In this episode of Outside the Sanctuary, Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh dive into the wild, unpredictable world of weather and the ways it has shaped their lives and ministries. From the chaos and community impact of Superstorm Sandy to the unforgettable Blizzard of 1996, each host shares personal stories of storms that left a mark. Vince reflects on his early days as a paperboy braving the elements, while the group opens up about the tough calls involved in canceling church services when safety and faith intersect. Their conversation then turns to Scripture as they explore memorable weather events in the Bible, leading Bill to pose a playful but thought‑provoking question: What is their Mount Rushmore of biblical weather moments? It's a warm, thoughtful, and insightful discussion about storms, stories, and the ways weather shapes both our daily lives and our spiritual journeys. Stay tuned, listen in, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Outside the Sanctuary.

Well, we did it! It's our one year anniversary!

In this episode of Outside the Sanctuary, Steve Entwistle, Pastor Vince McDonald, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh come together for a lively and heartfelt exploration of motivation. Each host brings a distinct voice to the table, creating a conversation that feels both grounded and energizing.

Steve offers his trademark curiosity and thoughtful questioning, drawing out deeper layers of the topic and inviting the group to reflect on what truly keeps people moving. Pastor Vince brings a pastoral lens, connecting motivation to faith, purpose, and the spiritual rhythms that sustain us when life becomes demanding. Katrina adds a warm, practical perspective shaped by real-life experience, speaking to the everyday challenges of staying motivated while juggling responsibilities, relationships, and personal growth. Bill brings a playful spark to the discussion, mixing humor with sharp, thought‑provoking questions that keep everyone on their toes and open up unexpected angles on what drives us.

Together, they create a conversation that blends personal stories, spiritual insight, laughter, and honest reflection. Whether you're chasing a new goal, trying to regain your spark, or simply looking for a fresh dose of encouragement, this episode offers a rich mix of wisdom and inspiration that meets you right where you are.

In this inspiring episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Bill Merkh and Pastor Greg Ginion welcome a very special guest, Greg's daughter Leah Ginion. Leah opens up about her remarkable journey, guiding listeners from her early years in New Jersey, through her transformative season in Tennessee, and ultimately to her life‑changing experiences in Oregon.

Along the way, Leah shares how she once believed God was leading her down a particular path, only to discover that when she surrendered her plans and placed everything in His hands, He opened unexpected and extraordinary doors. Her story becomes a powerful reminder of what can happen when faith outweighs fear and trust replaces certainty.

With honesty, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose, Leah reflects on the moments that shaped her faith, strengthened her resilience, and ignited her passion for seeing people come to know Christ. Her journey is one of movement, both across states and within the heart, as she follows God's leading beyond her own expectations.

This episode offers an inspiring look at a young woman's walk with God, her desire to reach others, and the beautiful ways God works outside the walls of the sanctuary.

This week, Bill Merkh and Marc McCleary welcome a guest who has had a profound impact on countless families at The King's Christian School: principal Craig Beatty.

For Bill, this conversation reaches back decades. He's known Craig since childhood, when Craig and Bill's sister shared a classroom. For Marc, the connection is just as personal. All four of his children have gone through TKCS, and three of them are still there today while the oldest, John, has moved on to college.

Together, the three explore the heart behind Christian education and the thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions parents make when choosing private school. They dive into Craig's daily routines as principal, the energy it takes to keep the school running, and the challenges he navigates along the way. Craig shares how he builds meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and parents, and why those connections shape the culture of the school.

He also opens up about his own story—from his formative years in Christian school, to his time at Cedarville University, to teaching in Portugal, and ultimately stepping into leadership at TKCS.

It's a warm, insightful, and encouraging conversation that highlights calling, community, and the lasting impact of a Christ-centered education.

Tune in and step Outside the Sanctuary for an episode that feels both personal and deeply inspiring.

In this thought provoking episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Bill Merkh and Steve Entwistle invite listeners into the kind of conversations they have all the time when the microphones are off. Now those same honest, unfiltered discussions are happening on air, and they are diving straight into a question many people wonder about but rarely voice: Is my favorite celebrity actually a Christian?

From movie stars to musicians to superstar athletes, Bill and Steve explore why so many public figures claim Christianity, attend megachurches, or speak openly about faith, yet may not show the signs of a genuine relationship with God. They unpack the difference between wearing the Christian label and living a Christ centered life, and they take a close look at how fame, public image, and church culture can blur the lines between appearance and authenticity.

With biblical insight, real world examples, and the natural chemistry that comes from years of private conversations, Bill and Steve offer clarity and depth while keeping things relatable and engaging. They challenge listeners to look beyond celebrity status and consider what true discipleship really means.

Whether you are curious, skeptical, or simply trying to navigate the noise of modern Christian culture, this episode delivers a refreshing and honest perspective. Join Bill and Steve as they step outside the sanctuary and into a conversation that just might change the way you see faith in the public eye.

Outside the Sanctuary brings hosts Bill Merkh, Katrina McDonald, and Marc McCleary together for a heartfelt, joy filled look back at Immanuel Baptist Church in 2025. Right from the start, they reflect on how Immanuel truly is a special place, a church family marked by love, service, and a deep sense of community.

They revisit the excitement of children's ministry, highlighting all the ways Keeley Smith poured into the kids this year, from PJs and Pancakes to the Egg Hunt to Storytime and so much more. They also celebrate the True North VBS, which came to life thanks to an incredible number of volunteers and church members who showed up, served, and made it a huge success.

They reflect on Immanuel's 100 year celebration, complete with a picnic that brought generations together to laugh, worship, and remember God's faithfulness.

Marc shares stories from the many Sunday school communities, his own class, the mixed men's group, and the women's class faithfully led by Lisa, Christine, and Erika. They highlight the New Believers class with Frank and Jodi Punzi, a place where new faith took root and lifelong relationships began.

The Praise Team gets a special spotlight too, including Nate, Ethan, Laura, Cindy, Dan, Kathryn, Kelsey, Mike, and several new singers who stepped up this year to help lead the church in worship with passion and humility.

They talk about the Young Married group with Marshall and Theresa and the Abide youth group with Dylan, Max, Carleigh, and Kathryn, celebrating the growth, energy, and discipleship happening at every age and stage.

Bill, Katrina, and Marc also take time to honor Pastors Vince and Greg, whose leadership, teaching, and steady presence continue to shape the heart of Immanuel. They highlight Kathleen Thompson, whose dedicated work and incredible annual report always add so much to the life and clarity of the church.

In a joyful personal moment, they celebrate that Bill's son Ethan, the podcast producer, married Kate this year, a beautiful milestone for the Merkh family and a sweet reminder of how intertwined church and family life can be.

In a tender moment, they remember those from the Immanuel family who went home to heaven in 2025, honoring their legacy and the hope that anchors the church.

And of course, they talk about the podcast itself, why it exists, who it is for, and how it has become a place to celebrate the life of the church outside the sanctuary. They also share so much more, with stories, laughter, and reflections that paint a full picture of a year lived together in faith.

If you are part of Immanuel, love Immanuel, or simply want to hear the heartbeat of a church family living out its faith, this is the episode to listen to. Tune in, share it with a friend, and be reminded of how God is moving in our community.

And finally, just to keep everyone honest, Holly McCleary and Christine Neitzel are officially authorized to correct anything we forgot.

Step outside the walls and into the heart of global generosity on this episode of Outside the Sanctuary with hosts Marc McCleary, Katrina McDonald and Bill Merkh. This week, they sit down with the energetic and inspiring Dori Straub, one of New Jersey's key leaders for Operation Christmas Child, part of Samaritan's Purse, the worldwide ministry that delivers joy‑filled shoebox gifts to children in more than 118 countries.

Dori brings the fun, the passion, and the purpose as she shares how these simple shoeboxes do far more than deliver toys. They open doors. They spark hope. And most importantly, they help children around the world learn about the love of Jesus in a personal and life‑changing way.

Whether you've packed a shoebox before or you're just curious about how a small gift can make a global impact, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and maybe even ready to grab a shoebox of your own.

Tune in, laugh along, and get ready to see how big things happen outside the sanctuary.

This week, Pastor Vince McDonald and Bill Merkh welcome guest Jody Adams — a former New Jersey cranberry farmer turned missionary in South Africa. Together with his wife Kathy, Jody founded Acts 26 Missions, a ministry devoted to bringing hope and care to children in South Africa.

You'll laugh, you'll reflect, and you'll be inspired as Jody shares his journey from the cranberry bogs of New Jersey to the mission fields of Africa. The conversation blends lighthearted humor with powerful, heartfelt stories of faith, calling, and the impact of serving others.

Whether you're looking for encouragement, a good laugh, or a reminder of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, this episode delivers it all.