To Be The Church

Entertainment isn’t neutral—it disciples us. In this episode, Kenan and Stephen explore how movies, sports, social media, and even fitness can move from hobbies to heart-level idols. They discuss the subtle ways Christians trade worship for amusement, the “hobby audit” of time, money, and emotion, and how to recover joy in God’s good world without being mastered by it. This is a conversation about formation, wisdom, and learning to love what lasts.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

Trevor and Tyler sit down to talk about a growing challenge in many churches: families prioritizing youth sports over church gatherings, community groups, and spiritual development. Trevor asks Tyler how pastors and leaders can faithfully disciple parents who choose sports as the center of their family schedule.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

What does it really take to plant a church? In this episode, Ben sits down with John Seabert (who planted what’s now NGC Battleground) and Ryan McDonald (our church planter in residence, preparing to plant in Portland).John shares the story of launching Battleground right before COVID hit. Ryan talks about how the Lord called him and his family from Southern California to Portland, a city that desperately needs more gospel churches.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

In this episode of To Be the Church, Tyler and Andrew are joined by Pastor Jon, the lead pastor of NGC Battle Ground) to process a heavy week. They discuss the reported assassination of Charlie Kirk, how our five churches addressed it on Sunday, and why so many people returned to church in the aftermath. Jon shares about facing evil “far and near” in Battle Ground, and the pastors reflect on the cultural and spiritual impact of the moment.They also answer a listener question: How can Christians connect biblically with spouses and community when divisive issues surface—especially around someone like Charlie Kirk, whose public witness was both influential and controversial?The conversation covers mourning with moral clarity, slowing down to seek truth beyond soundbites, using theological triage in relationships, and seizing gospel opportunities when culture is shaken.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

In this episode, Ben sits down with Kenan, the Lead Pastor at NGC Westside, to talk about his recent sabbatical. Kenan shares what the time away taught him about himself, the importance of stepping back, and how to build lasting habits of rest. Whether you’re in ministry or just feeling the weight of a busy life, this conversation offers encouragement and practical wisdom for cultivating rhythms of rest in your own walk with Christ.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

Andrew, Tyler, and Ben respond to a Facebook post about what it means to be a Spirit-led church. Is there room for spontaneity in gathered worship? How should churches think about planning while staying sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit? The guys dive into the tension between preparation and flexibility, exploring how both can serve the body of Christ.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

A listener asked why we sometimes say Jesus’ body was “broken” when Scripture says otherwise. Ben and Tyler start there, but the conversation quickly opens up into a bigger question: how precise should we be with our language in the church? When does precision serve clarity, and when does it slip into arrogance, nitpicking, or even confusion?Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

Discover a new initiative aimed at empowering men through Gospel clarity and conviction. The hosts delve into the transformative vision behind the Gospel Men gatherings, focusing on discipleship and mentorship. Various activities, including Bible studies and sports, foster community and accountability. Engaging discussions unravel the complexities of biblical manhood, blending urgency with connection. This is a rallying call for men to embrace their roles as leaders within the church, enriching both their lives and the lives of others.

In this episode, Tyler peppers Ben with rapid-fire questions about life in ministry—what it’s really like, how to know if you're called, and what we wish someone had told us at the beginning. Whether you’re finishing an internship or just starting to explore vocational ministry, this one’s for you.Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

This week, Andrew sits down with Eastside Youth Pastor Jacob to explore what one of America’s most iconic fast food chains can teach us about leadership in the church and beyond. Drawing from Jacob’s years at Chick-fil-A, they unpack practical lessons on consistency, humility, servant-hearted influence, and the difference between cultural and biblical leadership. Contact us at podcast@tobethechurch.comSocial Media:Instagram.com/tobethechurchfacebook.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch