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In this episode, I was blessed to be joined by Taylor Fairbanks, the church planter and pastor of Vessel Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Taylor shares his powerful testimony of how God became real to him at a pivotal moment in his life and how that encounter eventually led him to answer the call to ministry.
We talk about the reality that many leaders face: feeling unqualified, battling comparison, and wondering if they’re truly ready for what God is calling them to do. Taylor shares openly about the internal struggles that can come with stepping into leadership and why those feelings are often part of the process God uses to shape us.
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is the story behind the launch of Vessel Church, which began in the middle of the 2020 pandemic. What seemed like the worst possible time to plant a church became the exact environment where God provided miracles along the way.
Throughout the conversation, Taylor emphasizes a powerful principle: sometimes the miracle only happens when you step into the place where it’s required. If you wait until everything feels safe or comfortable, you may never experience what God wants to do through your life.
10 Key Takeaways
1. God Often Becomes Real in Moments of Brokenness
Many of the most defining spiritual moments happen when we realize our need for God. Taylor’s story reminds us that God often meets us when we are most aware of our need for Him.
2. A Calling Often Begins with a Burden
Before someone steps into ministry, they usually begin to feel a deep burden for people or a place. That burden is often the beginning of God shaping a calling.
3. You Will Never Feel Fully Ready
One of the biggest myths in ministry is that leaders eventually reach a point where they feel completely prepared. In reality, many of the greatest steps of faith happen when we feel the least ready.
4. Comparison Is One of the Greatest Challenges for Young Leaders
In a world filled with social media and visible ministry success, it’s easy for leaders to compare themselves to others. But comparison can paralyze the calling God has placed on your life.
5. Imposter Syndrome Is Common in Ministry
Many leaders secretly feel like they don’t belong in the role they’re in. But God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls.
6. Church Planting Requires a Missionary Mindset
Taylor talks about how church planting requires thinking like a missionary in your own city. Reaching people often requires intentional prayer, engagement, and vision for the community.
7. Miracles Often Follow Risk
Some of the greatest stories of God’s provision come after someone takes a step of faith. When we move forward in obedience, we create space for God to work.
8. Prayer Is Essential for Reaching a City
One of the practical disciplines Taylor emphasizes is prayer walking—walking through neighborhoods and praying for the people who live there.
9. The Next Generation Must Be Reached Intentionally
Reaching the next generation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a deliberate effort to engage young people and make disciples.
10. Holiness Is Ultimately About Making Disciples
The goal of the church is not simply personal spirituality, it’s multiplication. The mission of the church is to reach people and make disciples.
Learn More About Vessel and Taylor
Vessel Church – Baton Rouge
https://www.vesselchurchbr.com
Final Thought
One of the lines from our conversation that stuck with me the most was this idea:
“Sometimes you have to step into the place where the miracle is necessary.”
Too often we wait for certainty before we obey God. But throughout scripture, we see that God moves when people step forward in faith. Whether that’s ministry, leadership, or simply sharing the gospel with someone in your life, the step of faith always comes before the miracle.
If God has placed something on your heart, don’t wait until you feel ready – step into the miracle.
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