NCC Unplugged

Allison Murray shares her personal journey of faith and how God has worked in her life. She discusses her upbringing in a Christian family, her career as a teacher, and her transition to becoming the Director of Children's Ministry at Norwin Christian Church. Allison also opens up about her struggles with fear and anxiety and how God has been breaking down those barriers in her life. She offers advice for parents in busy seasons of life and emphasizes the importance of family discipleship. The conversation concludes with Allison sharing a memorable act of kindness that she received from her community.----more---- Takeaways God works in our lives in unexpected ways and prepares us for the roles He has for us. Sharing our struggles and seeking support from others is important for healing and growth. Family discipleship can be integrated into everyday moments and conversations. Acts of kindness from others can have a lasting impact and inspire us to pay it forward. ----more----Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19 Growing Up in a Christian Family 05:43 Career as a Teacher 07:36 Meeting Her Husband and Joining Norwin Christian Church 08:47 Transition to Director of Children's Ministry 12:59 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety 20:43 The Impact of Acts of Kindness 22:37 Conclusion ----more----  

Ken Blunt shares his life story, highlighting his journey of faith and the various ways he has served God throughout the years. From growing up in the church to joining the Navy, getting married, and finding a home at Norwin Christian Church, Ken's story is a testament to God's faithfulness and guidance. He emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call and being open to serving wherever He leads. Ken also shares the impact of VBS and the worship team on his spiritual growth and the acts of kindness he has experienced along the way. ----more---- Takeaways Responding to God's call and being open to serving wherever He leads is important in our faith journey. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on someone's life. Being involved in church ministries, such as VBS and the worship team, can deepen our relationship with God and others. God's faithfulness and guidance are evident throughout Ken's life story, even in times of difficulty and change. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 02:50 Joining the Navy and Finding a New Church 08:06 Growing in Faith and Volunteering at VBS 13:06 Navigating Marriage and Divorce 28:55 Meeting Maria and Settling at Norwin Christian Church 35:13 Involvement in Worship Team and CIY 39:57 Acts of Kindness and God's Faithfulness 42:08 Conclusion and Invitation

Haley McDaniel shares her journey of faith and how she found a home church at Norwin Christian Church (NCC). She talks about growing up without a strong religious background and how meeting her husband, Bruce, and his family introduced her to the church. Haley discusses the impact of small groups and the NCC community on her faith and personal growth. She also shares her experience leading the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group at NCC and the importance of supporting and encouraging other moms. Haley's story highlights the transformative power of faith and the importance of finding a supportive church community.----more---- Takeaways Finding a supportive church community can have a transformative impact on one's faith and personal growth. Small groups provide a space for vulnerability, support, and encouragement. Leading a ministry can be challenging but also rewarding, and it helps to seek support from others. Living out one's faith and being a witness through actions can have a profound impact on others. Support and kindness from the church community during significant life events can be deeply meaningful

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Garrett Crawford and Grace Fowler discuss the church's new initiative to partner with local nonprofits and distribute funds to support community outreach programs. They emphasize the importance of intentional and strategic giving, ensuring that the funds are used in a way that aligns with the church's mission and values. The goal is to build long-term partnerships with organizations that are already making a positive impact in the community. They invite members of the church to get involved and contribute their diverse backgrounds and passions to the decision-making process. The episode concludes with a call to action for interested individuals to reach out and join the outreach team.----more---- Takeaways The church is launching a new initiative to partner with local nonprofits and distribute funds to support community outreach programs. The focus is on intentional and strategic giving, ensuring that the funds are used in a way that aligns with the church's mission and values. The goal is to build long-term partnerships with organizations that are already making a positive impact in the community. Members of the church are invited to get involved and contribute their diverse backgrounds and passions to the decision-making process----more---- Keywords NCC Unplugged, church, community outreach, partnerships, funds distribution, intentional giving, strategic giving, nonprofits, community impact, transparency, accountability  

Jerrad Lopes, author and podcaster of Dad Tired joins Matt and Jeff to share his personal journey of faith, marriage, and fatherhood. He discusses the challenges he faced, the impact of his ministry, and the importance of intentional parenting. The conversation also touches on mental health, the role of a disciple as a father, and the inspiration behind Jerrad's book.----more---- Dad Tired Community: https://www.dadtired.com/ Dad Tired Podcast: https://www.dadtired.com/podcast Books from Jerrad Lopes: https://www.dadtired.com/books ----more---- Takeaways The importance of finding identity in faith and how it impacts all other aspects of life. The significance of intentional parenting and the impact it has on children's understanding of faith and life. The role of mental health in parenting and the importance of addressing it within the family dynamic. The inspiration behind Jerrad's book and the message it conveys about the role of a father and the heroism of Jesus. The value of community and the impact of sharing personal struggles and experiences with others.----more---- #dadtired #fatherhood #discipleship #christianparenting #intentionalparenting #15secondmoments #kingdomfocused #mentalhealth #singledads #grief #remarriage #homeschooling #disciplemaking #purposefulparenting #dadlife #husbandlife #authenticfaith #biblicalwisdom #christianpodcast #christianmen #nccunplugged #podcast  

Today's episode features an important conversation about Christian unity, the importance of connections and relationships with other Christians within and beyond the walls of one church. Allison, Jonathan and Patsy discuss the significance of making connections, the challenges of disunity, and practical ways to foster unity. They also share personal insights and experiences related to building connections and maintaining unity within the Christian community.----more----Key Topics: The importance of Christian unity Building connections within and beyond the church Practical ways to get involved and connect with others Overcoming challenges to maintain unity Personal stories and experiences in ministry ----more---- #NCCUnplugged #NormanChristianChurch #ChristianUnity #CommunityAndCulture #FaithConnections #YouthMinistry #ChildrensMinistry #ChristianPodcast #BuildingBridges #ChurchFamily #FaithJourney #CampChristian #GrowCurriculum #UnityInChrist

The conversation explores the theme of authenticity and the struggle with seeking approval from others. It delves into the impact of being controlled by the opinions of others and the importance of finding freedom in God's love and acceptance. The discussion emphasizes the need for confession, staying connected to God's Word, and the power of positive encouragement in relationships.----more---- Takeaways The struggle with seeking approval from others can lead to a fake self and a constant need for validation. Finding freedom in God's love and acceptance allows for a more authentic and genuine self. Confession, staying connected to God's Word, and positive encouragement are essential for breaking free from the control of others' opinions. ----more----  

Faith Moore, the summer intern for Norwin Christian Church, shares her faith journey and her passion for ministry. She talks about the influence of her youth pastor, Garrett Crawford, and how he played a big part in her decision to go into ministry. Faith discusses her college studies in educational ministries and her desire to work in children's or youth ministry in Nashville. She also shares the impact of her parents' active involvement in her faith and their encouragement to make it her own. Faith's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 27:4, and she values acts of kindness and showing love to others.----more---- Takeaways The influence of a youth pastor can have a significant impact on a young person's decision to go into ministry. Parents who actively engage in their children's faith and encourage them to make it their own can have a lasting impact. Educational ministries encompass a range of discipleship-focused ministries, including children, youth, college, and small groups. Faith's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 27:4, which speaks to her desire to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. Acts of kindness and showing love to others can have a profound impact on individuals. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Faith Moore 01:39 Faith's Background and Journey to NCC 03:08 Faith's Calling to Ministry 04:07 Educational Ministries and Passion for Children's Ministry 08:00 Dreaming of Nashville: Faith's Future Plans 08:52 The Impact of Parents and Making Faith Personal 09:50 Faith's Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 27:4 12:02 The Power of Acts of Kindness and Love 15:28 Closing Remarks and Invitation

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, the hosts discuss the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications from a theological perspective. They explore the role of AI in relation to the concept of the imago dei (image of God) and how technology affects our understanding of human identity. The conversation delves into the different types of AI and the potential dangers and benefits they present. The hosts also discuss the transhumanism movement and its goal of improving humanity through technological means. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a biblical worldview and being mindful of the impact of AI on our relationships and our purpose as image bearers of God. ----more---- Takeaways AI raises important theological questions about the imago dei and human identity There are different types of AI with varying levels of concern Transhumanism seeks to improve humanity through technology, but it can lead to a focus on self-glory rather than God's glory Using AI in a way that enhances or clarifies existing work can be acceptable, but using it to replace relational aspects diminishes the imago dei Maintaining a biblical worldview and being mindful of the impact of AI on relationships and purpose is crucial ----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:11 The Emergence of AI and the Need for Discussion 03:07 Different Types of AI and Concerns 08:19 Transhumanism: Improving Humanity or Exalting Self? 14:06 Using AI to Enhance vs. Replace Relational Aspects 32:53 The Christian Ontology and Teleology 39:18 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of NCC Unplugged, Garrett Crawford, the Minister of Small Groups and Outreach at Norwin Christian Church, shares his journey and how he came to join the church. He talks about his upbringing in West Virginia, his early call to ministry, and his experiences in college and internships. Garrett also discusses the challenges and joys of his role at Norwin Christian Church, including the growth of small groups and the focus on outreach. The episode concludes with a discussion about the search for a new Worship Minister and the importance of finding the right fit for the church.----more---- Takeaways Garrett Crawford shares his journey and how he came to join Norwin Christian Church The role of small groups and outreach in the church's growth and community The challenges and joys of ministry and the importance of finding the right fit The search for a new Worship Minister and the opportunities it brings----more---- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Interview with Garrett Crawford 13:05 Garrett's Journey and Call to Ministry 26:20 The Role of Small Groups and Outreach 29:12 The Search for a New Worship Minister