2025.07.06 | Not Flashy, But Faithful: A Tribute to the Barnabases at Hope
This blog is based on the sermon from July 6, 2025.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never felt like a Paul.
Paul was bold, brilliant, and unforgettable… front and center in the story of the early church. But this week’s message reminded me of someone else: Barnabas. The encourager. The quiet leader. The one who saw value in others before the rest of the world did.
Barnabas didn’t plant the most churches or write letters that made it into Scripture. But his steady, faithful service helped shape the kingdom.
And honestly? That reminds me of so many people at Hope.
I think of the volunteers who set up classrooms while most of us are still getting ready.
Of the team making sure microphones work and the livestream runs smoothly.
Of those who serve in the nursery so parents can breathe and focus in worship.
Of the ones who prepare snacks, welcome new faces, wipe down tables, and quietly pray for people they may never meet.
They don’t always get the recognition. But they’re the Barnabases.
And this church wouldn’t be the same without them.
You don’t have to have a platform to make an impact.
You don’t have to be flashy to be faithful.
And as Pastor Jeff said this weekend, “If you want the best return for your life, invest in God’s kingdom.”
To every person investing their time, energy, and quiet service… thank you. You’re changing lives more than you know.
And if you’ve been unsure whether you belong here, or if what you’re doing matters… let me be the one to say what Barnabas would have said: You do. Keep going.
Paul was bold, brilliant, and unforgettable… front and center in the story of the early church. But this week’s message reminded me of someone else: Barnabas. The encourager. The quiet leader. The one who saw value in others before the rest of the world did.
Barnabas didn’t plant the most churches or write letters that made it into Scripture. But his steady, faithful service helped shape the kingdom.
And honestly? That reminds me of so many people at Hope.
I think of the volunteers who set up classrooms while most of us are still getting ready.
Of the team making sure microphones work and the livestream runs smoothly.
Of those who serve in the nursery so parents can breathe and focus in worship.
Of the ones who prepare snacks, welcome new faces, wipe down tables, and quietly pray for people they may never meet.
They don’t always get the recognition. But they’re the Barnabases.
And this church wouldn’t be the same without them.
You don’t have to have a platform to make an impact.
You don’t have to be flashy to be faithful.
And as Pastor Jeff said this weekend, “If you want the best return for your life, invest in God’s kingdom.”
To every person investing their time, energy, and quiet service… thank you. You’re changing lives more than you know.
And if you’ve been unsure whether you belong here, or if what you’re doing matters… let me be the one to say what Barnabas would have said: You do. Keep going.
Want to serve? There’s a place for you here.
Whether you’re great with kids, love tech, enjoy photography, or just like helping behind the scenes… we’d love to help you find your spot
Whether you’re great with kids, love tech, enjoy photography, or just like helping behind the scenes… we’d love to help you find your spot
Watch the full sermon that inspired this post:
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Archive
2025
August
2025.01.26 | The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil2025.02.02 | Growing in God’s Kingdom2025.02.09 | When Small Things Become Something Big2025.02.16 | A Call to Faith and Hope2025.02.23 | Finding the Ultimate Treasure2025.03.02 | Finding My Worth in Christ2025.03.09 | Are You Living with Eternity in Mind?2025.03.16 | Are We Missing What’s Right in Front of Us?2025.03.23 | What If Following Jesus Cost You Everything?2025.03.30 | When What You Have Feels Like Not Enough2025.04.06 | When the Storm Feels Bigger Than Your Savior
September
2025.05.18 | Faith That Won’t Let Go: At Home and Around the World2025.05.11 | When Jesus Shows You Your Heart2025.05.04 | When Jesus Wants More Than Just Our Sundays2025.04.27 | When Following Rules Isn't Enough2025.04.20 | Alive. Free. Loved. With Jesus.2025.04.13 | When the Wind Hit My Face2025.05.25 | Loaves, Fish, and a Full Calendar: Why I’m Still Saying Yes to Jesus2025.08.03 | Faithfulness When It Hurts2025.07.20 | You Were Made for This2025.08.10 | Finding Freedom in the Midnight Hour: A Journey Through Fear and Faith2025.07.27 | When God Redirects You, Trust Him2025.09.21 | Who Do You Say Jesus Is?2025.08.24 | Hope in Hard Seasons2025.08.31 | Grace That Gathers Us2025.09.07 | The Sign That’s Already Enough2025.08.24 | Childlike Faith, Public Love: Ryder and Brady’s Baptism at Hope2025.09.14 | When the Headlines Overwhelm, Remember God’s Track Record2025.07.13 | I Thought I Wasn’t Ready… Until I Realized Jesus Already Called Me2025.07.06 | Not Flashy, But Faithful: A Tribute to the Barnabases at Hope2025.06.29 | Learning to Just Point to Jesus2025.06.22 | The Church Is Full of People Who Don’t Belong — And That’s the Point2025.06.15 | Living Faith That Puts Others First2025.06.08 | When Obedience Makes Things Awkward... Not Easier2025.06.01 | When Bold Faith Feels Costly2025.08.17 | What Must I Do to Be Saved?
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