Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
Ask a Pastor Ep. 94 - The Seven Churches of Revelation
This episode, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund sits down with Josiah Leuenberger and George Palombo to talk about the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, what each letter was about, where the American church fits in, and which church in Revelation Orchard Hill can relate to the most.
A Praying Life (Paul E. Miller) | Book Review
In early March, a few days before receiving a “Stay at Home” order, I began reading A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller. Little did I know how timely Miller’s message would be in the season in which we were about to enter.
The Perpetual New Kid
When I was in Jr. High my family moved from the town in which I grew up to a new one, far away. I did not know anyone there. No one knew me. It is weird to be the new kid. And you know what? There is a sense in which being a Christian in this world can make a person feel like the perpetual new kid.
Diversity and the Church
The Church is unlike any other group of people. But here’s the problem: The Church can be like any other group of people. It’s our human tendency to seek connection with those who are “like us.” If you are a follower of Jesus, can you see this tendency in yourself? I see it in myself.
Preparing for Easter: Are Grace and Truth Incongruent?
Oreos topped with Cheese Wiz. What an incongruent pairing! Many people feel the same way about grace and truth, yet John reminds us here in the opening words of his gospel that Jesus brought these two elements together in unity.
Ask a Pastor Ep. 86 - National Crisis & the Spiritual Journey
This episode, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund and Josiah Leuenberger sit down to have a conversation about national crises affect our spiritual journey, dealing with pain in the world when it comes near to us, facing death in this world, and how to live a sense of mission during difficult times.
Bible Reading for Spiritual Impact
Something that’s vitally important to me as a follower of Jesus is that I live each day in light of the reality of God’s grace. I want to grow in my understanding of who God is, what He has done, and live accordingly!
Ask a Pastor Ep. 75 - Mega vs. Micro Churches
This episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, Strip District Campus Pastor, Joel Haldeman, and Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger, have a conversation about the differences between mega and micro churches and the pros and cons of each.
Ambitions for a New Year
Josiah Leuenberger, Life Stage Leader & Director of Young Adult Ministries, looks at 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and how we can receive new life through Jesus and following Jesus.
Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving. I love it for the traditions and for the opportunity it presents us to stop, enjoy time with people who mean so much to us, and reflect with gratitude on the good things in our lives.
Ask a Pastor Ep. 67 - Prayer to Mary, Jesus Going to Hell, God Allowing Suffering and Abuse
This episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, talks with Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger, about if praying to Mary or anyone else is biblical, Christian creeds that talk about Jesus going to Hell, and why God allows suffering and abuse.
Following Jesus #9 - In the Way of Perseverance
Josiah Leuenberger shares Christ's message from the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of John of encouragement to persevere through trials Christians encounter.
Controversial Jesus #16 - Glory
Josiah Leuenberger, Director of Young Adult Ministries and Life Stage Leader, looks at how we look at our lives and what truly matters - not in finding answers in living in ourselves, but in having our perspective set on someone infinitely bigger than ourselves and lay our lives down.
Ask a Pastor Ep. 57 - Enneagram, Peace of God, Green Movement
This episode our Strip Disctrict Campus Pastor, Joel Haldeman, talks with Family Ministry Director in Butler County, Jenna Bajuszik, about being Christian parents and how to deal with friends who are a negative influence on your kids.
Controversial Jesus #13 - Security
Director of Young Adult Ministries & Life Stage Pastor Josiah Leuenberger looks at the John 10 passage of the Good Shepherd and looks at how we can find our security in Jesus.
Grace, Community and Unity
If you’re a follower of Christ, I wonder: How big of a deal to you is Christian community? How about Christian unity? Christian community and unity are inseparable results of what Jesus has done on the cross.
Ask a Pastor Ep. 49 - Inter-denominational, Adding Books to the Bible
This episode our Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, talks with Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger, about what inter-denominational means and why new books aren't added to the Bible.
Unexpected Jesus #8 - Is Goodness Enough?
Josiah Leuenberger, Member of the Life Stage Ministry & Director of Young Adult Ministry, looks at the first half of John chapter 3 and thinks about the question "What does God want from us?"
Ask a Pastor Ep. 31 - Remarriage, Spanking your Children
This episode our Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, talks with Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger about remarriage in the bible and spanking your children.
Why I Pray
Prayer is a vital part of the way I practice my faith on a daily basis, but it wasn’t always that way. If you’ve been in the church for any length of time, you’ve likely heard someone talk about the importance of prayer - and that’s for good reason!