Hurley Baker will be the first to tell you he doesn’t have life all figured out. At times, he still catches himself asking, “Why me, God?”
But after struggling with an all-consuming workload, a season of wandering, and an emptiness he couldn’t shake, he’s found his way back.
Now he’s a youth leader and a deacon at First Baptist Church-Mebane. How he got here is a story for anyone doubting faith, church, or themselves and wondering whether they have anything to offer.
Losing Himself in Life After Church
Hurley grew up at First Baptist, attending faithfully with his grandmother and other family members. Sunday mornings, Wednesday night Bible studies, Vacation Bible School. You name it. They were there. Church was part of life.
But after high school graduation, when work became the focus, church fell by the wayside.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Hurley says. “So, I started working, and work took more out of me. That’s where I fell off a little bit. And took money over God.”
Four years into that way of life, Hurley was working seven days a week and slowly losing himself. He knew something was wrong. “I just felt empty inside. My tone of voice changed. Everything changed. I didn’t like myself,” he says.
The turning point came when a friend’s family offered him a full-time job that would let him reclaim some of his time. He took the leap. And the extra margin in his schedule gave him the space he needed to get back to church.
A Text Message and a Second Chance
Hurley wanted to jump in with both feet and help like he’d once done, but it took some time to find his place again. He started showing up to Wednesday night Bible study and making new connections with people who’ve been a part of the church for decades. He could tell he was learning and growing in his understanding of Scripture.
Then one day he got a text from Youth Pastor Maddi Smith: “Do you want to be a chaperone for Camp Generate?” Generate is a summer camp designed to help youth workers lead their students closer to Christ. Hurley’s “yes” was immediate.
And that decision was the first step toward full immersion into service. Hurley took the role of chaperone seriously. “I ran with it,” he says. “I was always with them. Nobody was by themselves. We did everything together. It was a really special group, and I think it helped me, too.”
He came back from that trip changed. So, when Maddi asked for help with the youth group that fall, his “yes” came easily.
First Steps as a Youth Leader
The group needed new momentum. The numbers had fallen off, and the youth leaders Maddi had recruited to help could bring new energy. Hurley along with Elijah, Isaiah, Kayleigh, and Kirsten recognized the valley they were in. Together, they set out to rebuild.
Around that same time, Pastor Sammy Ballard had asked Hurley how he felt about his name being put in the hat for deacon. Again, Hurley had said an easy, “Yes.”
Then, in the process of becoming a deacon and learning what families would be assigned to him, Hurley had an idea: “Why don’t we make our own deacon families in the youth group?”
So, they did. Youth Pastor Maddi and the youth leaders held what they’re calling a “draft pick” and sat down with a list of students who’d been coming and those they hoped would come. The ones they chose became their team, and they committed to caring for them the same way deacons care for the church congregation.
In addition to being with the students during church events, the youth leaders show up to the students’ sports and other activities outside of church. They’re a resource between Sundays. “I don’t want to ask them to come to youth group and me not show up out in the community,” Hurley says.
The group has responded, and it’s remarkable to see the difference. The group that started with two or four kids showing up is now a room full of students who have each other’s backs. And together, they’re creating a family of their own.
Still Learning While Leading
While Hurley is getting his feet wet as a youth leader, he’s also learning the ropes of leadership as a deacon. “I’ve been trying to learn from all the other deacons,” he says. “I’m trying to get all the knowledge they have. Being a deacon is very honorable and very appreciated.”
He recognizes the role as one meant to help carry the load alongside Pastor Sammy. “We have our own families, and we just pray for them, reach out, email them, see how they’re doing. If they’ve got any prayer requests, we pray for them. We’re trying to go visit them.”
Hurley had come back to church after a season of emptiness in his own life. Today, he’s found purpose again.
“God put me in this role for a reason,” he says. “I hope more new people would come to church, or not even this church, just go to church and just know about Him. He’s here for the broken.”
Whether you’re coming back after a long time away or walking through the doors for the first time, we’d love to see you here. Be our guest.
