Ever since I can remember, I’ve always gone to church. I’m a pastor’s kid, so I basically grew up in the church. I went every Sunday and sat in the front row because that’s what I was supposed to do. In 2014, that church closed down. For two and a half years, I was churchless and did not find a church to attend. I visited multiple churches in my area but never committed to any of them. I had people encouraging me to return to church and find a new one where I can belong, but I couldn’t. It was tough, painful, and a slow process to reinsert myself into the church world as a teenager.
In December 2014, I started attending a church where some of my relatives went. On Sunday mornings, I was getting a feel for what it felt like to come to church again. Next thing you know, I was going to the youth group weekly every Wednesday night and making new friends. Within the first two months of being there, I was connected and involved. I was actively serving by creating videos and taking photos for the youth group. A year later, I auditioned and began helping on the worship team.
Several years later, I started taking my faith seriously. I began having conversations with my youth pastor and small group leaders about personal faith. I started seeing how God was working through these people He put in my life. They invested time in me, helping me to rediscover my faith and build me up into a leader. During my senior year, I gave my first testimony in front of the entire youth group—an experience I’ll never forget. That night, I talked with other small group leaders and students about how they could relate to what I said. I could see how God was working through me and speaking to other people. After graduating, my youth pastor asked if I would be interested in becoming a small group leader for the 6th grade boys. During this time, I started learning more on becoming a leader and an example of Jesus.
I started seeing how God was working through these people He put in my life. They invested time in me, helping me to rediscover my faith and build me up into a leader.
Noah Lowe
Fast forward to today, I’ve been part of this church for five years now and am heavily involved. I currently work at my local church on the creative arts team, running the church’s social media. I am still actively involved in the youth group that helped shape me. Every once in a while, I give a sermon on Wednesday nights. I have continued to lead a small group and serve on the worship team. Investing time in the students and helping them is what I love most about being a leader. God’s been moving in my life recently. I believe He’s calling me to work somewhere in church ministry. Whether that’s working on social media or potentially a career as a pastor, I’m not sure at this moment.
The staff here at the church continue to invest time in me and help me figure out what my next steps are. It can be confusing trying to understand the direction God is calling you in, but He speaks to us in ways we don’t always expect. Having a community that shares the same faith matters significantly. God works through the people you surround yourself with, and I have been thankful for a church who helps me understand God’s wisdom and direction.
It can be confusing trying to understand the direction God is calling you in, but He speaks to us in ways we don’t always expect.
Noah Lowe
- Transformation Through the Eyes of a Student - November 22, 2022