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:

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/ 

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 providence often looks ordinary while we're living it, but redemption is quietly unfolding. Before Ruth ever reached the field, God had already made provision for her through the gleaning laws. Similarly, Jesus sees us in our vulnerability and moves toward us with grace, using ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Resources:

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Redeemed_-Week-2_-Grace-on-the-Edges_-5-Day-Devotional.pdf 

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Redeemed-Week-2_-Grace-on-the-Edges-_-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/ 

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, demonstrated beautiful loyalty and became part of Jesus' genealogy. Their story reveals how God works quietly through ordinary circumstances and creates spiritual family bonds that extend beyond bloodlines. We're called to be spiritual mothers and fathers to the next generation, blessing others with love, faithfulness, and grace regardless of our own imperfections.

Resources:

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Redeemed_-Week-1_-When-God-Works-Quietly-Devotional.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/ 

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 or point people to Jesus? The greatest joy comes not from receiving admiration ourselves, but from watching people fall in love with Jesus through our actions. This week, practice redirecting praise and recognition back to God, helping others see that the love they experience through you actually comes from Him. 

Resources: 

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GIC-2026-Discussion-Guide.pdf  

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GIC-2026-5-Day-Devotional.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/ 

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 how you can pray for them or inviting someone to share a meal. The difference between spiritual life and death is like the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea: one has water flowing out while the other keeps everything that flows in. When we become like Jesus, we naturally begin to live like Jesus, interruptible, compassionate, and focused on people.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Formed-Week-3_-Formed-For-The-Sake-of-Others-Discussion-Guide.pdf