Advertise on podcast: NorthWoods Church Matters

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Lead Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with Katrina Cook, our new Children's Ministry Director. Get to know Katrina as she shares her story of growing up in Boonville, coming to faith in Jesus, and how God has used her experiences in teaching, missions, and discipleship to prepare her for this new role. She also shares about her husband, Adam, their two daughters, and her family's longtime connection to NorthWoods. Together, they discuss Katrina's heart for children's ministry, her desire to raise up a generation of kids who love and follow Jesus, and her vision for helping families and volunteers make disciples. Listen in as we welcome Katrina to the NorthWoods staff and hear what she's most excited about in this next season of ministry!

Meet Drew and Brittani Gray! In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby sits down with Drew and Brittani to hear their story as Drew is NorthWoods' new Worship Pastor. They talk about growing up in ministry, coming to know Jesus, how they met, their growing family, and Drew's journey into worship ministry. Drew also shares his heart for corporate worship, how Scripture shapes the songs we sing, and why worship is about more than musical preferences. More than anything, this conversation is an opportunity to get to know the Grays, hear their hearts, and learn more about where God may be leading NorthWoods in this next season.

For several years, the elders of NorthWoods Church have wrestled with a question that many churches are now facing: Who should perform baptisms? Can a parent baptize their child? Should a close friend, mentor, or family member be allowed to baptize someone, or should baptisms remain the responsibility of pastors and elders? In this candid conversation, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with elders Eric Gobin and Dan King to pull back the curtain on a three-year theological discussion that took place behind the scenes. Together they walk through the biblical arguments, the passages that shaped their thinking, and the process the elder team used to arrive at a decision. More importantly, this episode offers a rare glimpse into healthy church leadership. You'll hear how faithful Christians can disagree on secondary issues, search the Scriptures together, and ultimately maintain unity around the gospel.

In this special post-SBC episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell is joined by Bob Weeks, Rachel Bland, and Ryan Moore to unpack what actually happened at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. They discuss some of the headlines and controversies surrounding the SBC, clarify misconceptions about women in ministry and convention actions, and share firsthand insights from the convention floor. Along the way, they highlight encouraging reports of gospel growth, church planting, international missions, and the work Southern Baptists are doing around the world.

In this special episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with elders Carey Bockting, Ivan McDonald, and James Sanders for an honest conversation about faith, family, leadership, and the life of the church. From growing up in Southern Illinois, Newburgh, and Darmstadt to finding their way to NorthWoods, each elder shares the story God has written in his life and the path that led him to serve the congregation. Along the way, they discuss everything from cycling, gardening, and technology projects to the joys and challenges of family life. The conversation also explores what excites them most about the future of NorthWoods, including the church's growing outreach to international communities and the Deaf community, as well as the many ways they see God at work among the people of the church.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Bell, Bob Weeks, Ryan Moore, Matt Higgins, and Rachel Bland break down the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and explain why being part of the SBC matters for NorthWoods. They discuss the Cooperative Program, missions, church autonomy, the unique culture of the SBC, and what it's like to attend the convention in person. The conversation also explores one of the convention's most discussed issues: a proposed constitutional amendment regarding women serving in pastoral roles. The team shares a complementarian perspective, discusses areas of agreement and concern, and reflects on how churches can remain faithful to Scripture while encouraging every believer to use their God-given gifts for the Great Commission.

After 45 years in ministry and nearly a decade serving at NorthWoods, Pastor Darin Garton announces his retirement from vocational ministry. In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Bobby sits down with Darin to reflect on God's faithfulness through decades of ministry, church planting, discipleship, leadership, and the recent NorthWoods building project. Darin shares why now feels like the right season to step away, what he and Stacy are looking forward to in retirement, and how the Lord has guided their family through this decision. Bobby also shares personal encouragement and gratitude for Darin's friendship, wisdom, and faithful service to NorthWoods Church.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell sits down with Matt Higgins and Rachel Bland to talk about Southern Baptist seminaries, online learning, ministry preparation, and why theological education isn't just for pastors. Together, they unpack the differences between the six Southern Baptist seminaries, discuss their own educational journeys, and explore how seminary can strengthen everyday believers, not just vocational ministers. The conversation also introduces Northwoods' new partnership with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, giving students the opportunity to earn accredited master's-level credits right here through NorthWoods. Whether you're considering ministry, wanting to grow deeper in your faith, or simply curious about theological education, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and a vision for lifelong discipleship.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with Pastor Darin Garton and Bob Weeks to continue the conversation on Roman Catholicism after a recent Gathering session sparked plenty of questions.  The conversation explores questions surrounding the authority of the pope, the role of church tradition versus Scripture, the Apocrypha, praying to Mary, purgatory, indulgences, and whether a Catholic can truly be born again. Along the way, the gang shares personal experiences ministering to Catholics, discusses the emotional and cultural pull of Catholicism, and carefully distinguish between critiquing Catholic doctrine and condemning individual Catholics. Helpful resources: Desiring God on the Apocrypha  Got Questions on Catholicism

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with two new members of the NorthWoods team: Emily Pfister and Kennedy Roos. Get to know their stories, from growing up in the Evansville area to how each of them came to faith in Christ. Together, they talk about their new roles as Ministry Assistants, what excites them about serving at NorthWoods, and how they're helping behind the scenes to support everything NorthWoods.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell sits down with Bob Weeks and Larry Loveless to introduce their new roles at NorthWoods during a pivotal season in the life of the church. Bob shares his powerful testimony of conversion, his calling into ministry, and his heart for helping pastors and staff grow in effectiveness. Larry reflects on his business background, his journey to NorthWoods, and his desire to strengthen the church's operational systems so ministry can flourish. Together, the conversation explores how healthy leadership, discipleship, and support structures can help NorthWoods continue making disciples who make disciples. This episode offers a meaningful look at where NorthWoods is, where it is headed, and how God is providing the right people for the next chapter. You can listen to Larry's old episode here!

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Bobby sits down with Bob Weeks to discuss all things Easter 2026 in relation to NorthWoods Church.    In this episode Bobby & Bob discuss: What Easter was like growing up What Easter means to followers of Jesus How we celebrate Easter at NorthWoods What things will be different this year How the people of NorthWoods can/should participate with Easter activities in 2026   Toolbox: It's Friday But Sunday's Coming by S.M. Lockridge Learn more about Easter at NorthWoods Church HERE   ____________________________________ Want to learn more about NorthWoods Church?  Contact us at https://www.northwoodschurch.org/ Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodschurchevv  Watch our Live Sermons on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@northwoodschurchevv