In the Woods
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.
Episodes

2 days ago
2 days ago
50 min
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.

Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
35 min
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.

Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
51 min
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.

Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
38 min
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.

Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
59 min
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.

Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
32 min
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.

Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
58 min
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.

May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
50 min
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.

May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
46 min
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.

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
41 min
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?



