Locations & Times

What if we reversed what we thought about being equipped and sent? 

In our previous church, we joined in worship, listened to the sermon, and attended community events, but something was still missing. We thought we had to participate and be known before we could serve. We thought we had to prepare or earn our place, but over time we grew more disconnected and discouraged. In 2021, when we walked into Flatirons Aurora for the first time, we felt a shift.  

One woman changed everything for me. She felt God’s nudge to create a place for women to connect, so she hosted a Bible study. She didn’t have a title, a platform, or a plan. She felt a prompt and simply responded in obedience. Nine strangers gathered on a Saturday morning. Throughout our time together, we opened and closed with prayer, read Scripture, laughed, and sometimes cried. After our study wrapped up, strangers became friends. Their stories, struggles, and joys felt as familiar as my own. I don’t know whether she realized it then, but her simple yes changed the trajectory of our faith journeys.    

Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:14). For years, I read this scripture and thought it was a nice illustration. But now, when I read the word “they,” I think of names and faces. I think of my friend who invited strangers to a Bible study. I think of Connect table leads who made room for someone new and of student leaders who showed up to play games and pray in small groups. I see those who serve in hospitality, greeting and serving coffee. Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if my friend had ignored the nudge. Her willingness to step out became part of my story, helping me not only find community but also to heal and gain the courage to say yes.  

We often believe we need more experience and certainty before we can serve others or at least serve them well. Looking back, I struggled more when I had naively convinced myself I was equipped and ready. I was relying on myself, not God. When I first stepped into facilitating a Connect table, I thought I had to be prepared with the perfect scripture or dazzling words of encouragement, but in those moments, when I made it about me, I struggled to speak. Over time, God showed me I have more to offer when I listen. In God’s upside-down kingdom, I have discovered that God equips in the unknown and the unexpected, not always in a big agenda. God couldn’t equip me when I was filled with my own assumptions.  

My friend who hosted that Bible study taught me this without saying it. God often sends first, then equips. We find the need, and then God shows us what is needed.  

Aim at what is in front of you. Where could God be sending you? Who or what might be waiting on the other side of your obedience? No need to delay until you feel ready; trust God’s leading and watch how He equips you along the way. 

If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.