afterWord with Pastor Kent

Questions Addressed in This Episode:

• At the GFG, why no dunk tank? Are you a chicken?
• Can we bring other staff onto the podcast in the future?
• Is it inherently sinful to end a friendship or should there be a sort of default attempt to reconcile and reconnect?
• If heaven is perfect and without sin, how could Satan, before creation, have had pride to want to be God and fall away and be thrown out with the other fallen angels of heaven...

In this afterWord Q&A episode, Pastors Kent, Matt, and Jeremy respond to five thoughtful questions submitted during NorthCreek’s Great Family Gathering. Their conversation ranges from lighthearted to deeply theological as they address:

1. What are your best dad jokes?

2. What is a moment or conviction from your dad that has stayed with you?

3. Does it matter which Bible translation you use?

4. How should we pray for the unsaved...

In this companion episode to “Why Biblical Meditation Might Be the Discipline You’re Missing,” Pastors Kent, Matt, and Jeremy return to explore how the discipline of meditation becomes a lived reality. Drawing from Job 31, Psalm 139, and Psalm 19, they unpack what it means to dwell on God’s Word in everyday rhythms—through songs, sermons, situations, and personal sin.You’ll hear how biblical meditation moves truth from the page to ...

In this episode of afterWord, we continue our conversation on private worship — not just time in the Word, but the often-overlooked discipline of biblical meditation. What does it mean to truly meditate on Scripture? How does it differ from the emptying practices of the world? Why do so many believers rush through the Word without lingering in it?Together, we explore how biblical meditation awakens the affections, anchors us in tri...

In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent sits down with executive pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to dive into the life-changing discipline of daily devotions. They unpack why carving out regular time in God’s Word isn’t just a good idea, but essential nourishment for your soul—and a key weapon in the ongoing spiritual battle against distraction.Together, they share candid stories of how buzzing smartphones, work pressures, an...

In this second part of our conversation on the local church, Pastors Kent Dresdow, Jeremy Pray, and Matt Rehrer dive deeper into why the church matters—biblically, theologically, and practically. Picking up where Part 1 left off, they explore imagery from Scripture including the church as the bride, the body, the family, and the temple of the Holy Spirit.You’ll hear reflections on the value God places on the local church, the dange...

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 ...

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...

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 sha...

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 ...