From Comfort to Calling: A Couple’s Journey of Obedience and Joy

You’re a thriving, content member of your church. Your Bible study group provides community and encouragement. You’re using your gifts and serving on a strong ministry team. Why would anyone leave that behind?

Todd and Melody DeBellis know exactly why someone might. Their story begins with a stirring sense that God was calling them to serve in a new way, even though they didn’t yet know where.

In November 2024, Melody was sitting in the choir loft, and Todd was in the congregation when a Recommission Video was shown at Rocky Creek. The Recommission Network was created to help struggling churches rediscover their passion for the Great Commission and renew their ministry to their communities. That Sunday’s video highlighted the history of Woodside Baptist, once the heart of a thriving mill village. Woodside’s pastor, Bryce Staggs, invited Rocky Creek members to consider joining him in revitalizing the church.

On the drive home, Melody said, “I need to talk to you about something.” Todd replied, “Well, I need to talk with you about something as well. What do you think about serving at Woodside?” In that moment, they realized the Lord had spoken to both of them—calling them to serve alongside Bryce at Woodside.

Since December 2024, Todd and Melody have faithfully partnered with Bryce to minister to the Woodside congregation. Using their gifts of hospitality, they began by greeting people on the front porch and soon helped launch Woodside’s small-group ministry. By bringing breakfast each week and fostering fellowship, they’ve played a key role in shifting the church’s culture toward warmth and community.

Woodside member Heather Roach observed that Todd and Melody “both have the gift of making people feel valued and loved,” adding that their “spirit of hospitality is contagious.”

Todd highlights the unique blessing of serving together as a couple. “It has grown us as husband and wife to step out of our comfort zone and to work together as a team. It’s been a wonderful strengthening of our marriage.”

Bryce encourages others to follow their example by committing to serve for a year at a Recommission Church. He urges members to pray for these churches and to explore ways to get involved. Visiting a Recommission Church offers a broader perspective on how your gifts might meet real needs in the body of Christ.

Meanwhile, Todd and Melody remain connected to their Rocky Creek Gospel Group, staying involved in activities and maintaining relationships. Rather than losing community, they’ve gained new friendships and deepened their faith.

Todd sums up their journey beautifully: “If you really want to find joy in your walk with the Lord, you have to be obedient to the path that he lays down in front of you. The hardest part of any journey is the first step, but if you commit to that first step, you will see that the Lord is with you. The Lord is already ahead of you, preparing the way. There is no reason to be fearful. Just be obedient. The Lord is going to bring joy, peace, and rest anytime you are walking with Him, and you are never going to have a regret in anything you do.”

If you’re interested in exploring involvement in a Recommission Church,  fill out this form to start a conversation and plan a visit. You might discover that your next step of obedience leads to unexpected joy.