Let's Get Real http://ncctk.com/ North County Christ the King Church joel.vanmersbergen@ncctk.com North County Christ the King Church Get Real is a midweek podcast from NCCTK Church where your hosts, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson, bring you honest conversations, deep(ish) thoughts, guest speakers, and plenty of rabbit trails. We laugh a lot, learn as we go, and talk about what it really looks like to follow Jesus in real life—with all its mess, beauty, and surprise plot twists. Whether you're driving, folding laundry, or hiding from your to-do list, we’re here to encourage, challenge, and remind you that God is at work in your actual life. Real people. Real conversations. Let’s Get Real. Get Real is a midweek podcast from NCCTK Church where your hosts, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson, bring you honest conversations, deep(ish) thoughts, guest speakers, and plenty of rabbit trails. We laugh a lot, learn as we go, and talk about what it really looks like to follow Jesus in real life—with all its mess, beauty, and surprise plot twists. Whether you're driving, folding laundry, or hiding from your to-do list, we’re here to encourage, challenge, and remind you that God is at work in your actual life. Real people. Real conversations. Let’s Get Real. en © 2026 NCCTK Church no What We Picked Up Along the Way pt1 True worshipers worship in spirit and in truth. That's it. That's the whole criteria — and it works Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Joel and Sara have attended a lot of different churches. Between them: gospel choirs in Louisiana, wooden-pew hymn-singing, Pentecostal worship nights, trombone orchestras, washing rocks, and more than a few moments where the Holy Spirit showed up and nobody wanted to leave. In Part 1 of What We Picked Up Along the Way, they trace the churches that shaped their faith — and land on why worship style is way less important than where your heart actually is.</p> <p>Joel and Sara have attended a lot of different churches. Between them: gospel choirs in Louisiana, wooden-pew hymn-singing, Pentecostal worship nights, trombone orchestras, washing rocks, and more than a few moments where the Holy Spirit showed up and nobody wanted to leave. In Part 1 of What We Picked Up Along the Way, they trace the churches that shaped their faith — and land on why worship style is way less important than where your heart actually is.</p> Joel and Sara have attended a lot of different churches. Between them: gospel choirs in Louisiana, wooden-pew hymn-singing, Pentecostal worship nights, trombone orchestras, washing rocks, and more than a few moments where the Holy Spirit showed up and nobody wanted to leave. In Part 1 of What We Picked Up Along the Way, they trace the churches that shaped their faith — and land on why worship style is way less important than where your heart actually is.

]]> 3159 1 aa5b121d5fa75d516c19478962268b5f no Aaron Dickson - From basketball to worship ministry Fear is learned. Enoughness is a choice. Aaron Dickson has spent years figuring out the difference a Aaron Dickson, Joel VanMersbergen <p>Welcome to Still Figuring It Out — same show, new name, and zero extra pretending. For the inaugural episode, Joel sits down with Aaron Dickson: worship leader, insurance guy, viral video maker, Ed Cash collaborator, and someone who has had more than a few things directional changes in his life. This one's about what it looks like to live from a place of enough instead of fear — and why the seasons that don't make sense might be exactly where God is doing his best work.</p> <p>Welcome to Still Figuring It Out — same show, new name, and zero extra pretending. For the inaugural episode, Joel sits down with Aaron Dickson: worship leader, insurance guy, viral video maker, Ed Cash collaborator, and someone who has had more than a few things directional changes in his life. This one's about what it looks like to live from a place of enough instead of fear — and why the seasons that don't make sense might be exactly where God is doing his best work.</p> Welcome to Still Figuring It Out — same show, new name, and zero extra pretending. For the inaugural episode, Joel sits down with Aaron Dickson: worship leader, insurance guy, viral video maker, Ed Cash collaborator, and someone who has had more than a few things directional changes in his life. This one's about what it looks like to live from a place of enough instead of fear — and why the seasons that don't make sense might be exactly where God is doing his best work.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4141 2 0f359b3a8ef13ce47c771b24a58c389e no One Church - Chris de Monye Making Mochas and Baptizing People Chris de Monyé, Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Chris de Monye is a lead pastor in Canada with a gift for making strangers feel like family in about four minutes flat. He joins Joel and Sara to talk about what real growth actually looks like — spoiler: it's usually uncomfortable, unexpected, and involves someone sitting you down and telling you you're not training for your calling. This one covers grief, community, spiritual directors, monastery visits, and why you should absolutely build friendships before you need them.</p> <p>Chris de Monye is a lead pastor in Canada with a gift for making strangers feel like family in about four minutes flat. He joins Joel and Sara to talk about what real growth actually looks like — spoiler: it's usually uncomfortable, unexpected, and involves someone sitting you down and telling you you're not training for your calling. This one covers grief, community, spiritual directors, monastery visits, and why you should absolutely build friendships before you need them.</p> Chris de Monye is a lead pastor in Canada with a gift for making strangers feel like family in about four minutes flat. He joins Joel and Sara to talk about what real growth actually looks like — spoiler: it's usually uncomfortable, unexpected, and involves someone sitting you down and telling you you're not training for your calling. This one covers grief, community, spiritual directors, monastery visits, and why you should absolutely build friendships before you need them.

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3703 3 2ef86e49d967be2b33ff1c93862bff94 no Get Real has a new name! <p>We've got a new name. Same hosts, same honesty, same complete lack of a script. "Get Real" is now Still Figuring It Out — because that's the truth, and pretending otherwise was getting exhausting. Same feed, same Joel and Sara, same questions about what following Jesus actually looks like in real life. Just a new name that finally fits.</p> <p>We've got a new name. Same hosts, same honesty, same complete lack of a script. "Get Real" is now Still Figuring It Out — because that's the truth, and pretending otherwise was getting exhausting. Same feed, same Joel and Sara, same questions about what following Jesus actually looks like in real life. Just a new name that finally fits.</p> We've got a new name. Same hosts, same honesty, same complete lack of a script. "Get Real" is now Still Figuring It Out — because that's the truth, and pretending otherwise was getting exhausting. Same feed, same Joel and Sara, same questions about what following Jesus actually looks like in real life. Just a new name that finally fits.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000 122 4 3ead4b410ffe9348cee593de40bd3f1a no Unexpected Conversations - Willow Weston Jesus didn't stay in the boat. He went straight to the guy in the tombs. The question is whether we' Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson, Willow Weston <p>What if the people who bother you the most are exactly who God wants you to spend time with? Joel and Sara kick off their new Unexpected Conversations series with Willow Weston — founder of Collide ministry — who built something that brings together women from wildly different backgrounds, denominations, and life stories. This one's about getting out of your comfortable bubble, following Jesus into the places that make you squirm, and why being a fan of Jesus is not the same as following him.</p> <p>What if the people who bother you the most are exactly who God wants you to spend time with? Joel and Sara kick off their new Unexpected Conversations series with Willow Weston — founder of Collide ministry — who built something that brings together women from wildly different backgrounds, denominations, and life stories. This one's about getting out of your comfortable bubble, following Jesus into the places that make you squirm, and why being a fan of Jesus is not the same as following him.</p> What if the people who bother you the most are exactly who God wants you to spend time with? Joel and Sara kick off their new Unexpected Conversations series with Willow Weston — founder of Collide ministry — who built something that brings together women from wildly different backgrounds, denominations, and life stories. This one's about getting out of your comfortable bubble, following Jesus into the places that make you squirm, and why being a fan of Jesus is not the same as following him.

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4266 5 7452d8df26210ee9448479c1c25dabaf no The Best Story You're Not Sharing! You aren't the message. You're just the bridge. And the bridge doesn't have to be pretty — it just h Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Most of us have a story about God that we almost never tell. Not because we don't believe it — but because we're pretty sure it's not interesting enough, dramatic enough, or polished enough for anyone to care. Joel and Sara spend this penultimate episode of the Purpose Driven Life series making the case that your story matters, breaking down Rick Warren's four-part framework for figuring out what that story actually is, and being very honest about their own awkward attempts at sharing it. (Sara's first evangelism attempt involved a homeless man and a PB&J. It did not go well.)</p> <p>Most of us have a story about God that we almost never tell. Not because we don't believe it — but because we're pretty sure it's not interesting enough, dramatic enough, or polished enough for anyone to care. Joel and Sara spend this penultimate episode of the Purpose Driven Life series making the case that your story matters, breaking down Rick Warren's four-part framework for figuring out what that story actually is, and being very honest about their own awkward attempts at sharing it. (Sara's first evangelism attempt involved a homeless man and a PB&J. It did not go well.)</p> Most of us have a story about God that we almost never tell. Not because we don't believe it — but because we're pretty sure it's not interesting enough, dramatic enough, or polished enough for anyone to care. Joel and Sara spend this penultimate episode of the Purpose Driven Life series making the case that your story matters, breaking down Rick Warren's four-part framework for figuring out what that story actually is, and being very honest about their own awkward attempts at sharing it. (Sara's first evangelism attempt involved a homeless man and a PB&J. It did not go well.)

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3743 6 84795ca5100c80e6c9f82c2e3054ca04 no Your North Star - Writing Your Purpose Statement David served God's purpose in his own generation. At the end of your days, the same could be said of <p>Twelve weeks in, and it all comes down to this: what are you actually here for? Joel and Sara close out the Purpose Driven Life series by writing a personal purpose statement — live, on air, no script. Using Rick Warren's five-question framework, they work through what it means to build a North Star that's bigger than your job title, survives the worst seasons of your life, and still works if you lose everything but who God made you to be. Fair warning: it gets surprisingly moving.</p> <p>Twelve weeks in, and it all comes down to this: what are you actually here for? Joel and Sara close out the Purpose Driven Life series by writing a personal purpose statement — live, on air, no script. Using Rick Warren's five-question framework, they work through what it means to build a North Star that's bigger than your job title, survives the worst seasons of your life, and still works if you lose everything but who God made you to be. Fair warning: it gets surprisingly moving.</p> Twelve weeks in, and it all comes down to this: what are you actually here for? Joel and Sara close out the Purpose Driven Life series by writing a personal purpose statement — live, on air, no script. Using Rick Warren's five-question framework, they work through what it means to build a North Star that's bigger than your job title, survives the worst seasons of your life, and still works if you lose everything but who God made you to be. Fair warning: it gets surprisingly moving.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3319 7 262ad4f03da7a10d40de7e6464780ee7 no How Did You Learn To Serve? The KURT episode! God didn't give you your gifts for you. He gave them to you for everyone else. Joel VanMersbergen, Kurt Langstraat, Sara Nelson <p>What's actually driving you when you serve — love, or the need to be noticed? Joel and Sara sit down with their lead pastor Kurt Langstrat for an honest conversation about servant leadership: the slow work of getting your identity right, what it costs to leave room for interruptions, and how you can tell when your motivations have gone sideways. Spoiler: if you get mopey when no one says thank you, Kurt has some thoughts.</p> <p>What's actually driving you when you serve — love, or the need to be noticed? Joel and Sara sit down with their lead pastor Kurt Langstrat for an honest conversation about servant leadership: the slow work of getting your identity right, what it costs to leave room for interruptions, and how you can tell when your motivations have gone sideways. Spoiler: if you get mopey when no one says thank you, Kurt has some thoughts.</p> What's actually driving you when you serve — love, or the need to be noticed? Joel and Sara sit down with their lead pastor Kurt Langstrat for an honest conversation about servant leadership: the slow work of getting your identity right, what it costs to leave room for interruptions, and how you can tell when your motivations have gone sideways. Spoiler: if you get mopey when no one says thank you, Kurt has some thoughts.

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2877 8 33bb09d9ec5acb68d230939242c0e8b8 no You have a spiritual gift! God didn't give you your gifts for you. He gave them to you for everyone else. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>You have a spiritual gift. That's not a suggestion — it's a design feature. But most of us either don't know what it is, don't think it counts, or have no idea what to do with it. Joel and Sara dig into four specific gifts — administration, prophecy, mercy, and teaching — and why the church genuinely suffers when you keep yours to yourself. Also: the potluck illustration that explains everything.</p> <p>You have a spiritual gift. That's not a suggestion — it's a design feature. But most of us either don't know what it is, don't think it counts, or have no idea what to do with it. Joel and Sara dig into four specific gifts — administration, prophecy, mercy, and teaching — and why the church genuinely suffers when you keep yours to yourself. Also: the potluck illustration that explains everything.</p> You have a spiritual gift. That's not a suggestion — it's a design feature. But most of us either don't know what it is, don't think it counts, or have no idea what to do with it. Joel and Sara dig into four specific gifts — administration, prophecy, mercy, and teaching — and why the church genuinely suffers when you keep yours to yourself. Also: the potluck illustration that explains everything.

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3960 9 c8e5ede124c277bdd60575aa0e3e430e no No Shortcuts Spiritual maturity isn't how much Bible you know. It's who you're becoming — and that takes longer t Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>You want to grow spiritually. Great. Here's the bad news: there are no shortcuts, it never really ends, and the most annoying people in your life are actually the curriculum. Joel and Sara get honest about what spiritual growth actually looks like — how you measure it, why it takes longer than you want it to, and what it means to just take the next right step when the whole picture feels overwhelming.</p> <p>You want to grow spiritually. Great. Here's the bad news: there are no shortcuts, it never really ends, and the most annoying people in your life are actually the curriculum. Joel and Sara get honest about what spiritual growth actually looks like — how you measure it, why it takes longer than you want it to, and what it means to just take the next right step when the whole picture feels overwhelming.</p> You want to grow spiritually. Great. Here's the bad news: there are no shortcuts, it never really ends, and the most annoying people in your life are actually the curriculum. Joel and Sara get honest about what spiritual growth actually looks like — how you measure it, why it takes longer than you want it to, and what it means to just take the next right step when the whole picture feels overwhelming.

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3942 10 741d412a4efa5bbbc75162e71904cc3d no How Do You Grow? With special guest Brannon Short Brannon Shortt, Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>What do you do when obedience leads you somewhere you didn't want to go — and then COVID hits? Brannon Shortt (lead pastor of Bayside Folsom and chaplain for the A's) joins Joel and Sara to talk about growing through the seasons you'd never choose: how desert moments strip idols you didn't know you were holding, why prayer gets honest when there's nothing left to hide behind, and what it actually means to "do it scared."</p> <p>What do you do when obedience leads you somewhere you didn't want to go — and then COVID hits? Brannon Shortt (lead pastor of Bayside Folsom and chaplain for the A's) joins Joel and Sara to talk about growing through the seasons you'd never choose: how desert moments strip idols you didn't know you were holding, why prayer gets honest when there's nothing left to hide behind, and what it actually means to "do it scared."</p> What do you do when obedience leads you somewhere you didn't want to go — and then COVID hits? Brannon Shortt (lead pastor of Bayside Folsom and chaplain for the A's) joins Joel and Sara to talk about growing through the seasons you'd never choose: how desert moments strip idols you didn't know you were holding, why prayer gets honest when there's nothing left to hide behind, and what it actually means to "do it scared."

]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3537 11 60feaac3b1c45f245e9c0bb8fd81f09c no Church Attendance For Dummies Church isn't where you go. It's what you are — and that changes everything about how you show up. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Most of us have sat through a church service thinking, "What is this actually for?" — and then driven home without an answer. Joel and Sara get honest about the difference between showing up to church and actually belonging to one, what it looks like to be a contributing member instead of a consumer, and why you genuinely cannot grow in your faith alone. Even if you really want to try.</p> <p>Most of us have sat through a church service thinking, "What is this actually for?" — and then driven home without an answer. Joel and Sara get honest about the difference between showing up to church and actually belonging to one, what it looks like to be a contributing member instead of a consumer, and why you genuinely cannot grow in your faith alone. Even if you really want to try.</p> Most of us have sat through a church service thinking, "What is this actually for?" — and then driven home without an answer. Joel and Sara get honest about the difference between showing up to church and actually belonging to one, what it looks like to be a contributing member instead of a consumer, and why you genuinely cannot grow in your faith alone. Even if you really want to try.

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4016 12 d793afb3c2b32831f6d5077e3df14e38 no What Matters Most You don't have to earn your way into the family. You're already in. <p>Loneliness is at epidemic levels, and most of us know it — we just don't know what to do about it. This episode makes the case that belonging isn't something you earn; it's something you already have. Sara and Joel dig into what it actually means to act like family — not just attend one — and why showing up messy, sleepy, or mid-breakdown still counts as belonging.</p> <p>Loneliness is at epidemic levels, and most of us know it — we just don't know what to do about it. This episode makes the case that belonging isn't something you earn; it's something you already have. Sara and Joel dig into what it actually means to act like family — not just attend one — and why showing up messy, sleepy, or mid-breakdown still counts as belonging.</p> Loneliness is at epidemic levels, and most of us know it — we just don't know what to do about it. This episode makes the case that belonging isn't something you earn; it's something you already have. Sara and Joel dig into what it actually means to act like family — not just attend one — and why showing up messy, sleepy, or mid-breakdown still counts as belonging.

]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3055 13 11a8e0c001e76e66994a4cc86f4ff6e1 no Becoming Real Friends God's not asking for the polished version of you. He's asking for the real one. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>God loves you — sure, you've heard that. But does he actually like you? This episode tackles one of the most quietly loaded questions in faith: what does it actually mean to be friends with God? Joel and Sara get honest about Bible streaks as idols, dirty sock wounds, yelling at God in the car, and why showing up messy might be exactly what real friendship with him requires.</p> <p>God loves you — sure, you've heard that. But does he actually like you? This episode tackles one of the most quietly loaded questions in faith: what does it actually mean to be friends with God? Joel and Sara get honest about Bible streaks as idols, dirty sock wounds, yelling at God in the car, and why showing up messy might be exactly what real friendship with him requires.</p> God loves you — sure, you've heard that. But does he actually like you? This episode tackles one of the most quietly loaded questions in faith: what does it actually mean to be friends with God? Joel and Sara get honest about Bible streaks as idols, dirty sock wounds, yelling at God in the car, and why showing up messy might be exactly what real friendship with him requires.

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3349 14 89d34a562667275f7bde1c3eaf864956 no Loving God when you don't feel it Loving God is a choice — and this episode shows you what that actually looks like. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson, Summer Maas <p>What does it actually mean to love God — especially when life is hard, your feelings lie to you, and faith feels more like a chore than a calling? Joel, Sara, and special guest Summer dig into the honest tension of loving God through grief, loss, and identity shifts. From spiritual disciplines to "living on the other side of the but," this conversation is real, warm, and surprisingly practical.</p> <p>What does it actually mean to love God — especially when life is hard, your feelings lie to you, and faith feels more like a chore than a calling? Joel, Sara, and special guest Summer dig into the honest tension of loving God through grief, loss, and identity shifts. From spiritual disciplines to "living on the other side of the but," this conversation is real, warm, and surprisingly practical.</p> What does it actually mean to love God — especially when life is hard, your feelings lie to you, and faith feels more like a chore than a calling? Joel, Sara, and special guest Summer dig into the honest tension of loving God through grief, loss, and identity shifts. From spiritual disciplines to "living on the other side of the but," this conversation is real, warm, and surprisingly practical.

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3636 15 f5cd5f5c5c32bf39cfb05ee873643f27 no What Will Last? You're already being driven by something. The question is whether it's taking you anywhere worth goi Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?</p> <p>You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?</p> You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3461 16 9acf47559806bcbe8d32dfb01b1142b8 no What Does Purpose Driven Mean? You're already being driven by something. The question is whether it's taking you anywhere worth goi Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?</p> <p>You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?</p> You've wondered why you're here. So has everyone — the philosophers, the poets, the Old Testament emo kids (looking at you, Jeremiah). This episode kicks off a new series on The Purpose Driven Life, and Joel and Sara get honest about the five things most of us are actually letting drive our lives — guilt, resentment, fear, materialism, and the need for approval. Spoiler: none of them work. So what does?

]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2489 17 144f36f0f99086572a5ec9e4b9909b09 no Easter today Beyond the baskets and bunnies—rediscover the real hope of Easter. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Easter is one of the most important days in the Christian faith—but a lot of the traditions surrounding it can feel a little confusing. In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara talk about the cultural side of Easter—where things like eggs and the Easter Bunny came from—and how those traditions ended up connected to the holiday. More importantly, they refocus on what Easter is actually about: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings. It’s a light, fun conversation that helps separate the celebration from the story.</p> <p>Easter is one of the most important days in the Christian faith—but a lot of the traditions surrounding it can feel a little confusing. In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara talk about the cultural side of Easter—where things like eggs and the Easter Bunny came from—and how those traditions ended up connected to the holiday. More importantly, they refocus on what Easter is actually about: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings. It’s a light, fun conversation that helps separate the celebration from the story.</p> Easter is one of the most important days in the Christian faith—but a lot of the traditions surrounding it can feel a little confusing. In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara talk about the cultural side of Easter—where things like eggs and the Easter Bunny came from—and how those traditions ended up connected to the holiday. More importantly, they refocus on what Easter is actually about: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings. It’s a light, fun conversation that helps separate the celebration from the story.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3715 18 3eb62844265585dd715db2d3cd1e54ba no Rest? Where? Real rest isn’t found in doing less—it’s found in carrying the right weight with the right Person Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Jesus says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” But what does that actually mean when life still feels heavy? In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara unpack Matthew 11:28–30 and talk honestly about spiritual exhaustion, misplaced burdens, and the kind of rest Jesus is really offering. If you’ve ever wondered where that promised rest is supposed to show up in real life, this conversation is for you.</p> <p>Jesus says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” But what does that actually mean when life still feels heavy? In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara unpack Matthew 11:28–30 and talk honestly about spiritual exhaustion, misplaced burdens, and the kind of rest Jesus is really offering. If you’ve ever wondered where that promised rest is supposed to show up in real life, this conversation is for you.</p> Jesus says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” But what does that actually mean when life still feels heavy? In this episode of Get Real, Joel and Sara unpack Matthew 11:28–30 and talk honestly about spiritual exhaustion, misplaced burdens, and the kind of rest Jesus is really offering. If you’ve ever wondered where that promised rest is supposed to show up in real life, this conversation is for you.

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4385 19 8967bdb7f0daed88a9d5807238f4a8c2 no Hard Convos: What NOT to say Think before you speak. Choose life with your words. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>In this final episode of our Hard Conversations series, we dive into the power of our words — and how even well-meaning comments can hurt more than help. From grief and mental health to faith struggles, politics, and celebrating good news, we talk through common things people say that often land poorly. More importantly, we share better ways to respond with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Because as Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, life and death are in the power of the tongue — so let’s choose life.</p> <p>In this final episode of our Hard Conversations series, we dive into the power of our words — and how even well-meaning comments can hurt more than help. From grief and mental health to faith struggles, politics, and celebrating good news, we talk through common things people say that often land poorly. More importantly, we share better ways to respond with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Because as Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, life and death are in the power of the tongue — so let’s choose life.</p> In this final episode of our Hard Conversations series, we dive into the power of our words — and how even well-meaning comments can hurt more than help. From grief and mental health to faith struggles, politics, and celebrating good news, we talk through common things people say that often land poorly. More importantly, we share better ways to respond with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Because as Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, life and death are in the power of the tongue — so let’s choose life.

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4559 20 760bc596745666f3db093c43b433ecb2 no Hard Convos: Awkward Asks Because love sometimes requires hard conversations Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Hard conversations are exactly that — hard. Most of us avoid them, delay them, or rehearse them in the shower… and none of that actually helps our relationships.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of GET REAL, Joel and Sara continue the Hard Convos series by tackling one of the most common challenges we face: how to start awkward conversations with honesty, humility, and love.</p><p><br></p><p>Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and insights from books like Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations, they unpack practical tools for navigating high-stakes moments — from checking your heart and managing tone to asking better questions and moving toward resolution.</p><p><br></p><p>Because avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships… it slowly erodes them. </p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered:</p><p><br></p><p>“How do I bring this up without hurting them?”</p><p>“What if they react badly?”</p><p>“What if I say it wrong?”</p><p><br></p><p>This episode gives you a framework for having hard conversations in a way that reflects Christ — full of truth, grace, and relational courage.</p> <p>Hard conversations are exactly that — hard. Most of us avoid them, delay them, or rehearse them in the shower… and none of that actually helps our relationships.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of GET REAL, Joel and Sara continue the Hard Convos series by tackling one of the most common challenges we face: how to start awkward conversations with honesty, humility, and love.</p><p><br></p><p>Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and insights from books like Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations, they unpack practical tools for navigating high-stakes moments — from checking your heart and managing tone to asking better questions and moving toward resolution.</p><p><br></p><p>Because avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships… it slowly erodes them. </p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered:</p><p><br></p><p>“How do I bring this up without hurting them?”</p><p>“What if they react badly?”</p><p>“What if I say it wrong?”</p><p><br></p><p>This episode gives you a framework for having hard conversations in a way that reflects Christ — full of truth, grace, and relational courage.</p> Hard conversations are exactly that — hard. Most of us avoid them, delay them, or rehearse them in the shower… and none of that actually helps our relationships.


In this episode of GET REAL, Joel and Sara continue the Hard Convos series by tackling one of the most common challenges we face: how to start awkward conversations with honesty, humility, and love.


Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and insights from books like Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations, they unpack practical tools for navigating high-stakes moments — from checking your heart and managing tone to asking better questions and moving toward resolution.


Because avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships… it slowly erodes them. 


If you’ve ever wondered:


“How do I bring this up without hurting them?”

“What if they react badly?”

“What if I say it wrong?”


This episode gives you a framework for having hard conversations in a way that reflects Christ — full of truth, grace, and relational courage.

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4348 21 a4f304f2758e980edb4ce115f53e3fa5 no Hard Convos: Respectful Disagreements How to Disagree Without Losing Each Other Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>We live in a reactionary world. Politics. Parenting. Baptism. Alcohol. Women in ministry. Technology.</p><p>It doesn’t take much for conversations to escalate.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Hard Convos, Joel and Sara tackle one of the most difficult challenges Christians face today: how to disagree without dividing. Drawing from church history, Scripture, and personal experience, they unpack a centuries-old phrase that still speaks into our modern tension:</p><p><br></p><p>In essentials, unity.</p><p>In non-essentials, liberty.</p><p>In all things, love.</p><p><br></p><p>But what actually counts as “essential”?</p><p>How do you slow down when your emotions spike?</p><p>What if being wrong feels like losing your identity?</p><p>And how do you love someone when you think they’re completely mistaken?</p><p><br></p><p>This episode isn’t about winning arguments.</p><p>It’s about protecting relationships while holding convictions with grace.</p><p><br></p><p>Because following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding disagreement —</p><p>it means learning to navigate it without becoming reactionary or cruel.</p> <p>We live in a reactionary world. Politics. Parenting. Baptism. Alcohol. Women in ministry. Technology.</p><p>It doesn’t take much for conversations to escalate.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Hard Convos, Joel and Sara tackle one of the most difficult challenges Christians face today: how to disagree without dividing. Drawing from church history, Scripture, and personal experience, they unpack a centuries-old phrase that still speaks into our modern tension:</p><p><br></p><p>In essentials, unity.</p><p>In non-essentials, liberty.</p><p>In all things, love.</p><p><br></p><p>But what actually counts as “essential”?</p><p>How do you slow down when your emotions spike?</p><p>What if being wrong feels like losing your identity?</p><p>And how do you love someone when you think they’re completely mistaken?</p><p><br></p><p>This episode isn’t about winning arguments.</p><p>It’s about protecting relationships while holding convictions with grace.</p><p><br></p><p>Because following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding disagreement —</p><p>it means learning to navigate it without becoming reactionary or cruel.</p> We live in a reactionary world. Politics. Parenting. Baptism. Alcohol. Women in ministry. Technology.

It doesn’t take much for conversations to escalate.


In this episode of Hard Convos, Joel and Sara tackle one of the most difficult challenges Christians face today: how to disagree without dividing. Drawing from church history, Scripture, and personal experience, they unpack a centuries-old phrase that still speaks into our modern tension:


In essentials, unity.

In non-essentials, liberty.

In all things, love.


But what actually counts as “essential”?

How do you slow down when your emotions spike?

What if being wrong feels like losing your identity?

And how do you love someone when you think they’re completely mistaken?


This episode isn’t about winning arguments.

It’s about protecting relationships while holding convictions with grace.


Because following Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding disagreement —

it means learning to navigate it without becoming reactionary or cruel.

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3507 22 8bbd5d0c241b789779be6e0ad56d5858 no Hard Convos: Faith vs Doubth Real faith makes room for real questions. Amber Leland, Sara Nelson <p>Doubt. </p><p><br></p><p>For a lot of Christians, it feels like a dirty word — something we’re supposed to hide, fix, or pray away as fast as possible. But what if doubt isn’t the enemy?</p><p><br></p><p>In this first episode of our new Hard Convos series, Sara is joined by her friend Amber to talk honestly about the questions many believers carry but rarely say out loud:</p><p><br></p><p> • Does doubt mean my faith is weak?</p><p> • Why does God feel distant in hard seasons?</p><p> • What do I do when belief feels more intellectual than emotional?</p><p> • Where is God in suffering, loss, or unanswered prayer?</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever felt shame about your questions… you’re not alone. </p> <p>Doubt. </p><p><br></p><p>For a lot of Christians, it feels like a dirty word — something we’re supposed to hide, fix, or pray away as fast as possible. But what if doubt isn’t the enemy?</p><p><br></p><p>In this first episode of our new Hard Convos series, Sara is joined by her friend Amber to talk honestly about the questions many believers carry but rarely say out loud:</p><p><br></p><p> • Does doubt mean my faith is weak?</p><p> • Why does God feel distant in hard seasons?</p><p> • What do I do when belief feels more intellectual than emotional?</p><p> • Where is God in suffering, loss, or unanswered prayer?</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever felt shame about your questions… you’re not alone. </p> Doubt. 


For a lot of Christians, it feels like a dirty word — something we’re supposed to hide, fix, or pray away as fast as possible. But what if doubt isn’t the enemy?


In this first episode of our new Hard Convos series, Sara is joined by her friend Amber to talk honestly about the questions many believers carry but rarely say out loud:


• Does doubt mean my faith is weak?

• Why does God feel distant in hard seasons?

• What do I do when belief feels more intellectual than emotional?

• Where is God in suffering, loss, or unanswered prayer?


If you’ve ever felt shame about your questions… you’re not alone. 

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3163 23 d1f5774c3da002308ff91a07494ac26c no Word Nerds 4: Creepy Words Old truths don’t have to sound scary. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Some church words sound… unsettling. If you didn’t grow up in church—or if you did but never stopped to ask questions—these words can feel more like horror movie titles than good news.</p><p><br></p><p>In this final Word Nerds episode, Joel and Sara tackle the “creepy” biblical language we’ve inherited and explore why these words sound strange, how culture reshaped their meaning, and what they were actually meant to communicate in the first place. With humor, honesty, and zero pressure to have it all figured out, they reframe these phrases in ways that make faith feel clearer, less awkward, and more human.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation isn’t about dumbing down theology—it’s about reclaiming language so faith can be talked about naturally, confidently, and without fear.</p> <p>Some church words sound… unsettling. If you didn’t grow up in church—or if you did but never stopped to ask questions—these words can feel more like horror movie titles than good news.</p><p><br></p><p>In this final Word Nerds episode, Joel and Sara tackle the “creepy” biblical language we’ve inherited and explore why these words sound strange, how culture reshaped their meaning, and what they were actually meant to communicate in the first place. With humor, honesty, and zero pressure to have it all figured out, they reframe these phrases in ways that make faith feel clearer, less awkward, and more human.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation isn’t about dumbing down theology—it’s about reclaiming language so faith can be talked about naturally, confidently, and without fear.</p> Some church words sound… unsettling. If you didn’t grow up in church—or if you did but never stopped to ask questions—these words can feel more like horror movie titles than good news.


In this final Word Nerds episode, Joel and Sara tackle the “creepy” biblical language we’ve inherited and explore why these words sound strange, how culture reshaped their meaning, and what they were actually meant to communicate in the first place. With humor, honesty, and zero pressure to have it all figured out, they reframe these phrases in ways that make faith feel clearer, less awkward, and more human.


This conversation isn’t about dumbing down theology—it’s about reclaiming language so faith can be talked about naturally, confidently, and without fear.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4481 24 82a03150b695fa4568b8d18c79940a2e no Word Nerds 3: Worship words If you’re going to sing it, it helps to know what it means. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>We sing these words almost every week. Hallelujah. Holy. Hosanna. Emmanuel. They’re printed on screens. Written into choruses. And carried through centuries of worship.</p><p><br></p><p>But what do they actually mean?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Word Nerds, we dive into some of the most common worship words in Christianity—where they came from, what they originally meant, how they’re often misunderstood, and why they still matter. We talk about ancient language, biblical context, and how these words connect us not just to modern church…but to believers who’ve been worshiping God for thousands of years.</p><p><br></p><p>Because these aren’t magic church words. They’re real words meant to give voice to real experiences with God. And worship changes when you actually know what you’re singing.</p> <p>We sing these words almost every week. Hallelujah. Holy. Hosanna. Emmanuel. They’re printed on screens. Written into choruses. And carried through centuries of worship.</p><p><br></p><p>But what do they actually mean?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Word Nerds, we dive into some of the most common worship words in Christianity—where they came from, what they originally meant, how they’re often misunderstood, and why they still matter. We talk about ancient language, biblical context, and how these words connect us not just to modern church…but to believers who’ve been worshiping God for thousands of years.</p><p><br></p><p>Because these aren’t magic church words. They’re real words meant to give voice to real experiences with God. And worship changes when you actually know what you’re singing.</p> We sing these words almost every week. Hallelujah. Holy. Hosanna. Emmanuel. They’re printed on screens. Written into choruses. And carried through centuries of worship.


But what do they actually mean?


In this episode of Word Nerds, we dive into some of the most common worship words in Christianity—where they came from, what they originally meant, how they’re often misunderstood, and why they still matter. We talk about ancient language, biblical context, and how these words connect us not just to modern church…but to believers who’ve been worshiping God for thousands of years.


Because these aren’t magic church words. They’re real words meant to give voice to real experiences with God. And worship changes when you actually know what you’re singing.

]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 4499 25 63f9111eb24739ba38cdb1a43a6a6b9e no Weird Words: Words we are voting off of the island! Voting off the words that stopped meaning anything. joel, Sara Nelson <p>There are some church words we all use…but if we’re honest, they don’t really mean much anymore. They’ve become filler. Christian small talk. Spiritual-sounding noise. So in this episode of GET REAL, we’re doing something a little different. We’re putting some of our most overused church words on trial. We talk about where these words came from, how they’re often used, why they can actually get in the way of real faith—and whether any of them deserve to stay.</p><p><br></p><p>BTW This episode is honest, sarcastic, and surprisingly meaningful as we wrestle with one big question:</p><p><br></p><p>Are our words helping us follow Jesus…</p><p>or helping us avoid being real?</p> <p>There are some church words we all use…but if we’re honest, they don’t really mean much anymore. They’ve become filler. Christian small talk. Spiritual-sounding noise. So in this episode of GET REAL, we’re doing something a little different. We’re putting some of our most overused church words on trial. We talk about where these words came from, how they’re often used, why they can actually get in the way of real faith—and whether any of them deserve to stay.</p><p><br></p><p>BTW This episode is honest, sarcastic, and surprisingly meaningful as we wrestle with one big question:</p><p><br></p><p>Are our words helping us follow Jesus…</p><p>or helping us avoid being real?</p> There are some church words we all use…but if we’re honest, they don’t really mean much anymore. They’ve become filler. Christian small talk. Spiritual-sounding noise. So in this episode of GET REAL, we’re doing something a little different. We’re putting some of our most overused church words on trial. We talk about where these words came from, how they’re often used, why they can actually get in the way of real faith—and whether any of them deserve to stay.


BTW This episode is honest, sarcastic, and surprisingly meaningful as we wrestle with one big question:


Are our words helping us follow Jesus…

or helping us avoid being real?

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3825 26 08e1b8474c0731eb3a965eb92660e476 no Word Nerds: Church Words Real conversations about faith, words, and what they actually mean. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>In this kickoff episode of our new series Word Nerds, we unpack some of the most common church words people say all the time… without really knowing what they mean.</p><p><br></p><p>What is the gospel?</p><p>What does it actually mean to be saved?</p><p>Is faith just believing something — or is it something more?</p><p>And why do words like grace and repentance feel so heavy?</p><p><br></p><p>We take these “Christianese” words out of religious fog and bring them back into real-life language so faith becomes clearer, richer, and way more honest.</p> <p>In this kickoff episode of our new series Word Nerds, we unpack some of the most common church words people say all the time… without really knowing what they mean.</p><p><br></p><p>What is the gospel?</p><p>What does it actually mean to be saved?</p><p>Is faith just believing something — or is it something more?</p><p>And why do words like grace and repentance feel so heavy?</p><p><br></p><p>We take these “Christianese” words out of religious fog and bring them back into real-life language so faith becomes clearer, richer, and way more honest.</p> In this kickoff episode of our new series Word Nerds, we unpack some of the most common church words people say all the time… without really knowing what they mean.


What is the gospel?

What does it actually mean to be saved?

Is faith just believing something — or is it something more?

And why do words like grace and repentance feel so heavy?


We take these “Christianese” words out of religious fog and bring them back into real-life language so faith becomes clearer, richer, and way more honest.

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3655 27 d4d1586d8a87242dd4763f8db4beb733 no Quit Quitting Less hype, more peace—building habits that honor your limits. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Every January we feel pressure to change fast and aim big—but most resolutions don’t last. In this episode, Joel and Sara explore a better way forward: building sustainable habits, embracing wise limits, and letting go of what no longer serves us. If you’re tired of starting over, this conversation offers a gentler, more faithful path to real change.</p> <p>Every January we feel pressure to change fast and aim big—but most resolutions don’t last. In this episode, Joel and Sara explore a better way forward: building sustainable habits, embracing wise limits, and letting go of what no longer serves us. If you’re tired of starting over, this conversation offers a gentler, more faithful path to real change.</p> Every January we feel pressure to change fast and aim big—but most resolutions don’t last. In this episode, Joel and Sara explore a better way forward: building sustainable habits, embracing wise limits, and letting go of what no longer serves us. If you’re tired of starting over, this conversation offers a gentler, more faithful path to real change.

]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3520 28 4c294bb7ecb5c6f46d0ece2e33bb585f no Christmas Songs, Carols, & Hymns: Finding Jesus Beneath the Familiar Tunes A thoughtful, funny conversation about why Christmas music matters, where it comes from, and how it Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Christmas music is everywhere—but what’s actually beneath the familiar melodies? In this festive episode, Joel and Sara unpack the difference between carols, hymns, and Christmas songs, explore why Old Testament scripture shows up so often at Christmas, and share practical ways to refocus our hearts on Jesus during the season.  </p> <p>Christmas music is everywhere—but what’s actually beneath the familiar melodies? In this festive episode, Joel and Sara unpack the difference between carols, hymns, and Christmas songs, explore why Old Testament scripture shows up so often at Christmas, and share practical ways to refocus our hearts on Jesus during the season.  </p> Christmas music is everywhere—but what’s actually beneath the familiar melodies? In this festive episode, Joel and Sara unpack the difference between carols, hymns, and Christmas songs, explore why Old Testament scripture shows up so often at Christmas, and share practical ways to refocus our hearts on Jesus during the season.  

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2828 29 748fa34d2c5f6f202193aa8e71276b4b no Christmas In Mom-Mode Surviving the Season Without Losing Your Sanity Bethany Adams, Sara Nelson <p>Sarah welcomes guest Bethany Adams for a funny, honest, and deeply practical look at “mom mode” during Christmas—why the pressure feels so heavy, how unrealistic expectations sneak in, and how to build a more peaceful, meaningful season with your family. A gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. </p> <p>Sarah welcomes guest Bethany Adams for a funny, honest, and deeply practical look at “mom mode” during Christmas—why the pressure feels so heavy, how unrealistic expectations sneak in, and how to build a more peaceful, meaningful season with your family. A gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. </p> Sarah welcomes guest Bethany Adams for a funny, honest, and deeply practical look at “mom mode” during Christmas—why the pressure feels so heavy, how unrealistic expectations sneak in, and how to build a more peaceful, meaningful season with your family. A gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. 

]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3248 30 2b99ee5eacb299e61976b940e513f86d no Making Friends With Anxiety Two anxious pastors walk into a podcast and accidentally make anxiety a little less scary. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>In this episode, Joel and Sarah take anxiety out for coffee, ask it some hard questions, shine flashlights at it, hand it a magnifying glass, and even give it a megaphone (responsibly). With humor, honesty, and just enough self-roasting, they unpack four tools for making friends with your anxiety instead of fighting it. It’s real and it’s hopeful!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>#️⃣ Hashtags (light, fun, on-topic)</p><p><br></p><p>#MakingFriendsWithAnxiety</p><p>#GetRealPodcast</p><p>#PastorsWithProblems</p><p>#FaithAndFeelings</p><p>#AnxiousButHopeful</p><p>#RealPeopleRealTalk</p><p>#ChristianMentalHealth</p><p>#AnxietySupport</p><p>#FaithTools</p><p>#ScriptureAndSanity</p><p>#ChurchHumor</p> <p>In this episode, Joel and Sarah take anxiety out for coffee, ask it some hard questions, shine flashlights at it, hand it a magnifying glass, and even give it a megaphone (responsibly). With humor, honesty, and just enough self-roasting, they unpack four tools for making friends with your anxiety instead of fighting it. It’s real and it’s hopeful!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>#️⃣ Hashtags (light, fun, on-topic)</p><p><br></p><p>#MakingFriendsWithAnxiety</p><p>#GetRealPodcast</p><p>#PastorsWithProblems</p><p>#FaithAndFeelings</p><p>#AnxiousButHopeful</p><p>#RealPeopleRealTalk</p><p>#ChristianMentalHealth</p><p>#AnxietySupport</p><p>#FaithTools</p><p>#ScriptureAndSanity</p><p>#ChurchHumor</p> In this episode, Joel and Sarah take anxiety out for coffee, ask it some hard questions, shine flashlights at it, hand it a magnifying glass, and even give it a megaphone (responsibly). With humor, honesty, and just enough self-roasting, they unpack four tools for making friends with your anxiety instead of fighting it. It’s real and it’s hopeful!



#️⃣ Hashtags (light, fun, on-topic)


#MakingFriendsWithAnxiety

#GetRealPodcast

#PastorsWithProblems

#FaithAndFeelings

#AnxiousButHopeful

#RealPeopleRealTalk

#ChristianMentalHealth

#AnxietySupport

#FaithTools

#ScriptureAndSanity

#ChurchHumor

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 4211 31 256d5d46441541f41a02af19ce61e328 no How To Thanksgiving Faith, food, and family drama — served hot and honest. Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>“It’s the day before the big feast, and we’re diving into what it really means to Thanksgiving well. In this episode, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson unpack how to navigate the holiday physically, emotionally, and spiritually — without losing your sanity (or your stretchy pants). So grab a cup of coffee, sneak a bite of pie, and let’s talk about how to actually give thanks in all circumstances — even when Uncle Zeke brings up politics again. </p><p><br></p><p>#HowToThanksgiving #GetRealPodcast #Thanksgiving2025 #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #HolidayFaith #GratitudePractice #SpiritualGrowth #RealTalk #JesusAndJoy</p> <p>“It’s the day before the big feast, and we’re diving into what it really means to Thanksgiving well. In this episode, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson unpack how to navigate the holiday physically, emotionally, and spiritually — without losing your sanity (or your stretchy pants). So grab a cup of coffee, sneak a bite of pie, and let’s talk about how to actually give thanks in all circumstances — even when Uncle Zeke brings up politics again. </p><p><br></p><p>#HowToThanksgiving #GetRealPodcast #Thanksgiving2025 #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #HolidayFaith #GratitudePractice #SpiritualGrowth #RealTalk #JesusAndJoy</p> “It’s the day before the big feast, and we’re diving into what it really means to Thanksgiving well. In this episode, Joel VanMersbergen and Sara Nelson unpack how to navigate the holiday physically, emotionally, and spiritually — without losing your sanity (or your stretchy pants). So grab a cup of coffee, sneak a bite of pie, and let’s talk about how to actually give thanks in all circumstances — even when Uncle Zeke brings up politics again.


#HowToThanksgiving #GetRealPodcast #Thanksgiving2025 #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #HolidayFaith #GratitudePractice #SpiritualGrowth #RealTalk #JesusAndJoy

]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3852 32 d1c62f30ec959e463da3dc056a901816 no Fellowship | 5 Purposes Churches grow WARMER through FELLOWSHIP Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2375 33 4738e59ac20de6d27e6c8a757efb591c no Discipleship | 5 Purposes Churches grow DEEPER through DISCIPLESHIP Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p><br></p> <p><br></p>

]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2154 34 1717f79c2b51d78e6d75ed03be9c44a8 no Evangelism | 5 Purposes Hmmm what does it mean? Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Churches grow LARGER through EVANGELISM</p><p><br></p> <p>Churches grow LARGER through EVANGELISM</p><p><br></p> Churches grow LARGER through EVANGELISM


]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2325 35 782acca7ad455cb5e9d432e10578281b no Worship | 5 Purposes What IS worship anyways?! Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Churches grow STRONGER through WORSHIP</p> <p>Churches grow STRONGER through WORSHIP</p> Churches grow STRONGER through WORSHIP

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2116 36 a46bafa970622a62c9e5cd2b6f6f34e2 no Serve On A Team | Next Steps "You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame but you’re gonna have to serve someone." Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Find out your unique strengths, abilities, and passion into action by serving on a team. Check out<a href="http://ncctk.com/serve" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://ncctk.com/serve" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NCCTK.com/serve</a> to find all the teams we have waiting for you.</p> <p>Find out your unique strengths, abilities, and passion into action by serving on a team. Check out<a href="http://ncctk.com/serve" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://ncctk.com/serve" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NCCTK.com/serve</a> to find all the teams we have waiting for you.</p> Find out your unique strengths, abilities, and passion into action by serving on a team. Check out NCCTK.com/serve to find all the teams we have waiting for you.

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1803 37 050e72e872a2684b4d323bc68583d8bd no Invest & Invite | Next Steps Have you told anyone? Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Joel and Sara talk about what it means to be a real part of NCCTK through generosity and inviting people in!</p> <p>Joel and Sara talk about what it means to be a real part of NCCTK through generosity and inviting people in!</p> Joel and Sara talk about what it means to be a real part of NCCTK through generosity and inviting people in!

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1954 38 d408e8a662e3af50ecd4ca839f07a7e9 no Grow | Next Steps If you're not growing... Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>No matter your stage in life there is always a next step you can take to grow in your faith. If you want to grow in your faith we have some great resources and ways for you to grow just for you. Check out <a href="http://NCCTK.com/grow" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NCCTK.com/grow</a> </p> <p>No matter your stage in life there is always a next step you can take to grow in your faith. If you want to grow in your faith we have some great resources and ways for you to grow just for you. Check out <a href="http://NCCTK.com/grow" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NCCTK.com/grow</a> </p> No matter your stage in life there is always a next step you can take to grow in your faith. If you want to grow in your faith we have some great resources and ways for you to grow just for you. Check out NCCTK.com/grow 

]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1820 39 acdad7c7e8f06227a0d3448605592717 no Small Groups Bonus Episode | Next Steps Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Joel and Sara draft their dream small groups—right from the NCCTK staff! 🎉 Get to know some of our amazing team in this fun bonus clip.</p> <p>Joel and Sara draft their dream small groups—right from the NCCTK staff! 🎉 Get to know some of our amazing team in this fun bonus clip.</p> Joel and Sara draft their dream small groups—right from the NCCTK staff! 🎉 Get to know some of our amazing team in this fun bonus clip.

]]> 493 40 97a9412c1ae7d0dedee151b5e020f3d2 no Small Groups | Next Steps Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>NCCTK Small Groups exist to help you build real friendships that lead to real growth. Each week, Small Groups meet to have fun, pray, and discuss the best way to live and love like Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://ncctk.com/smallgroups" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ncctk.com/smallgroups</a></p> <p>NCCTK Small Groups exist to help you build real friendships that lead to real growth. Each week, Small Groups meet to have fun, pray, and discuss the best way to live and love like Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://ncctk.com/smallgroups" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ncctk.com/smallgroups</a></p> NCCTK Small Groups exist to help you build real friendships that lead to real growth. Each week, Small Groups meet to have fun, pray, and discuss the best way to live and love like Jesus.


Learn more at ncctk.com/smallgroups

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1782 41 ed8835a1c06e447efb0bf3ef2dcb9674 no Baptism | Next Steps Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson <p>Baptism: More than just water!</p><p><br></p><p>It’s about:</p><p> • Declaring your faith publicly </p><p> • Dying to your old self </p><p> • Being reborn in Christ </p><p> • Becoming part of a supportive community </p><p><br></p><p>Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progression—we’re all on this journey together!</p><p>"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" – Mark 9:24</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re ready to take this step of faith, we’re here to walk with you. Reach out to us today!</p> <p>Baptism: More than just water!</p><p><br></p><p>It’s about:</p><p> • Declaring your faith publicly </p><p> • Dying to your old self </p><p> • Being reborn in Christ </p><p> • Becoming part of a supportive community </p><p><br></p><p>Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progression—we’re all on this journey together!</p><p>"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" – Mark 9:24</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re ready to take this step of faith, we’re here to walk with you. Reach out to us today!</p> Baptism: More than just water!


It’s about:

• Declaring your faith publicly

• Dying to your old self

• Being reborn in Christ

• Becoming part of a supportive community


Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progression—we’re all on this journey together!

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" – Mark 9:24


If you’re ready to take this step of faith, we’re here to walk with you. Reach out to us today!

]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1951 42 d7dc2feae5904c809a0aa6974e1e3d68 no Small Groups Preview Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 31 43 e436122bb6b5da28e5a4be0f5240d32c no Baptism Preview Joel VanMersbergen, Sara Nelson Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 36 44 8a938e56c05e4bad76640ebd13e3a825 no