afterWord with Pastor Kent

• afterWord: Grace, Grief, and the Intersection of Medicine & Ministry (featuring Matt Rehrer)

  Welcome to afterWord, an extended conversation about topics that matter, hosted by Kent Dresdow, senior pastor at NorthCreek Church. In this episode, Kent is joined by Jeremy Pray as they sit down with Matt Rehrer, one of NorthCreek’s executive pastors.Matt and Jeremy currently share the role of executive pastor, and this episode focuses on Matt’s story. In the next episode, the conversation will turn to Jeremy.In this episode, we sit down with Matt to hear his powerful story—one marked by early faith, deep sorrow, and profound grace.Raised in the South and drawn to Christ at a young age, Matt shares how a personal struggle shaped his understanding of the gospel. But it was a life-altering event in his twenties—just after marriage and the start of a demanding professional journey—that tested everything. What followed was unimaginable loss... and unexpected preservation. In the midst of devastation, certain items were untouched—reminders that God was near, even there.Matt opens up about the quiet strength that sustained him, the words that held him together, and the slow process of healing. He also reflects on the unique overlap between his calling in medicine and his role in ministry—how caring for the body has shaped his approach to caring for the soul.You’ll also get a glimpse into his work as an author, where he brings biblical wisdom to real-world struggles like grief and sleeplessness.This is part one of a special two-part conversation designed to help you get to know the executive pastors at NorthCreek Church. It’s a story of loss, healing, and hope—one that reminds us how God meets us in our deepest valleys.afterWord, Podcast, NorthCreek Church, Kent Dresdow, Jeremy Pray, Matt Rehrer, Executive Pastor, Christianity, Faith, Testimony, Conversion, Baptism, Grief, Suffering, Family Tragedy, Loss, Car Accident, Psalm 73, God's Grace, Ministry, Medicine, Medical Ministry, Doctor, Emergency Room Doctor, Biblical Counseling, Caring for Soul and Body, Christian Writing, Redeeming Memory: How God Transforms Memories from a Heavy Burden to a Blessed Hope (Counsel for the Heart), Sleep, Sleepless, Biblical Worldview, Christian Living, Pastoral Ministry, WisdomChapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:04 Matt's Journey to Christ03:36 Family and Personal Life04:05 Tragedy and Transformation14:21 Education and Medical Background19:19 The Intersection of Medicine and Ministry28:01 Writing and Future Projects

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• afterWord: Why should I care about the local church? - Part 1

  Join host Kent Dresdow and executive pastors Matt and Jeremy on afterWord as they begin a conversation about the profound importance of the local church. Kicking off the discussion, they explore the biblical understanding of the church as ekklesia, the "called-out ones," emphasizing the significance of the gathered assembly of believers.The pastors address common questions, including a clarification of Matthew 18:20, explaining its context within church discipline rather than as a justification for isolated faith. They also discuss the valuable role of parachurch ministries, distinguishing their supportive function from the central, irreplaceable nature of the local church.A key focus of the episode is the rich biblical imagery that reveals the value God places on the church. They touch upon the church as the bride of Christ, the body of Christ (highlighting the need for all its diverse members), and the household of God, emphasizing the unique spiritual family bond shared by believers.This episode serves as the first part of an ongoing exploration into the local church, with further discussion planned for a future episode of afterWord.Keywordslocal church, ecclesiology, church importance, parachurch ministries, body of Christ, bride of Christ, household of God, church community, church membership, church purposeChapters02:56 - Understanding the Local Church06:08 - The Importance of the Local Church09:14 - Parachurch Ministries vs. Local Church12:05 - The Body of Christ and Its Functionality18:03 - The Church as the Bride of Christ20:46 - The Church as the Household of God33:05 - Conclusion and Future Discussions

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• afterWord: Calling, Counsel, and the Unplanned Path to Ministry (featuring Jeremy Pray)

  In part two of our executive pastor series, Jeremy joins Matt and Kent to share his story—one that’s shaped not by dramatic turns, but by steady faith and quiet surrender.Jeremy describes his early profession of faith as “boring,” but as the conversation unfolds, you’ll see how a life of subtle beginnings can still lead to deep conviction. From a childhood story that sparked belief to a mission trip moment he didn’t realize was shared with his future wife, Jeremy’s life is full of quiet providence.He reflects on unexpected turns in his family story—twists they wouldn’t have written, but that the Lord used to draw them closer to Him. Through years of waiting, surprise blessings, and unplanned challenges, Jeremy and his wife learned to hold their plans loosely and trust God’s purposes.You’ll also hear about his unlikely journey from operating heavy machinery to shepherding hearts in vocational ministry. Jeremy shares what it's like to carry the emotional weight of counseling others and how he avoids becoming overwhelmed by constantly placing burdens where they belong—back in the hands of the Lord.This conversation touches on everything from construction sites to counseling centers, from theology degrees to bedtime stories. It’s a look into how a life of faithful service—whether in boots or a Bible—can be used powerfully by God.Keywordstestimony, baptism, family, infertility, ministry, education, vocational ministry, counseling, ACBC, collaborationChapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:15 Jeremy's Testimony and Baptism05:00 Family Life and Infertility Journey09:27 Education and Vocational Background11:37 Transition to Vocational Ministry16:32 Publishing and Counseling Ministry18:55 ACBC Involvement and Training25:47 Navigating Knowledge of Congregants' Lives30:54 Collaboration Between Executive Pastors

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• Introducing afterWord and Reflecting on the Passion Week

  The afterWord podcast exists to carry biblical conversations beyond the pulpit and classroom. Hosted by NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek, CA, the podcast offers a space to reflect on sermons, theology, and interviews with guest speakers—bringing those insights to a wider audience for deeper, ongoing engagement. Regularly featuring Kent Dresdow, NorthCreek’s lead pastor, afterWord invites listeners into thoughtful, Christ-centered discussions rooted in Scripture and shaped by the life of the local church.

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