choices
    20:21 Unity and Respect in Educational Choices
    26:26 Putting God First in Educational Choices
    28:49 Acknowledging Different Circumstances and Encouragement
    29:47 Conclusion and Invitation

    31 min
  • Christian Hospitality in today's Culture

    Summary: In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the hosts discuss the importance of Christian hospitality and its impact on relationships. They share personal experiences of hospitality and how it has changed their views and practices. They also explore how hospitality goes against the grain of American culture and the need for community in a post-Christian world. The hosts reference the book 'The Gospel Comes with a House Key' by Rosaria Butterfield, which emphasizes the practice of radical, ordinary hospitality. They provide practical tips for starting small and personalizing hospitality in everyday life.

     

    Takeaways

    • Christian hospitality is about offering love, welcome, and service to others, reflecting the love of Christ.
  • Hospitality can take different forms and may look different for each person, but the focus should be on people rather than presentation.
  • Hospitality goes against the individualistic culture of isolation and emphasizes the importance of community.
  • Practicing radical, ordinary hospitality can make a significant impact on relationships and demonstrate the love of Christ to others.
  • Starting small and personalizing hospitality in everyday life can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities to share the gospel.
  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Christian Hospitality

    02:12 Examples of Christian Hospitality
    05:00 Impact of Hospitality on Relationships
    06:27 Personal Experiences of Hospitality
    09:41 Hospitality in American Culture
    12:24 The Importance of Hospitality
    13:51 Hospitality Going Against the Grain
    15:43 Practicing Radical Hospitality
    19:03 Personal Examples of Hospitality
    21:19 The Gospel Comes with a House Key
    24:12 Principles of Hospitality
    28:12 Starting Small with Hospitality
    30:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

    31 min
  • Interview: NCC Media and Tech Director on Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Times of Change

    Show Notes:

    NCC Live Stream: https://norwinchristian.online.church/

    NCC Website: https://www.norwinchristianchurch.com/

    Good News News Productions: https://gnpi.org/

     

    Welcome to a compelling episode of NCC Unplugged that explores the intersection of faith and technology. We host Matt Mastroianni, Director of Media and Technology at NCC, who shares his experiences in harnessing technology to drive growth in our faith community and how his team transitioned smoothly to a digital platform amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

    Matt shares the implications of integrating technology within the church, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between traditional customs and modern innovations. He reflects on his personal journey, discussing past doubts and how his faith ultimately prevailed, underscoring the significant impact his work has in God's kingdom.

    The episode explores how technology has revolutionized the conduct of church services, particularly during the pandemic. We delve into the concept of 'kingdom impact' and the use of tech and media as mission work tools. We spotlight Good News Productions International, one of our supported missions known for their innovative approach in utilizing media to spread the word of Jesus.

    We also examine the dual aspect of technology: its potential for isolation and its transformational role in congregational engagement and community building, considering our adoption of live streams, sermon shorts, podcasts, and the newly launched Right Now Media membership.

    We emphasize a broader perspective towards technology in our mission, encouraging the younger church attendees to consider using their talents in tech and media to serve the church and further God's kingdom.

    28 min

About NCC Unplugged

From the publisher's feed

Looking for real conversations and meaningful teaching? Welcome to NCC Unplugged—a podcast focused on Conversations, Community, and Culture. Along with weekly sermons from Norwin…