NCC Unplugged

From Sports Dreams to Ministry Calling: Garrett's Journey and NCC's Search for a Worship Leader

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Garrett Crawford, the Minister of Small Groups and Outreach at Norwin Christian Church, shares his journey and how he came to join the church. He talks about his upbringing in West Virginia, his early call to ministry, and his experiences in college and internships. Garrett also discusses the challenges and joys of his role at Norwin Christian Church, including the growth of small groups and the focus on outreach. The episode concludes with a discussion about the search for a new Worship Minister and the importance of finding the right fit for the church.

Interpreting Israel: Perspectives on Scripture and Current Events

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Jeff & Joshua discus with Garrett the ongoing war in Israel and its spiritual implications. They explore different Christian theological perspectives on Israel, such as dispensationalism and covenant theology, that shape how people view current events in relation to biblical prophecy and God's plans.
Garrett explains concepts like the rapture, the millennium, and the relationship between the church and Israel. They consider how much significance to assign to world events, warn against reactionary hysteria, and advocate for thoughtful scriptural analysis. While avoiding overt political stances, they express care and concern for those suffering in war-torn regions.
Listen in as they unpack complex theological ideas and apply compassionate wisdom to understanding modern-day Middle East conflicts.

NCC Round Table: Jonathan gets a dog. Does Garrett's dog really wear a diaper? Joshua answers if all dogs go to heaven.

Welcome back to NCC Unplugged, where the staff of Norwin Christian Church gather around for another roundtable filled with laughs, pet stories, and spiritual insights.
In this episode, the spotlight is on the furry friends of the staff members. Jonathan's adoption of Gabby the anxious shepherd mix and if they'll get anymore pets. Garrett shares the humorous saga of his diaper-clad dog, much to the amusement of everyone. 
As the discussion meanders from pets to sermon planning, Joshua finds himself navigating the tricky question: Do all dogs go to heaven? With a mixture of humor and contemplation, the team delves into the theological depths of the afterlife for furry companions.
Tune in for a lively episode filled with laughter, pet anecdotes, and unexpected spiritual musings. After all, where else can you find such a delightful blend of fluffy tails and spiritual trails?

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.

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.
 
KeywordsCircuit 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 Interview08:13 Getting Involved in Church Ministries and Building Faith27:17 The Power of the Holy Spirit in Olivia's Faith37:48 Divine Appointments and Trusting God's Guidance
 
 

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 Introduction01:07 Garrett's Trip to Boston05:00 Discussion on Hermeneutics07:21 Discussion on Traveling and Family10:16 Discussion on Moving and New House13:25 Discussion on Visiting Friends21:37 Discussion on Serve Day and Membership Class29:29 Conclusion
 

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.

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.

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.

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.