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A year ago, we changed churches. Leaving our previous church was a very difficult decision. If the Holy Spirit hadn’t nudged me, I honestly think I’d still be there. I’ve always believed in being planted in a church – growing roots, building relationships, and serving faithfully. It was (and still is) a beautiful church, full of genuine people and powerful worship. Many dear friends remain there today. Yet, when the Holy Spirit speaks, obedience must follow.
We were led to a Pentecostal church much closer to home. That first Sunday, we walked in with trepidation – hearts fluttering with questions. What will it be like? What about the preaching? Will the worship draw us in? Will we feel like fish out of water?
In true “Sandy” fashion, I’d misread the service time. I thought church started at 8:00 a.m., when it actually began at 8:30. So, we arrived 45 minutes early and walked straight into the volunteer prayer meeting. The Senior Pastor was inviting the Holy Spirit to fill the service – and in that very moment, I knew deep in my spirit: I’m home.
One Body, Many Parts
There are so many wonderful churches out there – each with its own flavour, style, and strengths. But we’re not competitors; we’re co-labourers for Christ. Every denomination, every gathering that preaches the Good News, is part of one magnificent body.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV)
That first Sunday, a lovely lady came over to welcome us and introduced us to another woman who invited us to sit with her. By the end of the service, we’d met the Senior Pastor and a kind couple who’d later become our Connect Group Leaders. We were embraced with such genuine warmth – it felt like receiving a big, comforting hug from God Himself.
From Fear to Freedom
Despite that welcome, an old familiar feeling crept in – fear. I was drawn to the Spirit-filled atmosphere, the worship, the people, the teaching… but surrendering to new leadership was hard. I realised I was struggling to trust. I didn’t know them yet, and trust takes time to grow.
Through prayer and open conversations with a few trusted friends in the church, the Holy Spirit gently uncovered the root: fear of rejection. Deep down, I worried I wouldn’t be accepted because of my past. But that was a lie. Once I brought it into the light, it lost its power. Darkness always flees from truth.
Finding My Place
For the past year, I’d been in a season of rest – not serving, just sitting at Jesus’ feet. But recently, I felt ready to step forward again. I’ve always loved to pray; my heart’s desire is to co-labour with God in prayer and healing.
When I looked through the list of volunteer opportunities, prayer wasn’t mentioned. I understood – not every church highlights it upfront. So, I decided I’d join the Welcome Team or New Christians Team. Both are beautiful ministries of service.
Then, this past Sunday, I went to the Connect Desk to ask about volunteering. The woman at the counter just happened to be the same one who’d welcomed us and sat with us that very first Sunday. As she explained how the volunteer system worked, she asked me the area I was interested in? Then, she paused, looked at me, and said,
“Prayer. I think you’d like to pray for people.”
Tears filled my eyes.
I hadn’t even said a word – yet God knew. The very thing I thought wasn’t available was waiting there for me all along. All the lies of unworthiness and not belonging melted away in that moment. God’s kindness is overwhelming. He gives us what our hearts quietly long for.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Step In, Step Up
If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, wondering where you belong – this is your nudge. Step up. Jump in. Be part of the body of Christ. There’s a place for you – not just to serve, but to flourish.
Serving isn’t about filling a roster; it’s about fulfilling purpose. Together, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, blessing our churches, our families, our communities, and beyond.
I’d love to hear your story – where you serve and how God has blessed you through it? Please share in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
God bless you and your family. May His Spirit guide you home – just as He guided us.
Jesus 4 Generations 
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