Lakewood Vineyard (OH)

We live in a world obsessed with winning arguments and protecting our peace. But Jesus calls us to something harder and better: making peace. In this week's message, we dig into what shalom actually means, why peacekeeping and peacemaking aren't the same thing, and what it looks like to go first — even when it costs you.

Your phone. Your inbox. Your to-do list. Your worries. Everything is competing for your attention — and most of the time, it's winning.In this message, Matt explores what Jesus meant when he said "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." An undivided heart isn't just a spiritual ideal — it's the thing that changes how you see everything. But in a world built to distract you, how do you actually get there?

Most of us know what it feels like to be empty inside — and to reach for something that doesn't actually help. In this message from the Blessed series, we dig into Matthew 5:6, where Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. But what does that kind of hunger even look like, and what does it mean to be filled? Through honest personal story and two remarkable Old Testament prophecies, we explore the difference between looking good on the outside and being transformed from the inside out — and why the emptiness you feel might be exactly where God wants to meet you.

We spend most of our lives managing how people see us — projecting confidence, competence, the good life. Then Jesus opens his most famous sermon and says the people who've stopped doing all of that are the blessed ones. What if the entrance to everything God offers isn't achievement — it's admitting you have nothing to bring? Week 1 of the Blessed series from Lakewood Vineyard Church.

The disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus. They watched him die. When the women came back saying he'd risen, they couldn't go there. Not again. The risk of hoping one more time—and being wrong again—felt too high.If you've been there, this Easter message is for you. Pastor Matt explores what it looks like to open the door to hope when everything in you says it's too dangerous. We'll dig into the real reasons the disciples doubted, why Peter chose to wonder, and what it means that Jesus meets us in our fear, our shame, and our hesitation.

Have you ever felt like you're holding everything together — and terrified of what happens if you stop? In this episode, Matt Shetler walks through Psalm 23 and discovers it's not the comfort psalm we think it is. It's a trust psalm. One that meets us in the valley, calls us by name, and reminds us that we were never meant to be our own shepherd.

Why does God seem so comfortable with people praising him? And why do so many of us struggle to do it? In this episode, Pastor Matt digs into Psalm 33 and explores what worship actually is — and why our desire to hold onto control might be what's getting in the way. Spoiler: we don't worship God because he needs it. We worship him because when we see who he really is, it's the only response that makes sense.

When life feels unstable, Psalm 46 reminds us of a powerful truth:Refuge isn't found in a life that never shakes— it's found in a God who never leaves.In this message, we explore how God meets us in the middle of chaos and how we can take simple, faithful steps forward—even when nothing feels certain.Note: A brief audio interruption occurred during the original recording. The missing section has been restored for this podcast version.

In this message from Psalm 136, we explore the unchanging faithfulness of God. Throughout Israel's story—creation, deliverance from Egypt, and provision in the wilderness—the repeated refrain reminds us that “His faithful love endures forever.” This episode reflects on how God remains Creator, Deliverer, and Sustainer, even when life feels uncertain or difficult. Wherever you find yourself today—seeking God's goodness, needing freedom, or learning to trust Him in the wilderness—this conversation invites you to remember and respond to God's enduring love.

In this special anniversary service, Pastor Matt reflects on Joshua 3–4 and the “stones of remembrance.” As we celebrate six years as a church and the close of 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we share stories of healing, answered prayer, and God's faithfulness among us — and pray over the Gearharts as they prepare to plant a new church in Tremont.When we remember what God has done, it gives us courage for what's ahead.

What kind of impact will your life leave behind?In this message from our Becoming a River Church series, we explore how God's life is meant to flow through us—not stop with us. Drawing from Matthew 28:16–20 and 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT), we look at Jesus' Great Commission and discover that He gave it to ordinary, imperfect people—some who were still doubting.The call to “make disciples” isn't about having all the answers or being spiritually impressive. It's about passing on what we've received. Just like a river brings life wherever it flows, God invites us to invest in others in simple, relational ways that multiply over time.If you've ever felt unqualified to share your faith, this message is for you. Jesus' promise still stands: “I am with you always.”Let's become a river—together.

What if real impact doesn't come from big, impressive moments—but from ordinary faithfulness? In The Power of Small, part of our Becoming a River Church series, we explore how God's life flows through everyday practices like prayer, listening, shared meals, and simple acts of service—and how showing up right where you are can bring real, lasting change.

What if following God isn't about striving harder, but about learning to pay closer attention?In Part 4 of our Becoming a River Church series, we explore how God invites us to live in step with Him—not by forcing outcomes, but by noticing where He is already at work and joining Him there. Drawing from Ezekiel's vision of a life-giving river and the example of Jesus, this message unpacks how God still guides His people today through relationship.We look at how Jesus modeled dependence on the Father, why God often speaks more quietly than we expect, and the everyday ways the Holy Spirit leads—through Scripture, gentle promptings, trusted community, and attentiveness to God's presence.This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen, and rediscover the freedom of doing what we see the Father doing.

Join us as we explore the  call to spiritual depth, drawing  metaphors from the simple, yet profound lessons of learning to swim and navigating deep waters. Discover how deep waters are not just a cause for caution but also a space for safety and greater capacity in the journey of faith.Episode Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:13 - Becoming a River Church00:00:41 - The Importance of Deep Water For Swimming00:06:34 - Ezekiel: A River of Life00:09:38 - Ezekiel and Second Peter: Growth Is Possible00:13:19 - His Divine Power Has Given Us Everything We Need for a godly00:19:07 - Slow Growth in the Kingdom00:24:03 - Ezekiel 3: Stay in the River00:29:29 - 2 Peter: Invest in Me00:34:23 - Brotherly Love: When Things Get Hard, We Invest in It00:38:30 - Peter: Growth is Beautiful00:41:42 - ConclusionAs you listen, consider where you are in your own spiritual journey—are you treading water at the surface or are you ready to dive into deeper waters?

Please join us as Pastor Matt discusses becoming a River Church

Please join us as Pastor Matt discusses becoming a River Church

Join us as Pastor Matt talks about a season of prayer and fasting

Join us as Pastor Matt wraps up our Advent Series

Join us as Pastor Wendy continues our Advent series "All Things New"

Join us as Pastor Matt continues our Advent series, "All Things New"

Please join us as Pastor Wendy kicks off our Advent series

Please join us as Pastor Matt wraps up our series, Open Hands

Join us as Pastor Matt leads a panel with Catherine Golladay and Tom Wadsworth

Join us as Pastor Matt begins our new series, 'Open Hands'

Join us as Pastor Matt continues our series, 'Rooted'

Join us as Pastor Wendy continues our current series, "Rooted"

Join us as Pastor Matt kicks off our new series, "Rooted"

Join us as we hear a guest preacher, Pastor Christan Root of Grove City Vineyard, continue our series "Hunger & Thirst".

Join us as Pastor Matt continues our series, "Hunger and Thirst"

Please join us as Pastor Matt continues our series, "Hunger and Thirst"

Join us as Pastor Matt continues our series, "Hunger and Thirst"

Join us as Pastor Matt kicks off our new series, "Hunger and Thirst"

Join us as Pastor Wendy wraps up our series, "Jesus is Greater".

Pastor Matt continues our series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Matt continues our new series, "Jesus is Greater"

Luke Nickel continues our series, "Jesus is Greater"

Dave Purvis continues our series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Wendy continues our sermon series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Matt continues our sermon series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Wendy continues our series, "Jesus is Greater"

Tom Wadsworth continues our series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Matt kicks off our new series, "Jesus is Greater"

Pastor Wendy continues our series Unsung Women of the Bible with Lydia

Tom Wadsworth delivers a special Father's Day message

Pastor Matt continues our series Unsung Women of the Bible with Phoebe.

Pastor Wendy continues our series Unsung Women of the Bible with Rizpah

Pastor Matt kicks off our new series Unsung Women of the Bible with Deborah

Cyd Holsclaw joins us for a special episode where she guides us through a practice that can help us wire our brains for joy, and return to feeling seen, known, and understood by God:  Immanuel Journaling.  Episode Resources:Book on Immanuel Journaling:  Joyful JourneySample Immanuel Journaling SheetImmanuel Journaling Group Sharing ProcessYou can find more about Cyd at:www.cydholsclaw.comThe Center for Embodied Faith Check out her podcast along with her husband, Dr. Geoff Holsclaw: Attaching to God 

Special guest speaker Cyd Holsclaw completes our series on Joy.

Pastor Wendy helps us understand what joy really is, and how we can experience it in the midst of other emotions.