NorthWoods Church Matters

Ep 272 | Following Up on the SBC Annual Meeting

In this special post-SBC episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell is joined by Bob Weeks, Rachel Bland, and Ryan Moore to unpack what actually happened at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. They discuss some of the headlines and controversies surrounding the SBC, clarify misconceptions about women in ministry and convention actions, and share firsthand insights from the convention floor. Along the way, they highlight encouraging reports of gospel growth, church planting, international missions, and the work Southern Baptists are doing around the world.

Ep 272 | Following Up on the SBC Convention

In this special post-SBC episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell is joined by Bob Weeks, Rachel Bland, and Ryan Moore to unpack what actually happened at the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando. They discuss some of the headlines and controversies surrounding the SBC, clarify misconceptions about women in ministry and convention actions, and share firsthand insights from the convention floor. Along the way, they highlight encouraging reports of gospel growth, church planting, international missions, and the work Southern Baptists are doing around the world.

Ep 271 | Meet the Elders (Carey Bockting, Ivan Mcdonald, and James Sanders)

In this special episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with elders Carey Bockting, Ivan McDonald, and James Sanders for an honest conversation about faith, family, leadership, and the life of the church. From growing up in Southern Illinois, Newburgh, and Darmstadt to finding their way to NorthWoods, each elder shares the story God has written in his life and the path that led him to serve the congregation. Along the way, they discuss everything from cycling, gardening, and technology projects to the joys and challenges of family life. The conversation also explores what excites them most about the future of NorthWoods, including the church's growing outreach to international communities and the Deaf community, as well as the many ways they see God at work among the people of the church.

Ep 270 | The Upcoming SBC Annual Meeting

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Bell, Bob Weeks, Ryan Moore, Matt Higgins, and Rachel Bland break down the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and explain why being part of the SBC matters for NorthWoods. They discuss the Cooperative Program, missions, church autonomy, the unique culture of the SBC, and what it's like to attend the convention in person. The conversation also explores one of the convention's most discussed issues: a proposed constitutional amendment regarding women serving in pastoral roles. The team shares a complementarian perspective, discusses areas of agreement and concern, and reflects on how churches can remain faithful to Scripture while encouraging every believer to use their God-given gifts for the Great Commission.

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.