Kern Talks

Pastor Will challenges our habit of postponing faith, reminding us that tomorrow never comes. Beginning Lent, he reflects on Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus, showing devotion that acts now, not later. Her example teaches that following Jesus isn't about waiting for perfect timing but offering ourselves today. Present faithfulness shapes future discipleship—because now is the moment to respond.

Pastor Will challenges the idea that purpose is something we must find. In Matthew 4, Jesus shows that purpose comes through following him in everyday life. Fulfillment grows over time as we walk with Christ and others, allowing him to transform ordinary work and relationships. Purpose isn't discovered through pressure or perfection—it's revealed through faithfully following Jesus together each day.

Pastor Will reminds us everyone has influence, and followers of Jesus are called to use theirs for good. Drawing from Matthew 28 and Colossians 4, he teaches that impact isn't forceful evangelism but everyday presence—living with love, wisdom, and gracious speech. By sharing faith through relationships and ordinary moments, we reflect Jesus and make a meaningful, lasting impact.

Pastor Will explores resilience through faith, reminding listeners that endurance has limits and hitting them isn't failure. Drawing from James 1, he teaches that hardship can grow maturity and that when strength runs out, prayer is the way forward. God meets us at our limits with wisdom, grace, and guidance for what comes next.

Pastor Will explores how relationships often break down under pressure and how followers of Jesus can level them up. Drawing from Colossians 3, he invites listeners to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. When conflict arises, let Christ's peace be the umpire and ask, “What would Jesus do?”

Pastor Will shares how hidden foundation cracks at a beloved family cabin reveal a spiritual truth: real change starts below the surface. Drawing from Jesus' words in Matthew 7, he challenges listeners to stop relying on resolutions and start building life on Christ. Storms come to everyone, but a life grounded in Jesus stands firm, grows deeper, and levels up.

In A Different Kind of Gift, Pastor Will reflects on the Magi and reminds us that every Christmas gift fades. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were temporary, but the Magi's first gift was worship. Before giving anything, they bowed and gave themselves. The lasting gift of Christmas is offering lives to Jesus, choosing a posture of worship that endures forever unchanging.

In A Different Kind of Love, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew's Christmas story, showing love that isn't sentimental or perfect. Through Joseph's choice and God's first move, we see Emmanuel—God with us—entering life's mess. This love comes close, protects, forgives, and meets us in confusion, fear, and unfinished lives, inviting us to receive God's presence as we are.

Pastor Will explores a different kind of Christmas joy—one deeper than lights and cheer. Acknowledging grief, doubt, and weariness, he points to Isaiah 35 and John the Baptist to show joy breaking in amid hardship. Jesus offers joy that welcomes questions, notices God's quiet work, and joins in restoring lives, even when circumstances don't change, during Advent and everyday faith.

Pastor Will continues A Different Kind of Christmas by exploring Isaiah's vision of new life growing from a stump—reminding us that God brings peace where life feels cut down. Pointing to Jesus as the promised shoot, he invites anyone feeling stressed, grieving, or overwhelmed this season to receive Christ's deeper peace that grows even in hard places and unexpected seasons.

Pastor Will explores how Advent invites hope amid holiday pressure, grief, and global uncertainty. Looking to Isaiah 2, he shows that God offers a future shaped not by fear but by peace, transformation, and shared journey. Hope grows as we walk together, learn from God, and let God reshape our hearts—taking small steps toward the light even when the world feels dark.

Pastor Will shares how Kern Church responded to a local food crisis with compassion, showing that “boring” everyday generosity—paying bills, supporting staff, funding ministry—makes extraordinary impact possible. He reminds us that steady, faithful giving is like sowing seeds: unseen at first, but multiplied by God to change lives, meet real needs, and keep the church's mission alive.

In this message from The Grateful Life, Pastor Will explains that true generosity isn't about amounts but about trusting God. Using Malachi 3 and stories of giving, he reminds us that giving is worship, not fundraising. God invites us to trust Him first, give proportionally, and take one step of faith—because generosity grows our hearts and deepens our dependence on God.

In Remember the Source, Pastor Will reminds us that all blessings—our food, health, opportunities, and success—come from God. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we're called to remember God's provision in hard times and good. By naming God's faithfulness and praising Him, we cultivate gratitude, humility, and awareness that God is the ultimate source of all we enjoy.

In The Day the Dead Walked, Pastor Will explores Matthew's eerie account of the earth shaking and tombs opening at Jesus' death. What seems like horror becomes hope—the moment death begins to die. The torn veil and empty graves declare that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God. The grave doesn't win. Jesus does.

In Graveyard Shift, part of Spooky Stories from the Bible, Pastor Will explores Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life. Through this haunting story, he reminds us that even in our most lifeless and hopeless moments, God's Spirit can breathe new life. When we pray and partner with God, miracles happen—hope rises, and the impossible lives again.

In The Witching Hour, Pastor Will opens the series Spooky Stories from the Bible with Saul's haunting visit to a medium in 1 Samuel 28. When fear silences his faith, Saul turns to darkness for control—and loses everything. Pastor Will reminds us that in life's witching hours, we overcome fear not through control, but by trusting God.

In Widening the Circle, Pastor Will concludes the series Find Your People, Love Your Neighbor with a call to radical hospitality. Sharing stories of opening his home and reflecting on Hebrews and Luke, he reminds us that God's community isn't just for us—it's for those not here yet. True belonging happens when we make space, invite others, and draw the circle wider.

Samantha Johnson talks about how we can get out of our comfort zone and step out in faith.

In Just Take a Walk Together, Pastor Will reminds us we're not created to go through life alone. Drawing from Romans 12, he shows how faith and community flourish when we carry each other's burdens, share joy, and walk side by side. True belonging comes when we choose vulnerability, generosity, and love—living as one body in Christ.

In You Don't Have to Have It All Together, Pastor Will challenges us to drop the masks we wear—hiding stress, fear, or imperfection—and embrace vulnerability. Jesus modeled openness, and Paul showed strength in weakness. True belonging, growth, and community come when we are real with God and each other. God's grace is enough, and vulnerability connects us to others.

Love your neighbor.

Pastor Will shares Bartimaeus' story of moving from stuckness to freedom through Jesus' call. Growth requires persistence, faith, and belonging. True healing comes not from isolation but from community—the body of Christ. Jesus invites us forward, out of roadside living, into connection, purpose, and neighborly love. Don't stay stuck—step into belonging.

In Blessed to Make a Difference, Pastor Will reflects on how God calls us beyond rules into relationship. Drawing from Micah 6:8, he reminds us that walking humbly with God leads to justice and faithful love. True blessing flows outward—serving neighbors, practicing fairness, and embodying God's steadfast love. Walking with God transforms us to bless others.

Pastor Will explores the tension between technology's promise of connection and the growing epidemic of loneliness. From Genesis to the early church, Scripture shows we were created for community. Real belonging happens not through screens but through life shared—meals, encouragement, prayer, and support. Discover how being “blessed with others” means finding and building authentic relationships that strengthen faith and life.

Pastor Will explores how we often live with a “scarcity mindset,” fearing we lack time, money, or energy. Drawing on Paul's teaching, he shows that God's abundance is “enough” for today—not for hoarding, but for sharing. Through stories and Scripture, we're challenged to trust God's provision and overflow blessings into others' lives.

Pastor Will calls us to follow Jesus' example of humility and putting others first. When we choose His peace over life's chaos, our actions and words reflect His love. In doing so, we shine His light into darkness, offering grace, hope, and compassion so that others experience the heart of Christ through us.

When stress builds and chaos surrounds us, it's easy to mirror the mess. Pastor Will explores how adopting Jesus' humble, others-first attitude transforms not only our outlook but the world around us. Reflecting Christ means choosing peace, grace, and light—especially when life feels heavy. Don't mirror the mess. Reflect the light. Shine like stars in the world.

Pastor Will reflects on the start of a new school year and how stepping into the unknown—whether school, work, or life—can be both exciting and scary. Drawing from Abram's story in Genesis 12, he reminds us that we are blessed to be a blessing. No matter what you face, God's got your back—and will walk with you.

In this message, Pastor Will compares Jesus' Great Commission to a lifelong game of tag: once you're tagged, it's your turn. Drawing from Matthew 28, he challenges us to embrace Jesus' call to “go and make disciples.” Even when we feel unprepared, Jesus equips and goes with us. The mission is big—but we're not alone. Tag—you're it.

In I Am the Resurrection, Pastor Will reflects on Jesus' words to grieving sisters and the raising of Lazarus. Through tears, truth, and power, Jesus reveals that resurrection isn't just future hope—it's a present reality in Him. In a world marked by death and grief, Jesus meets us with compassion and declares that the worst thing is never the last thing.

In This is My Body, Pastor Will explores the meaning and mystery of communion. More than a ritual, communion is an invitation to receive Jesus' grace and presence. Rooted in the Last Supper and the story of God's redemption, this sacred meal reminds us we are loved, fed, and never alone. Jesus still meets us at the table.

In “The Love Commandment,” Pastor Will explores Jesus' call to love one another as he has loved us. In a world where Christians are often known for what they oppose, Jesus offers a different way: radical, self-giving love. This kind of love isn't optional—it's the mark of true discipleship and the most powerful witness to the world.

When life feels uncertain and disorienting, it's easy to wonder which way to go. In this message, Pastor Will reminds us that Jesus doesn't just show the way—He is the way. Drawing from John 14, this sermon offers hope for anyone feeling lost, inviting us to trust Jesus as our guide, truth, and life.

On Pentecost, Pastor Will reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit—how it ignited the church and still transforms us today. Even a little faith, like yeast in dough, can rise, grow, and feed others. You don't need to be bold like Peter to make a difference—your small faith, empowered by the Spirit, is more than enough.

When Jesus told a story about a rule-breaking son and a resentful brother, he wasn't just talking about a family—he was revealing the heart of God. In this message, Pastor Will explores how God's grace welcomes the lost and challenges the faithful, inviting us all—line-cutters and long-servers alike—into a celebration of redemption and love.

This Memorial Day weekend, Pastor Will challenges us to slow down to see. In a season packed with plans and pressure, we risk missing what—and who—really matters. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, we're reminded that love requires margin. Don't live at the speed of busy—this summer, make space to notice, care, and be a true neighbor.

Even small acts of compassion matter. In this message from Matthew 25, Pastor Will explores how Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats challenges us to live out our faith through action. You don't have to do everything—but you can do something. And when you love and serve “the least of these,” Jesus says, you're doing it for him.

Pastor Will shares a powerful message from the mountains of Tellico Plains, reflecting on a rugged journey to Whig Meadow as a metaphor for life's uncertain paths. Drawing from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he challenges us to examine our “trail markers” — the fruit of our lives — and choose the narrow road that leads to real life, love, and purpose.

In a world obsessed with appearances, Pastor Will invites us to trade performance for authenticity. Drawing from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, this message challenges us to let go of image management and embrace a “greater righteousness”—a life that flows from a transformed heart. Real change begins with honest prayer and a commitment to live authentically before God.

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.