Outside the Sanctuary

This week on Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Marc McCleary, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh sit down with a beloved member of the Immanuel Baptist Church family, Theresa Suplee. Theresa brings a lifetime of faithfulness, resilience, and joy to the conversation. A mother of three with children and grandchildren in New Jersey and Ohio, she reflects on how family, distance, and changing seasons have shaped her walk with God. As a dedicated preschool teacher, she shares her deep love for her students, the calling she feels in her work, and the small everyday moments that remind her why she loves what she does. Through the ups and downs of life, Theresa and her husband, Marshall, have leaned on God’s steady presence. She opens up about what trust looks like in difficult times, how faith has carried them through challenging chapters, and why gratitude remains at the center of her story. It’s a warm and encouraging episode that feels like sitting with a friend who speaks with honesty, hope, and a heart anchored in faith.

This week on Outside the Sanctuary, Steve Entwistle and Bill Merkh welcome Vince McDonald Jr. for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like pulling up a chair to listen to three friends talk honestly about their walk with God.

Accountability isn't theoretical for them. It's lived. It's shared. It's something Steve and Vince Jr. have practiced together for years, showing up for one another in the moments when faith feels strong and in the moments when it doesn't. They talk about what it's like to let someone see the real you, the doubts, the habits you're trying to break, the places where you need grace and truth at the same time.

Bill brings his own reflections on what it means to be accountable to God, not out of fear but out of relationship. The three of them explore how God uses people in our lives to steady us, challenge us, and remind us who we're becoming. There's laughter, there's honesty, and there's the unmistakable sense that this is what Christian community is supposed to feel like.

This episode is an invitation to step a little closer to God and a little closer to each other. It's a reminder that accountability isn't about being watched, it's about being known, supported, and loved enough to grow.

Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh welcome back a good friend of the show, Pastor Shane Colwell from Grace Bible Church of Barrington, who returns with his brand‑new book, A Life Worth Following: Godly Leadership Lessons from the Life of Boaz.

Together, the panel dives into the often‑overlooked leadership brilliance of Boaz, exploring how the book of Ruth offers a surprisingly rich blueprint for integrity, compassion, and strength in everyday life. Shane unpacks why Boaz's character still resonates today and how his steady, sacrificial leadership points us toward something even greater.

The conversation ultimately turns to Christ as the “better Boaz,” the true Redeemer who fulfills the story's deepest themes and shows us what perfect leadership looks like.

It's thoughtful, warm, and full of the kind of insight that makes Scripture feel alive and relevant. A great listen for anyone who wants to grow as a leader, deepen their faith, or simply enjoy a rich conversation among friends.

In this episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Marc McCleary, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh open up about what it really means to live a Christian life beyond the church walls. Their conversation is candid and deeply personal as they explore how faith shows up in everyday moments when people are watching, whether it's children learning from what they see at home, coworkers observing how you handle pressure, or clients noticing how you treat them. Katrina shares the joys and challenges of raising young kids while trying to model a life of faith. Marc reflects on navigating the responsibilities of being a doctor, caring for patients, and working alongside colleagues who see his character up close. Bill talks about life as an in‑home salesperson and how his interactions with coworkers and clients become opportunities to live out what he believes. Together, they offer an honest look at the vulnerability, the responsibility, and the beauty of following Christ in the ordinary spaces where life actually happens.

This week on Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Katrina McDonald, Steve Entwistle, and Bill Merkh welcome Dr. Matt Miller for an in‑depth and surprisingly personal conversation about his life, his convictions, and his work with CCCRD.

Dr. Miller shares the story behind his path into counseling and the experiences that shaped his approach to care. The hosts explore how his background, faith, and academic training converge in his work at CCCRD, an organization dedicated to integrating clinical insight with spiritual formation. Together, they unpack the center's mission to support individuals, families, and communities through evidence‑based counseling, research initiatives, and the development of resources that strengthen emotional and spiritual health.

The discussion goes beyond professional biography. Dr. Miller reflects on the challenges facing mental and relational health today, the importance of compassionate presence, and the role CCCRD plays in equipping churches and leaders to respond wisely and well. His perspective is both grounded and hopeful, offering listeners a deeper understanding of what it means to care for people in a complex world.

Whether you're familiar with CCCRD or simply curious about the intersection of counseling, faith, and human flourishing, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging look into the work of someone committed to helping others grow.

In this episode of Outside the Sanctuary, host Bill Merkh sits down with Scott Warren, owner of Bricks and Mini Figs Cherry Hill in Maple Shade, New Jersey. Scott is a former pastor and currently serves as the preaching elder at Columbus Baptist Church. His journey weaves together ministry, entrepreneurship, and family life, and this conversation explores how those worlds intersect. As the owner of a store beloved by LEGO enthusiasts of all ages, Scott also shares how the creativity, community, and nostalgia of the LEGO world shape the atmosphere he cultivates at Bricks and Mini Figs and how it connects people in surprising ways.

Bill and Scott dive into the heart of teaching and preaching, discussing how Scott's approach has evolved and what continues to shape his style today. They talk through the rhythms of Scott's daily routine, how he balances running a business with serving his church, and the intentional choices that keep him grounded.

The episode also opens a window into Scott's family life, the relationships that support him, and the importance of staying connected in every season. It offers a thoughtful and engaging look at how calling and community come together.

Whether you are a fan of meaningful conversations, a LEGO lover looking for your next favorite spot, or someone curious about the blend of faith and everyday life, this episode is a great place to jump in. Be sure to listen, share, and check out Bricks and Mini Figs Cherry Hill to experience the creativity and community Scott brings to everything he does.

In this laugh filled episode of Outside the Sanctuary, Pastor Vince McDonald, Steve Entwistle, and Bill Merkh dive deep into the unforgettable wedding memories that linger long after the last slice of cake is gone. They revisit the moments that were touching, chaotic, heartwarming, and wonderfully unplanned, weaving together stories that remind us why weddings are as entertaining as they are meaningful. The hosts share everything from the unexpected tumbles that happened right in the middle of the ceremony to the musical choices that probably should have never made it past the rehearsal. They recall dogs that stole the show, kids who became the spotlight with perfect comedic timing, and the legendary day when one of the hosts arrived dressed as a Star Wars character, completely committed and completely unannounced.

As they move from the ceremony to the reception, the memories only get wilder. They laugh about dance floors that turned into full blown adventures, food that surprised everyone by being far better than expected, and the kind of joyful chaos that only happens when you gather a room full of people determined to celebrate. They even revisit the beach wedding where the scenery was perfect, the weather was ideal, and the flies were absolutely relentless, turning a serene moment into a comedy of swats and sighs.

Through every story, the trio brings their signature warmth, humor, and camaraderie, celebrating the imperfect moments that make weddings truly unforgettable. It's an episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the reminder that sometimes the best memories are the ones no one planned

In this joy filled episode of Outside the Sanctuary, Bill Merkh welcomes back a familiar and much loved guest: Keeley (Samson) Smith. The last time Keeley joined the podcast, she was navigating life as a single woman, full of anticipation for what God had in store. Now returning for her second visit, she brings fresh perspective, deeper wisdom, and a few stories that spark both laughter and tears.

Bill and Keeley dive into the theme of contentment, exploring what it really means to live a life grounded in peace rather than circumstance. Their conversation weaves through Scripture, personal experiences, and honest reflections about seasons when contentment felt natural and seasons when it felt impossibly out of reach.

They talk about biblical examples of contentment, including Paul's bold declaration of learning to be content in all things. They explore the tension between desire and surrender and how faith reshapes the way we hold our hopes, disappointments, and expectations. They also reflect on where God fits into the modern struggle for contentment, especially in a world that constantly pushes us toward comparison, achievement, and more.

The episode is full of lighthearted moments as Bill and Keeley share inside jokes, poke fun at themselves, and laugh about the unexpected ways God teaches patience. The conversation also moves into tender territory as they reflect on God's faithfulness in seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and transformation.

Warm, honest, and deeply relatable, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the beauty of contentment as a daily posture of trust rather than a destination

Outside the Sanctuary takes a fun look at the world of dumb fighting as Bill Merkh and Steve Entwistle unpack the arguments that flare up fast, go nowhere, and leave everyone wondering why they got so worked up. They share stories of their own pointless disagreements and laugh about how easily small things can turn into big standoffs.

They also explore moments in Scripture where conflict pops up for familiar reasons and talk about the practical wisdom those stories offer. From pride to misunderstanding to simple stubbornness, they highlight what these ancient accounts can teach us about handling our own everyday clashes.

The episode blends humor, insight, and a refreshing willingness to admit just how flawed we all are. Bill and Steve don't just talk about the fights themselves; they dig into why we get hooked by them, what they reveal about our hearts, and how we might learn to step back before things spiral. It's full of relatable moments, gentle wisdom, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel like you're sitting with two friends who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves.

In this episode, friends and co-hosts Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald, and Steve Entwistle look back at their teenage years and explore the guidance they wish they could offer their younger selves. Their conversation moves through themes of identity, early relationships, and the spiritual influences that shaped their understanding of faith and community.

They also revisit the cultural questions that defined their youth—like whether reading Harry Potter was acceptable or if listening to secular music should have been avoided. These memories open the door to meaningful discussion about discernment, personal conviction, and how each of them learned to navigate faith in environments where those choices carried weight.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on scripture and how its principles might have offered clarity and reassurance during seasons that often felt confusing or restrictive. Their shared stories highlight the tension many teens experience between wanting to belong, wanting to explore, and wanting to honor their faith.

Even with the depth of the topics, the conversation is filled with plenty of laughs as the three friends recall their own uncertainties, assumptions, and the moments that now feel lighter with time and perspective. This episode encourages listeners to consider their own journeys with compassion, recognizing the steady presence of God in every stage and the growth that comes through time, friendship, and understanding.