Ministry Updates
December 2025
I had a marvelous time connecting with family over Thanksgiving and am looking forward to much the same for Christmas. I enjoyed our staff team’s remote Christmas party filled with laughter and connection. It is a time of celebration... and opportunities for reflection.
Beginning Our 20th Year
I was recently able to express our deepest appreciation to Crucible’s Founder, Greg Huston, for his courageous decision to hold the first, what would become, Crucible initial retreat back in 2002. As I shared how far and wide Crucible has expanded, he laughed as I told him it was all his fault. He, and other leaders at that time, knew that to spread Crucible far and wide, we needed funds and volunteers. At this time in 2005, they anxiously awaited approval from the state of Illinois to launch this organization.
20 years later, much is the same. God is still using the incredibly powerful experiences on the Crucible Project initial retreat to change lives. Over 1,151 Redwoods volunteered last year and estimated 97,280 hours. And over 400 Redwoods financially invested in the mission with critical donations advancing the mission to serve more.
It’s Not Too Late
There is still time for you to pause and reflect so you can finish 2025 strong! It’s not too late to reflect on your soul work progress and to plan your personal growth in 2026, which might include volunteering for a retreat. And it is not too late to join other Redwoods in fueling our mission. There are only 10 days left for a 2025 donation to Crucible.
Have a Merry Christmas!
This season is a wonderful reminder of the gift of Jesus to the world. Revisiting the gospels’ accounts of Jesus birth reminds us of the preciousness of life. Redwood Brooke Byrum, my daughter, recently gave birth to my 2nd grandson. Holding his fragile and dependent little body had me in awe that our Savior came to this world in a same state. It has me thinking about Christmas through the lens of Crucible’s teachings and values.
On behalf of the board and staff team, and my family, we pray God’s blessings for a meaningful and connecting Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Roy Wooten
Ministry Updates
November 2025
I’m so thankful for November. We are reminded of the sacrifices of Veterans and their families on November 11th. And our gratitude continues with America’s annual Thanksgiving season. For me and Devra, it means gathering with my family members, most of whom are Redwoods, and reflecting on all that we have to be thankful for.
There is a scientific connection between gratitude and a host of benefits including reduced stress, improved sleep, lower blood pressure. It also enhances self-esteem while increasing happiness and better health. Research also reveals the interesting cycle of gratitude and generosity.
Thankful for Greg Huston and 20 Years of Crucible
It was about this time of year in 2005 that a committee that would become the inaugural board of directors filed paperwork to establish The Crucible Project. When the government paperwork came back in early 2006, The Crucible Project was birthed. That means that 2026 is our 20th year of fueling Christ-like change through experiences of radical honesty and grace.
It would not have happened with good men standing along our founder, Greg Huston, and his selfless leadership that is his legacy. Each newsletter in 2026 will have an article celebrating our rich history.
Thankful for Crucible’s Growth
What started as Greg’s vision of coaching offerings as Dare to Soar in 2002 is still expanding into new United States’ communities and across the globe. In fact, we have heard the call to expand to new continents in the next few years. It will take generosity of time and financial partnerships for this expansion, well above what it will take to continue to fuel Christ-like change in 2026.
Thankful for You!
I am deeply thankful for you. Redwoods who live-out our values of integrity, grace and courage. Redwoods who always share the initial weekend opportunity with others in their lives. Redwoods who volunteer (and pay their own lodging) to staff retreats. Redwoods who volunteer to lead communities. Redwoods who partner financially with regular donations. Redwoods who lead groups and retreats. Redwoods who serve on the staff team that make our back office work, digital footprint grow, and help set volunteers up for successfully fulfilling the mission.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Roy Wooten
Ministry Updates
October 2025
I’m checking in, so excited about what I see happening in the ministry. Marriages and lives saved. Redwoods living in a season of their highest levels of integrity, grace, and courage ever. Intentional moves to live more in God’s purpose for their lives! It is amazing that I get to be a part of such an authentic community.
I love introducing what God is doing through Crucible to new people. God has had me in front of pastors, Christian business owners and entrepreneurs, Christian counselors and coaches, and groups of men as I’ve spoken at or had booths at the Global Leadership Summit, Convene, American Association of Christian Counselors and Coaches, and men’s church retreats.
I’m also thrilled that we have exposed people to Crucible on Christian radio, television, and podcasts through our tipping point initiative. Our own podcast continues to grow in downloads and subscribers. We’d love to have your help as we attempt to wake the church up to our powerfully transformative work.
We are only a few months into the new registration process meant to make it easier for people to financially access our retreats. More than ever before, participants are paying the full fee of $695 when they register. The price of $795 is affordable for almost every budget with payment plans as low as $88 monthly. In fact, I’m told that several participants who initially signed up requesting financial assistance have asked to move into the payment plan options. We will continue to monitor this new registration system and the impact on registrations, but so far, so good.
I am so thankful for those of you who are financially fueling the mission. Behind every great movement of God are the generous people whom God has blessed to fund the movement. I’m happy to let you know that we are investing in a new Mission Advancement Director position to facilitate generosity. We are also looking to fill a couple of part time roles: Operations Manager and Men’s Ministry Assistant, as Dan Ripple will be transitioning to volunteer roles.
If you haven’t yet financially partnered with Crucible, I’d love to have a conversation with you about what has kept you from giving back to a ministry that has done so much. The only way we continue to change lives is when generous Redwoods financially partner to fuel the mission.
Don’t forget to check in with what is happening in Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry. Learn about upcoming staffing opportunities, training opportunities, and updates about groups and coaching there. Join up to staff an upcoming weekend, or sign up for a 2nd level retreat. Your future self will thank you for it.
I am also thankful for each of you who volunteer on Regional Leadership Teams, on retreats, and with our back office. I love hearing stories about those of you who are always sharing the transformational opportunity with those in your life. I have deep gratitude for many of you who have this ministry in your prayer list. Keep praying for this mission!
With deep gratitude,
Roy Wooten