Useless to Useful - Week 1 - What's Holding You Back?

What if the thing making you feel “useless” to God isn’t your past—it’s your fear?

If God can call a tax collector like Matthew with one simple “Follow me,” what might He be calling you to do right now? What if the Holy Spirit isn’t just a belief you hold but the power that turns timid into useful, anxious into anchored, and “I can’t” into “Here I am”?

This week we kick off Useless to Useful—a series about how God turns small, overlooked offerings into something He actually uses. We’ll ask hard questions about the inner life:

Are my hidden fears quietly steering my decisions?

Am I living from my false self (people-pleasing, image-managing)…or my true self in Christ?

What would change if I actually “fanned into flame” the gift God already put in me?

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1–7 (NLT)

Big Idea: God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline—and that’s what makes a life useful.

In this message:

Caravaggio’s Calling of St. Matthew: when the light hits your face, how do you respond?

Why fear makes ministries anemic—and how the Spirit revives courage

Practical ways to “fan into flame” your God-given gifts this week

New here or back after a long time?

What if this isn’t just another stream—what if it’s your next step toward the life you were made for?

 Say “I’m new” in the chat—we’d love to meet you.

 Ready to belong before you believe? You’re welcome here.

 Plan a Sunday visit—bring your questions, not your résumé.

Next Steps:

Ask the Spirit: 

What fear is quietly running the show in me?

Share your answer with one trusted person this week.

Do one bold, Spirit-led action—then tell us about it in the comments.

Timestamps (suggested):

00:00 Welcome & Worship

06:10 Message Intro — “Called out of the shadows”

12:45 2 Timothy 1:1–7 — Fear vs. the Spirit

24:30 How to “fan into flame” your gift

34:50 Prayer & Next Steps