Johns Creek Baptist Church has been my home for my entire life. I was raised here. But growing up, I didn’t quite fit in. To put it kindly, I was an oddball. I struggled to connect with other kids, didn’t have many close friends, and often felt out of place—especially at church. Those feelings eventually led me to hide in the hallways instead of attending Sunday School. My parents would drop me off, and before walking into the classroom, I’d disappear until it was time for “big church.”
That strategy didn’t last long.
When my parents and others discovered what I’d been doing, I expected to be reprimanded. Instead, something surprising happened. A family friend was asked if I could work with him on Sundays—and at just twelve years old, I was introduced to the world of church production.
That moment changed everything.
For the first time, I felt like I had a real purpose at church—something beyond obligation or the nagging question of Why don’t I fit in? I realized I did fit in—just with a different crowd. That group of people helped shape my faith and ultimately my future. I ran cameras, helped manage the livestream, and served in production for years until I left for college to study film—a path directly inspired by what I discovered at JCBC.
“Production ministry gave me purpose when I didn’t know where I belonged.”
Before I left, our livestream team leader, Fred Kelley, gave me a card I still keep and read to this day. In it, he reminded me that while it might be easy to drift away from faith, God was still with me—still wanting me and calling me. He told me that if I forgot about the church, I’d eventually find my way back.
And he was right.
While studying Film and Marketing in Atlanta, I didn’t lose my belief in God—but I did stop attending church. I started living only for myself, and over time, I realized that life wasn’t fulfilling. The phrase “It is better to serve than to be served” kept echoing in my heart. It was that conviction that led me back.
One day, while sitting in my room doing nothing, I received a call from Fred—at noon—for a church event happening at six that evening. He needed last-minute help with the Golden and Silver Club dinner. I said yes. That night changed my life.
At that event, I met our new Production Director, Sam Bazemore. Fred had helped me find my way and keep me grounded when I couldn’t see clearly. Sam became the person God used to reshape my future. I introduced myself simply: “I just graduated college and I’m struggling to find a job. Would you mind if I learned from you?” That single question opened a door I never expected.
“There is always a place for someone to fit in at JCBC.”
Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in production at JCBC—helping wherever I can, making sure every Sunday runs smoothly, and doing my part to ensure people feel heard, seen, and uplifted. I never realized how much work happens behind the scenes of church production, but I’ve never been happier. Sam has poured into me, taught me, and helped me rediscover purpose when I was too blind to see that God was calling me again.
Production at JCBC has shown me just how much love exists here. For years, I felt like I didn’t belong—but this church always has room for someone to find their place. Many of my closest friends are more than thirteen years older than me, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
What we’ve cultivated here may not be traditional or standard—but it’s real. It’s a big house filled with some pretty incredible family members. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.
