Ferment: Catch the Little Foxes
Northwest Vineyard
In the conclusion of the "Ferment" series, Sam Stephens explores how to protect the spiritual growth God is bubbling up within us. Centering his message on the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon 2:15, Sam warns against the "little foxes"—those small, seemingly insignificant compromises, distractions, or habits that can ruin a vineyard just as it begins to blossom. He emphasizes that while God provides the growth, we are called to be vigilant stewards of our spiritual lives. By addressing the small issues before they become major strongholds, we ensure that the "new wine" of our faith remains...
info_outline
Ferment: New Wine, New Skins
Northwest Vineyard
Continuing the "Ferment" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson explores one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: the parable of the wineskins. Drawing from the calling of Levi in Luke 5:27-39, Scott discusses the radical nature of following Jesus, which requires more than just "tacking" Him onto an old life. Using the metaphors of unshrunk cloth and new wine, he explains that the "bubbling energy" of God’s Kingdom cannot be contained by old systems or tattered souls. Scott challenges the Northwest Vineyard community to consider what it means to "leave everything" to receive a new heart of...
info_outline
Ferment: The Process and the Profound
Northwest Vineyard
Launching a new three-week series titled "Ferment," Pastor Scott Engebretson uses the biological process of winemaking as a metaphor for spiritual growth in the New Year. Drawing from Alan Kreider’s The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, Scott explores the "invisible yeast" of God’s Kingdom—a bubbling energy that works from the inside out. Looking at Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana in John 2:1-11, he highlights the tension between the mundane habits of the "process" and the "profound" moments of the miraculous. Scott challenges the congregation to embrace simple acts of...
info_outline
Creating Space: The Humility of Christmas
Northwest Vineyard
In this special Christmas Eve service, Pastor Scott Engebretson concludes the "Creating Space" series by exploring the unexpected power of humility. Contrasting the world's view of success—illustrated by NFL coach Tony Dungey—with the Kingdom of God, Scott cites research from CU Boulder to argue that true leadership is found in serving others. He traces this theme through the Christmas story in Luke 2, observing that the good news was first announced to the shepherds—the outcasts of society. Drawing from the "Christ Hymn" in Philippians 2 , Scott explains how Jesus "made himself nothing"...
info_outline
Creating Space: God Remembers Us
Northwest Vineyard
In this special family service, Pastor Hannah Engebretson leads an interactive Advent reflection involving the children and youth of the church. Acknowledging the difficulty of waiting—whether for Christmas presents or for life's heavy burdens to lift—Hannah explains the distinction between the anticipation of Advent and the twelve-day celebration of Christmastime that begins on Christmas Day. Drawing from the resource Shadow and Light by Tish Harrison Warren, she invites listeners to consider the long silence the Israelites endured and the temptation to believe God had forgotten them....
info_outline
Creating Space: The Art of Slow Devotion
Northwest Vineyard
Returning to the "Creating Space" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson contrasts our culture's desire to "chase momentum" with the biblical call to slow devotion. Focusing on the story of Simeon in Luke 2:25-33, Scott explores how Simeon sustained his faith during the centuries of silence between the Old and New Testaments, proving that intimacy with God is possible even in the dark. He defines devotion not as legalism, but as a "careful regard for Kairos"—an attentive waiting for God's timing. Drawing illustrations from Michael Jordan's "love of the game" and the prayer habits of the early...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outlineReturning to the "Creating Space" series, Pastor Scott Engebretson contrasts our culture's desire to "chase momentum" with the biblical call to slow devotion. Focusing on the story of Simeon in Luke 2:25-33, Scott explores how Simeon sustained his faith during the centuries of silence between the Old and New Testaments, proving that intimacy with God is possible even in the dark. He defines devotion not as legalism, but as a "careful regard for Kairos"—an attentive waiting for God's timing. Drawing illustrations from Michael Jordan's "love of the game" and the prayer habits of the early church in the Didache, Scott challenges listeners to establish rhythms of prayer to navigate the waiting and recognize the "consolation of Israel" when He arrives.