In the Woods

Annette Altena shares pieces of her story and how survival, instability, and loss have shaped how she sees people today. From that story, the conversation opens into something many churches wrestle with daily: how do we genuinely help people without losing wisdom or boundaries in the process?

Money is one of the most sensitive and revealing topics in the church. In this episode, we sit in the tension: if the tithe isn’t a law, then what is it? Obligation? Invitation? Tradition? Join us as we unpack some of the complexities around giving in the modern church; how generosity actually keeps things moving, while also naming the questions most people are thinking: Where is this money going? What’s actually expected of me? And how do I give without it turning into guilt, pressure, or performance?

In this episode, we step into Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew, where He confronts the dangerous drift of the human heart: doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Through His teaching on the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus isn’t just giving us a formula; He’s exposing our motives and providing action steps.

In this episode, we’re having a real, honest conversation about Easter Sunday, church production, and the heart behind it all. How do we pursue excellence without creating distractions with our presentation? How do we create a space for people to encounter the Lord without overfilling it with ourselves? Let's talk about it!

In a culture that treats marriage as both ultimate fulfillment and easily disposable, how do we hold a clear, honest stance on divorce without losing compassion or truth? In this episode, we unpack the tension between grace and conviction, exploring what marriage is actually for, why clarity on divorce matters, and how our beliefs shape the way we endure, leave, or restore. We talk about covenant vs. contract, the role of suffering and growth in love, and the danger of both rigid judgment and careless dismissal.   Listen to In the Woods: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-woods/id1827258830 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03Ny9jrvcYFl5aa9cJaXm6?si=C10tk-QvQaeMfG_AzlH-JQ&nd=1&dlsi=37f90db0d57240ea The Woodland Website: https://www.woodlandchurch.com/inthewoods

In this episode, we dive into Matthew 4 and the testing of Jesus in the wilderness, unpacking how temptation often masquerades as practicality and how testing reveals what we trust when God feels distant. We also get to know Kim Read, who preached on this passage the same weekend! Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

Why was Jesus baptized if He had no sin to repent of? In this episode, we look closely at Matthew 3 and uncover a powerful truth: Jesus’ baptism wasn’t about repentance; it was about revelation. John the Baptist publicly identifies Jesus as the promised King, fulfilling the prophetic pattern of anointing. With the Spirit descending and the Father speaking, this moment becomes heaven’s announcement that the King has arrived!   Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

In this episode, we get to know Anna Irwin, a newer member of our staff team serving your kids! We also talk about the differences between accounts in scripture. Each book of Scripture carries the fingerprints of its human author: their audience, their context, their burdens, and their hope. What they emphasize matters. What they repeat matters. And even what they leave out matters.   Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

In this episode, Pastor Pete sits down with Brian and Joleen Robins for an honest conversation about faith, life, and the stories that have shaped them. Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Pat Galligan, who shares his testimony and how God has grown his faith from being deeply rooted in Christ to a life that now overflows into serving others! We connect his story to Sunday’s message on being rooted, growing, and overflowing, and what it looks like to say yes to God beyond simply attending.

Following Jesus isn’t just about where we go when we die; it’s about how we live while we’re here. This week, we explore what it means to experience life with Christ right now: a faith that shapes our loves, habits, relationships, and everyday decisions. Heaven matters, but so does the life Jesus is forming in us today!   Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

Money is stressful, and many of us didn’t learn how to handle it well. In this episode, our Financial Peace University Class leaders have an honest conversation about money, freedom, and finding peace in real life. No guilt. No hype. Just practical wisdom and real stories.   Sign up for Financial Peace University: ⁠https://woodlandchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3284516⁠

Biblical hope is often confused with optimism or positive thinking, but Scripture makes a sharp distinction. Optimism wants things to improve; biblical hope dares to trust God even when they don’t. In this episode we explore the difference between the two, how it affects different personality types, and what having real hope looks like!

Why do we obsess over big callings and big moments? Where is God in the small moments of life? We’ve often been taught to believe that significance looks like visibility, influence, and momentum. That if our lives don’t feel “big,” then maybe God isn’t doing much at all. But Scripture tells a different story. In this episode, we confront the lie of insignificance and the quiet idolatry of “big callings.” We explore why God so often works through hidden obedience, small faithfulness, and ordinary people, and why the Kingdom is rarely built in ways that impress the crowd.

Division is easy, unity is hard. What does it look like to be on mission when division and genuine disagreement runs deep even within the Church itself?

Pastor Pete’s wife, Julie Goodman, joins us on the podcast to share about their move to Battle Creek, glass-half-empty vs. glass-half-full dynamics, and give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their marriage. Submit a question for a future episode: [email protected]

Walking the line between flexibility, authenticity, and preparedness.

Join us for a special episode as we go live to Guatemala for a powerful conversation with our partners at Children’s HopeChest. Hear firsthand how God is moving in their community, how sponsorship is restoring hope, and how our Christmas Offering will directly fuel long-term transformation. This is a story of dignity, opportunity, and the kind of love that reaches across borders!   Ask a question for a future episode: [email protected]

Pastor Eli Dillenbeck has joined our staff as Student Pastor, and today we're getting to know more about who he is, where he comes from, his heart for student ministry, what's up with the hot pink lemon shirt, and his nerdiest movie takes! Submit a question for a future episode at: [email protected]

Pastor Pete sits down with Pastor Bob Zuhl to reflect on his early years of his ministry, God's faithfulness, and the importance of moving forward! Submit a question for a future episode at [email protected].  

We're answering some of your submitted questions on dating and purity culture on the pod this week! Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Getting to know Pastor Ken Gilmore, and diving into week 2 of our Stay on Target series! This week we zeroed in on the letter to the Church of Smyrna in the book of Revelation! Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Does God care about our happiness? Is it more holy to suffer or be filled with joy? Is there a difference between joy and happiness? Let's talk about it. Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Pastor Pete and Pastor Devon reflect on the Marshall Campus' journey over these last several years! Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

We sat down with our Worship Pastor Kaidin to hear more about what led him to worship ministry. We also further discuss the idea of loving well in the midst of disagreement, a timely topic sparked by the recent tragedies of September 10th. What is our response as followers of Christ in the face of disagreements, intense emotion, and disunity?   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions   We are so glad you are here! Woodland Church is a growing multi-site church located in Southwest Michigan. To learn more visit us at woodlandchurch.com

We sent a missions team to Guatemala to learn more about how Woodland could partner with those in need in local communities! What does a call to missions look like? How do you know what steps to take next? What is next for Woodland in regards to missions? Let's talk about it!   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions   We are so glad you are here! Woodland Church is a growing multi-site church located in Southwest Michigan. To learn more visit us at woodlandchurch.com

Pastor Pete, Devon, and Britt talk the upcoming small group season. Does joining a group mean you have to be friends with everyone in it? Are groups for introverts? Let's talk about it! Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

We talk with Woodland Kids Director, Tracy Parker, about the challenges of parenting in a digital age.   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Our Executive of Operations, Pastor Kurt Parker, joins us to give a glimpse into his background, his favorite hobbies, and journey to ministry! We also dive into week 1 of our Same Old Tricks message series!   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

In this episode, Pastor Pete sits down with Brittany Gray for an honest and heartfelt conversation! Brittany talks about her journey, and together they reflect on the changes ahead for our Marshall Campus as leadership transitions unfold! Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Pastor Devon and Bre share more of their story, give us a deeper look into what led to their decision to step away from Woodland at this time, and share some fun pieces of their past you may not be aware of! We hope you enjoy this honest, candid conversation - and join us in celebrating the Shephard's in the coming weeks!   Submit a question to be featured on a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Our guest this week has served Woodland's worship team for many many years! Lane Gordon joins us to talk the evolution of worship music, and the topic of peace as we reflect on Sunday's message from Colossians chapter 3. Submit a Question

Pastor Pete and Pastor Mason talk Colossians chapter 3.   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Diving into Colossians chapter 2 in our reflection of Week 3 of our Colossians sermon series. We also explore a viewer question of what we should look for when choosing a church community.   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions

Brian Scramlin from our Battle Creek Campus joins us to talk Week 2 of our Colossians series!    Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions   We are so glad you are here! Woodland Church is a growing multi-site church located in Southwest Michigan. To learn more visit us at woodlandchurch.com

Pastor Pete, Pastor Devon, and our Communications Director Sarah welcome you to the inaugural episode of In the Woods!   Submit a question for a future episode: https://app.sli.do/event/4eFLfe6G58UrJkDXz6e3y5/live/questions   Welcome to Woodland Church! We are so glad you are here! Woodland Church is a growing multi-site church located in Southwest Michigan. To learn more visit us at woodlandchurch.com