In this message, I shared my personal journey of faith, highlighting the moments of doubt and rediscovery that have shaped my relationship with Jesus. Growing up in a Christian home, I initially embraced my faith but faced significant doubts during high school. I questioned the reality of my beliefs, feeling a deep sense of emptiness despite outward success and popularity. It was through the transformation of a close friend, John, who found purpose and meaning in Christ, that I began to reconsider my skepticism. His genuine faith journey inspired me to explore my own beliefs, leading me back to a meaningful relationship with Jesus.

This journey of rediscovery was not just about personal faith but also about finding purpose in serving others. I recounted how God called me to listen to the cries of high school students and share His love with them, which led me to volunteer in youth ministry. This experience opened doors to various roles in ministry, including worship and creative leadership, where I found fulfillment in serving others and using my talents for God's glory.

I emphasized the importance of serving as an integral part of our walk with Jesus. Serving is not just an additional activity but a core aspect of our faith journey. It is through serving others that we often find our own needs met and our faith strengthened. I shared stories of individuals in our creative team who have experienced this truth firsthand, discovering that as they give of themselves, they are filled with a deeper sense of purpose and joy.

Moreover, I encouraged everyone to consider the diverse opportunities available to serve within the church, from creative arts to online engagement. These opportunities not only allow us to use our gifts but also to grow in our faith and connect with others in meaningful ways. Whether it's through music, social media, or leading a group, each act of service is a chance to experience God's presence and purpose in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. **Rediscovering Faith Through Doubt**: Doubt can be a powerful catalyst for rediscovering faith. My journey from skepticism to belief was sparked by witnessing the genuine transformation in a friend's life, reminding us that God often uses the faith of others to draw us back to Him. [10:50]

2. **The Power of Serving Others**: Serving is not just an additional task but a vital part of our spiritual journey. As we serve others, we often find our own needs met and our faith strengthened, experiencing the fulfillment that comes from living out our purpose. [37:47]

3. **Embracing Opportunities to Serve**: There are countless ways to serve within the church, each offering a unique opportunity to use our gifts and grow in faith. Whether through creative arts, online engagement, or leading a group, serving allows us to connect with God and others in meaningful ways. [41:47]

4. **Finding Purpose in Community**: Being part of a community that encourages and supports our faith journey is crucial. Through shared experiences and opportunities to serve, we discover our purpose and the joy of living out our faith together. [48:17]

5. **The Kingdom Principle of Sacrifice**: Laying down our lives for Christ leads to true fulfillment. As we surrender our desires and embrace opportunities to serve, we find the meaning and purpose we seek, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises. [57:52]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:18] - Personal Introduction
[09:23] - Early Faith and Doubts
[10:50] - Rediscovering Faith Through a Friend
[20:16] - Calling to Serve in Ministry
[37:21] - Creating an Environment of Permission
[37:47] - The Power of Serving Others
[41:47] - Opportunities to Serve
[48:17] - Growth Through Leadership
[57:52] - The Kingdom Principle of Sacrifice

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
1. James 2:14-17 - Faith and Works
2. 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Using Gifts to Serve Others
3. Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love

---

**Observation Questions:**

1. What were the key moments of doubt and rediscovery in the pastor's faith journey, and how did they shape his relationship with Jesus? [10:50]

2. How did the transformation of the pastor's friend, John, influence the pastor's own journey back to faith? [10:50]

3. What role did serving in youth ministry play in the pastor's journey of rediscovery and finding purpose? [20:16]

4. How did members of the creative team experience fulfillment and joy through serving, according to the sermon? [37:47]

---

**Interpretation Questions:**

1. How can doubt serve as a catalyst for rediscovering one's faith, as seen in the pastor's story? [10:50]

2. In what ways does serving others strengthen one's faith and meet personal needs, according to the sermon? [37:47]

3. How does the pastor's journey illustrate the importance of community in finding purpose and joy in faith? [48:17]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between laying down one's life for Christ and finding true fulfillment? [57:52]

---

**Application Questions:**

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you navigate through it, and what helped you rediscover your faith? [10:50]

2. Consider the ways you are currently serving others. How has this impacted your faith journey and personal fulfillment? [37:47]

3. Identify a specific area within the church where you feel called to serve. What steps can you take to get involved and use your gifts for God's glory? [41:47]

4. Think about a person in your life whose faith journey has inspired you. How can you encourage and support them in their walk with Jesus? [10:50]

5. How can you create an environment of permission and encouragement for others to serve and grow in their faith? [37:21]

6. Reflect on the concept of laying down your life for Christ. What desires or opportunities might you need to surrender to experience the abundant life Jesus promises? [57:52]

7. How can you actively participate in building a community that supports and encourages each other's faith journeys? [48:17]

Day 1: Rediscovering Faith Through Doubt
Doubt can often feel like a barrier to faith, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for rediscovery. When faced with skepticism, it is important to remember that questioning can lead to a deeper understanding and a more authentic relationship with God. Witnessing the genuine transformation in someone else's life can serve as a reminder of God's presence and power. This journey of rediscovery is not about having all the answers but about being open to the possibility that God is working in ways we may not yet understand. [10:50]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How can you use that experience to deepen your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Power of Serving Others
Serving others is not merely an additional task but a vital part of our spiritual journey. It is through acts of service that we often find our own needs met and our faith strengthened. When we serve, we align ourselves with God's purpose, experiencing fulfillment and joy. Serving others allows us to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating God's love and compassion to those around us. This act of giving not only benefits those we serve but also enriches our own spiritual lives. [37:47]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person in your community who could use your help this week. How can you serve them in a way that reflects God's love?


Day 3: Embracing Opportunities to Serve
The church offers countless opportunities to serve, each providing a unique chance to use our gifts and grow in faith. Whether through creative arts, online engagement, or leading a group, these opportunities allow us to connect with God and others in meaningful ways. Embracing these opportunities not only helps us develop our talents but also strengthens our sense of community and purpose. By stepping into these roles, we can experience God's presence and purpose in our lives. [41:47]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one gift or talent you have that you can use to serve in your church or community? How can you take a step to use it this week?


Day 4: Finding Purpose in Community
Being part of a community that encourages and supports our faith journey is crucial. Through shared experiences and opportunities to serve, we discover our purpose and the joy of living out our faith together. Community provides a space for growth, accountability, and encouragement, helping us to stay grounded in our beliefs. It is within this supportive environment that we can explore our faith, serve others, and find fulfillment in our spiritual journey. [48:17]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a supportive community within your church or group? What steps can you take to encourage others in their faith journey?


Day 5: The Kingdom Principle of Sacrifice
Laying down our lives for Christ leads to true fulfillment. As we surrender our desires and embrace opportunities to serve, we find the meaning and purpose we seek. This principle of sacrifice is central to the Christian faith, reminding us that true life is found in giving ourselves for the sake of others. By embracing this kingdom principle, we experience the abundant life that Jesus promises, discovering joy and fulfillment in serving God and others. [57:52]

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender to God? How can you begin to let go and trust Him with it today?

"like you're insane like this is not what is happening so I'm like oh yeah I am insane like this is crazy like so along with that I had this deep you know desire like any high schooler would but just really to needing to fit in and um I had a real craving for uh to be known but uh at the time I think it was more of a surface level like I just want to be popular I just want to be known sort of maybe not necessarily deeply known but just I just want people to know who I am um because that would make me feel better about myself so I had some like deep sort of um insecurities in that way and so I found that in high school just like wow a lot of people know me now I have this I have that I if you were to see my life you'd probably think okay that kid's like kind of got everything they would want but I just had this deep longing like this deep emptiness this deep loneliness of like wait is there something more like does somebody is there somebody who really could know the true me uh who even is the true me um and and I was feeling like kind of purposeless like a purposeless in that phase it was like okay I have all this that I thought I needed and thought I you know would make me happy and yet I am like deeply miserable" [00:20:07] (74 seconds)


"all kinds of crazy stuff. But anyway, it's been really amazing. But that was kind of my entry to Jesus and to ministry." [00:23:17] (6 seconds)


"I think is huge. Right. When you think about like how we all got involved in ministry or our listeners that are tuning in. Like when was the first time they ever felt like God could use my life? Maybe God could. Maybe God could, you know, because oftentimes we we don't start there. We start with God can never use me. And so I just love that. Maybe that was the first time, you know, that that kid had. So and we're hoping that we can create not just a first time for one person, but like a first time that people feel that like we hope there would be like 100 stories of that. It's like this is my first time, you know. Yeah. So I asked a couple of people that serve with the creative team. I'm like, you know, what? What is a way that God's grown you as a follower? Of Jesus or what does it feel like to be used by God? And one gal named Janelle, she serves with the creative team with music." [00:37:58] (49 seconds)


"And she said that I try to present to God the best sound I can make. She's this amazing cello player. She's like world class. She just comes and volunteers and she joins the worship team and plays along. And she says, best sound I can make to connect with others while doing so, because music is my language to express love for God. And love for others. I thought, well, what a cool angle that as she's serving in the creative team in that way, it's the way that she's loving God and loving other people. And it's behind what we do is this this motivation to to love. And I love that. I was like, oh, that's that's that's beautiful that it's really about the Lord and about other people. It's not about even though she's so amazing and could all be about her. She's just directing it upward and outward to people. And then she said, God's taught me that. Serving is not an additional, but rather an integral part of my walk with Jesus. Life can become busy, which we all know in the Bay Area. Our listeners know. But I've discovered that it's during those busier weeks of serving that my faith strengthens by relying on God more and that by serving others, my own needs get fulfilled." [00:38:47] (69 seconds)


"So that was the other like, wow, she just is hitting at such a major principle of what we're talking about in terms of opportunities to serve is that when we serve others, all of a sudden, this deep need inside. Us is like met. It's like we really are created to love and serve other people. And when it's inward about ourselves, we never get that. It's just a never ending sort of black hole of like, I can't ever get that kind of fulfillment I'm after, even though everything around us says, no, it's about you. And it's about using everybody around you and everything around you to make it, you know, to make yourself feel better or whatever advance. And this is the opposite. It's like as you give yourself. Away, you actually end up feeling filled up. And so I love that. That's just one example of somebody who's serving in our teams that is experiencing that as they give their their talent, their skill, their time, their sacrifice away." [00:40:27] (59 seconds)


"I was going to share. I don't know that there's a greater way for someone to grow in their faith than to lead a group. Like, you know, because we've had that experience. Like all of a sudden we're entrusted with leading a group and we're like, oh, this is scary. What's going to happen? And then how much more we actually grow as we're helping others and as we're like maybe sharing some of the content or teaching or facilitating some of it. We're like, whoa, I'm actually I'm growing in my own love for God and love for people and love for his word. And so it's like I'm thinking of the listener who's just like if they're feeling kind of stagnant in their life or their walk with Jesus, like this would be a huge sort of growth, you know, moment for them if they were to step in and lead as scary as it is. But when they step when you step in and lead, if you're listening and you're like, man, maybe that's me. You will be amazed at how God shows up and grows you through it. It's just it's just a really fun experience. Your faith kind of comes alive in a new way." [00:48:17] (57 seconds)


"We're asking something for you. Of course, Jesus asks us for our life. He says, you know, be crucified with Christ. And so yes, like Jesus asks us for everything. And yet as we lay it down, we find what we're really after. Like he fills us up with that meaning and that purpose. And it's just like, whoa, it's just this interesting thing that happens. It's for this kingdom and principle of like, I'm going to say, I'm going to lay my life down and say yes to whatever this opportunity might be that he's like stirring me to do, whether it's like lead a group or, you know, help with students or help with, you know, creative team. Those are just a few examples. There's hundreds of ways to serve in this church and outside this church. And as we do that, what we discover is like, wow, this is lighting me up, you know? And so anyway, excited for people and what will happen in their lives as they take a step." [00:57:52] (48 seconds)

Represent. Represent. All right, the guys. Okay. My name is Josh Fox, and I have the privilege of getting to serve as our creative director at Menlo Church. I have been in this role for maybe three months or so. I came on as a worship leader for our Menlo Park campus and helping oversee our weekend services, and now getting the opportunity and privilege to lead our creative team, which is an amazing team made up of our communications director, our digital engagement director, who is hosting this very thing and created this whole deal here, Mark Moronishi, our worship teams at all of our campuses, our production director, who is also here helping make this happen, and our weekend experience team.

And so it's just been really an awesome thing. I get to work with Jess to help. I get to help our team, and it's been a thrill. Right here? Oh, look at Scotty. My goodness, and then here's Joan. Wow. Can we get these blown up? Yeah. I want door-sized posters. Okay. I better not touch that. Had the Magnum PI. Yep. Yes. Oh, it's just, he rocked that for several years. Yes. Doctors, wow. What like what just the energy of it, just the energy of it.

But what athlete would you have? Oh, that's a good question too. Are you walking off of like a baseball field, a basketball court? Like, oh wow, that's amazing. Like get off of the wave and then the song plays. Yeah, little miss little. Wow, Josh is so here for it. I'm so, I like, I love that visual, Mark.

Yeah, right. Josh, my father-in-law is like an amazing golfer. Like he literally wins tournaments and things like this, and I am absolutely horrible. He has tried a couple of times. He's like taking me to the, you know, the batting, I mean the, um, driving. Driving, right, thank you. Driving the batting cage? Nope, not that. And he's, you know, only a couple of times, and then he's kind of like, okay, you're done. Like he hasn't invited me back. Like there's no hope.

So yeah, so like if I could just be amazing at that, like, you know, like I just get the winning putt or whatever that's like super far and it drops in. And then I don't know what song would pull. Like the first song that came to my mind is like, "Hey man, I'm a rock star, I'm a rock star, I'm a rock star, I'm a rock star, I'm a rock star, I'm a rock star, get paid." Like whatever that, yeah, Smash Mouth, thank you. But I also love, like I love Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." Like whenever they did the Olympics, like those trailers, I'd get like teary-eyed, so I could see that too.

Like I make, then it's like I see. It's really, yeah, yeah. You score a goal? Yep. Right, what a powerful story. I know I cannot follow that. I hope there's something you got. I like, um, I grew up in a Christian home similar to Megan, just parents that love Jesus. And so I remember at a young age saying I want to rest Jesus. So I do remember that, and I remember having, you know, a relationship with God in my, as a kid.

But I also remember a time in high school where I just thought, I don't think this is real. I don't think any of this is real, and I don't see. I think this is something maybe my folks sort of made up to make life okay and bearable. And so, and none of my friends at the time were, I was, you know, at a public high school. Most of my friends that I was, you know, hanging, like that sounds insane. You would believe in this Jewish carpenter who claims to have, you know, risen from the dead or whatever.

Like you're insane. Like this is not what is happening. So I'm like, oh yeah, I am insane. Like this is crazy. So along with that, I had this deep, you know, desire like any high schooler would, but just really needing to fit in. And I had a real craving to be known, but at the time I think it was more of a surface level. Like I just want to be popular. I just want to be known, sort of maybe not necessarily deeply known, but just I just want people to know who I am, because that would make me feel better about myself.

So I had some deep sort of insecurities in that way, and so I found that in high school just like, wow, a lot of people know me now. I have this, I have that. If you were to see my life, you'd probably think, okay, that kid's like kind of got everything they would want. But I just had this deep longing, this deep emptiness, this deep loneliness of like, wait, is there something more? Like does somebody, is there somebody who really could know the true me? Who even is the true me?

And I was feeling like kind of purposeless, like a purposeless in that phase. It was like, okay, I have all this that I thought I needed and thought I, you know, would make me happy, and yet I am like deeply miserable. If you were to really kind of, you know, dig down. And so that's when I was like, what is life about? And I was kind of going into this like weird, you know, existential crisis. Like here I am, 16 years old, and I'm like, what is the meaning of life?

And I couldn't shake it. I couldn't shake those questions. They would keep me up at night. They were like haunting me. And I just kind of got to that point of like, if there is no purpose, like then why? Like why live, right? So I, it sounds kind of dark, but that's where I was going. And I had a very, very close friend who we were like partying together on the weekends, and then he would drive, you know, we would sneak, I would sneak out of the house and hang out with like, you know, him and friends and whatever.

And then we'd like, I'd spend the night at his place, and then we'd, you know, go to church the next morning and be like, yeah, we're okay, and kind of trying to convince our parents that we were not living this crazy life. And he gave his life to Jesus, just totally changed his life. Like God just drew him to himself and changed this guy's life. His name is John Ball, and John started to share like his faith, not in a weird way, but he was just sharing his faith, just that how real God is in his life and what God's doing in his life and how God's giving him purpose and meaning and how his life is changing.

I'm just like, oh my gosh, are you kidding me? Like dude, like really? Like this is, you know, how is this real? And he's like, this is not just what our parents, you know, have sort of forced on, you know, tried to get us to believe. This is actually real. And so that was the first time I was like, wow, if God is working in my friend's life in this way, maybe there's something to this.

And that's what led me on a journey to lean in and see what, you know, who Jesus was all about. And obviously, as I know now, like God was like using all that to draw me back to himself and show me that he is very real and wants to do some neat things in and through my life. So that was, yeah, that's kind of how I redirected to Jesus at that time.

Ministry stuff, I can remember living in San Diego and having a weekend by myself. I'm a very social person, so it was like, but I just felt like I just needed to be by myself that weekend. A bunch of my friends were going out of town. I'm like, I'm gonna stay home. And I was in my dorm room, and I was reading through a book called "Who's Listening?" and it was all about, it was journal entries from high school students going through just the darkest of times and just sharing raw, like this is what's happening in my life, just very hard stories to read.

And as I read through it, my heart began to sense my heart breaking. I'm just like, oh my God, I'm gonna be okay, I'm gonna be okay, I'm gonna be okay, I'm gonna be okay. I'm just like, oh my gosh. And I felt like God was saying to me, "Josh, I'm listening to their cries, and I want you to tell them that I'm listening and that I love them." And I'm like, okay. And so that led me to get involved with a local church I was attending called Skyline, and I got involved with their youth ministry. I was like, hey, I'm supposed to help these students know that God's listening, right? And God loves them.

And that's kind of had my entry into volunteering with student ministry and then eventually worship stuff and then eventually creative stuff and all kinds of crazy stuff. But anyway, it's been really amazing. But that was kind of my entry to Jesus and to ministry. Menlo, that's a whole nother story. But wow, I was on a journey in Nashville with my family, which is a whole nother thing I won't go on. But I was contacted and saying, hey, do you know any worship leaders to fill in for a time at Menlo?

So I was giving them names like, hey, there's some great people, give them a call. And then as God was leading my family back to the Bay Area, I was like, huh, I wonder if they have that job opening still at Menlo. Because I was looking at a few different churches. And then my friend Josh Robertson was on staff at Menlo, and he was like, dude, you should come join us, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And so that one thing led to another, and I was like, hey, do you guys still have that role open? And they're like, sure. So I jumped in.

That's a whole nother story for another podcast. Yeah, it's been a wild ride. It's been great. Yep. We...

And the huge difference that it does, the huge difference it creates for someone who's coming for the first time. You know, to see something like a kid like that is like, welcome. They're like, yeah. Giving you something or like, oh my gosh.

I love the risk that the kid took. I also love the environment that you guys create because it's like an environment of permission giving. Like it matters. You know, it's not you're too young. But no, like God could use you, you know, and maybe for him, you know, that may have been that first moment that they thought, well, maybe God could use my life.

Yeah. I think is huge. Right. When you think about like how we all got involved in ministry or our listeners that are tuning in. Like when was the first time they ever felt like God could use my life? Maybe God could. Maybe God could, you know, because oftentimes we don't start there. We start with God can never use me.

And so I just love that. Maybe that was the first time, you know, that that kid had. So and we're hoping that we can create not just a first time for one person, but like a first time that people feel that. Like we hope there would be like 100 stories of that. It's like this is my first time, you know.

Yeah. So I asked a couple of people that serve with the creative team. I'm like, you know, what? What is a way that God's grown you as a follower of Jesus or what does it feel like to be used by God? And one gal named Janelle, she serves with the creative team with music. And she said that I try to present to God the best sound I can make. She's this amazing cello player. She's like world-class. She just comes and volunteers and she joins the worship team and plays along.

And she says, best sound I can make to connect with others while doing so, because music is my language to express love for God and love for others. I thought, well, what a cool angle that as she's serving in the creative team in that way, it's the way that she's loving God and loving other people. And it's behind what we do is this motivation to love. And I love that. I was like, oh, that's beautiful that it's really about the Lord and about other people.

It's not about, even though she's so amazing and could all be about her, she's just directing it upward and outward to people. And then she said, God's taught me that serving is not an additional, but rather an integral part of my walk with Jesus. Life can become busy, which we all know in the Bay Area. Our listeners know. But I've discovered that it's during those busier weeks of serving that my faith strengthens by relying on God more and that by serving others, my own needs get fulfilled.

So that was the other like, wow, she just is hitting at such a major principle of what we're talking about in terms of opportunities to serve is that when we serve others, all of a sudden, this deep need inside us is like met. It's like we really are created to love and serve other people. And when it's inward about ourselves, we never get that. It's just a never-ending sort of black hole of like, I can't ever get that kind of fulfillment I'm after, even though everything around us says, no, it's about you.

And it's about using everybody around you and everything around you to make it, you know, to make yourself feel better or whatever advance. And this is the opposite. It's like as you give yourself away, you actually end up feeling filled up. And so I love that. That's just one example of somebody who's serving in our teams that is experiencing that as they give their talent, their skill, their time, their sacrifice away.

They're actually like, oh, like this is what I've actually been after. It's really kind of neat. Yeah. God does that as we, as it's like, yeah, it was a good reminder. There are so many different ways that people get to serve with creative. I can think of a couple of high school students that are involved with our production, which is kind of behind the scenes. They're holding cameras. They're, you know, directing our services.

I know they're...

Yeah. No, there is.

Yeah.

Yeah. Absolutely.

Yeah. There's, which I also love. Like we want high school students, junior high students. We want them to feel like this is their church. Like they can serve or they can put on a lanyard, even if they're like an elementary kid. And so I love seeing the students that are like, let's go. Let's get behind.

So a lot of it is there's a lot of behind-the-scenes opportunities. Even with this podcast, like there's opportunities to help, you know, make this happen and, you know, allow for people listening to be encouraged and equipped. There are opportunities, obviously, like with music at all of our campuses, which is such a great, powerful vehicle for people to connect with God.

There are opportunities with photography and graphic design and some of the creative stuff. I love that, you know, we just celebrate the arts here. And we celebrate creativity. So just looking for people who have a passion for that to be involved and telling stories through the arts is just such a fun way to serve God.

And there are, what other ways are we getting to do? We get weekends. I mean, we've got our communications. We've got...

Is a big one. It was really fun. Yeah, we had a, that's another high school student story, but she's just like, I'd love to be involved helping with social media. And we're like, great, because you know way more about how this works anyway. Anyway, so teach us.

And so, you know, another opportunity for people to be involved is helping with our socials and really helping people engage that way. And then online is so key because a lot of people might not come to a worship service in person, but they'll check it out online. They'll go to the website. They'll be like, you know, I've got some questions about faith or God or, and not in this church context, but a different church context.

I was chatting with someone online. It was during COVID. And this person kept asking more and more questions about faith and Jesus and the Bible. It was like, huh? And then he's like, would you ever be open to talking with me more about this in person? And I'm like, sure, I'll call you right now. And so I call this guy, and I'm at my brother's house, and I'm outside in the front yard, and I start walking around the yard, and I end up having like over an hour and a half talking with this guy about faith.

And he ends up saying like, and I'm like, what do I do? I ask him if he wants to follow Jesus. Like it was one of these weird moments, right? Where you don't know what to do. Like, I don't want to be like, you know, pressuring this guy. I'm just like, would you want to, you know, have a relationship with Jesus? And he's like, yeah, I do. And it was almost like, really? Are you just, did someone like pay you to just encourage me today?

But it was really neat to get to pray with this kid and to realize like, you know, some people might not show up in person, but they could connect online and then be connected with the person and to a place where they're, you know, eventually like beginning a journey with God. And so I just can't stress that enough, just how important that is.

And that's a way for people to be involved because you might not be able to serve in person or maybe you feel more comfortable in the online space, but what a cool opportunity to jump in and be involved serving that way.

So I was going to share. I don't know that there's a greater way for someone to grow in their faith than to lead a group. Like, you know, because we've had that experience. Like all of a sudden we're entrusted with leading a group, and we're like, oh, this is scary. What's going to happen?

And then how much more we actually grow as we're helping others and as we're like maybe sharing some of the content or teaching or facilitating some of it. We're like, whoa, I'm actually, I'm growing in my own love for God and love for people and love for his word.

And so it's like I'm thinking of the listener who's just like, if they're feeling kind of stagnant in their life or their walk with Jesus, like this would be a huge sort of growth, you know, moment for them if they were to step in and lead as scary as it is. But when they step, when you step in and lead, if you're listening and you're like, man, maybe that's me, you will be amazed at how God shows up and grows you through it.

It's just, it's just a really fun experience. Your faith kind of comes alive in a new way.

It is you. It is you. Jump in.

Yeah. Jump in.

So, what was the question?

Oh, there's so many. I'm excited just to invite more people in, like just to have three services. That's more opportunities for people to get involved and join in and serve. I'm excited for some of the things that we're doing with our social media. And Mark Mornish is really driving this, but really excited to connect and engage people online.

So we want to be less of just, hey, we're telling people what Menlo is about or, you know, who Menlo is. But it's more about like, no, we're actually wanting to engage people and meet them where they're at and journey with them around questions of faith and growth and Jesus.

And so I'm excited for that whole team. And so if you're listening and you're like, oh, I love social media. I love engaging with people, like we would love to have people jump in and help us with that. I'm excited where we're going. We have this film. We're in this. We have this podcast studio. Well, again, Mark is driving this. We're creating an entire film studio.

And so we're going to be creating digital content for ministry, for online engagement. And so if you're listening and you're like, oh, wow, they're creating a studio. I'd love to work at a studio or like serve with a studio behind the scenes with tech or helping them think through content for the studio. Like that'd be amazing, you know?

So if you're listening and you're like, that'd be super fun, it is gonna be super fun. So that's one thing I think about like, wow, we have this amazing resource, and it'll be really fun to see people get involved and even learn. You know, somebody might have a passion for film or videography or interviewing people, and it's like, come and learn.

Like we would love to teach you. That's the other thing that I'm excited about is just having opportunities for people to get involved and learn and master something, right? We all, that just drives a lot of us, right? We want to become great at something. And so this would provide a lot of opportunities for that.

I'm excited for where we're going with our broadcast video team. We not only want to broadcast from our Menlo Park campus, but we want to be able to broadcast from any campus. And so that means like having a mobile recording whole system and going at any of our campuses and broadcasting a weekend or a creative event.

So I think about like people who love, you know, love video or love camera. I get excited about that. I get excited about our music. We're actually writing original worship songs and introducing them here and there. We have one releasing in January, and we're making a music video around that. I'm really excited about how it's going to encourage our church.

So I love, you know, where musicians can get involved and be creative and start to shape some of the future that way. Gosh, there's, you don't have to list it all. I know I can't stop. I can't stop talking about creativity.

Timeno, that's great. Yeah, I'm excited for all of it.

I love what you just said. You know, yeah, Mark said it too. Just that we're not asking something from you. We're asking something for you. Of course, Jesus asks us for our life. He says, you know, be crucified with Christ. And so yes, like Jesus asks us for everything.

And yet as we lay it down, we find what we're really after. Like he fills us up with that meaning and that purpose. And it's just like, whoa, it's just this interesting thing that happens. It's for this kingdom and principle of like, I'm gonna say, I'm gonna lay my life down and say yes to whatever this opportunity might be that he's like stirring me to do, whether it's like lead a group or, you know, help with students or help with, you know, creative team.

Those are just a few examples. There's hundreds of ways to serve in this church and outside this church. And as we do that, what we discover is like, wow, this is lighting me up, you know? And so anyway, excited for people and what will happen in their lives as they take a step.