In this special "Get to Know the Staff" episode, Pastor Bobby sits down with Lexi Bruner, the NorthWoods Communications Director and the new voice of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast. Lexi shares about her small-town upbringing, her journey to USI, and how a shift from long-term care to marketing set her on a path she never expected. She describes growing up a "Christmas and Easter" churchgoer, how God woke her up from that, and the big part that NorthWoods has played in her testimony. Lexi and Bobby also look ahead to the future of the podcast: why it matters for discipleship in a growing church, how it creates space for conversations that Sunday mornings can't hold, and what's coming when the new building opens, including the launch of a full vodcast. Lexi even shares her dream guest list (and Bobby doesn't shoot any of them down!).

In this special episode, Lexi sits down with Pastor Bobby Pell and Elder Troy Lucht to walk through NorthWoods' proposed 2026 annual budget. Together, they unpack why the church creates a budget each year, the major categories that shape our financial planning, and what's changing as we look ahead to a new year of growth and ministry. Troy explains the core purposes behind the budgeting process: planning, mission alignment, stewardship, transparency, and accountability. Bobby adds insight about how the budget reflects the heart of our church's mission. They discuss expected shifts for 2026, including the mortgage for the new building, adjustments in Cooperative Program giving, changes in staffing roles, and the financial impact of NorthWoods' recent 15% growth. You will also hear why some line items are increasing, how ministry expansion affects spending, and how the elders evaluate stewardship through historical trends, mission focus, and real-time financial health. The team also outlines how members can review the budget, ask questions, and participate in the upcoming approval vote. Check out the budget here!

Can a believer lose their salvation? What if I don't feel saved? Why do I still struggle with sin? What are the real signs of a changed heart? Many Christians wrestle with the question: How can I be sure I'm really saved? In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, the crew digs into the doctrine of assurance of salvation: what it means to be saved, how God initiates and completes our salvation, and why we can rest in His unchanging grace. Listen for a down-to-earth, theologically rich discussion on finding assurance in a world full of doubt.

On this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Pastor Matt and the gang continue their conversation on language and cursing. Are "Christian cuss words" really any better than the real thing? What does our speech reveal about the condition of our hearts?...

On this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt is joined by Ivan and Carey to tackle a subject the church often avoids—cussing and profanity. Together, they explore how culture's shifting standards on language compare with God's unchanging ...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, missions pastor Ryan Moore is joined by church membes Eli and Kimberly to reflect on their recent mission trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they dive into why Utah is such a unique an...

In this second installment of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast series on alcohol, Matt and the team dig deeper into what Scripture teaches about drinking. How should we understand Paul's advice to Timothy to take "a little wine" for his stomach? W...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt sits down with Carey and Ivan for a candid conversation about alcohol. From the church's historical stance on drinking—spanning John Wesley, the Temperance Movement, and Prohibition—to the ...

Can demons cause physical ailments? What about deliverance ministries—are they biblical, or do they risk becoming spectacle? Bobby, Matt, and Rache explore these questions in part 2 of our conversation on healing. Along the way, they caution against tu...

What does the Bible really say about the spiritual gift of healing? Is it still around today? And why do some ministries make handkerchiefs sound like magic wands? In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Bobby, Matt, and Rachel dive into one of t...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Lexi sits down with Rachel and Bobby to reflect on the Wholehearted Women's Summer Bible Study on Deuteronomy 6:4–9, the Shema. Together, they unpack the timeless call to love God with all our h...

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Matt, Bobby, and Rachel dive deeper into the allure and evils of New Age spirituality. They tackle tough questions like: is there a biblical connection between soul and body? Has God promised to h...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Matt, Pastor Bobby, and Rachel discuss the growing trend of New Age practices within the Christian community. They explore the roots of New Age philosophy and its modern expressions—like ...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Executive Pastor Darin Garton sits down with Pastor Matt to share the heart and purpose behind his upcoming sabbatical. You'll hear why sabbaticals matter for long-term pastoral health, the emot...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell joins the conversation to unpack the structure, purpose, and often confusing world of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Whether you're a long-time Southern Baptist or bran...

In Part 3 of our worship and tech series, we dive deep into the tension between authenticity and excellence in modern worship. What does it mean to worship from the heart when surrounded by lights, screens, and backing tracks? Pastor Matt and the gang ...

Does your LED wall actually help people worship—or just look cool on Instagram? When does excellence turn into performance? Is your countdown clock helping people focus—or killing the Holy Spirit's timing? In this episode, Pastor Matt is joined by...

Join Pastor Matt Higgins and elders‑in‑training Carey Bockting and Ivan McDonald on NorthWoods Church Matters as they examine how technology—from hymnals and overhead projectors to LED walls, livestreaming, and AI‑powered translation—is reshaping churc...

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Matt sits down with Missions Pastor Ryan Moore and seasoned mission partner Diane Edwards to reflect on their recent mission trip to Panama. Joined by a team including members from Northw...

In this special episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Lead Pastor Bobby Pell and host Pastor Matt Higgins sit down with Zack and Courtney Newsome, former student ministry leaders turned full-time missionaries. The Newsoms share their journe...