In the Woods

After a week away, the In the Woods podcast returns with a conversation that begins with Lane reflecting on a 25th anniversary trip to Maui and the unexpected gift of rest during a new season of life. From traveling outside the usual summer months to exploring the island and the ongoing search for the BEST shave ice in Maui (spoiler alert: they found it), the trip provides a starting point for a much broader discussion about rest, change, and appreciating the seasons God provides.   The conversation then shifts to a Sunday filled with technical challenges at both Woodland campuses and the lessons that can come from things not going according to plan. Those experiences lead into a discussion about excellence in the church and the tension that can exist between creativity, production, technology, and worship. Is pursuing excellence a distraction from the purpose of the church, or can developing and using the gifts God has given His people be an act of worship itself? The question ultimately becomes less about whether something is impressive and more about the heart behind it and who receives the glory.   That discussion opens into a deeper examination of humility and the profound influence the life and teachings of Jesus have had on the values often taken for granted in Western culture. Jesus demonstrated a humility that was not rooted in denying His identity or value, but in willingly using His position to serve and elevate others. Biblical humility does not require abandoning beauty, creativity, confidence, or excellence. Instead, followers of Jesus are called to hold those things together, pursuing what is good and beautiful while continually asking whether it is being done for personal glory or for the glory of God.   The episode concludes by looking ahead in Matthew as Woodland begins a new section, **A King Misunderstood**, examining passages that continue to reveal the identity of Jesus, including the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, and Peter stepping out of the boat.

What happens when the faith you grew up around finally becomes your own?   In this episode of In the Woods, Pete and Sarah sit down with Lilly Gordon and Gavin following their baptisms at Woodland’s Lake Baptism. Their stories come from very different starting points. Lilly grew up in a Christian home and around the church, while Gavin grew up largely outside of Christianity and once thought Christians were a little crazy. But God was working in both of their lives.   Lilly shares honestly about growing up believing in Jesus while becoming increasingly indifferent toward her faith. Even attending a Christian university did not immediately change that. In fact, for a season, it caused her to push back even more.   Gavin shares his journey from skepticism to faith, including the friends, mentors, conversations, research, and relationships God used to draw him toward Jesus. Together, Lilly and Gavin talk about a difficult season when they ended their relationship and began pursuing Christ separately before eventually finding their way back to one another with a completely different foundation.   Their story leads to an important conversation for parents: What do you do when your child seems indifferent toward Jesus? Lilly reflects on how her parents continued pointing her toward truth without trying to force faith upon her. Their consistent example, prayer, and willingness to trust God eventually became part of what God used to draw her back to Him.   The conversation also explores: • Why baptism should be a personal declaration rather than something done because of pressure • The difference between believing in Jesus and actually following Him • What it means for your faith to become your own • How God can use relationships and mentors to draw someone toward Christ • The power of parents faithfully praying for their children • Why forcing Christianity can sometimes create resistance • Moving from rules and “dos and don’ts” to genuinely wanting to please God • Learning to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit • Why questioning and investigating Christianity can actually strengthen faith • How God can use your own story to reach someone else Whether you grew up in church, came to Jesus later, or you're a parent praying for a son or daughter who seems far from God, this conversation is a reminder that God is still working, even when you can't see it yet.   Lilly and Gavin’s stories remind us that Jesus is not simply something we inherit from our families. Ultimately, each of us must respond personally to His call, follow Him, and allow Him to transform our lives.

What do you do when you open the Bible and honestly have no idea what a passage means? This week on In the Woods, Pete, Crae, and Sarah talk about wrestling with difficult Scripture, including one of the more challenging sections of Matthew 12. From the unforgivable sin and spiritual warfare to Jesus’ statement that “whoever is not with me is against me,” the conversation explores what it looks like to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to dig deeper. They also talk about why context matters, why it’s okay to say “I don’t know,” and why struggling to understand Scripture can actually draw us closer to Jesus. The goal isn’t to have every answer. It’s to keep pursuing the One who does. Sarah offers a powerful reminder that difficult passages can be an invitation rather than a reason to give up. Scripture has a depth we will never exhaust, and God continues to draw us deeper as we pursue Him. Plus, we look ahead to Vision Sunday, celebrate what God is doing at Woodland, and talk about our upcoming church-wide baptism celebration! Wherever you are in your understanding of Scripture, keep digging. Keep asking questions. Keep pursuing Jesus. There is always more treasure to find.

What happens when following God means leaving behind everything familiar? In this episode of In the Woods, Pete and Sarah sit down with Deline to hear the story that brought her and her husband, Crae, from South Africa to Michigan and ultimately to Woodland Church. Deline shares how her faith became personal as a teenager, how an unexpected step into ministry became a calling that has shaped more than 20 years of her life, and what it looked like for their family to wrestle with God's leading through uncertainty, loss, transition, and a move across the world. They also talk honestly about serving in ministry as a married couple, learning to trust God when the destination isn't clear, and finding your roots in Christ when life refuses to stay settled. The conversation turns to Deline's first message at Woodland's Marshall Campus from Matthew 12 and a powerful picture of Jesus' compassion. When surrounded by people and their needs, Jesus didn't simply see a crowd. He saw individuals. How do we follow His example when we're already overwhelmed ourselves? Sometimes ministry isn't about fixing someone's problem. Sometimes it's simply about showing up, seeing the person in front of us, and being present. A thoughtful conversation about calling, change, trusting God in uncertainty, compassion, and what it means to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

What does it look like to influence the next generation in a world where kids are questioning more, trusting less, and growing up faster than ever? This week on In the Woods, Lane and Sarah sit down with Woodland Kids Director Tracy Parker for a conversation about parenting, kids ministry, faith, and the importance of simply showing up. Tracy shares what she has learned through decades of working with children, raising two sons, becoming a grandmother, and now helping lead the next generation at Woodland. They talk about the changing role of parents as children become adults, why today's kids may be asking deeper questions about faith and Scripture, and why having consistent, trustworthy adults in their lives matters more than we may realize. The conversation also turns toward something all of us eventually have to face: time moves quickly. Whether you're raising young children, navigating relationships with adult kids, serving the next generation, or simply trying to be faithful with the season God has given you, there is a challenge here for all of us. Don't spend your life wishing you were somewhere else. Be present. Be intentional. Show up. Invest in people. And use the time God has given you for something that matters. A thoughtful conversation about parenting, influence, serving when you don't feel like it, helping faith take root in the next generation, and learning to recognize just how valuable the moments in front of us really are.  

What happens when you know what God is calling you toward... but you're not sure how fast you're supposed to move? In this episode of In the Woods, Lane, Sarah, and Pastor Crae have an honest conversation about righteous anger, leadership, waiting on God, and the tension between conviction and dependence. As each of them walks through a major life transition, the discussion naturally turns toward what it really means to stay yoked to Jesus instead of running ahead with good intentions. Together they wrestle with questions like: • What is righteous anger, and when does it become self-righteousness? • How do we steward God's burden without trying to carry His responsibility? • Why is childlike dependence the lifelong posture of every disciple? • How do we navigate seasons of waiting, transition, grief, and changing identity? • What does Sabbath reveal about the condition of our souls? The conversation also looks ahead to Matthew 12 and explores why biblical rest is much more than taking a day off. It is learning to live from the presence of Christ instead of the pressure to produce. Whether you're leading, waiting, grieving, changing careers, or simply trying to discern God's direction, we hope this conversation encourages you to trust His pace as much as His purpose.

Where's the line between wisdom and legalism? What starts as a conversation about Lane's Guns N' Roses t-shirt quickly turns into a thoughtful discussion about music, movies, parenting, legalism, and the "fence laws" that often shape Christian living. Along the way, Pete, Sarah, and Lane wrestle with questions every believer eventually faces: How do we practice discernment without becoming legalistic? When are personal convictions meant to stay personal? What did Jesus really confront in the Pharisees? How do we know whether we're protecting our hearts... or simply building higher fences? The conversation also serves as a preview of this week's message from Matthew 11, exploring Jesus' invitation to take His easy yoke instead of the heavy burdens created by man-made rules. A thoughtful conversation about discernment, legalism, Christian freedom, idolatry, and the freedom found in Christ.

This week, Pete, Matt, and Lane continue the conversation from Matthew 10, exploring what it means to join Jesus on His mission. They discuss why so many Christians feel unqualified to share their faith, the difference between planting seeds and harvesting, and how God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Along the way, they wrestle with why following Jesus is often difficult, yet ultimately leads to the richest and fullest life possible. The conversation also touches on parenting, marriage, purpose, and why investing in God's Kingdom is always worth it. A thoughtful conversation about discipleship, evangelism, purpose, and discovering the life Jesus invites us to live.

Sometimes God's timing requires more patience than we expect.    Meet Crae, Woodland's new Marshall Campus Pastor.  Listen as he and Pete and Sarah reflect on how God orchestrated a series of events across two continents to bring Crae and his family to Woodland Church. Along the way they discuss discernment, courageous leadership, and what it means to faithfully follow God's voice.   This conversation explores obedience, leadership, trusting God's timing, and why comfort can quietly become one of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth.

In this episode we say goodbye to one of the best. Morgan has been an integral part of the inner workings of this church for the last several years. As he moves on to his next steps, we take some time to talk through how he started, what he's done (a LOT), but most importantly, the things that people saw in him that got him to a place of such excellence in serving the Lord in the capacity that he has for our church. A thoughtful conversation about always looking ahead to what the Lord might have next for you, but never forgetting who saw something in you that encouraged you to become the person that you are today. As well as an encouragement to look around and speak into those you come into contact with who need to be reminded that God has great things for them in the service of his kingdom.

In this episode, Sarah, Pete, and Lane dive further into Matthew 9 and the surprising ways Jesus challenged the expectations of His day. They discuss Jesus healing the paralytic, forgiving his sins, and why Jesus’ response to sinners was so shocking to the religious leaders around Him. Rather than viewing the Pharisees as simple villains, the conversation explores the history, motivations, and fears that shaped their actions. A thoughtful conversation about Scripture, history, faith, and the ongoing invitation to see Jesus more clearly.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt reflects on his late father's impact on his life and faith. We also explore a common question about Scripture: Why do different biblical authors sometimes tell the same story with different details? Join us for this thoughtful discussion about remembrance, and how both our personal stories and the biblical story invite us to see truth from multiple perspectives.

In this episode, we explore how personality shapes the way we parent and why comparison can rob us of the confidence and grace God intends for us to have. The truth is that God didn't accidentally place your children in your home. He knew your strengths, your quirks, your temperament, and even your limitations when He entrusted them to you.

In this episode, we sit down with Lane Gordon to explore the importance of a "title" and the surprising nature of Jesus' kingship. While many expected a conquering ruler who would establish an earthly kingdom, Jesus arrived as a very different kind of King. Together, we discuss what marked His reign as unexpected; a king who came not to be served, but to serve, and whose kingdom continues to transform lives.

In this episode, we sit down with Chase Clifford to talk about his journey of faith, his recent appointment as a board member at Woodland Church, and the experiences that have shaped his walk with Christ. We explore what it means to follow Jesus beyond Sunday mornings, remain faithful through life's storms, and cultivate a faith that endures. Join us for an honest discussion about faith, values, and building a life that lasts.

This conversation is about honesty without performance, the courage to be fully seen even when there’s no immediate resolution, and the hope we have in Christ in the midst.

This episode explores the “mementos” of faithfulness we cling to: answered prayers, unexpected provision, healed wounds, timely words, old journals, songs, places, people, and moments that remind us God has not changed. Not every reminder removes anxiety instantly, but remembrance can steady us long enough to trust Him again.

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