UNDER THE HOOD

Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss their childhood gaming habits. Pastor Joe reveals that after 26 years of marriage, there are still things he does not know about his wife. A listener surprised Pastor Joe with a shocking confession, leading Kirsten to discover a kindred spirit! Then, they discuss last week's sermon about Jesus' teaching on motives for acts of righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 6. Pastor Joe reiterates that we should serve an 'Audience of One' - only God. Finally, we bid the Under the Hood Podcast listeners farewell for the summer! We'll be back with Season 4 in the Fall! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Today's episode is a family affair! Kirsten's parents, Ken & Scheri Bentsen, are in the house, and let's just say they came armed with some highly entertaining (and maybe slightly incriminating for Kirsten!) stories from her childhood. Prepare for tales that prove Kirsten has always been Kirsten! Then, Pastor Joe shifts gears for a truly heartwarming moment, highlighting that all of Ken and Scheri's grown children are serving the Lord. He picks their brains for invaluable advice for young parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising the next generation. Get ready for some genuine pearls of wisdom, sprinkled with a few more hilarious Bentsen family anecdotes. Finally, Pastor Joe & Kirsten talk about their whirlwind 48-hour visit from Neil for Mother's Day! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

A mysterious stench has left the Williams' home flipped upside down, but Pastor Joe & Kirsten reveal its not-so-mysterious source in today's episode! They laugh about their polar opposite spending habits, and then launch into a Holy Land discussion. They reminisce about their June 2023 Israel trip and look forward to the next one in the Fall of 2026. Pastor Joe does a deep dive on what it means for salt to lose its saltiness in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Finally, they wrap it up with a cat update and a surprise from Neil. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Ever wonder what keeps your pastor up at night? Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss what's left him bleary-eyed this week! But the real debate heats up when they tackle a topic near and dear (and maybe a little pricey): cake! Pastor Joe confesses to a reaction he's not exactly proud of, which leads them to revisit last week's powerful sermon on the Beatitudes. They discuss how these eight seemingly simple statements paint a picture of a life transformed by Jesus. Plus, Pastor Joe shares a heartfelt call to prayer, urging us to invest in the next generation of godly leaders and championing participation over perfection. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten this week as they shine a spotlight on, as they call them, the "unsung heroes" of NewLife – the Administrative Assistants! They discuss the wonderful Easter services we had at NewLife despite the wind and rain. Then, prepare for a passionate dive into one of Pastor Joe and Kirsten's biggest pet peeves: the mystery of the left-lane cruisers. They also unpack a truly strange and somewhat disturbing marketing trend some churches tried out this Easter. Next, they rave about the phenomenal talent of the NewLife worship team before wrapping things up with a major Williams' cat milestone. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Get ready for some Easter cheer with Pastor Joe and Kirsten! They're diving into their favorite things about the holiday, from delicious candies to springtime outfits and cherished memories. Then, brace yourselves as Kirsten spills the beans on a hilarious "oopsie daisy" that snuck into last week's sermon! Pastor Joe offers insightful context around Jesus' powerful triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, setting the stage for a meaningful Easter weekend. Their heartfelt encouragement? To pray for open ears and open hearts for everyone joining us at NewLife. And just when you think the conversation is over, stick around for a delightful update involving...fish and cats! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Something smells fishy in today's opener with Pastor Joe & Kirsten, and it may not be what you think! Then, they dive deep into the challenges of distractions, the experience of being called out from the pulpit, and the nuances of legalism. Pastor Joe shares some insight on a textual variant in John chapter 5, and Kirsten grills Pastor Joe on superstitions. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Kirsten's back! Get ready for a candid catch-up on her post-surgery recovery (prepare for Pastor Joe's squirming!). Then, they reveal the "cutting room floor" moments from Pastor Joe's sermon on Matthew, including the story everyone's been asking about: the neighbor! Finally, Kirsten shares a moment of sincere gratitude with the listeners. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe and NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, pick up his story by sharing how Pastor Sonny was called out of air traffic control and into full-time ministry. Now, instead of directing planes to runways, he's directing people to Christ. He reveals how his leadership training in the U.S. Navy is directly impacting NewLife's discipleship efforts, emphasizing the power of relationships in fulfilling the church's core mission: to GO make disciples. Pastor Sonny's passion is contagious! He wants everyone at NewLife to be either making disciples or being discipled. Tune in to hear his vision and find out how to connect with him. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe sits down with NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, to discuss the transformative power of faith in his life. From a self-proclaimed atheist to a fully devoted follower of Christ, Pastor Sonny's story is a testament to God's ability to reach even the most unlikely individuals in the most unbelievable ways. Pastor Sonny's journey is filled with divine appointments. Hear how God moved in his life, culminating in a powerful moment of leading his dying father to Christ. Part 2 of Pastor Sonny's story will be out next week! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten jump right into a wonderfully weird pancake debate and the rabbit trail ensues! Then, shifting gears, they delve into Pastor Joe's sermon from Luke 5. It's a familiar passage, one he's preached on multiple times, yet the message hits him with fresh power each time. The Word of God doesn't change, but we do. Jesus ending up in Peter's boat was, Pastor Joe believes, a divine appointment. He challenges the listener to consider if they've had God-orchestrated "boat moments" in their lives. Share your story with us: underthehood@newlifenwa.com. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten welcome the month of March with some nostalgia! Then, they jump into Part 2 of Robert & Jennifer Banes' testimony. Just when they thought their race was over, it was really just beginning. Jesus is radically transforming them into a new creation, and their transparency and authenticity will bless all who have ears to hear. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten explain the big gap in the recording schedule for the Under the Hood podcast. It wasn't intentional, we promise! Next, they introduce a special couple in our NewLife family, Robert & Jennifer Banes. The Banes share a powerful testimony of the radical transformation God is orchestrating in their lives right now. They share how the Lord rescued them both from the brink of destruction despite their trauma-filled early years, and how He has helped them to fully surrender to His will for their lives, both individually and together. Part 2 of their inspiring testimony will be out next week! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are ecstatic that the Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl AGAIN! They're looking forward to all their fun traditions in Kansas City and Super Bowl weekend at NewLife! Then they jump into a discussion about the latest His Words sermon. Pastor Joe points out how Jesus' first miracle points to His last, the Resurrection. The qualities of overabundance and 'very best' excellence reflect the character of God; how He overflows us with more mercy, grace, and forgiveness than we will ever need. Pastor Joe reflects on the fact that he is still growing as he studies scripture. Finally, in our "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, there's an eye-opening moment caught on camera during a church service that leads to some lively discussion! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics after a month-long hiatus and a lot has happened! There have been some highs and lows for the Williams family. Joe shares, as he calls it, a "massive cat update!" Then, they discuss the benefits of studying the life of Christ chronologically in the current His Words series. Finally, Kirsten shares a personal breakthrough in her culinary endeavors! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

They're baaaaaaaack! The Williams boys are back in the studio, and it's a lively one on the Under the Hood podcast! Pastor Joe & Kirsten enlist the boys to give a family update. Brock has been busy with orchestra and finals, and Neil is a "Plebe No More" at the Naval Academy. Pastor Joe and Kirsten ask their sons to talk about staying anchored in their faith amid such busy seasons. Then they all talk favorite Christmas traditions...including some not-so-favorite memories! Finally, they wrap up the podcast with a cat update and everyone has BIG feelings about it. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten have a bunch of updates for the Under the Hood audience! Thanksgiving, Neil, cats, football, sourdough, and blessings to name a few. Several fun stories pop up and a chance run-in with Kansas City Chiefs Safety, Justin Reid, leads to an interesting investigation of what true blessing looks like. Pastor Joe poses the question, "Are we thinking about blessings the right way?" They look at how blessing is used in the Bible and compare it to our modern vernacular use. Finally, you won't want to miss Kirsten's earth-shattering sourdough update! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recount a weekend full of loss - all sports-related disappointments! Then they dive into the sermon and Kirsten confesses that she learned something new in last week's sermon. Next, Pastor Joe shares a stomach-turning clip in the "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment. Finally, Kirsten offers a brief but triumphant sourdough update, and they both share the latest in their kitten saga. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten have a big sports week lined up! They discuss the Chief's last-minute block, this week's upcoming game and even a few boxing matches they're looking forward to. Then, they unpack Pastor Joe's sermon series, His Words, in a little more depth and even drop some hints about where we're headed. The finale this week is loaded with sourdough, kittens, and social justice - it's a doozy! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten launch into a discussion about their late night watching the polls come in. Kirsten recounts a hilarious election night tradition that started when their boys were younger. Next, they talk about the astounding turnout for the disciple-making workshop, and Pastor Joe shares his excitement for the start of the "His Words" sermon series all about Jesus. Finally, in this week's "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, Pastor Joe digs up a clip from across the pond to help us all develop a more discerning ear. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten jump in today with a discussion of the NewLife Men's Retreat, Trunk-or-Treat, and the final sermon in the GO Series. Pastor Joe shares that he's praying for 10% of the NewLife family to answer the call to become disciple-makers. Next, they open the can of worms that is the 2024 Election. Pastor Joe shares his heart in regard to politics and challenges Christ-followers to wrestle with two scriptures in particular: 1 Peter 2 and Romans 13. But their bottom line is this: You should vote. Go vote! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recap their recent trip to Annapolis to see their son, Neil, at the Naval Academy. On their way back they swung by the Museum of the Bible to take in the recent archaeological find from 230 AD - The Megiddo Mosaic, a decorative floor of the oldest Christian prayer hall. In it is found the first archaeological instance of the phrase, ‘God Jesus Christ.' Then, they discuss Pastor Sonny's first NewLife sermon, agreeing that he did a great job! Pastor Joe shares that he is excited about the disciple-making resources that are about to be put into the hands of our congregation. Finally, Pastor Joe shares a 'strange' clip that turns good intentions into false teaching. And don't jump off before you hear a harrowing tale of the dinner that almost wasn't! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recap their 10-year surprise celebration, and Pastor Joe reiterates that NewLife is, and has always been, a Hebrews 13 church; one that makes his work a joy. Kirsten gives some insider info that takes us 'under the hood' on multiple levels! Then, they discuss last weekend's sermon on making disciples, and something Kirsten says brings a fond memory of Pastor Joe's dad and an apple tree to mind. Finally, in the "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, Kirsten brings the clip this week, and we get to hear Pastor Joe's reaction. And the cherry on top? We hear a duet from Pastor Joe & Kirsten that will be hard for you to forget! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten receive some sad news in today's podcast, and it spurs a discussion about what really matters in life. Then, they talk about the busy weekend at NewLife, and Pastor Joe remarks that God has been bringing one particular people group to his attention a lot lately. Our Christian brothers and sisters in India are being subjected to major persecution, and he calls us to pray for them. In the "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, Pastor Joe stuns with another Progressive Christian preacher's sermon. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten reflect on the 'Praise God' moment that was the 50th Celebration! Sure, there were things they'd change if they were to do it all again, but the overwhelming sentiment was "Look what the Lord has done!" It was wonderful to have the entire NewLife family in one place at one time! Then, Pastor Joe brings a new spin to the It's Getting Strange Out There segment, and he wants to hear from you! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten launch into a bizarre discussion right out of the gates! And in Joe's opinion, they could not have chosen a less important and less spiritual topic! Soon after, they drop some insider info about the 50th Celebration. Then they expand on last weekend's sermon with an in-depth conversation about discipleship. Finally, in this week's "It's Getting Strange Out There" segment, Pastor Joe brings a clip that's been floating around for years. It's a wild interpretation of a very familiar parable. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten do not agree about his choice of baptism attire! We'll let the listeners be the judge! Then, they launch into a discussion of the transactional gospel. Pastor Joe shares some alarming stats that were shared with him. He encourages all of us to take an intentional approach to discipleship and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to become more like Jesus every day. Finally, Pastor Joe brings another strange message from one of the progressive pulpits and dissects it from a biblical perspective to help us all be alert and aware of false teachers among us. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten chase a rabbit trail so far they end up discussing rizz and whether or not Pastor Joe had it in high school. Kirsten reveals she had never heard one of Pastor Joe's illustrations from last week's sermon, which is shocking after 25 years of marriage! They also talk about intentionality in disciple-making, specifically inside our own homes. And finally, Pastor Joe introduces a new segment called, "It's Getting Strange Out There" where he shares outrageous clips from sermons preached in our American churches. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Welcome back UTH fans! Pastor Joe & Kirsten are excited to be back on the mics after a whirlwind summer. They fill us in on their summer Sabbatical and describe how you can learn anything from YouTube! Pastor Joe lets it slip that Sam's Club may be one of his favorite places on earth and he leaks some insider info about NewLife's upcoming 50th Celebration Service that even Kirsten didn't know! Finally, Kirsten declares a Season 3 success story for the sourdough saga! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten tell us about their recent brush with celebrity! It brings up fond memories for them both. Then, they discuss last weekend's sermon on Judges 17 & 18. Pastor Joe equated what Micah was doing in Judges with what Progressive Christianity is attempting to do today. Finally, they wrap up Season 2 of the Under the Hood podcast with a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to our faithful listeners! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back from a week-long, East Coast vacation! They watched their oldest son Neil complete his Plebe year at the Naval Academy and it was an action-packed trip. Then, they discuss the end of the Courageous series, and Kirsten asks the question we all want to know...what's next? Finally, they reveal the movie line Pastor Joe opened his sermon with when he brought the paper bag on stage. The movie leads to a funny discussion about appropriate movie recommendations. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Full disclosure! You may want to skip past the first 15 minutes of today's podcast! One strange dream leads to many more stories like it...and it gets rough! But Pastor Joe & Kirsten get back on track with their discussion of Samson. Pastor Joe asks, "How can God use such a flawed guy?" In short, God is not limited. We hope and trust in the "in all things" God from Romans 8:28, and in Samson's story He is doing a Proverbs 21:1 work. The same is still true today. Finally, Kirsten presents a movie quote challenge to the listener! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten launch into a discussion of in-laws, and they're not quite sure how they got there! Kirsten shares what her mom said the first time she met Joe. Then, in preparation for a prayer for the National Day of Prayer, Pastor Joe shares that our nation is on the brink of a massive preacher shortage. Kirsten asks the pertinent question, "Is God calling you to be a pastor?" If so, Pastor Joe wants to hear from you! They close with a prayer for our great nation. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten record from the road in this week's podcast! They were invited by Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT), along with 32 other Lead Pastors and their wives, to tour the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. They tell us all about the exciting work PBT is doing to get God's Word into the hands of all language groups, and they share the President of PBT's prayer challenge. They pass through Annapolis, Maryland on their way to the Renew Gathering and get to hang out with their son, Neil, and a few of the 4th Company Plebes. They also touch on Samson's story from Judges 13 and how it points us forward to Jesus. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recap the Student Ministry Pasta & Pie Auction in today's episode. The sold-out fundraiser was so much fun and the crowd-pleasing pie in the face was the best part! Then they discuss Judges 10 & 11 and Jephthah's desensitization to violence. Desensitization is something Pastor Joe sees in our culture, especially after spending last week with someone who offered a fresh perspective on American culture. He encourages us to be aliens, just passing through, and not get too comfortable here. Finally, we hear a sourdough update from Kirsten! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten kick off the podcast with a controversial topic...spiders! Then, they introduce Pastor Samuel Joshua Geddam from Hope Ministries in India. Samuel shares some astonishing statistics, like how many people are hearing Pastor Joe's messages in India, how many people are attending their crusades, and how many villages, in their two states alone, still do not know Christ. Today's podcast is a sobering reminder for Americans that so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are living under extreme persecution, and we need to be praying for them daily. Of course, no UTH podcast would be complete without a little hilarity and there's plenty of that, too! They wrap up the show with some Total Solar Eclipse discussion. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe kicks off today's episode by declaring it Kirsten's half-birthday! They recap Easter at NewLife, which was incredible, and we hear if Pastor Joe called his sermon time correctly! Pastor Joe reiterates his main question from the weekend sermon: What do you believe about Jesus? He invites everyone to come back and explore the answer together. Then, they discuss fun upcoming events like the Student Ministry fundraiser Pasta & Pie Auction and the Men's Cookout. We learn that the Williams family has a long and storied history with NCAA March Madness bracket competitions! Kirsten shares a culinary mishap, and they want to know...have you ever tried cottage cheese eggs? Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten fill us in on their Spring Break adventures. Pastor Joe took a father/son cruise with Brock, and Kirsten and her mom spent the week giving their kitchen a makeover. Then, they launch into a Judges chapter 8 discussion. Gideon was a drastically different man than he was in chapters 6 & 7. They also research the history of The Gideons, the bible donating group that's been around for decades. Pastor Joe 'calls his shot' for his Easter sermon length, and we're holding him to it! Plus, a surprise gift leaves everyone laughing! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are joined by their Navy Plebe in today's episode! Neil, Pastor Joe & Kirsten's oldest son, is back from the US Naval Academy and hops on the mic to give us a glimpse at a day in the life of a freshman, aka plebe, midshipman. They also discuss Gideon's story from Judges. Pastor Joe reminds us that we, like Gideon, sometimes talk ourselves out of serving the Lord, but, ultimately, the odds are always in our favor if God is with us. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten dig into Judges chapter 4 on today's episode, but first, Kirsten confesses to pulling a 'Joe Williams' at the Women's Gathering. They discuss tent pegs, middle-of-the-night brawls, and the brutal content to come in the book of Judges. Pastor Joe also mentions some great resources that bring the Holy Land to life if you've never been! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten kick off their 50th episode with, of all things, a debate about Christmas trees! That leads them down memory lane to their days living in church parsonages. Then, Pastor Joe reviews last weekend's surprising reaction to his sermon about the second judge in the book of Judges. They wrap up with a heartfelt 'thank you' to all the listeners who have, as Kirsten put it, 'endured' them for this long! It's a lively one, folks! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten tackle the topic of spiritual warfare in the book of Judges. It's as prevalent today as it was then, and the parallels between the Israelite nation then and our nation today are numerous. Pastor Joe admonishes Christians to avoid the ways of the world and live holy lives, especially when it comes to sexual ethics. There's plenty of fun in today's episode, too! Trader Joe's, Tums, and timers all play roles in this episode's light-hearted anecdotes. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten recap a nail-biter of a Super Bowl! They discuss the snacks, a surprise visit, and the controversial moment between Andy Reid & Travis Kelce. Pastor Joe has a word of advice for Taylor Swift (and he's sure she's listening!). We reveal the results of our "perfect sermon length" poll and someone's not happy with it! Then, they launch into an in-depth conversation about the intentional steps they are taking to nurture their children's spiritual growth, both with their son living with them and their son who just left the nest. Pastor Joe addresses those who feel they have fumbled this with their grown children and prays for all of us in the trenches - kids, parents, and grandparents. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back at full strength this week and engage in a lively debate about the perfect sermon length. They invite the listeners to weigh in and will reveal the verdict in an upcoming episode! Then, they discuss the restart of the Courageous series with the book of Judges. It hit a collective nerve at NewLife this weekend and the feedback has been plentiful. We also get a sourdough update from Kirsten. And, of course, the impending Chief's Super Bowl gets thrown in the mix, and Pastor Joe alludes to an internal church division - in sports, not in spirit! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten had a doozy of a week last week! Surgery, storms, and sickness - it was rough, to say the least. But a beautiful moment of clarity emerged from it: no organization in the world is better suited to meet the needs of its members than the church family. Pastor Joe & Kirsten express their gratitude for the blessings provided by so many during their moment of need, and they encourage everyone to join a Life Group. And no podcast this close to the Super Bowl would be complete without a little Chiefs talk! Will Pastor Mahomes make another appearance at NewLife? Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten talk sleeping habits, new drivers, and preacher jokes in today's episode. Then they dig into a lively discussion about Christians and money. Pastor Joe asks the question, "What does it mean to be rich towards God?" and Kirsten wants to know if it's okay to be a prepper. We'll hear the latest in the sourdough saga, too. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

It's been a while, but we're excited to be back! Pastor Joe & Kirsten fill us in on their Christmas break. We hear about a new tradition Pastor Joe and his sons have started, Kirsten's foray into the subculture of sourdough, and we kick of NewLife's 50th year! The Year of Jubilee! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten talk about their most embarrassing Christmas moments, and we learn that they definitely do not have the same love languages. Kirsten confesses some of her covert gift-buying strategies and Joe confesses his worst gift-giving debacles. Then they discuss the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He's the entire reason for the season, and we pray you know Him as your personal Lord & Savior. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics with hearts full of gratitude! Their Thanksgiving break was a little longer than they intended but a sweet, memorable time with their family. Pastor Joe recounts the healing of the 10 lepers from Luke chapter 17 and shares a remarkable story of healing his father shared with him. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten journey to Joplin to chat with CIY President, Jayson French. Jayson shares his lifelong passion for calling youth to Christ and into a life of kingdom work through the local church. Fun fact: Jayson was Pastor Joe's youth pastor! Christ in Youth (CIY) is one of NewLife's long-time mission partners and every year our NewLife students participate in CIY Move, a week-long summer program designed to ignite their faith and activate their discipleship journey. Jayson challenges us to raise up the next generation of Timothys. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

Pastor Joe & Kirsten kick off the podcast with a review of NewLife's Trunk or Treat events and a lively debate about the thermostat! Then, they talk to NewLife attender, Jenny Ellis, who, along with her husband Jarred, has walked an unimaginably difficult path these last few years. Their 9-year-old son, Sawyer, has fought and won his battle with cancer, but they're not out of the woods yet. Jenny speaks today hoping to comfort anyone going through the same thing, to shed some light on resources that she was not aware of when they embarked on their journey, and to encourage anyone facing the heartbreak of childhood cancer with a message of hope and perseverance. Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/