Kern Talks

In a world overwhelmed by hardship and injustice, Pastor Will reminds us that Jesus blesses those the world forgets. Beginning a new series on the Sermon on the Mount, this message calls us to be salt and light—living as a force for good, even when life feels upside down. You matter. Your light matters.

On Palm Sunday, Pastor Will explores how Jesus' journey to the cross wasn't just a tragic ending—it was a divine turning point. Through 2 Corinthians 5, we discover that the cross brings reconciliation: between us and God, and between one another. We are invited to receive this healing grace—and to share it as Christ's ambassadors

During Lent, Pastor Will explores the importance of holiness in Christian life. Holiness isn't just taught—it's caught from God, others, and through overcoming temptation. Paul warns that holiness isn't automatic and urges believers to rely on God and community for strength. Stay close to Jesus, commit to faith practices, and be a safety net for others.

Who are you imitating? In “Discipline Matters,” Pastor Will explores how imitation shapes our character and faith. Drawing from Philippians 3:17–4:1, he challenges us to reflect on who we follow and whether our lives are worth imitating. Discover how godly discipline leads to a Christ-centered life and impacts the next generation.

Belief isn't just about knowing facts—it's about trust. In "Belief Matters," Pastor Will explores Romans 10, showing how faith isn't found in endless searching but in trusting God's presence at hand. Instead of seeking clarity, we're invited to rest in God's love, forming a character rooted in faith. Join us for this powerful message.

In week two of Lent, Steve explores Christian hospitality—how it reflects our understanding of the Gospel and our call to share sacrificially. Drawing from Hebrews 12-13, he contrasts biblical hospitality with ancient Greek xenia, emphasizing how God's love calls us to a deeper, boundary-breaking generosity toward others. Listen in!

In "The Passion to Become," Steve explores Jesus' journey of preparation, from His baptism to the wilderness temptation. He unpacks the meaning of Christ's passion—not just suffering, but devoted, God-directed perseverance. Through Jesus' trials, we learn how trust in God shapes us into who we are meant to be. Tune in for a powerful Lenten reflection.

Pastor Will's sermon, “Live With Purpose,” challenges us to follow Jesus' radical call to love—even our enemies. Looking at Luke 6, he explores how living with purpose isn't just about good intentions but about taking action: loving, giving, forgiving, and blessing others, even when it's difficult. Discover how Jesus' teachings flip cultural norms upside down.

Pastor Will explores the deep longing for purpose in life, drawing from Luke 5 and Peter's call to follow Jesus. He shares personal experiences of searching for meaning and highlights how Jesus meets us where we are, transforming our daily lives into mission fields. Discover how your work, relationships, and skills can be used for God's purpose.

Jesus lived on purpose, and so can we. In this sermon, Pastor Will explores Luke 4 and how Jesus' mission—preaching good news, bringing freedom, and healing the broken models a life of intention. Discover how to move beyond distractions and busyness to align your life with God's purpose. Take ten minutes this week to refocus and live intentionally.

Pastor Will's sermon, Identity Reset, explores how we carry labels that limit us and sabotage our well-being. Drawing from Isaiah 62, he reveals how God gives us new names that reflect our true identity: beloved, redeemed, and chosen. By letting go of false labels and embracing who God says we are, we find freedom and joy.

Pastor Will shares how God's redemption can transform your life, not just your year. Drawing from Isaiah 43, he reminds us that God's love rescues us from hopelessness and creates lasting change. Whether feeling stuck in relationships, habits, or faith, God's grace offers renewal and community. Discover how trusting God can lead to a truly new you.

In Unwrap the Smallest Gift First, Pastor Will challenges the idea that significance comes from power or wealth. Using Micah 5 and Luke 1, he shows how God uses the small and unassuming—like Bethlehem, Mary, and even us—to achieve big things. This Christmas, discover how simple, faithful actions, like inviting someone to church, can have a lasting impact.

In Unwrap Peace, Pastor Will reflects on the emotions of the holiday season, contrasting fleeting cultural happiness with lasting joy rooted in God. Drawing from Philippians 4:4-9, he shares a "list for blessing at Christmas"—a guide to finding joy, overcoming stress, and embracing God's peace that transcends understanding. Discover how to move beyond holiday chaos to rejoice in the presence of Christ, who draws near daily.

Are you chasing the “perfect” Christmas? Pastor Will shares a story about his family's magical holiday in the mountains—a reminder of how our pursuit of perfection often distracts us from what truly matters. Drawing from Philippians 1:3–11, he explores how gratitude and love can replace stress and unmet expectations. Tune in to discover how growing in love—not perfection—can transform your holiday season and refocus your heart on what really matters.

Christmas traditions can bring joy or stress, from grief to financial strain. Drawing from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, Pastor Will reminds us true hope lies in God's love and community. This message invites us to focus on what matters most: supporting one another and finding strength together. Whether celebrating or struggling, love and connection can transform your season.

Pastor Will reflects on generosity through a personal story of Miss Barbara, who inspired him with her kindness. This sermon explores Jesus' teaching on generosity from Matthew 25, emphasizing that generosity isn't about the amount you give but about faithfulness with what you have. Pastor Will challenges the common "when this, then I will" mindset, urging listeners to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start giving now. Discover how generosity can transform others' lives, bring joy to your own, and reflect God's kingdom here and now.

In "Finding the Financial Freedom Jesus Promises," Pastor Will challenges cultural views on wealth, emphasizing Jesus' call to prioritize spiritual over material treasures. He teaches that our heart follows our money, urging us to give first, save second, and live on the rest. By creating financial margin and aligning spending with God's mission, we can live with purpose, even during holiday spending pressures.

In the first message of this new series, Pastor Will dives into the discomfort many of us feel around money—whether it's about debt, budgeting, or conversations we've been avoiding. Reflecting on Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler, Pastor Will challenges us to consider if we truly trust God with our finances. He encourages us to break through fear and shame, reminding us that money is as much a spiritual issue as a financial one. If you're not trusting Jesus with your money, are you really trusting him?

In this final message of the "Under God?" series, Pastor Will explores how Christians can stay united in a divided world. Reflecting on Jesus' prayer for unity, he reminds us that true faith isn't about political alignment but love. Pastor Will challenges believers to reject division, focus on common values, and build bridges by loving unconditionally. In a time of polarization, the church must come together as one body, sharing Christ's hope in a fractured world.

In this sermon of the "Under God?" series, Pastor Will explores how Christians can live faithfully under God in a culture often at odds with biblical values. Drawing from Daniel's story, he challenges listeners to reflect on whether they're more influenced by culture or by God. Through practical examples about money, time, relationships, and opinions, Pastor Will encourages pre-deciding to follow Jesus as Lord. With the upcoming election, he reminds us to stay grounded in God's sovereignty—because no matter who is in office, God is still on the throne.

Pastor Will's sermon “Under God? One Nation” addresses the division during election season, reminding believers that their primary allegiance is to God's kingdom. He emphasizes that Christians are ambassadors of Christ, called to represent His love beyond political differences. Regardless of election outcomes, God remains sovereign, and believers are united as a heavenly nation, tasked with embodying grace, justice, and peace.

Pastor Will shares his experience with Positive Intelligence, where he learned to manage anxiety from hyper-achievement and hypervigilance. He connects this to Exodus 17, where the Israelites doubted God's provision in the desert, yet God faithfully provided water. Pastor Will encourages trusting God's provision, especially in moments of doubt and uncertainty. He reminds the congregation that just as God provided for the Israelites, He will provide for them too. Lastly, Pastor Will calls for prayer, asking the church to seek God's guidance and breakthroughs.

In this sermon, Pastor Will celebrates faith growth at Kern Church through baptisms and new members, emphasizing the importance of belonging in a world filled with loneliness. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4, he compares the strength of community to a three-ply cord that isn't easily broken. He encourages the congregation to join Belong Groups, finding support and purpose together. This sermon kicks off the 'Sit With Me in September' series, focusing on the power of togetherness and community in faith.

Pastor Will shares a powerful message about navigating life's unexpected challenges through faith and prayer. Using the story of Jairus from Mark 5:21-43, he illustrates how even in the face of illness and uncertainty, incremental prayer can lead to small but meaningful miracles. Drawing on both biblical teachings and real-life experiences, Pastor Will encourages listeners to trust in God, pray step by step, and find hope even in difficult times.

In this sermon, Pastor Will shares the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to explore the challenges of family life. Drawing parallels to his own experience of parenting children of different ages, he highlights the difficulties and missteps that can arise in families. Despite the mistakes made, God's faithfulness remains constant, offering hope and redemption. Pastor Will encourages listeners to reflect on their own family dynamics, seek support from their community, and trust in God's unwavering guidance through their challenges.

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the pressure to appear perfect while sharing his family's story in a local magazine. Using the story of Adam and Eve, he explores the challenges all families face and introduces the concept of a "redo"—a chance to start over after mistakes. Pastor Will emphasizes that while no family is perfect, God offers grace and second chances. Tune in for an honest and hopeful message on navigating the imperfections of family life.

Discover how Kern Church addresses the challenges in our community of 81,000 people, including health issues, depression, and loneliness. Reflecting on summer activities and neighborhood connections, this sermon explores why people need Jesus and the church. Learn about Kern Church's vision to help people belong, grow in faith, and make a difference through new "belong groups." Whether you're considering joining or hosting, be inspired to live out your faith and support others in finding their place in the community and faith.

Join us in our current message series, "3 Big Questions." This week's sermon dives into the vital topic, "Why Do People Need the Church?" Building on last week's exploration of why people need Jesus, we delve into the church's role in our lives and society. Amidst a backdrop of declining church attendance and spiritual dissatisfaction, we discuss how the church is essential for spiritual growth, community, and societal transformation. Discover why the church is not just for Christians but for the world, serving as Jesus' continuing presence and hope. Tune in for a thought-provoking message that challenges and inspires.

In his latest sermon, Pastor Will delves into the first of three pivotal questions in his new series: "Why do people need Jesus?" Drawing from personal anecdotes and biblical stories, Pastor Will explores the pervasive struggles of modern life—loneliness, addiction, and financial pressures—and traces their origins back to the fall of humanity in Genesis. He explains how Jesus is the divine solution to these deep-seated problems, offering hope, transformation, and a path to a better life. Tune in to discover why Jesus is essential for healing and renewal in a hurting world.

The Power of Expectation

Join Pastor Will as he explores the importance of neighborly connections. Sharing personal stories and insights from the early church in Acts, Pastor Will emphasizes how building genuine relationships with neighbors can combat loneliness and enrich our lives. Discover practical steps to move beyond casual greetings and form supportive, meaningful connections in your community. Tune in to learn how you can strengthen your neighborhood bonds and transform your life and those around you.

In today's Father's Day sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the joys and challenges of parenthood, sharing personal stories and insights from his own journey as a father. Drawing from Ephesians 6:1-4, he explores the biblical principles of parenting and highlights the importance of love, discipline, and teaching children about God's ways. Pastor Will also acknowledges the diverse forms of families and emphasizes that God's blessings are not limited by family structure. Tune in to learn valuable dos and don'ts of biblical parenting that can help build stronger, healthier families rooted in God's love.

In this sermon, Pastor Will delves into the complexities of love and marriage, using a viral story about a bride's outrageous wedding demands as a starting point. He discusses the difference between society's fleeting notion of "falling in love" and the deeper, biblical concept of marriage as a lifelong commitment to serve and care for one's partner. Highlighting Genesis 2, Pastor Will explains how true partnership and selfless love are foundational to a healthy marriage. He encourages couples to focus on their vows as a mission statement for their relationship, emphasizing sacrificial love, patience, and dedication as key to strengthening marital bonds.

This week Pastor Will explores summer vacation challenges, using "National Lampoon's Vacation" as a metaphor for family chaos. He introduces a five-week series, "Family Vacation," offering Biblical strategies to strengthen family bonds and grow in faith. Families come in many forms, and the sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing to serve the Lord together. The acrostic "FAMILY" outlines key points: Faith in Jesus, Asking for and Offering Forgiveness, Making and Keeping Commitments, Investing in Each Other, Listening to Each Other, and Yielding in Love. Pastor Will encourages families to commit to serving the Lord and join the series for more insights.

This week, Pastor Will reflects on the challenges of social anxiety and isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He gives personal experiences of going shopping during the early pandemic days and the eerie silence in stores. Drawing from the biblical story of Thomas, Will emphasizes Jesus's message of peace and belonging in community. He encourages listeners to reach out to others and extend invitations to belong, echoing the church's mission of fostering community and making a difference. Pastor Will concludes with an invitation for those seeking belonging and peace to accept faith in Jesus.

From Pastor Will's new sermon series "Where Everybody Knows Your Name". Pastor Will delves into his personal experience with social media and its impact on feelings of belonging and loneliness. He reflects on the curated nature of online content, which often portrays only the highlights of people's lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. Drawing parallels to the loneliness epidemic, Pastor Will emphasizes the importance of belonging and community, highlighting the biblical story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. Mary's experience emphasizes the transformative power of hearing one's name spoken by Jesus and Pastor Will invites people to turn toward Jesus for belonging and hope. He concludes with a prayer for those who feel called to turn to Jesus and encourages them to take a step forward in faith.

Pastor Will explores the significance of Palm Sunday in the Christian tradition and reflects on Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem. He encourages listeners to focus on their walk with God and explores the fifth essential practice of the Christian life: sharing. Drawing from biblical teachings, Pastor Will emphasizes the importance of sharing one's faith and the transformative power of Jesus' life and death, highlighted by Jesus' own acts of sharing throughout his ministry, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection. He invites listeners to embrace their mission of sharing the good news with others. Palm Sunday serves as a reminder of Jesus' call to discipleship and sharing the message of God's love and forgiveness with the world. Who are you sharing with?

This sermon delves into the topic of money and its relationship with spiritual growth. Using personal anecdotes from tax season, Pastor Will reflects on the significance of money in their life and spiritual journey. Drawing from biblical examples, such as King Solomon and Jesus' teachings, the sermon explores how money can either hinder or enhance spiritual growth. Emphasizing the joy and fulfillment found in generosity, Will encourages listeners to adopt generous habits in daily life and consider giving back to God. Practical steps, like creating a plan for giving or performing five acts of generosity each month, are suggested to deepen spiritual growth through generosity. The sermon concludes with the story of Zacchaeus, illustrating the transformative power of generosity in one's spiritual journey.

Pastor Will uses the metaphor of a toddler learning to walk to explore the concept of spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of listening to God, drawing parallels between recognizing a parent's voice and recognizing God's voice. He discusses general revelation through nature and specific revelation through the Bible, highlighting the importance of studying scripture to understand God's character. Pastor Will gives practical advice for reading the Bible, encouraging listeners to read slowly, consistently, and reflectively. Two next steps are offered: reading five verses a day or reading the book of John one chapter a day until Easter, inviting everyone to take a step towards deeper spiritual growth through intentional study of the Bible.

Join us in listening to this message from Steve Pawel. From Kern Church's service on February 25, 2024. 

Pastor Will begins with a personal anecdote about a doctor's visit, segueing into the idea that facing reality, whether in health or finances, is crucial for growth. He parallels physical health checkups with spiritual health evaluations, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth. Lent is introduced as a time for spiritual focus, inviting listeners to explore different practices. Worship is highlighted as the first practice, defined as honoring God rather than personal preference or entertainment. Drawing from Psalms and early Christian practices, worship's communal and transformative nature is emphasized. Pastor Will concludes with a call to prioritize regular worship attendance and daily prayer as steps toward spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to participate in a church-wide prayer campaign.

In this message, Pastor Will addresses the prevalent division in society, using a recent snowstorm response as an example. He highlights how political differences lead to polarization, affecting public discourse and personal relationships. Drawing from a Pew Research Center study, they emphasize that political divisions are increasingly seen as differences in core American values rather than policy disagreements. Instead of delving into specific political debates, Pastor Will offers hope rooted in Jesus' teachings, recounting a story where Jesus transcends societal divides to offer unity. He challenges listeners to embody Jesus' message of love and unity, advocating for humility in holding political beliefs and engaging with others to foster genuine community. Ultimately, Pastor Will calls for choosing the path of community and love in Jesus over succumbing to societal division, suggesting that individuals of faith can offer an alternative marked by unity and love.

In this sermon, the focus is on prayer—a spiritual practice that transcends religious boundaries and is prevalent in American culture. Despite its ubiquity, many people struggle with prayer, whether due to lack of focus, confidence, or faith. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' life, Pastor Will explores prayer as not just an action but a way of life. Through various examples from Jesus' own prayer life, listeners are encouraged to view prayer as an ongoing conversation with God, integral to navigating life's uncertainties and challenges. Will offers three simple steps—keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up—as practical tools for integrating prayer into daily living. By embracing prayer as a way of life, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of grace amidst life's precariousness.

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the recent snowstorm and invites listeners to participate in a present-moment census by saying "I'm here." They delve into the pervasive issue of mind-wandering, exploring how thoughts often stray to the past or future, robbing individuals of true presence and happiness. Through anecdotes and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example of being fully present with those around him. Pastor Will challenges listeners to break free from the "when-then" and "what-if" mindset, urging them to embrace each day as a gift from God. Offering a simple prayer—"God, give me today"—as a tool to anchor the mind in the present, his sermon concludes with a call to live one's best days now by experiencing the richness of the present moment.

In this sermon, Pastor Will explores the pervasive issue of busyness in modern life, questioning its societal glorification and impact on personal well-being. Drawing on personal experiences and societal observations, he reflects on the paradox that technological advancements, intended to save time, have contributed to increased feelings of overwhelm. The core message centers around the idea that relentless busyness may hinder individuals from living life to the fullest, echoing the teachings of Jesus in John 10:10. The speaker advocates for embracing the unforced rhythms of grace demonstrated by Jesus, encouraging practical steps like being present in the moment, prioritizing what truly matters, and attuning to God's guidance. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join in a prayer focused on learning these rhythms, offering a thoughtful exploration of breaking free from the constant busyness cycle for a more fulfilling life. kernchurch.org kernchurch.org/next

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the common desire for vacations and breaks, exploring the misconception that time off alone can alleviate life's stresses. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, he delves into the realization that the root cause of stress lies in the way one spends the rest of their life. As the new year unfolds, listeners are encouraged to examine their lives and question if their current way of living is truly working for them. Referencing a biblical perspective from John 14:1-6, the speaker emphasizes Jesus' invitation to a transformative way of life, moving beyond mere beliefs or actions. This sermon sets the stage for a series on exploring this "better way" and invites everyone to consider baptism as a symbolic commitment to embracing Jesus' way of living life to the fullest. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover a life that transcends stress, anxiety, and unfulfillment.

In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the global context of Christmas, acknowledging the pain and turmoil faced by people worldwide. Drawing parallels between the joy of personal celebrations and the harsh realities of conflicts happening around the world, the sermon explores the biblical story of the Magi to emphasize God's unexpected presence in diverse places. Listeners are encouraged to actively seek God in the midst of global and personal challenges, and the sermon concludes with a heartfelt prayer for hope and peace in the upcoming year. Join us as we delve into a perspective on Christmas that goes beyond personal festivities to find God's presence in unexpected corners of the world.

Come with us a we hear the Christmas story read from Luke 2:1-20 and as Pastor Will brings us words of peace in this hectic season.

This sermon explores the impact of labels that individuals carry, both self-imposed and imposed by society. Pastor Will reflects on the potential harm caused by hurtful labels, especially in childhood, and emphasizes that these labels can have lasting effects on mental health. Drawing from the biblical narrative of Mary and Elizabeth, the sermon highlights how God reverses societal labels, granting new identities to those considered lowly, hungry, or powerless. The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on the labels they carry, offering a moment for personal contemplation. The sermon concludes with an invitation to symbolically surrender these labels to God and embrace the new labels God provides, emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing one's true identity in Christ.

This sermon delves into the stress and pressure associated with finding the perfect gift during the holiday season. Pastor Will shares a childhood story of longing for a specific crayon case and how, as an adult, the focus shifted to wanting meaningful moments with family. He discusses the societal expectations of gift-giving, the financial strains it can cause, and the cultural pressures to meet certain standards. Will then introduces a biblical perspective through the Gospel of Mark, highlighting the role of John the Baptist as an ancient "advertiser" preparing people for the arrival of Jesus, described as the perfect gift from God. The message encourages listeners to shift their focus from the materialistic pursuit of perfection to embracing the true gift of the season—Jesus. Practical steps for reflection, simplification of holiday celebrations, and sharing the message of Jesus are proposed to alleviate stress and debt during this time. We conclude with an invitation for listeners to consider the transformative power of collectively embracing the true meaning of Christmas, fostering a sense of peace and joy.