A weekly podcast by Woodland Church in Battle Creek, Michigan, where we dive deeper into ”the woods” of our Sunday messages, the life of the church, and the things on your mind.
Change isn't always easy, especially when it comes to church. But what if changing how we do things is actually part of staying faithful to why we do them?
This week on *In the Woods*, Pete, Thayne, and Lane unpack the decision to move the Battle Creek campus to one Sunday morning service. They share the heart behind the change, how church leadership navigates difficult decisions, and why creating genuine community and connection is becoming increasingly important in a disconnected world.
The conversation goes beyond Sunday morning schedules to explore the changing needs of younger generations, lessons from church history, and the importance of leading with wisdom, humility, and a willingness to adapt. They even dive into parenting in a digital age and why shaping the heart matters more than simply enforcing the rules.
The mission hasn't changed. But sometimes, reaching people with the hope of Jesus means being willing to change our methods.
6 Oct 2026
#057 When the Bible Says the Hard Thing
Rev Dev is back in the woods! A year after stepping away from Woodland, Devon joins Pete and Sarah to catch up on life, family, ministry, and what God has been teaching him through a season he did not necessarily expect.
The conversation turns toward what it means to faithfully teach Scripture when the message is difficult. How do pastors speak hard truth without preaching out of anger? How much should a communicator consider how a message will be received? And how do you make sure the Word of God is being used to invite people toward Jesus rather than simply as a hammer?
They also talk about finding your own voice as a leader, the tension between confidence and humility, and learning to trust the way God has uniquely wired different people to serve His Church.
A thoughtful conversation about calling, preaching, leadership, truth, grace, and doing the heart work necessary to faithfully communicate God’s Word.
21 Sept 2026
#056 Get Out of the Boat
What does it actually look like to grow in your trust of Jesus?
In this episode, Pastor Pete, Sarah, and Pastor Britt talk about the launch of groups and Rooted at Woodland, the importance of Christian community, and why real transformation often happens through relationships rather than simply gaining more information. With hundreds of people stepping into groups across Woodland, the conversation explores how God uses community not only to support us, but also to give us opportunities to encourage, serve, and walk alongside others.
The conversation also continues Woodland’s journey through Matthew by looking at the growth of Peter and the disciples. Jesus first teaches them to trust that He can care for them, provide for them, and do what they cannot do on their own. But eventually, that trust leads somewhere deeper. Jesus invites them to participate in what He is doing.
Sometimes trusting Jesus to take care of us is only the beginning. The next step is trusting Him enough to believe that He can work through us.
From stepping into a group, to serving someone who is hurting, to saying yes when God calls us outside our comfort zone, spiritual growth requires movement. Comfort can feel safe, but following Jesus continually invites us to take another step of faith.
What might Jesus be asking you to trust Him with next?
Contact In the Woods
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of In the Woods?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
