Stories at The Well
WELL STORIES
Leadership Begins with Willingness
Discipleship deepens when we move beyond Sundays into community.
The first step is simply to say yes.
The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived alone. From the beginning, God created not only individuals but community. “It is not good that the man should be alone,” the Lord said in Genesis 2:18. All throughout Scripture, we see God forming a people for Himself, calling them to walk with Him—and with one another.
That’s why smaller communities within the church, such as community groups, are so important. They’re not just weekly Bible studies or opportunities for fellowship. They are where real-life discipleship happens—where believers can grow, pray, and serve together in ways that extend beyond the Sunday gathering.
Anna-Marie Harrel, one of the shepherds in a community group at The Well, has seen the power of this kind of intentional community. “It’s easy to think of groups as just a time to study Scripture,” she said. “But they’re also a place where we share our lives.”
Anna-Marie recalls a particularly meaningful season when she watched a group rally around a couple who had previously led in another group. As they faced a season of hardship, their community stepped in—offering prayer, encouragement, and practical help. “People brought meals, sent texts, prayed constantly,” Anna-Marie shared. “Even something as simple as taking their trash bins to the curb became a real way of showing love.”
Though small on the surface, these acts reflected a deeper truth: Christian love takes shape in simple, faithful service. It’s the kind of burden-bearing Paul speaks of in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Prayer was another constant. Whether together or apart, the group remained steadfast in lifting the Newells before the Lord. The experience became a clear testimony to God’s faithfulness—and to the strength of a community that walks in love.
When asked what she’d say to someone who doesn’t see the need for a group, Anna-Marie was direct: “If you think Sunday is enough,” she said, “just wait until you experience the depth of a community group.”
This isn’t to minimize the importance of corporate worship. Rather, it highlights that discipleship is a whole-life calling. Jesus commands us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)—and that kind of love requires more than a once-a-week rhythm.
Being part of a smaller community helps us practice obedience daily. It teaches us to live with intentionality, to serve when it’s not convenient, and to keep showing up when it would be easier not to.
The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived alone.
“It’s not just about attending church,” Anna-Marie said. “Even if you’re serving on Sundays, we still need that consistent connection throughout the week. And God is faithful to meet us when we pursue Him in that way.”
Being in a group isn’t only about receiving—it’s also about giving. Christian community is a place to serve and be served, and leadership within it follows the example of Jesus Himself.
Community group leaders, or shepherds, aren’t called to authority for its own sake. They’re called to care for others with humility, to come alongside people, and to lead by example. As 1 Peter 5:2–3 encourages, leaders should serve not because they must, but because they are willing—eager to serve, not to control, and always pointing people to Christ.
Anna-Marie shared that stepping into leadership was less about time and more about trust. “I wondered if I was really the right person,” she admitted. “But as I prayed and spent time in the Word, the Lord reminded me: ‘I’ve called you for this.’ It wasn’t about my skill set—it was about being willing.”
That can be a comfort for anyone who feels unsure about stepping into a new role. Psalm 121:2 reminds us, “My help comes from the Lord.” God doesn’t wait for us to be fully prepared. He equips those He calls, and He walks with us every step of the way.
If you sense the Lord prompting you toward deeper community—or even into leadership—know that it’s no accident. The Holy Spirit often works through quiet nudges and gentle invitations.
The first step is simply to say yes. God is faithful to guide those who follow Him, and His people are not alone. As we serve one another, pray for one another, and bear each other’s burdens, we reflect the love of the One who gave Himself for us.
In every act of ordinary faithfulness, we show the world a glimpse of His extraordinary grace.
