Chapin Christian Community Church

In the middle of chaos, division, and personal struggle, it can feel like darkness is winning. But the timeless words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, rooted deeply in Scripture, remind us that God is not passive. He is moving, He is working, and His truth is marching on. Like a lighthouse in a violent storm, God's glory does not stop the waves, but it gives us direction and hope. He sifts us n...

In Episode 4 of Leading By Following, Pastor Jody talks to Jonathan Ruth, Discipleship Pastor at Chapin Christian. What does it really mean to make disciples? Discipleship is not a church program or a weekend event. It is a daily way of life rooted in following Jesus closely enough that others can follow you. In this Podcast, we explore what it looks like to lead by following, covering topics that...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

We live in one of the most distracted moments in human history, and where our attention goes, our direction follows. Most people do not drift from Jesus intentionally. They simply give their gaze to something else, and whatever holds our attention begins to shape us. Hebrews 12 calls us to lay aside every hindrance and fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Some of those hi...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

In a world obsessed with identity, we often build our sense of self on temporary things like career, relationships, or achievements. This performance-based identity leads to exhaustion and crisis when these things inevitably fail. Paul's words in Galatians 2:20 reveal a profound truth: our old self has been crucified with Christ, and He now lives in us. This means our identity is not something we...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

As we enter new seasons, we must prepare our hearts for God's next move by remembering His faithfulness. Moses warned the Israelites about the danger of spiritual forgetfulness once they reached the Promised Land - loving God's gifts more than the Giver. We combat this through preaching to ourselves like David did in Psalm 103 and setting up spiritual markers like Samuel's Ebenezer stone. Three ke...

Life rarely unfolds as we expect, but the Book of Ruth reveals that God works through our most challenging seasons. Ruth's story shows us that setbacks aren't the end of our story, but often construction zones for God's purposes. When Naomi lost everything and felt empty, God was actually preparing her for restoration. Ruth, a foreign woman with no prospects, became part of the lineage leading to...

In Episode 3 of Leading By Following, Pastor Jody sits down with Pastor Natalie McCoy of Chapin Christian Community Church. Pastor Natalie McCoy's journey from successful special education consultant to children's ministry pastor demonstrates how God prepares us through seemingly unrelated experiences. Her calling began as a whisper that grew louder over time, supported by her lifelong involvement...

Ruth's story in chapter 3 reveals how God works through our darkest seasons to bring redemption and restoration. After losing her husband, Ruth found herself stuck in prolonged mourning until Naomi encouraged her to move from grave clothes to grace clothes. Experiencing God's redemption requires three heart postures: willingness to follow God's unconventional plans, submission that trusts His lovi...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

Life rarely unfolds as we expect, leaving us feeling lost and vulnerable like Ruth and Naomi after devastating losses. Ruth chapter 2 reveals how God's grace meets us in ordinary circumstances through everyday faithfulness. When Ruth went to glean in the fields, she encountered Boaz's radical kindness - protection, provision, and dignity for someone society overlooked. This story shows that God's...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

Mother's Day can be complicated for many, but the story of Ruth and Naomi offers hope for all. These two widowed women faced loss, bitterness, and uncertain futures, yet God worked through their broken circumstances to bring redemption. Naomi's honest struggle with faith shows us it's okay to wrestle with difficult times while maintaining trust in God. Ruth, an unlikely hero from a foreign culture...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

John the Baptist understood his role perfectly - he was like a best man whose job was to help the bride fall in love with the bridegroom, not win her affection for himself. Every good gift we have comes from God, including our resources, spiritual gifts, and abilities to serve others. When we use these gifts and receive praise or gratitude, we face a choice: will we keep the credit for ourselves o...

Shaking the Gates is our weekly online prayer gathering. Join Pastor Jody Sunday nights at 7:30. We invite you to engage with other Gateshakers in the text chat. The name “Shaking the Gates” comes from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, he said: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, t...

Spiritual formation isn't just about personal transformation; it's about becoming like Jesus for the sake of others. From Abraham to the early church, God's pattern has always been to bless people so they can bless others. You haven't just been saved; you've been sent. This doesn't require a dramatic platform or perfect credentials; it starts with simple acts of love like texting someone to ask ho...

In Episode 2 of Leading By Following, Pastor Jody sits down with Lenny Tucker (Traditional Music Minister) and Justin Dodson (Contemporary Worship Leader) for an honest and encouraging conversation about worship, leadership, and obedience. From the early days of launching contemporary worship to the unity between styles today, this episode dives into how God moves when people are simply willing to...

Many Christians wonder why some believers radiate Christ-like character while others remain unchanged despite years of faith. The difference lies in how we engage with God's transforming grace. Grace isn't just forgiveness that gets us to heaven—it's God's active power working in our lives to empower spiritual growth. Too often we settle for belief without transformation, confusing church attendan...

Easter reveals that the risen Jesus is actively working to transform your life today. Spiritual formation is the process of becoming like Jesus for the sake of others, happening slowly over time rather than instantly. Everything in your life is already forming you—your habits, relationships, technology use, and daily routines. The key question isn't whether you're being formed, but who you're beco...