Special Service: What is a Pastor?
Northwest Vineyard
In this special service, we celebrate the ordination of Pastors Scott and Hannah Engebretson. We are honored to host Rich Nathan, the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus, who delivers a sermon titled "What is a Pastor?". Preaching from 1 Peter 5, Rich argues that a pastor is defined not by academic credentials or charisma, but by character and a willingness to pay the price of leadership. He outlines the three biblical roles of a pastor—Shepherd (nurturing the flock), Watchman (protecting from danger), and Example (modeling the life of Christ)—and challenges leaders to serve not out of...
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Creating Space: Advent Begins in the Dark
Northwest Vineyard
Launching the new "Creating Space" series for the season of Advent, Pastor Scott Engebretson challenges the sentimental view of the holidays, reminding listeners that "Advent begins in the dark" and often amidst the clutter of our lives. Drawing from the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-25, Scott explores how to faithfully prepare for Jesus' arrival even while navigating deep disappointments. He outlines four practical ways to clear spiritual space: pursuing righteousness (right living), maintaining habits of worship to hear God speak, practicing restraint in a consumeristic...
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Reasonable Charisma: What Comes After the Miracle?
Northwest Vineyard
Concluding the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson asks a pivotal question: "What do you do after a miracle?". Citing research by sociologist Ed Esler, Scott reveals that while miracles are surprisingly common—experienced by a majority of people regardless of education or income—they are often fleeting moments in a life defined by the "ordinary". Drawing from the early church in Acts 2 and the Israelites' deliverance in Exodus 14, he explores the purpose of signs and wonders, observing that while God breaks into our "not yets," we cannot live permanently on the...
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Reasonable Charisma: Healing is Not in the Hype
Northwest Vineyard
Continuing the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson addresses the gift of healing, advocating for a low-key, non-theatrical approach: "Healing is not in the hype". Drawing from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-15 , he argues that healing is often found in the mundane and through simple, ordinary obedience, challenging the desire for a spectacular cure. Scott addresses the tension of the "already not yet," acknowledging that while God can heal, miracles aren't always immediate, and encourages listeners to look for the God of healing, not a specific healer. Ultimately,...
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Reasonable Charisma: Power in the Crisis
Northwest Vineyard
Continuing the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson explores the story of the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath from 1 Kings 17. He uses the story of this vulnerable woman facing her last meal to illustrate how God often chooses to show his power and presence, or "charisma," not when we are strong, but when we are at our breaking point. This message encourages listeners to embrace a "reasonable charisma" by practicing trust in the middle of a crisis. Scott highlights that miracles—or the extraordinary power of the Spirit—are often seen when we are at the end of...
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Reasonable Charisma: Hearing God's Voice
Northwest Vineyard
In this message from the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson explores the vital skill of discerning and hearing God's voice in our everyday lives. He begins by addressing how we make all kinds of decisions—from the mundane to the major—and then turns to the question: How do we hear God speak? Pastor Scott outlines a balanced, reasonable approach to discernment that involves both the natural (using logic, wisdom, counsel, and scripture) and the spiritual (creating space for silence, waiting on the Lord, and praying specific, risky prayers). The sermon emphasizes that...
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Reasonable Charisma: The Power of Presence
Northwest Vineyard
Continuing the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson unpacks 1 Corinthians 12, exploring the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts in the church . He emphasizes that all gifts—whether speaking in tongues or offering a handshake—come from the same Holy Spirit and are intended to show the power and presence of God. Pastor Scott challenges the idea that spiritual gifts are "special abilities" reserved for a few. Instead, he asserts that they are manifestations of the Spirit given to every believer to benefit the common good . This message encourages the church to operate as a...
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Reasonable Charisma: A Better Way
Northwest Vineyard
In our new series, "Reasonable Charisma," Pastor Scott Engebretson challenges the church to embrace a better way of living—one marked by both the Spirit's power and good sense. Scott draws on the book of 1 Corinthians to explore the tension between wisdom and spiritual gifts. He notes that while the Corinthian church had access to all the gifts of the Spirit, their relationships and practice of gifts were often divisive, messy, and lacking love. This message asks us to consider: What does it look like to pursue a powerful faith that is also loving, orderly, and accessible to everyone? Pastor...
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Guardrails: The Church
Northwest Vineyard
In this message, the final of the 'Guardrails' series, Pastor Hannah Engebretson discusses the essential role of the church as outlined in the Nicene Creed: "one holy, catholic, and apostolic church". She explains that the church is not a place, but a gathering of God's people united in Christ. For more information about the church, please visit .
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Guardrails: The Advocate
Northwest Vineyard
In this message from the 'Guardrails' series, Pastor Scott Engebretson explores the role of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. Using the analogy of a patient advocate who guides people through complex and stressful situations, Pastor Scott explains that the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called our Advocate, "comes alongside of us" to help us navigate the "ins and outs of confusion and stress and places of pain." The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit continually points us back to Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life." For more information about the church, please visit .
info_outlineIn this message from the "Reasonable Charisma" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson explores the vital skill of discerning and hearing God's voice in our everyday lives. He begins by addressing how we make all kinds of decisions—from the mundane to the major—and then turns to the question: How do we hear God speak?
Pastor Scott outlines a balanced, reasonable approach to discernment that involves both the natural (using logic, wisdom, counsel, and scripture) and the spiritual (creating space for silence, waiting on the Lord, and praying specific, risky prayers). The sermon emphasizes that God wants to speak to us and that developing the spiritual discipline to listen and "test the spirits" is essential for all believers seeking to live a life of purpose and power.
For more information about the church, please visit Northwestvineyard.org.