For several years, the elders of NorthWoods Church have wrestled with a question that many churches are now facing: Who should perform baptisms? Can a parent baptize their child? Should a close friend, mentor, or family member be allowed to baptize someone, or should baptisms remain the responsibility of pastors and elders? In this candid conversation, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with elders Eric Gobin and Dan King to pull back the curtain on a three-year theological discussion that took place behind the scenes. Together they walk through the biblical arguments, the passages that shaped their thinking, and the process the elder team used to arrive at a decision. More importantly, this episode offers a rare glimpse into healthy church leadership. You'll hear how faithful Christians can disagree on secondary issues, search the Scriptures together, and ultimately maintain unity around the gospel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Bobby Pell sits down with Matt Higgins and Rachel Bland to talk about Southern Baptist seminaries, online learning, ministry preparation, and why theological education isn't just for pastors. Together, they unpack the differences between the six Southern Baptist seminaries, discuss their own educational journeys, and explore how seminary can strengthen everyday believers, not just vocational ministers. The conversation also introduces Northwoods' new partnership with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, giving students the opportunity to earn accredited master's-level credits right here through NorthWoods. Whether you're considering ministry, wanting to grow deeper in your faith, or simply curious about theological education, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and a vision for lifelong discipleship.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell sits down with Pastor Darin Garton and Bob Weeks to continue the conversation on Roman Catholicism after a recent Gathering session sparked plenty of questions.  The conversation explores questions surrounding the authority of the pope, the role of church tradition versus Scripture, the Apocrypha, praying to Mary, purgatory, indulgences, and whether a Catholic can truly be born again. Along the way, the gang shares personal experiences ministering to Catholics, discusses the emotional and cultural pull of Catholicism, and carefully distinguish between critiquing Catholic doctrine and condemning individual Catholics. Helpful resources: Desiring God on the Apocrypha  Got Questions on Catholicism