Missions and Ministry
Serving in the Church — Seeing God’s Bigger Picture
By Deb Blane
Having grown up in the church, I’ve often found myself feeling a little intimidated by the “giants of the faith”—the people in Scripture, throughout Christian history, and even within my own church community whom God has used in remarkable ways. But when you look more closely, their stories always include something deeper and beautifully ordinary.
They were real people, living real lives, shaped and supported by a godly community and family. Behind every “giant” is often a grandparent who prayed faithfully, a neighbour who offered them a lift to church, a Bible study group who encouraged them in God’s word, or a mum or dad whose everyday faith quietly formed their heart. There’s the person who made them a coffee on a tough day, the friend who dropped off a meal when things were rocky, the church administrator who made sure the lights were on for midweek study, or the cleaner who prepared the Sunday School room each week.
God uses it all.
My experience with the COACH Family Mentoring program reminded me of this truth in such a very real way. After journeying with Alana for 18 months, she had made some courageous changes and positive decisions. Di, our coordinator, asked if we’d be willing to share our story, and as I listened to Alana describe what the relationship had meant to her, I was amazed. What had felt to me like “so little” had been more than enough in God’s bigger picture.
This experience of God using ordinary gifts has continued as I stepped into Church Eldership. I initially said yes because someone asked if I could offer the leadership skills I was developing in my workplace to support the church. I wasn’t confident I was ready, but I walked through the process trusting that God would confirm His timing — and He did.
Serving as an Elder has often looked simple: listening, asking questions, praying, and using administrative skills. Yet God has shown me how these ordinary acts help create the kind of healthy governance that supports life and growth — like a trellis that allows a vine to grow strong. One of the greatest blessings has been discovering how my gifts bring a unique complement to the team.
As we sat together as Elders at our January retreat day, and reflected on 2025, we had a precious big-picture glimpse of God’s faithfulness — seen across so many ministries, stories and situations. I am reminded again that God weaves every contribution, big or small, into something far greater than we can see, and it is a joy to be part of it.
Having grown up in the church, I’ve often found myself feeling a little intimidated by the “giants of the faith”—the people in Scripture, throughout Christian history, and even within my own church community whom God has used in remarkable ways. But when you look more closely, their stories always include something deeper and beautifully ordinary.
They were real people, living real lives, shaped and supported by a godly community and family. Behind every “giant” is often a grandparent who prayed faithfully, a neighbour who offered them a lift to church, a Bible study group who encouraged them in God’s word, or a mum or dad whose everyday faith quietly formed their heart. There’s the person who made them a coffee on a tough day, the friend who dropped off a meal when things were rocky, the church administrator who made sure the lights were on for midweek study, or the cleaner who prepared the Sunday School room each week.
God uses it all.
My experience with the COACH Family Mentoring program reminded me of this truth in such a very real way. After journeying with Alana for 18 months, she had made some courageous changes and positive decisions. Di, our coordinator, asked if we’d be willing to share our story, and as I listened to Alana describe what the relationship had meant to her, I was amazed. What had felt to me like “so little” had been more than enough in God’s bigger picture.
- I only had one hour a week — yet God used it to create a safe, steady connection.
- I had no personal experience with what she’d been through — yet God used my different perspective to open a window of hope.
- I tend to be curious and ask questions — and God turned that into gentle prompts for growth.
- I simply wanted to encourage her — and God used that to help her feel seen, heard, and loved.
This experience of God using ordinary gifts has continued as I stepped into Church Eldership. I initially said yes because someone asked if I could offer the leadership skills I was developing in my workplace to support the church. I wasn’t confident I was ready, but I walked through the process trusting that God would confirm His timing — and He did.
Serving as an Elder has often looked simple: listening, asking questions, praying, and using administrative skills. Yet God has shown me how these ordinary acts help create the kind of healthy governance that supports life and growth — like a trellis that allows a vine to grow strong. One of the greatest blessings has been discovering how my gifts bring a unique complement to the team.
As we sat together as Elders at our January retreat day, and reflected on 2025, we had a precious big-picture glimpse of God’s faithfulness — seen across so many ministries, stories and situations. I am reminded again that God weaves every contribution, big or small, into something far greater than we can see, and it is a joy to be part of it.
Posted in Missions & Ministry