Where Are They Now? 8 FirstSteps Graduates and How They're Serving at Parkway Today!
“ ...the body is not made up of one part, but of many.”
In February, Pastor Tim Peters gave a great message called “Everyone Has a Part.” The sermon was based on 1 Corinthians 12 where the apostle Paul describes how the “body of Christ” (the church? resembles the human body. Every part is unique. A hand is nothing like an eye, and an ear functions very differently from a foot. Yet in a healthy body, all of these distinct parts work together in beautiful harmony, enabling the body to think, move, sense, and act. When even one part is missing or struggling, the whole body feels the loss. “You are not random; you are necessary [to the body]”, said Pastor Tim.
At Parkway, FirstSteps, our premier ministry‑introduction class, plays a vital role in keeping the Parkway “body” healthy, connected, and serving in unity.
What Is FirstSteps?
FirstSteps is a two‑class series designed to introduce both new and long‑time Parkway attenders to the ministries of the church. It also aims to connect the gifts of our people to the needs of our church body.
Class One focuses on Parkway’s mission and history as well as assessing class attendees’ personality types and how that fits into Parkway’s broad menu of available ministries.
Class Two focuses on Parkway’s culture and what makes Parkway unique, as well as the values of the Dream Team (this is the name for our entire team of ministry volunteers). The goal of this second class is to connect people with the ministry area that fits their gifts, talents, and passions.
With a very large congregation and more than 30 ministries active on Sunday mornings alone, there are far more opportunities to serve than most attenders ever see. FirstSteps bridges the gap by explaining the practical steps for getting involved in visible ministries and by unveiling behind-the-scenes ministries that help participants discover where they can join in Parkway’s purpose: Love: God. Others. Mission.
New and Increased Involvement
Our Parkway Exclusive Team had the joy of interviewing eight individuals who completed FirstSteps in the last few years. They represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience—from people who are newer to Parkway to those who have been here for forty years.
Every person interviewed said that FirstSteps either helped them get involved for the first time or inspired them to deepen their involvement in our local assembly.
Carol
“Serve and get involved, and you will be blessed and even gain new friends.””
Carol has been a Dream Team Member for 40+ years, but FirstSteps helped her discover a desire for intercessory prayer. She’s currently serving in Bibleland, small group leadership, and intercessory ministry.
Daniel
“FirstSteps opened up a new family to me. I’m now friends with people that I’ve seen for many years, but never knew.”
After more than 20 years at Parkway without serving, Daniel realized in FirstSteps that he was a great fit for ushering. He now serves on the Ushering team as well as in Threads, Parkway’s gently-used clothing store.
Beneficial for All
Participants attended FirstSteps for different reasons, whether it’s curiosity, encouragement from leaders, or simply wanting clarity on where to serve. But regardless of their starting point, every graduate agreed: FirstSteps was beneficial, eye‑opening, and even inspiring.
No matter how each participant arrived at FirstSteps, they all left grateful: more knowledgeable about Parkway, more aware of their own gifts, and more confident about where those gifts fit.
Bryce and Sammy
“FirstSteps is a great way to start serving. It will still be beneficial even if you think you already know where you belong.”
Bryce and Sammy, already familiar with many ministries, found the class a valuable refresher as they entered a new season as newlyweds and re-evaluated how they want to serve together. Sammy has been a Dream Team member for 10+ years and Bryce has served for more than three years. They currently serve on the Ushering team, in Kidz Parkway, as well as in Threads.
Marisol and Natalia
“I enjoy serving at Parkway. I love the volunteer team and the kids. It’s my home.”
Marisol and Natalia, a mother‑daughter duo who serve together as well as separately in different ministries, felt affirmed that they were already serving in the right places—areas that aligned with their professional backgrounds or personal passions.
Natalia has been a Dream Team member for roughly two years and is currently serving in Bibleland. Marisol has served on the Dream Team for more than 15 years and also serves in Bibleland as well as on the First Impressions/Greeting team.
“Everyone at Parkway needs the opportunity to take FirstSteps because it will allow you to express yourself through ministry.”
Vision for the Future
FirstSteps doesn’t just help participants serve now. It also casts a vision for how God may use them in the future. As God shapes our hearts and skills, he prepares us for new seasons of discipleship and ministry.
Jonathan and Jazmine
Jonathan and Jazmine have been Dream Team Members for about a year and they shared that someday they hope to engage in Bible studies or even music ministry. Jonathan has already taken steps to train with Matt Andruscavage, Parkway’s Bible Studies Coordinator, to be a Bible Studies teacher—something he learned about in FirstSteps. For now, the couple is joyfully serving on the Greeting Team, which has helped them meet more people and become more deeply connected to the Parkway family. Additionally, Jonathan and Jazmine discovered that serving is flexible. As their life ebbs and flows, they know they will be able to adjust their schedule for their current and future stages of life.
“People should take the FirstSteps class. It’s not scary, and it’s a really great way to get started serving in a big church.”
Strengthening Personal Connections
For those newer to Parkway, FirstSteps helps launch or reinforce connections among the Parkway family. Daniel shared that the class not only helped him find his place in ministry but it also expanded his circle of friends and made him feel more woven into the Parkway family.
In many ways, being involved in a Dream Team ministry functions a lot like a small group. A small group is a regular gathering of around 10 Parkway family members who meet to grow in their faith, build relationships, and support one another. Small groups often meet in homes and foster community outside of Sunday services, but Dream Team ministries build up connections within the church walls.
If you haven’t taken FirstSteps yet, now is the time to register, learn, grow, and get plugged in at Parkway Church. We can’t wait to see you at the next FirstSteps class!