Apply What You Know As A Daily Discipline…Seated In Christ Through The Storm

By Pastor Chip Woodall

We are spirit beings that live in a body and we have a soul made up our mind, will and emotions. If we are born again, the old man is gone and a new creation has come through Christ Jesus according to 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Our new creation in Christ, lines up with our new identity in Christ and the Lord has put together a way for us to discipline ourself by staying seated and not forgetting our identity. This is a reference to Ephesians 1:20-21 and 2:6. This seated position is very important because although we are living in the natural realm on planet earth, our spiritual position is seated in Christ, far above all the turmoil that can take place and try to throw us off course.

Be reminded that our identity is in Christ and our position is seated. As saved individuals, the way we react to things on earth needs to be from the seated position at  
ALL times. From this position in Christ, we have all power and authority. So, respond that way! Do not allow the enemy to get you out of your seat, responding like a crazy person without any power or authority.

Last Saturday Night, I was driving on a back road near Baltic, Ohio. It was nearly dark when the storm started. The wind blew fiercely, the rain was hitting side ways and within minutes, I realized I needed to be taking shelter. All I could see were fields, cows, Amish Barns and flying debris, amidst the lightning.

My IPhone alerted a warning sound and it said tornado warning take cover immediately. I had the choice to panic or remain calm in my seated position. I prayed Psalm 91 with all power and authority, trusting He was my shelter and refuge. I kept driving and before I realized it, I was safely back at the church in Millersburg.

The seated discipline we have learned has to become second nature and must be applied with the Word of God immediately. Your faith and trust in God has to back it up without any doubt. Jonah Norman: Getting it up now

A Brand New Me…My Identity In Christ

By Pastor Chip Woodall

As we move forward with the spiritual discipline of staying seated as discussed from the scripture in Ephesians 1-2 , I have also realized the importance of knowing our identity in Christ, as the two work hand and hand. In other words, if you lose sight of who you are in Christ, it is just a matter of time until you will get out of your seated position. This is when we react in the flesh and walk unwisely, due to circumstances, situations or wrong choices that we make.

Don’t let a day go by without asking who you are! Our success in walking around on planet earth is reinforced daily when we are reminded, we are born again and our identity is the new man in Christ, and the old man is a gone. We should never identify with the old man again. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

The world may try to convince you that your past will eventually come knocking, your future is uncertain and today is impossible, but if you remain seated and know your identity is not based on the things this world offers or how you respond to them, you will realize you can make it today, tomorrow, next week, next year, forever. And, no matter how much the world shakes, you can remain stable and fixed if your position is seated and your identity is in Christ. When you are fully aware of the New Man, you will move from a position of victory.

Please practice the discipline of being reminded of your new identity in Christ. Here are a few verses to help you understand who you are now and forever. Read these verses daily and declare and decree this is the New You!

1 Corinthians 1:2…You are a Saint
Ephesians 2:10…You are His Workmanship
Romans 5:17; 19…You are Righteous
Ephesians 1:6…You are Fully Accepted

Protection Is Available For Those Who Truly Love the Lord…A Closer Look at Psalm 91

By Pastor Chip Woodall

As we are in the midst of the Psalm 91 Prayer Initiative at Christwalk, we must examine ourselves personally as we pray the prayer of protection!

Do you still watch movies with vulgar and nasty things like nudity, sex scenes and listen to profanity?

Are you still lying, bitter, prideful, greedy or gossiping about others?

Toward the end of Psalm 91 it states in verse 14 that we must show God that we love Him and acknowledge His name.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
Psalms 91:14 NIV

As I mentioned in the message last Sunday, the way to show Him that you love Him is to follow His commands. Carefully read John 14:14-15 and catch what is stated.

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. “If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:14-15 NIV
 
Boom! Acknowledge His name…Boom! Show Him you love Him through obeying His Word.

For Psalm 91 to truly offer us the protection we are praying for, we must stop and give thought to our ways.

Do we realize that as saved individuals, we no longer have the right to sin? It must finally settle in once and for all, that as far as the old man is concerned, we cannot do what we want.

“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
Galatians 5:17 NIV

We used to walk in these ways, through the life we once lived, but now we have died to it all. The man or woman who willfully walks in sin, has not truly ever taken up the cross.

So what do we do? Ditch Psalm 91 and hope for the best and go back to just praying randomly when we feel the need.

No! No! No! The Word always has an answer for us. Repent!

1 John 1:9 says, “ If we confess our sin, he is faithful to forgive us our sin and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.”

Then, we need to honestly examine our position in Christ. Ask this one question that I mentioned Sunday. How saved are you?

Christwalk cannot be a defective church that teaches a defective message. It must always be a five-fold ministry, ministering the redeeming love of Jesus to all people and remain established on the truth of His Word at all times.

Does your born-again experience call for personal sacrifice, make you separate from the world daily and breed growing hatred toward sin?

If you can answer yes to those things, you may need to start with how do you show God that you love Him and acknowledge His name. You are not under His protection no matter how much you pray Psalm 91, if things are out of order with your salvation and obedience.

Sometimes You Need To Weigh Your  Options

By Pastor Chip Woodall

It is early Wednesday morning in Millersburg, Ohio, and I am still recovering from an injury to my right eye, amidst the third Christwalk Outreach to Killbuck Village this summer. The accident happened last Thursday evening when a piece of concrete broke off of a bird bath and in a crazy way, hit me square in the eye. The force of the blow caused a tear in my retina, a hemorrhage to the eyeball and high levels of pressure. After emergency surgery Friday, I realized just how valuable good eye sight is for daily functional needs. And, God was still faithful, making the way for me to accomplish all the scheduled ministry.

Sometimes you have to weigh your options in a situation. Many people suggested I stay home, cancel the rehearsal and wedding I was scheduled to do and absolutely, not fly to Ohio. Donna and I decided to stand on Psalm 91 and trust God, proceeding with the normal ministry activities as scheduled.

On this side of all the trauma, the retina is repaired and several medicated eye drops continue to go in my eye thanks to Nurse  Gail Heaton. The team is nearly finished with this Killbuck Outreach, and we have once again helped the elementary school and reached more new students and families in the Village.

Tonight at Kidz Club at the Duncan Theater, we will distribute school supplies to all students who come see us. We will also give new and nearly new clothes to all students through our clothing outreach. Everything will be available tonight from 6-7 pm at the Duncan outside on the sidewalk. If it rains, we will move it inside…so rain or shine.

I am so glad I decided to come. Our team has helped me remember not to bend over or pick up anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. The kids attending camp have laughed about my eye patch. And light duty helped me freshen up on copying and laminating skills at the school, while our team painted walls, basketball goals, shelves and rails.

Camp three will end tomorrow with 17 more students having been loved on. A total of 32 students this summer between three camps and the weekly kids club.

Killbuck will continue to be on the Christwalk  radar. Plans are underway to consider Upward Basketball and Cheerleading this Winter. Kidz Club will continue to meet every Wednesday Night at the Duncan Theater from 6-7 pm.

A Summer Full of Christwalk Ministry

By Pastor Chip Woodall

It’s hard to believe that school is starting back next week in Georgia and in three weeks in Ohio. Where has the summer gone? The old saying, “time flies when you are having fun,” holds true, as I reflect back on what has been accomplished through Christwalk this summer.
Tr to re
In Killbuck Village we have worked with (27) kids and teens through Kidz Fest Camps held at the Duncan Theater and will hold the last camp next week at the Killbuck Elementary Gym. This all started by going door to door to every house in Killbuck and giving out pre-packaged cookies to introduce ourselves. Two Block Parties and three cookouts have attracted over 300 people as we grilled burgers, hot dogs and shut down streets to allow families in the village a safe, fun place to gather and build community, while enjoying food together. We also started the weekly Kidz Club that meets in the Duncan every Wednesday Night from 6-7 pm. This will be an on-going weekly meeting open to kids and teenagers. And through mission teams from Georgia, we painted the old playground, constructed and installed new swings and freshened up the landscaping at the school. Not to mention starting a great relationship between the school, the PTO and Christwalk. We are now looking at introducing Upward Basketball and Cheerleading later this winter.

In Millersburg, we just launched what we call Upside Down Church. You can join us at our Christwalk Millersburg location to check this out. Imagine going to church twice each month to be taught the truth of the Bible, meeting in a community group once each month and then taking a Sunday to go outside the church walls and do hands-on ministry throughout Holmes County. This is now Christwalk Millersburg! We have taken the traditional Sunday Church Service and tried to mold our ministry to be more like what Jesus did with his disciples. He taught in the temple some, otherwise, Jesus discipled His closest twelve and then went out in the villages, markets and smaller towns to minister to those who were sick, hungry and hurting. We teach the Bible and then put it into action through local outreach projects across Holmes County. It requires no additional time because we take advantage of Sunday, which is already ear-marked for church. This is just an upside down approach to church as usual.

Back in Georgia, we have watched softball continue to grow Christwalk as our guys and gals reach out weekly through local or nearby Friday and Saturday Tournament play. One in particular stands out as a young father of six was recently diagnosed with cancer.  The local tournament raised nearly $8,000 to help with medical expenses.

It’s all about the Family Anointing on the ministry of Christwalk as this summer we also launched Family Stays. Taking place at our retreat center called Christwalk in the Valley, everyone in the church got to stay overnight for two nights, cook meals and eat together, then attend several Bible sessions designed to grow us closer as a family. We basically did life together with the pastoral team and leadership for two days and nights. Laughter, Tears, Prayer, Testimonies, it all swelled up, full circle when we  got together for the Family Stays. And guess what? No one wanted to leave and go back home! If you missed out, we plan to schedule more for October and November.

And while the summer may be coming to a close according to the school calendar, we are not finished yet…we need to finish strong! So here are some last minute tips to fill your summer with Christwalk.

Apply the Psalm 91 Prayer Initiative from your seated position “In Christ”. Attend one of the upcoming Family Stays. Travel to Ohio with a mission team. Call our Ohio Family and invite them to Georgia to stay with you at the Valley or your home.

No more lazy days of summer. There is more to do through Christwalk Family Ministries. Join us this summer! 

How Can I Figure Out Where I Fit In?

By Pastor Chip Woodall

When our family was on vacation two weeks ago, there was a lamp that would not turn on in our condo. I looked and saw that it was unplugged. The plug-in was made to fit perfectly into the outlet on the wall. It was shaped to go in a certain way and did not require force. This is a great illustration of how you can figure out where you fit in at church.

You and I were made to fit into some position of service. In fact, each one of us was made to fit into a specific part of the church to compliment the body as a whole.

What you do to serve in the church honors God no matter how big or small it may seem. It does not require forcing, twisting or applying pressure for you to fit into place. You were made by God to fit some where within the body of the church He has called you to.

What do you enjoy doing for the Lord?

What brings you lots of satisfaction when you ministers to others?

Are you more introverted or extroverted when you try to fit in?

What have you felt a nudge to do through your church that you have not acted on?

Now one last question…
What are you waiting for?

Every area of service matters in the body of Christ. While those who serve visibly often get more praise and attention, they could not do what they do without someone else behind the scenes serving in another way. It all adds up to ONE complete body for Jesus.

You have a place where you fit in, so serve!

“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Psalm 100:2-4 ESV

Praying From The Seated Position…Swinging On The Playground

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Have you ever taken on a project that you felt confident you could do but some how in the middle of completion, everything started falling apart? One of our Christwalk Mission Teams is currently in Killbuck, Ohio doing a ministry project for the elementary school and hosting the second community day camp in the afternoon. The week has been action packed with 16 awesome kids from Killbuck Village coming to the camp and several projects being completed for the school in the morning. One project in particular includes a commercial swing set that their PTO purchased before Covid hit and now needs assembly and a secured position on the playground. Well, Christwalk to the rescue because we love a work project that will help kids and families in any community.

Everything seemed to be going as planned until our cement guy in Ohio could not work his schedule to be with us during our project time. This meant renting an excavator for digging, doing lots of measurements, framing cement around (12) heavy legs and leveling the entire structure. In our own strength on Tuesday evening, we left the playground feeling frustrated and slightly defeated. The digging made the playground look like a disaster zone and the holes were unevenly filled with very hard dirt and pea gravel that would fall in from the top surface.

On Wednesday morning, I realized we needed to pray from our seated position of authority and power. Using scripture from Ephesians chapters one and two, we joined our faith together. Our team prayed out loud with faith, trusting God to intervene and help us miraculously secure the structure in His strength. We had to walk wisely, quoting Ephesians chapter four and five, and also stand against the enemy for anything he might attempt during the work day to throw us off again. We ended our prayer standing on Psalm 91, under His protection. And at this time, I am happy to report the structure is nearly secured in the ground and it has all come together in less than three hours.

Currently, as I sit under a pavilion on the playground, I am writing this blog to share not only an example of how prayer delivers
finished results but also the faithfulness of God’s Word. This morning our missions team was tired and frustrated from yesterday’s outcome. After praying from the seated position of authority, walking wisely with the word and standing in our position again at the enemy, we have a very large swing set ready for kids at Killbuck Elementary.

Give me the Bloody Gospel, Not Buttered Popcorn and a Coke

By Pastor Chip Woodall

For years now,  I have witnessed ministry groups try every tactic known to humanity to lure lost souls into the Fold. Men’s ministry hosts Wild Game Nights or a Rib-eye Supper, using the appetite to gather the male gender. Women’s ministry hosts a Tea, hoping to present a variety of China and wide brimmed hats to lure in every woman and her friend. Children’s ministry presents Wild and Wacky Wet Night and calls the local fire station to soak the kids and all the neighbors’ yards within two blocks. All of which usually will draw people in and that is the church methodology used to win souls today. Sneak them in the back door and get them saved, so they can drown in deeper water tomorrow. But, hey! We can record 25 more salvations to report to our denominational offices that we now call headquarters. Discipleship never really takes place for those who were hopefully regenerated on the year end report.

Over the years, I too have been guilty of using the same creative themes, illustrated messages and secular maneuvers, hoping to draw the world into the gospel. How about counting inflated salvation numbers from the cattle-call salvations from VBS and whatever we now call Revival! Inflated because you know good and well many of those proclaiming salvation were not truly saved, but it sounded good for year end reports and a certain emotional encounter did seem to present itself.

Please do not misunderstand and get offended over this blog, as I stated that I have done the same things over the years, but as I grow older and continue ministry longer, I find myself having more honest conversations with the Lord about what I am doing to truly share the gospel. I am not becoming an old, grumpy pastor, refusing to have any fun, I am just reflecting on the Word and using it as a measurement for effective ministry. I am not pretending to have it all figured out either. I am simply writing this blog to make sure we are being led by the Holy Spirit and not repeating past church calendars or other people’s church events, while desperately trying to meet a certain quota of salvations for the month or end of the year.

It used to be donuts and coffee or juice before Sunday School. Now, we have cancelled Sunday School and have replaced the space with Expresso Shops in our church lobbies. If that does not please your taste buds, we might even serve hot, buttered popcorn with a coke and show movie clips in our sermons to catch your attention and help relax the sanctuary. My goodness, what are we doing?

In Luke, chapter five, there was no creative theme or need for a fire truck as Jesus explained how they would see souls saved. Although what happened did take place at the lake and involved a miraculous catch of fish. The next to last verse in the passage tells it all very clearly:

“and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

I understand that we have to be creative to get people’s attention. However, if a church is truly on fire, the Holy Spirit will draw in those God intends to save and probably will use us in some way.

All of this is best summed up by a verse from Revelation 12:11: “…And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” No buttered popcorn needed, just a powerful testimony backed up by the bloody gospel story.

Introverts, Extroverts and the Church Environment

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Christwalk Church is ALL about family! There is no doubt that the redeeming love of Jesus has drawn family after family to be a part of the ministry, but in this blog, I have several questions for us to consider.

What does Christwalk Church look like to someone who has never really had family because of circumstances in life?

What does Christwalk Church look like to someone who is very quiet and withdrawn in personality?

As we are moving toward forming Community Groups and expanding our Women’s and Men’s Ministries, we need to take a closer look at people and how they best form relationships and decide to get involved.

It is becoming more and more apparent through the Family Stays that we are hosting at Christwalk in the Valley that there are definitely Introverts and Extroverts at Christwalk.

If you are not certain as to which personality type you are, here are a few character traits of both extroverts and introverts that might help you decide.

Extroverts:

Prefers to be with others more often
Seeks verbal interaction most of the time
Usually communicates by talking
Prefers more surface talk and less detail
Acts first and then thinks about it


Introverts:

Prefers to be alone more often
Prefers quiet situations as avoids interaction
Usually communicates by writing or drawing
Prefers depth and detail
Thinks first and then acts on it

This topic is very important for church leaders to look at when forming ministry groups. The reason is that most ministry tends to take place in an extroverted environment, so  how can Introverts find their place?

Introverts tend to need to take a week off ever so often to get away from the extroverted church environment, so give them space amidst your retention screening. Mentally the introvert can recalculate, get alone, think about things and come back and serve accordingly. We just need to look at how our paths run to the many areas of service and how understanding we are as people travel these paths.

If you come to Christwalk ten minutes late to avoid the lobby greeters…you might be an Introvert.

If you leave during the prayer time to avoid the alter or any conversation after church, you might be an Introvert.

If you avoid coming early and lingering longer after service…you might be an Introvert.

If you always have gone to a big church so you can disappear in the crowd…you might be an Introvert.

If you save the seat to your left and right with stuff, so no one can sit near you…you might be an Introvert.

If you hunt down every person to meet and talk to, so you can get involved…you might be an Extrovert.

If you want to open prayer, sing a solo once a month and close the alter, you might be an Extrovert.

If you want to give your testimony every Sunday, you might be an Extrovert.

What needs to happen is the leadership of Christwalk must begin to recognize these things and understand that we cannot make everyone be something they were not created to be, but we can offer ways for Introverts and Extroverts to fully function inside the environment of Christwalk Church.

We are all created in His image, but He also obviously likes a variety of people and personalities.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 ESV

People are different for His purposes and plans…God created enough Introverts and Extroverts at Christwalk to get the job done!
Remind yourself this today!

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

Pastor Jonah, Bekah as our local missionary and Chris our students leader are all needed at Christwalk to teach large groups, but Simon another local missionary and Tony, one of our men’s leaders do an equally good job teaching people one on one or in smaller groups.

Gail Heaton holds the Office of an Evangelist at Christwalk, and she can go out and gather lots of people and bring them in, but if we do not have enough quiet space, one on one people to lead them and clean them up, those we gather will not bare fruit!

Barbara and Margaret, our greeters, can get Connect Cards from visitors, but it may take an Introverted person to help write post cards and send out welcomes to several of the new people. And then, couples like Shayne and Tammy can contact the same people to intentionally invite them to lunch or dinner. This is when we will see who is Introverted and who is Extroverted.

Introverts and Extroverts can both find ways inside Christwalk Church to serve. We just have to understand both personality types before we start pushing them in any direction.

As Extroverts in a predominantly Extroverted  Church Environment…we need to be reminded that Introverts need to find Community Groups, Participate in Family Stays and Disciple People all the same but it may take leadership and other Extroverts recognizing the need does exist inside Christwalk as well.

Here are a few simple suggestions for both Extroverts and Introverts:

Live out the Christian Life in a way that is sustainable to you as God shapes you!

Extroverts need to stop trying to force the Introverts to be someone they were never created to be…however, think of creative ways to make them feel comfortable to get plugged in and involved.

Introverts need stop isolating when there are comfortable ways to serve and find community amidst the Extroverted Environment.

Understanding, embracing and implementing several of the suggestions in this blog will help our Christwalk Community Leaders to be more effective leaders in the days ahead.

This gives room for our Women’s and Men’s Leaders to really be effective in the days ahead as well.

Use good judgment when learning to work with people and watch and listen as they begin to express their personality type and open up to you.

We must allow them space to be conformed to His image, not other people’s expectations!

In the Bible Recap we have been reading about Moses who was used to lead Israel but had lots of Introverted Personality Traits. He got really nervous speaking in front of lots of people. He twisted his words and stuttered…but Moses was a voice for the people of Israel with Aaron’s help. What a great ministry team! Moses stayed true to who he was, but with help he led a whole nation as an Introvert.

Introverted Leaders may not look the part but if called by God they can be effective by understanding how to delegate to more extroverted personality types to accomplish the mission.

Let’s work together church-wide as both Extroverts and Introverts and watch God help us reach the nations with the gospel.

First Family Stay at the Valley

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Several months ago I sensed the Lord encouraging me to invite each member of Christwalk to our retreat center to stay for two nights. The intent was to do life together and invest in each other for the time we would share through cooking and eating meals, taking communion, studying the Bible and discussing our future as a church body.

As we started offering optional dates on the calendar at Christwalk in the Valley, more and more individuals and families started signing up for their first ever Family Stay. The anticipation leading up to the first group’s overnight encounter created a sense of unknown excitement and curiosity. After all, spending two nights with your pastors and their wives is a different flow than the normal weekly church outing.

Following the first groups encounter, I must admit, I did not know what to expect or how it might unfold. But can I just say this; it was simply amazing!

Each person, young or old was touched by the Holy Spirit and drawn closer to the anointing of Christwalk and the special family bond that exists. Cooking meals together in the kitchen was not only fun but full of laughter, joking and lots of chopping, mixing and sampling along the way. How do you handle this Chaos with holding babies, toddlers, children, teenagers and several decades of adults? You just report to your cooking station like one big happy family and go for it!

The men’s and women’s sessions were indescribable because God did something that you can’t explain in the natural realm. I have a feeling each family encountered similar moments privately in their cabins as well from the stories that were shared after the first night of the Stay!

This is not church as usual and it is definitely a battered-band of people who sacrifice to do life together, growing closer and closer to Jesus and each other.

If you have not signed up for your Family Stay time, you better look at the July and August dates and get on the registration list. All I can say is, “you do not want to miss this Christwalk Moment!”

It’s More Than A Relay Race To Me Now

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Ever since I was a kid, the thought of a relay race would excite me. Back then, I think it was the competition between teams and the thrill of knowing your group might be faster and more capable of good handed-eye coordination to win the race. I loved being in a gym or on a field to pass something along from one person or group to another. The challenge of using any object like a baton created a sense of excitement in me. The game was always “on” back then, and I recently realized it still is “on!”

As an adult, I still love to participate or watch relay races. Now, it is for the joy of coming up with creative objects to use in a relay that will challenge kids and get them focused enough to finish the race strong, no matter if they win or lose. It also is a great tool to lead into conversations about the Word of God and the Gospel Message.

When you think about it, a relay race is a good discipleship tool for ministry. Through balls, spoons and various other objects, we can teach others that passing something along to the next person is what we should do with the gospel message. Teach the plan of salvation, run with it while keeping your eyes on Jesus, be consistent not to drop it and stay in the game so you can pass the message on to the next person carefully. Together, everyone wins because consistency in this game can lead them right to Jesus, the object that gets passed along.

Last week in Killbuck, Ohio, the ministry team I was with played various games with the children who attended the camp. Hands down my favorite games were the relays. It was awesome to watch one team challenge another team and kids who argue and fuss on the streets come together in unity to make the whole team stronger. This is the church in its best form, at its finest hour.

We have two more opportunities to run relay races this summer in Killbuck. It is interesting to me that what once was a childhood pastime is now a very important step in pulling kids together to build lasting relationships intertwined with the gospel. It is no longer just a game for me, it is passing Jesus along from one person to the next. Consider running in a relay race sometime soon. You might be surprised how easily you can pass the object lesson on to the next person. Hey… your team might even win!

Seeds of Hope Planted at Killbuck Elementary

By Pastor Chip Woodall

You never know what God might have you do to serve and plant seeds of the gospel in other people’s lives. I am literally sitting at a lunchroom table of an elementary school in Killbuck, Ohio. No kids are eating or talking to their friends because they are out for the summer break. However, the school is very busy in other ways as our mission team is helping prepare for their return, along with the team of teachers and administrators.

We are here in Killbuck Village, Ohio all week doing mission work and a camp. In the morning hours, we are at the school volunteering. In the afternoon hours, we are at the Duncan Theater doing summer camp.

I am amazed as we work along with the head custodian and her support team of one. The dynamic female duo of Killbuck Elementary takes care of both the inside and outside cleaning and grounds. Wow! What a huge responsibility and important part of the total team effort that goes on year round at any given school across America.

The Elementary School was originally the High School for this area, and while carrying desks, I noticed a memorial that dates back to 1911, where the students were drafted to serve in our armed forces. Their service for our freedom has left a legacy dating back over a century. It is neat to see this school still honors those students who served as soldiers. The plaque is hanging on the wall as you go into the gym, which once was the main entrance into the school.

On another wall back in the lunchroom, I see Class Pictures dating back to 1930. As I look at the hundreds of graduates and athletes, I can’t help but wonder who is still living and who has gone on. Did anyone ever plant a few seeds of the gospel inside of them? Did the seeds cultivate a harvest of salvations? Where are they now…if only these walls could talk!

Mean while, we have team members here on their hands and knees, painting red and blue on the facing of the steps that go up 5 flights. I see a lot of patriotic colors, flags and things that stand for America all over this school. It feels good to be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all…well, at least for this week.

We are safe here, right? This is America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yet, just a few weeks ago, another elementary school very much like this one went through a tragedy that has created memories no one ever wants to remember.

A school is a special place in any community. It deserves respect, care, improvements and growth. The students, teachers, staff and administration are a special part of its make-up. A gunman has no rights on its property. If only that young man who did the shooting could have invested instead of taking away, maybe the seeds would have cultivated something that was positive in the future.

Currently, Our team members are doing that as they carry desks, copy paper, floor fans, blowers and anything that you could imagine to put school rooms back together. A class room with beautiful floors, clean desks and rows of shelving, all awaiting the return of special kids.

A lot of care and attention goes into the yearly transition of students being promoted toward that magical moment of graduation. I am not sure as parents, grand parents or even local tax payers, we fully appreciate and realize the gravity and depth of what takes place inside the school walls.

Do we plant seeds, do we reflect on the memories, do we offer to volunteer and help, do we even show we care and appreciate our education system where we live? This Christwalk Mission Team has worked hard to assist, plant gospel seeds and appreciate the rich history of an old school that has progressed in various ways over the last 100 plus years.

 

Desires Move Us Toward Our Dreams Becoming Reality

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Do you ever have the desire to travel to a new destination for vacation, start a business that you have dreamed about doing for years, write a song or maybe a book, meet new friends or date someone exciting and fun. And then, all the nagging question marks invade your mind and snatch the desire right out from under you. What is it that gets in the way, stealing the desire that seemed so certain as you dreamed of it?

Lots of people desire to try or do new things but then quickly talk themselves right out of it because of fearing the unknown. Because of this age-old tactic of the enemy, I have adopted a life principle and it rests inside the thought that my desire to do the next thing is always greater than my fear of failing at the next thing.

Through the process of being called from one church to the next and eventually starting the ministry of Christwalk, I have discovered this: If you do not take steps of faith and go for the next thing, what are you going to do? Nothing, but the same old thing!

After watching many people stall-out, give-out or throw in the towel, I have made up my mind to never allow myself to settle and fall into the daily grind of a boring routine of life. I have learned through years of doing children’s ministry that you must always change the channel because most kids and even students get bored very easily.

God did not give us a spirit of fear but power, love and a sound mind. Because I have memorized this particular Bible scripture, I can keep my mind fixed on moving forward. The Bible also mentions that if you delight yourself in the lord, He will give you the desires of your heart!

I fully believe that God knows what makes us tick. So for me personally, He throws lots of new ministry ideas my way. These new opportunities usually come in the form of ministry outreach projects. I could shy away and say no because of sacrifice, fear or the great unknown. However, there is such a desire in my Spirit, I simply cannot dismiss the ideas.

Fear is the opposite of faith. Failure gives room for greater growth. So if you are reading this blog and it may be used to help you move on the desires of your heart; get moving!

In the book, the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, he states, “the formula for success is quite simple, double your rate of failure.” In other words we have God-given desires that generate great ideas but it takes us moving in faith and taking a risk to see it come to fruition. Ralph Waldo Emerson says it this way, “do the thing, and you shall have the power!”

You do not have to have your PhD or be a Greek scholar to follow your desires and change the community or world. God uses people to create change that improves society and our future.

Whatever your greatest desires are in life, I encourage you to have them and based on my experience, I know you can. You just need a place to start. Use this blog as a sign to start moving today!

Christwalk...Bible Recap and So Much More!

By Pastor Chip Woodall

Christwalk Family, we have so much to thank the Lord for today! Let me share a few reasons that He is worthy to be praised.

A large percentage of our Georgia and Ohio Church is reading the Bible Recap daily. At this point I believe at least 65% or more has made the commitment. It’s not too late to start. We are only on day four. This is very important and you can easily catch up. Not to mention this is our first pillar of being “established” on the Word of God. Psalm 119:38

“Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.”

Testimonies are coming in of husbands and wives (for the first time ever) reading the Bible together. Reports are being given of families sitting down at the kitchen table to do the daily reading. Men and Women are listening to the devotions, podcasts and the You Version Bible App during their drive time. Some individuals are using their spiritual gifts by posting revelation they receive on our Facebook page. Wow! The Word of God is alive and active in the Christwalk Family. Let’s keep this out front and remain consistent in our reading.

At Christwalk at the Duncan in Killbuck, our Children’s Directors, Michael and Joanna Dewitt are leading the group during the Wednesday Night Kidz Club. This Saturday the Ohio Family will all canvass Killbuck, Glenmont and Clark, passing out cookies and inviting families to come to our first Saturday Night at the Movies. And back in Georgia, Rachel Delaria taught the Georgia Children the importance of the Holy Spirit Baptism last night at mid-week service.

“We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.”
Psalms 78:4 NKJV

Christwalk at the Valley is ministering to groups from across the US as missionaries, pastors and small groups are staying for several days at a time. The Presbyterians just sent (16) pastors who will be planting new churches across America. Two Apostles just rested in the Healing House and another pastor and his wife will be here next week. And this weekend, Donna and I will be feeding two groups from Free Chapel.

With all of these progressive things happening for God’s glory, the adversary is not going to just sit down and watch! We need to be daily dressed in the armor of God.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

We also must remain connected to the vine, dwelling in His presence and intentionally disciplining others.

““I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
John 15:5-8 NKJV

Again, so much is happening to bring the Lord glory! Stay in the Word, stay connected and dwell in His presence as you disciple those around you!

A Lifetime of Memories in Killbuck Village

By Pastor Chip Woodall

As I keep feeling led to write these short blogs, make videos and send other information to you, my prayer is it gives you encouragement for today and hope for tomorrow! Especially, when it comes to investing in the children, which is the future of Killbuck Village and the surrounding areas.

I know that traveling (10)hours back and forth from North Georgia to Millersburg (2-3) times a month does not make much sense when you consider the expense, time, sacrifice and energy it takes to stay committed, but this is what God has asked us to do. He also has put together a church of eager volunteers at Christwalk Millersburg over the last year and a half, backed by a sister church filled with more eager volunteers from Georgia. They all are committed to do whatever it takes to show love to families where ever we are led.

Many of these volunteers at Christwalk Millersburg have grown up around Killbuck, which means some attended school there and frequented the Duncan Theater back in the day. I have listened to one story where Evelyn Wooten, a lady in our church, helped the PTO buy computers for every classroom in the elementary school in 1980. This made Killbuck the first elementary school on the Ohio side of the Mississippi River to have computers in every classroom.  To have roots like that means the history and investment in the education of your children has paved the way for others to build upon it. Another couple that attends Christwalk Millersburg, Joanna and Michael Dewitt, live in Glenmont. Both of them feel called to lead the Children’s Ministry. And yet another young lady, Sabryn Cutlip, has a whole family who currently lives in Killbuck. She recently shared several stories of going home to her grandma’s house in Killbuck and how she remembers the Quick Check and Sweet Shoppe as a little girl, walking around town. Now these individuals are all coming back to the memories to help make new ones with your children and grand children.

This is what our heart desires to do with the Duncan Theater, all over again. We want to create more memories and give the children in the area an opportunity to make their own as they grow up! Making meaningful deposits in kids today, leads to a stronger community tomorrow. We want to share a part of your rich history and help further many stories for years to come.

Through our Wednesday NightKids Club at the Duncan, Christwalk plans to make a difference every week in the life of families. With teaching that promotes character development and recreation that engages kids physically, we plan to watch more and more kids get off the sofa, off the streets and off video games, as well as social media. Kids deserve to be kids and not have to grow up too fast, because of the convenient influences the world throws at them.

As I lead the overall ministry of Christwalk and sometimes feel pressed for time, I remind myself it does include two churches in Georgia and Ohio, a 55-acre mountain retreat with (8) cabins and a dining hall and now, the Duncan Theater. But nothing that is required of me is more important than investing in families in a community, especially their kids and teenagers.

I am the father to five children; three boys and two girls, two being adopted, plus several grandkids. They all have given Donna and I a ton of joy, but also a humble education on how to raise kids in this day and age. This is why we want to reach unlimited kids through Christwalk. Will you let us borrow your kids for the summer and help you pour positive things into their lives?God bless you, stay encouraged and rest assured that help is on the way!

- Pastor Chip Woodall

Men “All-In” For Jesus As a Result of Adult Softball

By Pastor Chip Woodall

As the lead pastor of Christwalk Ministries, the desire of my heart is to see our men go “all-in” for Jesus, then their influence will reverberate through to wives, kids, the workplace, the community, and eventually the church.

I fully believe this is what we are watching be birthed at Christwalk, and one of the contributing factors is from participating in the Habersham County Recreational Softball League. Let me explain the story.

Five years ago, Simon Raley, a missionary  at Christwalk, formed our first ever adult softball team to play in our local county league. We looked like the least likely to ever win a ball game, but we determined it would be a great opportunity to play Christ-like ball no matter what.

We kept practicing and going to games, but the first season was way more losses than wins on the scoreboard. However, attitude and sportsmanship was Raley’s focus, so the players followed his lead. As the lead pastor, I supported him and our men, making a point to attend most games, along with my wife and a growing fan club from the church.

By the second season, our fan club increased and as a church family, we saw we had a platform of ministry both on and off the field. We were being noticed league-wide. The scoreboard still was not showing in our favor, but we were gaining respect with the other teams, referees and the recreation department directors.

Raley, said that over time, his ball friends started becoming attracted to what he had with Jesus and how he lives it out on the softball field. Men through the local league, other surrounding leagues and even tournaments followed Raley to Christwalk on Wednesdays and Sundays. “I gained their respect on the field game after game. The results come from consistently showing the redeeming love of Jesus on and off the field.”

Fast forward to this season. Raley now is the League Director for Habersham County. Multiple new families are now attending Christwalk on a regular basis. One man from the softball league, Tony Lovell, is now helping lead our men’s ministry as a result. Another softball guy, Jay Nix, just returned from our sister church in Millersburg, Ohio where he did a joint mission outreach trip. The greatest testimony is we are having to expand our church in Cornelia, GA as a result from the explosion of families from softball.

Our last men’s meeting was held at Christwalk in the Valley, our Christian Retreat Center near Tallulah Gorge. We had a total of (33) men attend with hopes that our next gathering on Sunday, May 22nd will be even larger. It is not about numbers, but it is about gaining as many men as possible so they can grow into Godly Men who are “all-in”for Jesus!

Christwalk Ministries International, Inc.

Cornelia GA Church
360 Stonecypher St in Cornelia, GA 30531

Millersburg OH Church
1207 Wooster St in Millersburg, OH 44654

Waynesville NC Bible Study
Waynesville Recreation Center

Christwalk in the Valley
Christian Retreat Center
1212 Bear Gap Rd Clarkesville, GA 30523

Administrative Offices
255 Deer Haven
Clarkesville, GA 30523