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PODCAST

Roots and Branches Podcast

New Life EFC - Hastings, MN

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

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

29:21

Episode 130 - The Book of Ruth - The Hope of Christmas

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/11/21

Pastor Brent and Pastor Paul overview New Life’s Advent sermon series for 2025, The Book of Ruth (Nov. 23-Dec. 21). Conceived well over a year ago as a unique but gospel-centered Christmas message, Pastor Brent outlines several key theological themes in Ruth: 1) Suffering and Pain; 2) Trust and Commitment; 3) Redemption and Restoration; and 4) Unworthy and Worthy. Pastor Paul calls Ruth “a Samwise Gamgee of the Bible” (see 1:17) and offers a parallel between Ruth 1:16 and John 20:17. From Pastor

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33:04

Episode 129 - Three Years of Roots & Branches

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/11/14

Three years ago today, the Roots & Branches podcast debuted! While the original purpose was to discuss the Biblical Foundations and Transformational Outcomes of our vision to expand the ministries and facilities at New Life EFC in Hastings, MN, Pastor Paul articulates five main reasons why this podcast continues: 1) church vision-casting; 2) fun conversations; 3) biblical teaching; 4) in-depth interviews; and 5) solo commentary. He also introduces a new feature, “Congregational Questions,” where

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38:18

Episode 128 - Prayer and Trust in Crises

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/10/31

On this Reformation Day 2025, Pastor Paul and Pastor Brent address in broad terms the various crises being experienced within our church family right now. Hospitalizations, end-of-life struggles, financial stresses, and other “trials of various kinds” (Jas. 1:2) can sometimes feel overwhelming. In His sovereignty, God does what He pleases (Ps. 115:3); but in His providence, He works through both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances for our good (Rom. 8:28)! In addition to poignant passages

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32:25

Episode 127 - One-Off Elective Classes

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/10/24

One of the fruits of his recent sabbatical is that Pastor Brent strongly desires to regularly teach elective classes here at New Life. In this episode, he banters with Pastor Paul about five one-off elective classes coming up this school year on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Dome. Nov. 4: “The Last Days: Introduction to the End Times”; Dec. 2: “Wisdom in a Digital Age: Devices, Social Media, and AI”; Feb. 17: “The Spiritual Realm: Angels and Demons”; April 28: “Geography of the Bible: What

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39:18

Episode 126 - APPA

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/10/17

Reflecting on his recent commissioning on Sunday 10/12/25, Associate Pastor Paul Arneberg starts with an ABBA parody and then reviews three title changes since being hired on 10/1/23. This episode also includes lauding the plurality of leaders and teams at New Life EFC; Paul’s earnest prayers for the Lord’s direction regarding location, congregation and vocation starting in January 2020; endeavoring to live out Pastor Brent’s “prophecy” of fruitfulness (based on faithfulness) in addition to the

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46:09

Episode 125 - The State of Our Culture

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/10/02

Paul and Pastor Brent discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its deep affect on many among us. Key points in their dialogue include boasting only in the cross of Christ; increasing our boldness for the gospel; and prioritizing in-person relationships, especially rooted in fellow believers through the local church.Paul also reflects briefly on Charlie Kirk’s faith and his Sept. 21 memorial service where many eulogists openly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also recaps five points as

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27:33

Episode 124 - Generations - A Poetic Tribute to the...

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/09/22

At 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, 1985, Paul witnessed his mom die after long battles with breast cancer and leukemia. This poem was written during the pandemic for Paul’s former monthly column for Jugheads Youth Juggling Co. As Audrey Arneberg’s death in the middle of Paul’s high school career is a major part of his testimony, he reads the poem along with brief commentary on death; how survivors should use death as an occasion to glean examples from the departed while also renewing one’s purpose to trust

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28:56

Episode 123 - Romans Series - Faith in the OT and NT

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/09/19

Pastor Brent and Paul introduce the new sermon series on Romans by discussing faith in both the Old and New Testaments. Salvation by faith is traced to the very first chapters of the Bible, and the Apostle Paul grounds his argument in the OT prophet Habakkuk. Centering on Rom. 1:16-17 (the thesis statement of Romans), Pastor Brent and Paul also cover strong supportive passages for salvation by faith, including Heb. 11 and Eph. 2:1-10.

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30:06

Episode 122 - Cohorts and Christ-Centered Camaraderie

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/08/29

On the brink of Labor Day and the start of a new school year and ministry season, Pastor Brent and Paul discuss ministry cohorts as life-giving and applicable to all Christ-followers. A key element in long-term ministry is consistent, intentional connections with other believers going through (and mentors who have gone through) similar experiences, challenges, and joys. Paul opens this episode recognizing the recent passing of Dr. James Dobson and the influence he’s had on many in the church since

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47:34

Episode 121 - Welcome Back, Kompelien!

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/08/21

Five days back from his three-month sabbatical, Pastor Brent talks with Paul recapping the purpose of sabbatical and sharing stories of family and personal adventures. The two banter regarding how New Life functioned well in Brent’s absence and how our congregation can move forward with resolve for increased ministry“ownership” as well as appreciation for one another. Paul’s opener is a parody of the 1970’s TV sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter”, and his benediction from Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV) points to the

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35:26

Episode 120 - Eyes, Shoulders, Knees & Ears (Knees &...

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/08/13

“Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated.” —Deut. 34:7 (ESV) Keying off of this episode number and Moses’ remarkable lifespan and strong ending, Paul overviews three areas of physical challenges with which nearly all humans struggle: from birth (defects, etc.); from activities (injuries, etc.); and from aging (both predictable and unpredictable maladies). Using a few personal examples with an aim to challenge listeners in Christ to long for our resurrection

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48:05

Episode 119 - Overcoming Addiction - Part 2

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/08/08

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” —Psalm 119:09 (ESV) In Part 2 of this interview with Carl & Becky Lewis, Paul asks the Lewises how they came to New Life as well as specific steps they’ve taken to restore trust and safeguard against returning to sinful addictive tendencies. Carl reviews his years in the Pure Desire ministry (with Becky in a group called Beyond Betrayal) which led Carl to start a ministry called Pure Men here in Hastings. Becky also

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31:46

Episode 118 - Overcoming Addiction - Part 1

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/08/05

Carl & Becky Lewis have been committed New Lifers since 2011. In this transparent-yet-discreet interview with Paul, the Lewises give their marriage journey, faith story, and overcoming sexual addiction by God’s grace, forgiveness, and accountability. Part 1 focuses on how Carl & Becky came together as a couple; how infidelity led to separation; and how the Lord used a Greg Laurie crusade to bring them both to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s opener and benediction were both drawn from

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37:51

Episode 117 - Building His House - Part 2

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/07/28

“Only Jesus Lights the Way Home.” This is the living epitaph for Ben Myre, our guest in part 2 of “Building His House.” Ben struggled for 10 years exploring other religions to find God, but he realized at age 24 that Jesus is the ONLY way to God! The title for these two episodes has a three-fold meaning: 1) Ben is building his family with his wife, Kristi; 2) Jesus is building His spiritual house, the Church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:4-5); and 3) Lord willing, New Life will soon build a

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44:17

Episode 116 - Building His House - Part 1

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/07/24

Paul sits down with his friend Ben Myre, New Life member and new chair of our Building Team. After swapping impersonations of one another, Part 1 focuses on Ben’s testimony and family, including how the Lord brought the Myres to New Life EFC in 2023 after living in five locations and having four kids along the way! Although highly active as a husband, father, project manager, and volunteer in several ministry areas at New Life, Ben’s testimony to his saving faith in Christ can be summarized in six

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40:50

Episode 115 - Mid-Summer Ministry Meetings

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/07/18

In this mid-summer episode, Paul returns to “regularly scheduled church programming” by discussing a few summer meetings that vitally inform and empower ongoing ministry. Paul opens with short tributes to the iconic TV series “The Twilight Zone” (1959-1964) and the recent passing of long-time pastor and theologian John MacArthur (1939-2025). He then offers a preview and overview of New Life’s Annual Meeting on July 27 and discusses leadership teams for Kids Ministry and Youth Ministry. He ends by

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44:53

Episode 114 - The Art of Film - Top 200 Movie List...

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/07/11

Paul walks through his life-long love of film by overviewing some origins and milestones for why movies (aka cinema, motion pictures, flicks, talkies) are an enduring favorite hobby. From gathering around the family TV in the 70’s to regularly hosting movie parties large and small, Paul continues to develop a Top 200 Movie list he began 40+ years ago. His criteria for ranking his favorite films include: standing up to/improving with repeated viewings; biblical worldview; writing/story; acting

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42:32

Episode 113 - EFCA One - 2025 National Conference Recap

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/07/03

Paul Arneberg brings back a report from EFCA One, the biennial national conference for our denomination. This year’s location was Valley Church in West Des Moines, IA and marked the 75th anniversary of the EFCA Merger in 1950. Paul overviews the five worship service (plenary session) speakers; the six trainings (breakout sessions) he attended; opportunities to connect with vocational church staff and missionaries; and a special presentation and dinner honoring Rev. Dr. Kevin Kompelien as he retires

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53:05

Episode 112 - Admin Ministry - Part Too

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/06/21

Paul concludes his two-part interview with Administrative Coordinator Anne Van Kleek. After recapping her testimony, Paul asks Anne to describe how her church staff experience has been deeply enriched amidst her current two-year process of taking the Prepared class through the EFCA. The second half focuses on her and Glenn raising their special needs daughter, Mary. (Note: The intentional misspelling in the title is a nod to the MN State Fair’s “Admin Too” building by the Bandshell and a subtle

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48:55

Episode 111 - Admin Ministry - Part 1

Roots and Branches Podcast ·

2025/06/19

Paul sits down with Anne Van Kleek, our faithful Administrative Coordinator who has been serving vocationally at New Life since October 2021. In Part 1, Anne shares her testimony, including how the Lord has guided both her and her husband of 35 years, Glenn, through many trials and joys: their initial pregnancy ending in a stillbirth at 7.5 months; a healthy boy; an early miscarriage; and a special needs daughter. Anne shares the Van Kleeks’ journey through three local churches and how the Lord has

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131 results

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