This week, we get to know Josh and Mandy Farnes, our hospitality leads at Roots Church, but that is not all they do in service to the church. Their servant hands carry many things throughout the life of the church and in the lives of the people in it.
Q: What’s your name, where do you live, how long have you been at Roots Church?
A: We are Josh and Mandy Farnes and we live north of Arlington with our four teens and young adult children (Justin, Adam, Molly & Brady). Our oldest son, Levi, recently moved out. We have been attending Roots Church since August of 2019, just shortly before the church moved into the new building.
Q: What initially drew you to ministry work? (were you asked by someone, do you have a skill set that naturally flows into your ministry role?)
A: Both of us are servants at heart and we enjoy serving and feel drawn to help whenever possible. Derek and Nate recently asked if we would step up into this leading role. Serving as a family and showing our kids the importance of serving was a huge draw to serve the church in this way.
Q: How do you see your role contributing to the larger mission of the church or ministry?
A: We want people to feel welcome and comfortable as soon as they walk in the doors. Serving first on the greeting team and now as the hospitality leads, we help set the mood for people as they come in. Whether it is a long time member or a first timer, greeting them with a smile can brighten their day.
Q: Can you share a specific example of how you’ve seen your ministry make a difference in someone’s life?
A: Sometimes coffee is just what you need when you aren’t quite awake before church. Getting coffee is a great way to introduce yourself to someone new at the coffee table or catch someone you’ve been wanting to talk to. These small interactions can make a difference in someone’s morning.
Q: How has your ministry work shaped you personally?
A: Our comfort zone has been to serve in the background, just jumping in and doing what needs to be done. Stepping into a leadership position is a stretch and we are looking forward to seeing how God grows us in this role.
Q:What is your guiding verse or prayer that helps you daily in your personal walk with God and your ministry role?
A: Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
This verse reminds us to always give glory to God for every opportunity that we have. We can do what He has called us to with joy because God has prepared this work for us.