Called to Walk it Out

By Jerol Graves, Pathways Program Manager

Where It Started

About five years ago, I went through a C.S. Lewis discipleship course where I met Jeff Koob. After we completed the course, he invited me to help introduce the Alpha course at Star Gospel Mission. That initial invitation opened the door.

From there, I stayed connected. I began attending chapel services, meeting leadership, and volunteering at events like the Good Cheer Fund and spring cleanups. Over time, my involvement became more consistent, especially when my church started preparing and serving Monday meals each month.

What began as simple obedience, just showing up and serving, eventually became something much more.

After being laid off from my job, I was at the Mission delivering a meal when an unexpected conversation led to an interview. Shortly after, I stepped into my current role. Looking back, it is clear this was not accidental. God was intentional in every step.

The Calling

What calls me beyond the Mission is a deep desire to see real transformation in people’s lives. Not just behavior change, but heart change.

I believe God is calling me to help bridge the gap between what people know in their heads and what they live out in their hearts. Whether that is through teaching, discipleship, or building systems that support growth, I feel a responsibility to help people move from survival to purpose.

There is also a broader call to equip and develop others, especially men, so they can lead, provide, and live with intention. The Mission is a place where that calling is being shaped and refined, but I do not believe it stops here.

What I’m Learning

Through my role in the Pathways Program, God has been teaching me the balance between grace and structure.

It would be easy to lean too far in one direction. Either all compassion with no accountability, or all rules with no relationship. Real growth happens when both are present.

He has also been teaching me patience. Transformation does not happen on my timeline. People grow in layers, and sometimes what looks like resistance is part of a deeper process.

Most importantly, He has been reminding me that I am not the one doing the changing. He is.

Why It Matters

What has stayed with me is not just one moment, but a pattern I have seen again and again.

There are moments at the Mission where you see it clearly. You see people who are hurting. People who are trying to rebuild their lives. And you realize that behind every behavior, every mistake, and every setback, there is a story.

What reminds me why this work matters is watching someone begin to shift. Not all at once, but in small ways. When a man starts taking responsibility, showing up differently, or even begins to believe that his life can be different, that matters.

Outside the Mission

Outside of my role, I value growth, faith, and time with the people I care about.

I enjoy golf. It helps me slow down, think, and reset. There is something about being outside and focusing on the next shot that brings clarity.

My faith is what keeps me grounded. Time in the Word, prayer, and community all help me stay centered.

Relationships matter to me. Family, church, and the people God has placed in my life remind me who I am beyond what I do.