Meet Wes Austin, North Valley Worship Team Member

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Recently, we took the time to ask North Valley member Wes Austin a few questions about himself and about his role as a volunteer on the Worship Team. Take a few minutes and get a peek into his world!

 

NV:  Wes, what do you do for vocational work?
Wes:  I handle customer service and scheduling for a local manufacturing company.


NV:
  What instrument do you play, and how long have you been volunteering on the North Valley Worship Team?
Wes:  Bass guitar. For about a year now.

NV:  What do you enjoy most about volunteering on the North Valley Worship Team?
Wes:  The people. Many different personalities and levels of experience coming together to meet a need within North Valley. It’s not just a bunch of people practicing and playing. It’s a ministry. We encourage each other, pray for each other, and serve together. The leadership we have is not here by accident. God chose these people, at this time, to nurture this ministry along. From the beginning, it’s been about growing and serving at the same time.


NV:  During your time on the team, has there been anything particularly challenging for you?
Wes:  Practically everything! This is not natural for me. I’m someone who could only dream of doing something like this. When I got sober, by God’s grace, I started spending beer money on bass lessons. I just wanted to offer whatever I could, but I wanted to be prepared. I wanted to be a PART of something bigger if God chose it for me. By stepping out of my comfort zone, in faith, I have experienced humble encouragement, time, and time again. I’m getting over some of my nerves, which is an incredible feeling.


NV:
  What would you say to anyone with musical gifts who is reading this that might be interested in exploring being a volunteer on the North Valley Worship Team?
Wes:   Step out in faith. Take a chance. We are usually capable of much more than we think we are. Follow God’s prompting, if led. Relax as best you can and step forward. God will not let you fall if you trust in Him and remember that the gifts you have were chosen for you by His grace, for your benefit, and His Glory. I have more issues with anxiety and panic disorder than I can even keep track of. Yet, because of this team, I am able to accomplish more than I ever thought possible. Who knows what the future holds now?

Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Don’t buy the lie that you will never be “enough.” God has seen to it that you are. Just follow the path He’s chosen for you. Let fear and discouragement be a momentary feeling, not something that controls you. You can combat those lies by allowing others to encourage you. Being on that stage with these people proves that “progress, not perfection” is a phrase that doesn’t just apply to “other people.” It applies to me too!

 

We appreciate Wes for taking the time to share a little bit about himself and about some of his experiences on the Worship Team.  He has been such a blessing to us at North Valley!

If you happen to be reading this and believe that God has gifted you with some musical abilities, we invite you to consider exploring being a part of our Worship Team at North Valley. If this is you, feel free to contact Pastor Joshua Merrick at joshua@northvalleychurch.org to get the conversation started.