Roots and Branches Podcast

New Life EFC - Hastings, MN
  • 5.0 (9)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Learn about our ministry initiative called Deepening Roots and Growing Branches through in-depth discussion, personal stories, and creative application for everyday life.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 140 - EFCA TheoCon '26 Recap

    In early February, Pastors Brent and Paul again attended the Theology Conference offered by the EFCA National Office. This year’s theme was God Will Raise the Dead Bodily and Judge the World: Evangelical Convictions of Eternal Realities. Based on Article 10 of the EFCA Statement of Faith, the seven plenary sessions and five breakouts all focused on the Bible’s teaching on eternal salvation (Heaven) for those in Christ and eternal damnation (Hell) for those outside of Christ. The structure of the conference covered Biblical and Systematic Theology: God’s Revealed Truth; Historical Theology: Historical Consensus of the Church; and Pastoral Theology: Perspective and Practice. Our podcasting pastors share their personal highlights from speakers across the entire conference, including Greg Strand, Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing. All conference speakers, breakout sessions, and the booklet are available free of charge on the EFCA.org as well as in audio-only form on Apple Podcasts and on Spotify.

    36 min

  2. FEB 28

    Episode 139 - Spiritual Realm - Angels & Demons - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this topic on the spiritual realm, Pastor Brent continues walking us through his recent elective class describing the good news of Jesus’ triumph over all demonic forces through both His first coming and His future Second Coming; biblical tactics for spiritual warfare; patterns, cautions, and encouragements; and how to pray. Two fictitious but helpful books recommended by the pastors include This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. In addition to an opening quote from Gimil the Dwarf in The Lord of the Rings and a closing prayer and benediction from Jude 24-25, this episode includes several personal anecdotes and experiences in the lives of the pastors and our church.

    46 min

  3. FEB 28

    Episode 138 - Spiritual Realm - Angels & Demons - Part 1

    After an unintentional month-long hiatus, Pastors Paul and Brent eagerly return to this all-purpose podcast as a unique aspect of our local church’s ministry. This two-part topic is based on a recent elective class taught by Pastor Brent. With many Scripture references (as always!), Part 1 defines the spiritual realm, angels, and demons. From the opener (Ps. 138:1-3) to the benediction (Rom. 16:20) and everything in between, listeners are encouraged to know the Bible’s teaching on the spiritual realm and then to live wisely, prayerfully, and fruitfully as Christ-followers in light of the unseen forces of good and evil all around us.

    40 min

  4. JAN 23

    Episode 137 - Building Update and Timeline

    The pastoral team is back together for the first time in 2026 with an exciting update regarding the dream (now five years in development) to expand our facilities at New Life EFC. Pastor Brent reviews the vision undergirding our collaborative efforts to build a new classroom wing, lobby, and bathrooms, and he and Pastor Paul once again touch on the creative ministry strategy of disciple-by-doing. Several areas of confirmation indicate that 2026 is the year that things will begin to take physical manifestation. Thriving affinity ministries; recent donations; and strong teams of volunteers all support this exciting confluence of circumstances! Phil. 2:12-13 and 4:19 end the episode, drawing a parallel between our personal sanctification and God working in the process of this building project while providing for every need of ours in Christ. God has done great things; He is working; and He will continue working for our joy, others’ good, and His glory!

    30 min

  5. JAN 1

    Episode 136 - Goal Setting - Part 4

    Pastor Paul ushers in the New Year with a traditional goal setting refresher, building on Episodes 34, 35 and 92. After recapping five basic categories of goal setting (Spiritual, Physical, Financial, Skillful, Relational) and three types of measurable goals (Mini-Goals, Medium Goals, Mega Goals), Paul expounds on the theme of HOPE for why we should live intentionally through goal setting. Key supporting Scriptures include Deut. 6:5; Prov. 6:6-8; Eccl. 11:1-2; Mark 8:34-35; 12:30; Rom. 5:1-5; 8:22-25; Eph. 5:16; Phil. 2:12-13; 3:14; and Heb. 11:1; 12:8-11. He also includes a few film references; reviews selected met and unmet goals from 2025; and updates a few goals for 2026. Psalm 136:1 bookends this episode with a benediction from Heb. 13:20-21, admonishing listeners to consider ways to be “faithful over a little” in order to be commended by our Lord Jesus (Matt. 25:21, 23, LSB).

    49 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Episode 135 - Soaring with the Eagles

    Pastors Paul and Brent sit down with Mateo Hidalgo, Youth Group member and recently named Eagle Scout. Mateo shares his family background, his personal faith journey in Christ, and how Scouts BSA and New Life EFC (two key shaping influences in his life) converged for his Eagle Scout project in 2024. In addition to honoring his parents and naming several mentors and peers, Mateo shares his development from a reclusive youth to one whom the Lord has given a heart for people and for service, citing Micah 6:8 as a life verse.

    49 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Episode 134 - Bible Reading Plans for 2026

    The great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” On the occasion of challenging the New Life EFC Youth Group to read the entire New Testament in 2026, Pastor Paul admonishes the listeners to have a plan for systematic Bible reading as we rapidly approach a new calendar year. Regardless of translation, pacing, and personal study quirks, make regular Bible reading a disciplined priority! Among the many citations that Pastor Paul shares in this episode (go figure ;-), key verses include Psalm 119:9, 11, 18; John 6:68; 20:31; 21:25.

    41 min

  8. 12/06/2025

    Episode 133 - Ruth Advent Series Commentary

    Pastors Brent and Paul follow up on Episode 130 by offering commentary on Brent’s Advent sermon series in the book of Ruth. Pastor Brent highlights Naomi as the central character in ch. 1 and a woman of deep and exemplary faith despite her emotional distress. The Bible is direct and realistic about the pain and suffering that exists in this world. When we, like Naomi, reach the place of emptiness, God has us exactly where He wants us when we fully return to Him. After Brent briefly previews ch. 2, Paul plugs our New Life EFC Vimeo page to watch past sermons (incl. the current series in Ruth) and ends with a benediction from 1 Thes. 1:9.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Learn about our ministry initiative called Deepening Roots and Growing Branches through in-depth discussion, personal stories, and creative application for everyday life.

Information

  • Creator
    New Life EFC - Hastings, MN
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is copyrighted by New Life Evangelical Free Church of Hastings, MN
  • Show Website
    Roots and Branches Podcast