Join Pastor Tom Helmich as he delivers his first message as "Pastor Tom." 

This message was for our graduates in high school, college, and post-graduate studies - and truly, for all believers. On this Memorial Day weekend, Pastor Tom explores Jesus' prayer in John 17, unpacking the gifts of God's Word, Christ's intercession, and our mission in the world. 

Key highlights: 

• Understanding our role as Christians in the world
• The importance of staying rooted in faith
• Finding mentors and community
• Living as witnesses of Christ's love 

Whether you're a graduate, parent, or anyone seeking spiritual guidance, this message offers wisdom and encouragement for your journey. 

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This past Sunday was Sacred Sunday, a special service at the Neighborhood Church, a traditional Lutheran liturgical worship. 

In this episode, Pastor Joe Liles, Tom Helmich, Roseann Bowlin, and Tevo Christman - talk through insights into the historical and theological significance of traditional worship practices and how liturgical practices connect congregants to historical Christian traditions.

Bishop Becca's sermon on John 13:31-35 explored themes of discipleship, love, and Christian witness. She found a balance between traditional and contemporary worship styles, discussing how liturgical elements can be meaningful in modern church contexts, while also saying, "How we worship is not important, it is that we worship." Powerful message. 

Key topics include:

• The challenges of preparing a traditional Lutheran service
• The role of liturgy in contemporary worship
• Breakdown of John 13
• Modern-day perspectives on church traditions

Whether you grew up in a traditional church, are curious about Lutheran worship, or just love hearing authentic church conversations, this episode has something for you. We're sharing personal stories, theological insights, and plenty of church humor.

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Join Bishop Becca Middeke-Conlin as she unpacks the true meaning of worship, challenging traditional notions and exploring what really matters in Christian community. Bishop Becca breaks down some complex liturgical concepts and terms like "Liturgy" and "Lectionary" and "Adiaphora!" and she argues that love, not ritual, is the ultimate expression of faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Love is the true mark of discipleship, not worship style
• 'Adiaphora' - understanding what truly matters in worship
• The importance of accepting diverse worship practices
• Liturgy is about creating meaningful community connections
• Worship should be intentional, caring, and purpose-driven

Discover why 'don't yuck someone else's yum' might be the most important theological lesson you'll hear today, and learn how worship styles are ultimately less important than the love we share. This message is perfect for anyone who's ever felt confused by church traditions or wants to understand worship beyond surface-level practices.

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In this episode of the TNC Podcast, Pastor Joe Liles, Tevo Christmann, and Roseanne Bowlin explore the landscape of 90s church culture through personal stories and spiritual reflection. Drawing from their diverse church backgrounds - Pentecostal, Baptist, and Lutheran - they unpack the meaning of discipleship and personal faith growth.

Centered on the scripture John 3:30, "He must increase, I must decrease," the conversation delves into church trends, worship styles, and the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. We must move beyond church attendance and actively pursue spiritual development.

From nostalgic 90s worship music to thoughtful discussions about church membership, this episode offers a compelling look at faith, community, and personal spiritual journeys.

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In this Mother's Day message, Pastor Joe explores the landscape of 1990s church culture. The message provides a look at how the church evolved, discussing church sizes from house churches to giga-churches, and the rise of multi-site church models. Pastor Joe shares some personal memories of growing up in the 90s church and serving every Sunday morning as an acolyte!

Drawing from John the Baptist's biblical example, Pastor Joe breaks down the text: "Jesus must increase, and we must decrease." The sermon challenges listeners to move beyond passive church attendance to active discipleship, encouraging them to ask two pivotal questions: "What is my next step in my relationship with God?" and "Who am I discipling?"

The message was also on Mother's Day, and Pastor Joe acknowledged the complex and varied experiences of motherhood. Pastor Joe called for empathy and understanding, recognizing that this day means different things to different people.

Key Takeaways:
1. Church growth should be relational, not just numerical
2. Discipleship is about actively seeking your next spiritual step
3. Churches should support each other's kingdom goals, not compete
4. Personal faith is defined by your relationship with Jesus
5. Every Christian is called to disciple others, not just attend church

This message serves as a call to relational, kingdom-focused Christianity that prioritizes spiritual growth and community over institutional boundaries.

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Explore the transformative moment in Christian history that reshaped theological understanding forever: the Reformation in 1517. 

In this episode of the TNC Podcast, Pastor Joe, Tom Helmich, Tevo Christmann, and Roseann Bowlin dive into the Reformation, examining Martin Luther's groundbreaking challenges to the Catholic Church and the emergence of the five solas that fundamentally altered Christian doctrine.

Drawing from historical insights and theological scholarship, we trace the origins of Protestant (not Catholic) thought, discussing how Luther's 95 Theses sparked a movement that democratized faith and scripture. 

Our conversation references the comprehensive podcast "Here We Stand" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-we-stand/id1288434187), which is a 31-day walk through the Reformation.

Join us as we unpack the Five Solas: sola scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, sola gratia, and soli Deo gloria, offering listeners a rich, educational exploration of how one monk's theological insights revolutionized Christianity. 

This is a church history education...if you love history, you'll love this!

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Pastor Joe takes a deep dive into the Reformation, a little church history lesson, talking about the BIG split from the Catholic church in the year 1500 that created Protestant Churches (not Catholic) like Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, etc. It is the incredible story of Martin Luther and how one man's faith challenged an entire religious system.

Here is what you will learn about in this message:
• The power of personal faith beyond church walls
• Why asking questions about the church is GOOD
• Your faith journey starts with a personal relationship with God

You will also hear about how the 5 Solas (this word means "only", so it is really, "The 5 'Only's' of Faith" that transformed Christianity and are still true today.

// Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): 
- The Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice
- God's Word guides our understanding and life

// Sola Fide (Faith Alone): 
- Salvation comes through faith, not works
- We are justified by believing in Christ, not by our own efforts

// Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): 
- Salvation is a free gift from God
- We cannot earn our way to heaven; it's God's unmerited favor

// Solus Christus (Christ Alone): 
- Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity
- Salvation comes through Christ's sacrifice, not through saints or priests

// Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone): 
- Everything we do should bring glory to God
- Our lives are meant to worship and honor Him

Key Takeaway: 
The gospel isn't confined to a building - it's a living, breathing movement that YOU carry into the world! Watch the full message and discover how your faith can change everything!

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Join us as we dive deep into the faithful world of seminary education with Tom Helmich. 

Tom shares his seven-year journey towards pastoral ordination through the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Wartburg Theological Seminary. This is an inside look at the rigorous process of becoming a Lutheran pastor. From psychological evaluations and theological interviews to clinical pastoral education and internships, Tom unpacks the multiple checkpoints and challenges of his seminary experience. 

Through this podcast, you can gain insights into the spiritual, academic, and personal discernment required to answer a call to ministry. In addition to Tom's personal reflections, this episode demystifies the path to pastoral leadership and provides a narrative of faith, education, and calling through the Lutheran Church.

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Join Pastor Joe Liles as he starts a new Series called, "Church Shopping." This series is..

Pastor Joe will explore the origins of the Christian church in this message about faith, community, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Discover how the early Christians gathered, worshipped, and spread the Gospel despite persecution, and learn what it truly means to be the church beyond Sunday morning.

In this message, you'll:

• Understand the roots of Christian worship
• Explore the challenges faced by early believers
• Learn about the church as a community of faith
• Be inspired to live out your faith beyond church walls

This message is for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian history and community. Whether you're a long-time believer or just curious about faith, this sermon offers insights that will challenge and encourage you.

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Join Pastor Joe Liles, Roseanne, and Tavo as they dive deep into the resurrection story and the messy, beautiful realities of faith, family, and following Jesus. In this raw and candid episode, we explore the Easter message, unpack the challenges of new parenthood, and ask the crucial question: Are you experiencing God where He is moving, or stuck looking in the past? 

From sleepless nights with a newborn to spiritual growth, this podcast offers real-life insights into walking with Christ in every season. Whether you're a parent, a believer seeking deeper connection, or simply curious about faith, this episode will inspire, challenge, and encourage you.

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