Saying Yes: Finding Purpose Through Serving

Tim Crocker’s Story

Sometimes serving doesn’t start with a long-term plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple yes.

For Tim Crocker, that yes began by stepping in to drive a van on Wednesday nights filling a gap left by the passing of his father-in-law. It was a role that carried deep meaning, honoring someone who had poured so much into that ministry.

What started in a season of loss became a place where God was quietly at work.

Taking the First Step

Taking on something new came with nerves, especially when it meant being responsible for getting kids and students to and from church safely. But week after week, that nervousness was replaced by connection.

What stood out most wasn’t the responsibility; it was the relationships.

• Conversations on the ride to church

• Students sharing about their day or week

• Familiar faces seeking Tim out at church just to talk

It became clear that these moments mattered.

Seeing God Work

Serving in this way became a reminder that God often brings purpose through painful seasons. What began as a step of obedience became an opportunity for God to work in both the lives of students and in Tim’s own heart.

“Even in the hardest times, God takes a willing servant and does something miraculous.”

Each week reinforced that truth. Students didn’t just need transportation; they needed consistency, presence, and someone willing to show up.

Growth That Was Unexpected

Over time, Tim realized that the greatest growth wasn’t happening only in the students; it was happening in him.

• A deeper closeness with God

• Scripture revealing new meaning

• Learning to approach students differently as they grow and change

Serving helped him see how God continues to work through the same truths in fresh ways, season after season.

Serving Beyond One Role

Today, Tim serves in many areas at Mt. Olive Commerce, but one of his primary roles is as a Sunday Life Group Leader for Students (6th–12th grade). It’s a space where relationships continue to grow, faith is lived out honestly, and students are known and cared for.

Serving alongside other leaders has also been deeply encouraging. “I’ve been inspired by all the men and women I serve with,” Tim shared.

What Serving Has Taught Him

• God works through willing hearts

• Obedience often leads somewhere unexpected

• Serving shapes faith in powerful ways

• Saying yes opens doors you never planned for

“Never underestimate what God will do in the heart of a willing servant.”

For Anyone Wondering Where to Start

Tim understands the hesitation. Life is busy. It’s easy to make excuses. But his encouragement is simple: don’t let anything get in the way of serving.

God has a plan, and serving may be where He begins to reveal it.

Saying yes has changed Tim’s church experience in lasting ways, creating deeper friendships and a richer sense of community that only comes from serving alongside others.

👉 Ready to discover where your gifts meet your purpose?

Learn more about our Serving Class, a chance to explore how your story, skills, and passions connect with opportunities to serve at Mt. Olive Commerce.

👉 Have a serving story to share?

We’d love to hear how God has worked through your “yes.”

Share your serving story here.

Serving isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about finding purpose, building relationships, and watching God work in unexpected ways.