2022-2023 Interns

Hello everyone,

Quick update as we head into Easter Weekend at the creek. These last couple of months have been full steam ahead. My internship experience so far has been full of learning, and growth both spiritually & intellectually. One of the books we read as a class called Amplified Leadership has been really impactful, especially regarding the work we do in production. The teachings were super insightful. One of my biggest takeaways from Amplified Leadership was, “you shouldn’t make changes, just to change things” or in other words, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Also, another point that led out of that statement was, “when you do make a change, if nobody says anything, it probably didn’t need to be changed in the first place”. This can be tough to navigate in production as we are always coming up with new creative ideas as well as making adjustments on the fly to help create a distraction-free environment for others to connect to Christ. This reminds me, most recently I completed a Working Genius assessment. There are 6 types of Working Geniuses (Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity) that help individuals and teams identify in what aspects of the work lifecycle they find joy and fulfillment, and in what others they find frustrations. My top 2 Working Genius that give me energy and fulfillment in work are Wonder - identifying the need to improve or change, involving the ability to ponder and speculate, questioning the state of things, and asking questions that often provoke answers and action. Secondly, Discernment – assessing the merit and workability of the idea or solution. It is related to instinct, intuition, and uncanny judgment having the ability to assess an idea or situation, even without a lot of data or expertise. Knowing my working genius gives me, as well as others, the ability to see where I thrive in the working environment. This has been extremely helpful in the development of my position under Sean McGee – Perrysburg’s Director of Production.

Recently, the other interns and I took a trip to Nashville to check out Cross Point Church. This was a great bonding experience we had, especially as a team. It’s not often we all have time carved out in our busy lives to connect as we did. Not only was this a great chance to connect with each other, but this was also a chance to see how another church operates. We had the opportunity to network with our counterparts, pray for one another, and experience life together. Nashville was extremely eye-opening, especially seeing the culture shift compared to the culture we have in Perrysburg. Nashville definitely has a special place in my heart but overall, I came out of this experience grateful for where I am and what we do here at CedarCreek. As often as churches feed off one another, Cedar Creek is truly one of a kind.

So as my internship experience comes to a close, there are still many great things to come. Recent work developments with Sean has me stepping into leading our team more. Whether that be leading our team huddles, producing our weekly service, or other administrative duties such as scheduling our team on a monthly basis and handling all email communications. Such developments have called for me to step away from leading and growing our Oregon campus production team. Nonetheless, these recent development is allowing me to better utilizes my gifts and abilities.

Stay tuned, this final leg as an Intern has so much more to come including our FILO (First In Last Out) conference in Chicago.

Thank you all for your support on this journey,

God bless!

- Ryan S

P.S. – Photo is from when we updated our wall most recently. Installing LED panels/updating our wall is one way we keep things fresh around the creek (:

Hello all, 

Boy did we ring in the new year right. The start of this new year has been such a blessing and what better way to start off the year than with 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. If you’re not familiar with either I would love to explain from my perspective. 12 days in, I have prioritized prayer every morning and evening before I go to bed. It’s a space for me to focus on God and bring everything I have before him so he can use me in ways some would dare to imagine. 

Fasting consists of letting go of something, anything that takes your focus away from God. You may find others who like to share their fasting experience as it may help hold them accountable. However, I DO NOT. By all means though, if you need help holding yourself accountable. Go ahead and share your experience with others. Tread lightly though, as it can be easy to shame someone for not sharing their experience with you. Again, for me, It’s personal and for me and God alone.

Another thing that I didn’t quite understand at the beginning was fasting. After learning more about it I have found myself in the past, fasting when I notice something going before my relationship with God. However, I have a new understanding and appreciation for it as I am not doing it alone. There are so many others around me, throughout our church who participate, and through this, I believe the power in it is much stronger. 

So a few things are happening or have happened here in the month of January. We talked about one, but let me share some others with you. First things first, the RETREAT we took as a class out to the Maumee Bay Lodge off lake Erie. My experience was a little different than the other interns as I had to leave shortly after checking in, in order to make the 45-minute drive down to Bowling Green (BG). At this time, it was the first week of classes and if you miss the 1st day the professor drops students from the class. At first, I was pretty upset I had to leave but on my way down to BG, God gave me a sign. On a dark gloomy day, the only light in the sky was shining down on Bowling Green. This reminded me that my journey isn’t going to be like anyone else's. Why did I need reassurance? I don’t know, it’s easy to fall into feeling like you’re not doing the right thing when you divert from the plan that was originally planned for you. Anyways, when I returned to the lodge after class around 8 pm, I ended up putting aside any second guesses. I went down to the pool and soaked in the hot tub for a good 30 minutes. Man, what a treat. I took that time to tend to my needs and just relax. This was exactly what I needed at just the right time. Overall, the retreat was beautiful and what I enjoyed most was on our way back to Perrysburg a few of us met and went to brunch. Those are the moments I find really special. It’s not often we all have time set aside in our busy lives to get together and get to know one another on a deeper level. Here, I have attached a group photo of us interns we took at the start of the internship. These are the people I have the privilege to grow and serve alongside here at CedarCreek and I couldn’t think of a better group to have by my side on this Life-Changing Adventure with Jesus. 

There are so many more things I could go on to share. Like stepping over into Oregon to help lead and grow a production team or my endeavors at BGSU where I have been selected to participate in The Hatch 2023. Speaking of The Hatch. The Hatch is a mirror image of Shark Tank. Participants, such as myself, had to submit an idea and through this semester-long immersive program presenting our ideas on the big stage in front of a panel of investors giving them an opportunity to invest in our businesses. It was through this selection process that I found meaning in the phrase “All Glory To God”. Today, I understand this more than ever. I cannot take credit for all the good in my life. I am just a servant, a Shepard, a son, of the holy father himself. 

Thank you, for taking time out of your day to read my blog. It’s those of you who have invested the time and resources God has given you into not only me but this program to ultimately expand His Kingdom. I am so proud to partner with each and every one of you. 

God Bless, 

Ryan Schoenike 

Hello All, 

Forgive me for the delay not writing my November blog post. It has always been my intention to combine both November/December blogs into one. Why? That’s a great question and we will get there but first, let me tell you a little story on how two simple questions not only changed my life’s trajectory but have the power to change someone else’s for the better. For those of you who don’t know, this is Mrs. Cindy Casey and I am so excited to share this part of my journey with you. Nearly three years ago on a service the weekend after Christmas was my first time stepping through the doors here at CedarCreek. Three years ago, Cindy noticed this oddball (me) out of a group of Volunteers. I was standing in a huddle, having no idea who any of these people were I just happened to show up a little early for services that Sunday. Anyways, once the huddle was over, I remember Cindy walking over to me and asking, “Who are you, and how long have you been coming to CedarCreek?” What I know now that I didn’t know before was how much I stuck out, even though I was trying to blend in lol Moral of the story is it’s easy to forget this time of year with all the holiday shopping and tedious work to be done in preparation for family gatherings and holiday services that we miss what God has planned for us, planned for me more specifically. It’s this time of year I search for Ryan standing alone in a place unfamiliar, in a lobby full of people he doesn’t know.

Now, I know a good shepherd’s always looking for these circumstances, but it’s weekend services such as Christmas when tasks start piling up and deadlines approach when I need to remind myself to keep watch for those who need someone such as myself. Someone who has been in their shoes to come alongside them and ultimately be a good shepherd. So, thank you, Cindy. You are a blessing and an inspiration in so many ways. I believe you’ve had one of the greatest impacts on my life which has ultimately taught me the single most important part of the mission which is to expand the kingdom of God and invite others on this life-changing adventure with Jesus. I can never repay this type of gift but know you are a gift from God himself and I am forever grateful.

Now to answer the question, why combine November/December's blogs into one? So much has happened in the past couple of months. Seems like a given, right? One of my biggest concerns starting this internship while being enrolled full-time at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was being able to manage my tasks and schedule effectively. November specifically gave me a run for sure. I felt the pressure big time, feeling the weight of continuous growth no matter the room I step into. Feelings like not being at my best due to the pressure but what I realized is in this season I am not going to be my best. God has given me many opportunities to challenge myself to ultimately learn and grow. The true test will come in this next phase as I start school again here on the 9th of January. I believe I will see similar opportunities that will challenge me in ways that may feel redundant. However, what I see ahead are opportunities for me to improve, such as how I view successes. Feel free to leave a message in the comments, I would love to hear some of your challenges and how you define success as well. For me, success is found through reflection. Looking back to where you started, where you ended up, and what you could have done differently so when the opportunity presents itself again did you make progress? To me, that’s a success. We have a saying around the creek and that’s to celebrate progress. As we bring on a new year I want to remind all of us to have a progressive state of mind, that in progress you will find those successes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, I hope you found value in it as I have found value in writing it.

P.S. I almost forgot. If you reference the photo, you see me and Cindy holding up #1s. Come to find out through the enneagram test we took as an intern class. Cindy and I both are number 1s, super random haha. God never ceases to amaze me in ways I’ll never be able to explain, God Bless.

Hey… Check out who I met this past Halloweekend. It’s Carl from the movie UP! haha… All jokes aside I wanted to take a second and give a BIG shout out this month to the man who encouraged me to apply for the internship here at CedarCreek. So, for those of you who don’t know him, this is Sean. Sean’s had a great deal of influence on my life as not only my friend but also a mentor and supervisor. Crazy to think I’m writing this month’s update because of his encouragement to apply. Sean has been one of my biggest supporters since before my internship journey began. I joined the production team back in early 2021 and has been a huge factor in my personal development, growth, and successes not only around the creek but in my personal life as well. If I am being honest, I walked through those doors in rough shape and Sean knew right away what I needed and that was a friend. What I see now that I didn’t before is the way God uses him to shepherd those around him and is just one of the things, I admire about him. His interpersonal skills are a gift, pouring into others, and caring for their wellbeing is an admiration. It’s been a total blessing being guided under his leadership and I have learned so much thus far one being what it truly takes to lead a team well. I know this because I had the honor to step up a couple of times to lead while Sean was away and by no means was this an easy experience. However, I was set up for success but also gave me an opportunity to step into my own. Something I was able to take away from that experience is how I was never meant to fill someone else’s shoes but rather step into my own. So, thank you, Sean. You are admirable in so many ways no words can express my gratitude.

On another note, I believe I just got done saying how fast September flew by, and here we are in November already. I can’t believe the internship is almost halfway through. You know what they say though time fly’s when you’re having fun. Speaking of fun, I would like to share with y’all how we ventured out as an internship class to our Whitehouse, Oregon, and West Toledo campuses for a weekend service. This was my first time visiting another campus outside of Perrysburg and boy what a beautiful experience that was. Not only was I able to see how what we program and deliver affects other campuses but to see how each campus carries out their weekend services is neat, to say the least. Each campus is so unique and for good reason; the people who gravitate to CedarCreek come from all different walks of life and it is something I absolutely love. The aspect of how different yet similar we are. From the people who serve, to the people who attend. I believe Christ brought us here to bond with one another and to make a difference in each and every one of our lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s blog. I also want to encourage all of my supporters to reach out and ask questions inspired by your curiosity about all that has and will be done through my experience. You play an important role in this journey as we are in this together and to better assist me on what you’d like to know more of I need your help. So please, if you’re curious and want to know more feel free to drop a comment on the page, I’ll do my best to respond in a timely fashion.

Much Love,

- Ryan K Schoenike

You may be asking yourself, why did I choose a verse from scripture to title my blog this month? Well, I don’t quite know how I would have got through this past months work load without having an honest conversation with God about where I'm at, what I'm going through and what's to come. Psalms 55:22 states "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall". If any verse could get me through this past month, it was this one. September has been a rollercoaster, super-fast with highs and lows. Our current series "Mixed Emotions" truly hits the nail on the head and sums up what I’ve been experiencing as of lately. So, what have I been up to this past month? Well for starters, I felt God placing something on my heart that he wanted me to share with others, and that’s my story.

This semester at BGSU (Bowling Green State University) I took a course in communications. Our first assignment was to give an Artifact speech to our class of about 25. The Artifact I choose to give a speech on was my “Pray First” bracelet that I received when I first started attending CedarCreek. It was in that speech I shared a major turning point in my life where I was position in a place only God could pull me out from. It was in those moments I will never forget how powerful prayer can be. I encouraged those who may not have experienced God’s grace to open their hearts to where he is leading them today as well as those who may have fallen out of the church in their transition from high school to college. That there are resources available, me being one of them for them to get connected in the local area. Finally, I wanted to leave my class with a token of faith. I brought in 25 “Pray First” bracelets for each individual to take to remind them wherever they’re at, that there is power in prayer. I share this with you my supporters because through my time so far in this internship I have already grown so much. Never would I have imagined myself standing up in front of those who believe as well as non-believers to give a speech on the power of prayer. This is only the beginning and I can’t wait to update you further on my experience and the things God is doing through and around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post as well as support me through this process. I am so grateful to have you all on my team, your thoughts, prayers and financial support is allowing me to push boundaries and be stretched further than I ever though I was capable of. I apologize for not posting a picture this month. However, this month was full of beautiful moments that weren't captured by a photo. So again, thank you so much for all your support. I can't thank you enough. 

- Ryan Schoenike

This is Matt. Matt is twelve years old, in the seventh grade, and loves to play football. On offense he plays in the Y-Slot as a Tight End, always looking for the opportunity to catch the long ball and score a touchdown for his team. However, his favorite position is on the defensive side. Matt’s favorite position is being a linebacker. He loves to attack the inside line and rush the quarterback for a sack. Matt also loves anything to do with technology. He loves technology so much that he begged his teacher for an extra computer lab class, in which he was ultimately granted. Anyone who knows Matt knows how creatively passionate he is, which leads me to my next point. Matt has been asking his mom Mary to get connected and serve with our Production Team here at the Perrysburg campus on the weekends ever since she could remember. He wants to “do it all”, she said.

When I asked Matt what area on the production team stuck out to him the most, he replied, “I’ve always wanted to be a camera operator”. If I’m not mistaken, Matt is the youngest person we’ve ever had complete growth track, where he found his spiritual gifts of Administration, Creative Communication, Faith, Hospitality, and Leadership. These gifts can tell a lot about a person, and they definitely shine through Matt. After he completed Growth Track, Matt’s next step was to officially be welcomed to our team, where I had the privilege of being his first coach on the Production Team. I saw this as a huge honor bringing in the next generation into our team by coaching him on becoming a Stationary Camera Operator.

As much as this was a great next step for Matt, it was for me as well. Before coaching Matt, I questioned my own coaching abilities, wondering if I had what it takes to properly guide, encourage, and correct those new or experienced in camera operation and what’s expected of the position. Right away, Matt excelled at the Stationary Camera position, giving me new faith that I have what it takes to introduce new DreamTeam members into our world of production.

Not only am I grateful for this confirmation, but I am also grateful for the fresh perspective and inspiration this experience with Matt has given me. Before I was pretty serious in regard to what’s expected of a Stationary Camera Operator, however, I now see the impact it can have on someone’s life. As much as there is a serious level around being a camera operator, there is a much greater purpose behind every excellent camera shot. Introducing members of our church to a passion they felt drawn to, in an area where they’re able to use their gifts and live out their purpose, is a reward in itself. These are moments you can’t put a price on.

Having the opportunity to pour into others in an area of my expertise gives me huge motivation to continue pursuing excellence and strive to better equip myself, ultimately to better serve others. So, thank you, Matt. Because of you, I have a new perspective and outlook that I can bring to our team. I thank God for placing you in my life, and I pray I can one day return the inspiration you have given me. To all my newsletter subscribers and supporters, thank you for taking the time to read my short story on how this internship at CedarCreek is allowing me the opportunity to grow and learn as well as make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you and God Bless

- Ryan Schoenike