God’s Gift of Community
By Daniel Coley, Fellows Class of 2026
Throughout my life, I have always struggled with finding and growing in a God-loving community. Whether it’s through church or school, I have always found investing myself in these circles a Sisyphean task – struggles and shortcomings have been difficult for me, mentally and spiritually. I joined the Fellows program for several reasons: real-world job experience, to grow my faith, and to experience another city. However, the thing I was most excited about (and nervous, too) was getting to take part of the many communities that I would be exposed to!
I am incredibly blessed that within the first two months of the Fellows program, I have gotten to be a part of so many amazing, God-loving communities. This Fellow’s class is so much fun. We are always laughing, playing games, and enjoying life together, but I am so inspired by their love for God. They push me to love God more through their actions, words, and discipline.
But it’s not just the current class. The Fellows’ network of past members, host families, churches, and people who believe in what we are doing is vast. In fact, the community was here waiting for us. We just had to step into the open arms. The way that people have come together to provide for us all in the name of God is amazing. Church staff and church members are excited to worship and work together with us. People open up their homes and invite us into their lives for 9 months. Families in the community look forward to hosting us for dinner every Monday night. People take time out of their day to speak to us about their journey through work and faith. I am so blessed by the other fellows, my church placement, host family, and the Chattanooga community.
I am worshipping and volunteering at Signal Mountain Presbyterian which, because of their geography, has a huge student ministry! It has been so cool to see the way the D-Group leaders invest in their groups’ lives. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the other leaders and the Church staff.
My host family worships at Signal Mountain and are very active in the community. I have loved getting to know them and seeing how they give back to others. They give up their home, their free time, and their energy to be with others in a variety of different functions.
Finally, getting to see the way people give their time and efforts to the city and our program is incredible. The non-profits we visit on Friday are so varied, working in so many difficult areas of need, but are all working to help people. It’s really beautiful to see the work being done.
I am getting to see the way God works through community. Not only are my friends pushing me to a deeper faith and love of God, but I also get to see God-driven people make a difference in the city. I have met so many people who in their own ways nurture and help the people around them. It has been so good to experience how God uses people as bearers of his love for us, and I’m excited for what comes next!
I’ve been milking this line a bit recently, but I love it so much (and it feels fitting here). It’s from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy:
“Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy.
“Me too,” said the Mole,
“But we love you, and love brings you home.”