

To Be The Church
To Be The Church
Each Friday, a few NGC pastors Andrew, Tyler, and Ben host a podcast about theology, the Christian life, and what it looks like ‘to be the church’ together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2026 • 26min
525. Abandoning the Gospel?
Is an emphasis on biblical manhood and womanhood a distraction from the gospel—or part of faithfully living it out? In this episode, the guys respond to an anonymous letter questioning NGC’s focus on men’s and women’s ministries, gender roles, and the upcoming women’s conference. They discuss the biblical basis for these distinctions, the place of men’s and women’s ministries in the church, and whether focusing on these issues represents a shift away from gospel-centered ministry.Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Aug 7, 2026 • 22min
524.Should Your Church Support Every Missionary?
Should churches support every missionary who asks? Tyler and Benjamin discuss how churches can think intentionally about missions partnerships, financial support, and staying focused on their mission.Don’t forget to like and subscribe.To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.com.

Jul 17, 2026 • 18min
523. Are Men's & Women's Ministries Helping or Hurting?
Are men's ministries, women's Bible studies, young adults groups, and other demographic ministries strengthening the local church—or quietly dividing it? In this episode, Ben and Tyler respond to the growing criticism that churches have become overly segmented by age, gender, and life stage. To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com

Jul 10, 2026 • 21min
522. No More Kid's Ministry on Sunday?
Should churches have kids ministry on Sundays, or should children remain in the worship gathering with their parents?Ben and Tyler discuss the biblical arguments for and against children's ministry, the importance of family worship, how churches can support parents without replacing them, and why this doesn't have to be an either/or conversation.To ask a question email us at [email protected], submit a question on tobethechurch.com, or submit a comment below this video.

May 29, 2026 • 22min
521. Are Catholics Christians?
In this episode of the To Be The Church Podcast, Andrew, Ben, and Tyler discuss Roman Catholicism, salvation, and whether someone can genuinely know and follow Jesus while attending the Catholic Church. They also unpack why many younger Christians are gravitating toward liturgical traditions like Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, and what that reveals about the current state of modern evangelical churches.Don’t forget to like and subscribe.To ask a question email us at [email protected], submit a question on tobethechurch.com, or submit a comment below this videoSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com

May 22, 2026 • 24min
520. When To Tell Your Pastor They Are Wrong?
How should Christians respond when they think a preacher said something wrong? In this episode, the guys talk through theological triage, the difference between major doctrinal issues and minor disagreements, and how to approach pastors and church leaders with humility, wisdom, and discernment. They also discuss the difference between the terms “ordinance” and “sacrament” when it comes to baptism and communion, and why different church traditions use different language for these practices.To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com

May 15, 2026 • 22min
519. I Feel Invisible At Church
What does it actually look like for pastors to shepherd people in a large church? In this episode, the guys respond to a listener question about church membership, shepherding elders, accountability, and the tension between the ideal of biblical community and the reality of busy modern life.They discuss how elder shepherding practically works at Northwest Gospel Church, why formal membership matters, the challenges of caring for growing congregations, and whether members also have a responsibility to pursue connection with their pastors. The conversation covers “span of care,” proactive communication, prayer, church structure, and the messy but worthwhile work of meaningful church community.To ask a question email us at [email protected], or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com

May 1, 2026 • 21min
517. Can Women Be Pastors? What Does That Mean?
In this episode of To Be The Church, we tackle a listener-submitted question on women serving as pastors/elders and their role in the church. What does 1 Timothy 2 actually teach? Is Paul addressing a specific cultural moment, or laying out a broader principle for the church?To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com

Apr 24, 2026 • 25min
516. Baptism, Membership, Communion: Why They Matter
In this episode, we unpack the purpose behind our annual Gospel Church series and why we take time each year to focus on what the church is and what it does.We walk through three core topics—baptism, church membership, and communion—and explain why these aren’t just traditions, but essential practices rooted in Scripture. We also talk about what we hope our church gains from this series and what next steps look like for those who are listening.To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurch

Apr 3, 2026 • 18min
515. Should Your Pastor Be Your Therapist?
What should church members expect from their pastors when it comes to counseling? And where is the line between pastoral care and professional help?In this episode, the team discusses the launch of a new Biblical Counseling Ministry and uses it as a springboard to explore the role of pastors in caring for people with both spiritual and mental health needs. They unpack what biblical counseling actually is, how it differs from clinical counseling, and why the local church should play a central role in discipleship and care.The conversation also addresses a key tension: what happens when someone’s needs go beyond what a pastor can realistically provide? How should pastors respond, and how can churches build systems that care for people without placing unrealistic expectations on one leader?Whether you're a pastor, leader, or church member, this episode offers clarity on how counseling, discipleship, and the church’s responsibility all fit together.To ask a question email us at [email protected] or submit a question on tobethechurch.comSocial media @tobethechurchtobethechurch.com


