Ministry Updates
I’m checking in with tenderness and hope.
The world feels messy right now. The headlines are heavy. The pressures many of us are carrying in our finances, relationships, work, families, and souls are real. And yet, in the middle of it all, I continue to see God at work in the Crucible community. I see Him drawing people back to Himself. I see Him restoring courage, joy, truth, and connection. And I see Him continuing to form men and women who are becoming more like Jesus.
As you read through this month’s newsletter, I hope you hear one clear invitation:
Do not drift. Lean in. Lean into God, your work, and your community. Lean into the work God has already begun in you.
One of the themes we keep naming in Crucible is this: you do not grow by watching. You grow by participating. This work was never meant to be something you admire from a distance or graduate from once your weekend is over. It becomes part of the way you live.
And in a season like this, that matters more than ever.
That is why this month’s newsletter points so clearly toward next steps.
For some of you, the next step is continuing your work through a Second Level retreat. Some of you know you are ready to go deeper into the places God first touched on your initial weekend. Some of you need to re-engage in a way that calls forth courage, healing, and greater freedom.
For others, the next step is community. You may not have found your group yet. You may need brothers or sisters who know your story, who will tell you the truth, and who will journey with you in your soul work. Groups remain one of the most important ways we stay connected, practice what we have learned, and keep moving toward transformation.
And for some of you, the right next step may be to find a Crucible Certified Coach. Sometimes what helps us move forward is intentional support, wise challenge, and a space to keep listening for what God is doing in our lives.
This month we are also highlighting the Men’s Two-Year Transformation Program , which brings those elements together in a powerful way. It is a highly intentional journey for men who want sustained growth. Participants move through the Second Level retreats together, meet three times each month in a cohort of brothers, and receive a monthly coaching call with their group leader.
It is designed for men who want to become more present husbands, fathers, leaders, and live and lead more like Jesus.
You will also see an article with a video. Mission Advancement Director, Stacey Huyler -Fisher, personally invites you to the Annual Gathering this June Down in H Town from the snow covered slopes of Colorado.
You will also see an article on finding your way back to joy in a messy world. I want to encourage you to read that one slowly. Many people are carrying a low-grade ache right now. This is not the season to isolate or pretend you are fine. It is the season to use the tools you learned on your weekend, reach out to fellow Redwoods, and let God meet you again in the places that feel tired, anxious, numb, or discouraged. True joy is not pretending life is easy. It is returning to the One who holds us steady in the storm.
You will also find an article that highlights Kim Rush, about how Crucible Leadership Matters and what it looks like to stay grounded and faithful when plans change last minute and pressure rises. Strong leadership matters in Crucible because it matters in life. And growth in leadership always begins with growth in the soul.
In continuing our celebration of our 20th year of ministry, you will also enjoy reminiscing about the period between 2010 and 2015. I find it fascinating that we are still grappling with some of the same issues over a decade later, while serving exponentially more Christ-followers than ever before.
Finally, I shared something deeply personal in From Roy’s Heart and the true reason why I and Devra are donors. Crucible changed my life. I know many of you could say the same. If you already give, thank you. If you have not yet joined us in fueling this work for others, I hope you will prayerfully consider it.
Redwoods, thank you for staying engaged. Read slowly. Pay attention to what stirs in you. And where God is inviting you to take your next step—through a Second Level, a group, coaching, serving, giving, or simply reaching out and reconnecting with a Redwood — and say yes.
With big love, Roy Wooten
March Ministry Updates 
I’m checking in feeling excited and grateful. I’m super excited that the Women’s Community has initiated our 1,000th Redwood Woman!!!!!! So thankful for Lisa Modrzejewski, Women’s Ministry Director, Retreat, Carpet, Group, and Community Leaders, and the hundreds and hundreds who have volunteered to staff a retreat. Thankful for so many who have donated, making a way for women in financially difficult situations to still experience grace and healing.
Each month this newsletter is a snapshot of what God is doing through the people and work of The Crucible Project. As I read through the articles in this issue, one theme keeps rising to the surface: transformation happens together.
Transforming to Be Like Christ
I had a new Redwood share “I was never able to live out my Christian faith before Crucible”, and that his initial retreat and Growth Group has radically changed his life over the past couple of months. God is using this ministry to work out the stuff between our ears, and between our head and heart, so that there is hope to be more like Jesus where there never was before.
In this newsletter, we challenge you to let your magnificence shine link to article, and stop hiding or waiting for others. We reflect on Easter and living like Christ. We share three shifts that can help you prevent or break out of burnout and overwhelm. And we share what is happening in Men’s and Women’s Ministry, and what is happening with our new Elder’s Retreats.
Across all of this, one truth continues to surface: this work was never meant to be done alone. Reach out and connect with a Redwood you know! It is in doing life together with our Crucible skills, that we will continue to be more like Jesus.
Down in H Town
The Annual Gathering Committee, led by John Owen and Stacy Huyler-Fisher, is working hard creating an awesome event where you can connect from Redwoods from all over the world. Mark your calendar for June 26-27 in Houston for “Down in H Town” 2026 Annual Gathering. If you would like to make a presentation, want to volunteer on site, or are interested in partnering with this event, you will find a link on that site. You will love this year’s gathering!
However you engage, community matters. God continues to grow this Redwood Grove—through honesty, courage, and the willingness of men and women to keep stepping toward the work. Thankful for the prayer warriors and financial partners that support this work.
And I’m grateful you are part of it.
Ministry Updates
The Forest Is Growing — And You Are Part of It
I’m checking in tender and happy. God has been good to Crucible. I am so thankful for so many engaged Redwoods who have driven growth in both retreat registrations and donations. As you read through this month’s newsletter, I’ve tried to share a theme:
Movement. Expansion. Engagement. This is not accidental. It is where we are as a ministry. And it is an invitation.
Opening the Door for Others
We began by asking a simple question: Why lead an Exploration Group? Because before someone ever steps onto retreat property, they need a safe doorway. Exploration Groups are becoming one of the most effective ways we introduce men and women to the Crucible way. They create space for honesty, for the kind of community that changes lives. Some of you are ready to gather a few people and open that door. You don’t need special credentials. You need willingness.
Getting Back in the Game
Then we asked another question: What’s keeping you out of the game? Some Redwoods are in a season of healing. Others may have drifted. But this work was never meant to be something you graduate from. Whether it’s joining a soul group, registering for a Second Level retreat, stepping into the Leader Track, volunteering, or simply reconnecting with another Redwood over coffee—engagement protects your soul. You don’t grow by watching. You grow by participating.
When the Tent Expanded
We revisit the moment when the work left Chicago. What began as a local ministry stretched into Texas and beyond because someone asked, “Why not here?” Expansion required courage, systems, leadership, and faith. It still does. Every region that now hosts retreats exists because someone was willing to stretch the tent pegs and trust God with the outcome.
Fueling the Mission
From the beginning, retreat fees have not covered the full cost of this work. We intentionally keep the price point lower than actual expenses, so finances are not the barrier to transformation.
Expansion across the United States and around the globe requires outreach investment, leadership development, stronger systems, and stronger communication systems to better connect Redwoods. It requires continued strengthening of weekend management systems. It requires investing in the next generation of certified Retreat and Carpet Leaders. It requires advancing the mission. Discover who God has brought to lead that charge and how you can get involved.
Serving Beyond the Weekend
We also highlighted opportunities to serve outside of retreats —editing, writing, curriculum development, graphic design, media engagement, podcast hosting, outreach coordination, Annual Gathering support, Global Leadership Summit representation, and more.
The Redwood Grove grows not just because of what happens on carpet, but because of what happens behind the scenes. Many of you carry professional skills that are Kingdom assets waiting to be put into action with this ministry.
Planting, Watering, Growing
The Apostle Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). That is our story. Greg Huston planted. Early leaders watered. Many of you have watered and are watering. And God continues to bring growth. Now we stand in a season of momentum.
Men are still searching for identity and freedom. Women are stepping into deeper courage and integration. Leaders are being developed. Regions are expanding. Nations are opening. Technology is helping us stay connected. The next generation is watching to see if this work will be carried forward with integrity and humility.
The question is not whether the mission is moving. The question is how you will participate. Some of you will lead Exploration Groups. Some will re-engage your own soul work. Some will give generously to fuel expansion. Some will volunteer your professional skills. Some will step into leadership certification. Some will simply reach out and reconnect. Every action matters.
Redwoods, this has never been about building an organization. It has always been about forming people who are more like Jesus—men and women living in truth and grace, free from the control of the shadow, courageous in love.
The Redwood Grove is growing. I’m so glad you are a part of making it so. Thank you God for the Redwood reading this newsletter. Checking out Blessed!
Ministry Updates
Thank you for your generosity!
I am so thankful for each of you who helped Crucible finish 2025 strong by making an end-of-year gift to the ministry. Especially thankful for Redwood John Ivan, whose $25,000 matching gift challenge to 2 year program graduates led to gifts totaling over $31,000. I’m thankful for the gifts to the Blaine Palmer Fund (link to article) and the many gifts that support keeping our work financially accessible in 2026. If you haven’t set up a gift for 2026, you can do that now.
Our 20th Year of Ministry
The Crucible Project celebrates our 20th year of ministry in 2026. You’ll find another article of the earliest days of Crucible in this edition. Look for an article sharing our history in every newsletter this year.
New Beginnings in 2026
Each new year holds new promise for us. How will you plan your personal impact this year. As you get into action on any new goals or resolutions, remember that transformation is not an event, but rather a process. If we can help connect you with a group, or a coach, let us know!
Selling verses Sharing
Like me, I’m sure you know a few folks in your circle of influence who would benefit from a Crucible retreat. Inviting someone to a Crucible retreat can sometimes feel daunting. The pressure to have the conversation can sometimes feel like a sales pitch. Hopefully my thoughts about the difference between selling and sharing can help reduce your anxiety so you can continue to help others experience this powerfully transformative retreat.
Scheduling 2026
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Annual Gathering scheduled hosted by the Houston Community at West Houston Church of Christ, June 26 & 27. Catch up on the exciting news about what is happening in Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry Come volunteer to staff one of the 2026 retreats that are listed on the Women’s and Men’s pages. Plan your attendance at one of the online or in person leader trainings.
Prayer Request
Please keep our Redwoods across the United States and across the globe in your payers. Pray for the over 1,000 who will be leaving their families to volunteer staff one or more of the almost 70 retreats scheduled this year. Pray that God will bring participants to fill every bed and backjack. Pray that God will use Crucible for renewing of minds and hearts, healing of relationships, and developing deep friendships. Pray that God will provide the finances for Crucible to not only serve well this year, but sustain the ministry for the next generation. Your prayers for me, and for all the many leaders and staff within Crucible.
Thank you!
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.
Join the Team
If you’ve ever wondered about what it would be like to be on the staff team, we have an opening. Our part-time men’s ministry assistant position is vacant. Who do you know would be a good candidate to support Men’s Ministry focusing on Community Development? Contact us for the full job description and join the staff team supporting volunteers across the Men’s communities.
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