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, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.”

Watch here: https://chapinccc.org/shaking-the-gates/

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 manufacture through performance, but something we receive as a gift. When we understand that Christ lives within us, we can live ordinary life with extraordinary presence, finding freedom from the burden of self-salvation and the exhausting cycle of earning our worth.

Resources:

5-Day Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/This-Is-My-Song_-Week-2_-5-Day-Guide.pdf

Small Group Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/This-Is-My-Song_-Week-2_-Discussion-Guide.pdf

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, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.”

Watch here: https://chapinccc.org/shaking-the-gates/

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 key markers include prayer as our spiritual boiler room, generosity that reflects God's provision, and remembering His transforming power in our lives. While memory helps, we ultimately need grace through Jesus, who gave us communion as the ultimate remembrance meal.

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 Jesus Christ. The key lesson is simple: don't quit in the curve. God does His best work on bent roads, and nothing is wasted in His hands.

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 in children's ministry. Despite the challenge of leaving financial security, she answered God's call to full-time ministry. Her story illustrates that children's ministry isn't just childcare but intentional discipleship that forms faith from birth. At Chapin United Methodist Church, the WAVE ministry serves children through worship, missions, and faith development, supported by over 250 committed volunteers who understand the eternal impact of investing in young lives.

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 loving authority, and patience that waits on His perfect timing. Boaz serves as a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ, our true Redeemer who has both the ability and willingness to restore us to the Father.

Resources: Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Redeemed_-Week-3_-Requirements-of-Redemption-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Redeemed_-Week-3_-Requirements-of-Redemption-5-day-devo.pdf

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, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.”

Watch here: https://chapinccc.org/shaking-the-gates/