May 23, 2025

Last night, while working late in the office, I had a beautiful, unexpected conversation with one of our newer partners from White Oak’s Colerain campus. Melissa Long has been attending since December, and I still remember meeting her and her family on their very first Sunday. They were trying to navigate the building, looking for where her sixth-grade daughter would attend class. Our students welcomed her daughter so warmly and naturally that she quickly found a place to belong among our vibrant community of preteens and teens.

As I spoke with Melissa last night, she was overflowing with excitement—not just about her daughter’s experience, but about her own. She recently started serving with our PreK–Kindergarten team in Kids Ministry, and with a big smile, she shared that she, too, has found her “belonging place.”  A place where she can connect with others and use the gifts that God has given her. 

That longing to belong is no accident—God created us for it. We were made for community, not to walk our spiritual journey alone, but to love, serve, and support one another along the way.

For most Tuesday nights this year, a group of nine passionate leaders have met faithfully. Through laughter and tears, through challenge and encouragement, they've built a deep bond. This community is preparing to lead one of our biggest efforts of the year—our Summer Bible Camp. They are our directors, our dreamers, our team.

Wikipedia defines community as a social unit with shared characteristics like place, culture, or values. But biblical community goes deeper. It's marked by humility, compassion, and selflessness.

Jesus said,

“A new command I give you: Love one another... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35

Paul reminds us,

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

and in Philippians,

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition... rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3–4

Serving isn’t just something we do—it’s how we find where we belong. In serving, we often discover our people, our purpose, and our place in God’s family.

This summer, over 170 individuals from both campuses are stepping up to serve at Summer Bible Camp,—some behind the scenes, some preparing in advance, and many directly engaging with kids throughout the week. What’s even more exciting is that several of them are brand new to serving at White Oak. Camp provides more than just a week of impact—it’s an opportunity to connect, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and step into a year-round spiritual family.

Kids will experience this too. As they join their camp "family groups," they’ll form bonds with peers and leaders—laughing, learning, and growing together in faith.

Are you still looking for your tribe? Your faith family? We invite you to take a step and explore serving. Jesus Himself said He came not to be served, but to serve—and He calls us to follow His example. Whether it’s in the church, your neighborhood, or across the globe, God has given you a purpose only you can fulfill. He’s already preparing and equipping you—often in ways you can’t yet see.

Step into serving—and you just might find where you truly belong. Explore the possibilities at thewocc.com/serve.

Karen Lynch Clark

Kids Pastor

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