NCC Unplugged

Are Bible Colleges Dying? The Future of Christian Education & Why It Matters

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, we dive deep into Christian higher education and its impact on ministry and faith. Join hosts Jeff Terpstra, Matt Mastroianni, and Garrett Crawford as they explore theological studies, the challenges facing Christian colleges, and Garrett’s journey toward his PhD. They discuss deep theological questions about God's sovereignty, human free will, and how quantum mechanics serves as an analogy for understanding determinism.
From personal experiences in ministry education to the future of Bible colleges, this episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about theology, education, and faith. Whether you’re considering seminary, questioning free will, or just love a good discussion, this episode is for you!
 
🔹 The purpose and challenges of Christian higher education
🔹 What it takes to earn a PhD in theology
🔹 Understanding determinism and free will through physics
🔹 The future of Christian colleges and alternative training options
🔹 How churches can partner with education institutions to develop future leaders
#ChristianEducation #Theology #BibleCollege #MinistryTraining #FaithAndScience #QuantumMechanics #FreeWill #GodsSovereignty #ChurchLeadership #NCCUnplugged #ChristianPodcast

Garrett Says Goodbye: Trusting God's Call

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Garrett Crawford, the minister of outreach and small groups at Norwin Christian Church, shares his journey of being called into ministry and his recent decision to transition to another church. Garrett reflects on his initial resistance to ministry, his growth and experiences at NCC, and the confirmation he received from God to move to a new role closer to his family. The discussion highlights the challenges and emotions involved in following God's call, the importance of being open to His guidance, and the impact of mentorship and community in shaping one's ministry journey.
 
Join us as we discuss:
✅ How Garrett first felt called to ministry✅ The challenges of leaving a church family ✅ Trusting God’s plan even in uncertainty ✅ What’s next for Garrett and his family
We’ll miss Garrett at NCC, but we know God has big plans ahead! Be sure to reach out with your well wishes and prayers.
 
🎧 Listen now and be encouraged in your own walk of faith!
Additional Notes: 📅 NCC Service Times: Sundays: 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM Thursdays: 7:00 PM
🌐 Learn more at norwinchristianchurch.com
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to help us spread the message!
 
#NCCUnplugged #MinistryCalling #GarrettCrawford #FaithJourney #GodsPlan #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #PastoralMinistry #NorwinChristianChurch

NCC Unplugged Rewind: Our First Outside Guest with Patsy Sassano

In this episode of NCC Unplugged Rewind, we take a look back at an interview with one of our first outside guests, Patsy Sassano from the First Christian Church in New Salem. The topic was Christian Unity. Enjoy!

The Power of Prayer: Using Technology to Transform Global Prayer Efforts

🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Matt Mastroianni discuss Norwin Christian Church’s January prayer initiative using Prayer Global. Learn how technology played a key role in engaging the church community in worldwide prayer, uniting them with believers across the globe. The discussion covers the impact of Prayer Global, the power of visual prayer prompts, and how this initiative created a sense of urgency for the Great Commission.
🔗 Important Links & Resources
Prayer Global – Visit Prayer Global
Prayer Tools – Learn more about additional prayer resources
Norwin Christian Church – Visit our website
NCC Service Times:
Sundays at 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM
Thursdays at 7:00 PM
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ Prayer Global’s Impact: The church completed its first prayer lap in just 26 days, engaging members in global intercession.✅ Technology & Prayer: A user-friendly app & website helped participants pray for specific countries, including statistics and scripture.✅ A Shift in Perspective: Participants gained a new awareness of unreached people groups, leading to deeper prayer and curiosity.✅ Urgency of the Gospel: Visualizing lost souls emphasized the importance of missions and evangelism.✅ Personal & Family Growth: Many families, including Matt’s, used this initiative to teach children about prayer and missions.
🛠️ How to Get Involved
🔹 Join a Prayer Lap – Visit Prayer Global to start praying today.🔹 Participate in Ramadan Prayer – Focused prayer for Muslims begins February 27th.🔹 Stay Connected – Follow NCC Unplugged for more discussions on faith, community, and technology in the church.
📢 Rate & ReviewIf this episode encouraged you, please leave a rating & review and share it with others!
🙏 Let’s continue praying together!

NCC Unplugged Rewind: Our First Roundtable

In this episode of NCC Unplugged Rewind, we take a look back at our very first Staff Round Table. The round table format is a chance for the staff at NCC to pull back the curtain and let you know a little about what's going on in their personal lives. Enjoy!

Understanding Biblical Interpretation: A Deep Dive into First Samuel

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff Terpstra and Matt discuss the intricacies of sermon preparation, focusing on the current series on First Samuel. They explore the challenges of condensing a long book into a sermon series, the importance of biblical interpretation, and the themes of legacy, reversal of fortunes, and kingship in First Samuel. The conversation also touches on the practical aspects of sermon planning, such as aligning worship songs with sermon themes and the use of various resources and commentaries to deepen understanding.
Resources Mentioned:
🔹 Bible Study & Interpretation Tools:
Blue Letter Bible – Free online resource with commentaries, original language tools, and Bible study aids.
Strong’s Concordance – A reference tool for studying words in their original Hebrew and Greek contexts.
A Son to Me – A commentary focusing on typology in First Samuel.
🔹 Biblical Interpretation Tips:
Read in multiple translations (e.g., NIV, CSB).
Pay attention to repeated words and themes.
Understand the historical and cultural context.
Cross-reference passages throughout Scripture.
Utilize commentaries for deeper insights.
🔹 Museum of the Bible (Washington, D.C.)
A highly recommended destination for learning about the history and preservation of the Bible.
Join Us at Norwin Christian Church
📍 Service Times:
Sundays: 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM
Thursdays: 7:00 PM
🌐 Website: norwinchristianchurch.com
📢 Stay Connected:
Follow NCC for updates, sermons, and more content.
Send in your questions or feedback—we’d love to hear from you!
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?Rate, review, and share with friends and family!
 

NCC Unplugged Rewind: Our first podcast

As we celebrate our 1 year podcasting anniversary we are going to Rewind some of our favorite episodes from this past year.
This week we take a look at our very first episode that was published on December 12th, 2023. Enjoy!
"Welcome to the inaugural episode of NCC Unplugged! We're thrilled to have you join us on this journey, whether it's your first time or you're revisiting our history. Today we're diving into the purpose of this podcast, aiming to foster community, engage in conversations, and connect with culture in a more extended format than traditional sermons or small group discussions. Join us as we introduce ourselves, share our intentional practices at home, and discuss purposeful approaches in our various ministries. We're excited to make this podcast a transparent platform for interviews, discussions, and insights into different aspects of our church. So grab your headphones, join our conversation, and get to know us a little better."
 
#PodcastAnniversary #RewindEpisodes #FirstEpisode #PodcastCelebration #Throwback #PodcastHighlights #PodcastJourney #BehindTheScenes #PodcastLife #MilestoneMoments #YearInReview

Happy Anniversary NCC Unplugged: One Year of Conversations, Community, and Culture

In this special anniversary episode, the NCC staff reflects on their first year of podcasting, sharing personal highlights, memorable moments, and their vision for future episodes. The team discusses the podcast's growth, impact, and the unique way it allows them to connect with their congregation beyond Sunday sermons.
 
#NCCUnplugged #PodcastAnniversary #ChurchPodcast #ChristianCommunity #NorwinChristianChurch #FaithConversations #ChristianCulture #PodcastHighlights #ChurchMinistry #BehindTheScenes #FaithStories #CommunityAndCulture #ChristianLife #1YearMilestone #PodcastCelebration #PodcastJourney #ChurchMedia #FaithInAction #ASLMinistry #StudentMinistry #GenerationalFaith

Staff Book Picks: Stories That Shaped Us

Show Description:Welcome to NCC Unplugged, the podcast where conversations, community, and culture converge. In this episode, the staff at Norwin Christian Church dive into their favorite books and discuss how these works have shaped their faith, perspectives, and lives. From theological classics to parenting advice and even some light-hearted fiction, there's something here for everyone. Join us as we share personal insights, memorable quotes, and valuable lessons from our bookshelf to yours.
Show Notes:Episode Title: Staff Book Picks: Stories That Shaped UsHosts: Jeff, Joshua, Garrett, Allison, and MattTopic: Staff members share their favorite and most impactful books.
Books Discussed:
The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Kaitlyn Schiess
Explores faith and politics through a spiritual lens.
Remember Who You Are by Aaron Chambers
A reminder of identity and faith in Christ.
Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
A theological classic addressing key questions about faith and philosophy.
Love-Centered Parenting by Crystal Paine
Focuses on building relationships and showing love in parenting.
Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church by Renew.org
A concise exploration of discipleship as central to Christian faith.
The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson
Encourages following Jesus' example, focusing on faithfulness over results.
Bonus Mentions:
Blink by Ted Dekker (Christian fiction about God's timelessness and omniscience)
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (A timeless Christian allegory)
Amish Fiction (A favorite light read for Allison)
Connect With Us:
Website: norwinchristianchurch.com
Service Times: Thursdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 8:45 AM & 10:30 AM
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
What are your favorite books? Share your recommendations in the comments, and let us know if you'd like more book suggestions from our team!
 

Merry Christmas from NCC Unplugged

Celebrating Christmas is a time to unplug from daily routines and immerse ourselves in the presence of God. This season, we celebrate Jesus, enjoy family, and find peace in our hearts. Even if Christmas is challenging, remember that God loves you deeply and is always with you. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's immense love for each of us. Reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth, who is 'God with us,' and appreciate the depth of God's love and the peace that Jesus brings. Challenge yourself to find moments of peace and connection with God, and share the peace of Jesus with others