Ep 266 | Meet the Team: Emily Pfister & Kennedy Roos

Ep 269 | Darin Garton's Retirement

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

Ep 268 | Theological Education (Plus...Seminary at Northwoods?)

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

Ep 267 | Answers about Roman Catholicism

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

Ep 266 | Meet the Team: Emily Pfister & Kennedy Roos

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

Ep 265 | Our New Leaders, Bob Weeks and Larry Lovelace

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