We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mackenzie Ten Napel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mackenzie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Like many people who grew up in a chaotic environment or faced trauma, I spent much of my early twenties asking myself, ‘Why?’ I didn’t find the answer to that question until April of 2020, when I accepted the Lord into my life. For much of my life, it felt like a constant war—against myself, my circumstances, my body, everything. When I heard that there is a God who not only weeps and bleeds on my behalf, but also calls the war to cease, I ran straight into the arms of a loving Father.
Through the Lord’s kindness, I believe He has given me the answer to all the times I asked ‘why’ and revealed a deeper purpose for my life. A key moment in this journey came when I reflected on the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20. In this passage, Joseph tells his brothers, ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’ This verse taught me that even in the face of adversity and hardship, God can use those moments to fulfill a greater purpose. It helped me understand that my struggles, failures, and setbacks are not meaningless; they are part of a much bigger plan that God is orchestrating. Five years into my faith, I now share my story of hurts and disappointments with students and other young adults, with the hope of pointing them to their Savior.
Similarly, Ephesians 3:8-12 speaks to how God’s purpose for us goes far beyond our understanding. It says, ‘Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.’ This passage reminds me that my purpose is not about my own ambitions or goals; it is part of God’s eternal plan. I find profound meaning in knowing that my efforts contribute to something much greater than I can fully comprehend.
Recognizing that God’s plans for me and all of His children transcend my understanding, I’ve come to realize that my life is not my own. My purpose is to keep my eyes fixed on eternity and align my life with the greater purpose He has called me to.
Similarly, Ephesians 3:8-12 speaks to the idea that God’s purpose for us is far beyond what we can comprehend. It says, ‘Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.’ This passage reminds me that my purpose is not just about my personal ambitions or goals; it is part of God’s eternal plan. I find great meaning in knowing that my efforts contribute to a larger purpose, one that transcends my own understanding.
In recognizing that the Lord’s plans not only for me but all of His children, transcend my own understanding, I have seen that my life is not really my own. And my purpose is to keep my eyes fixed on eternity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have the incredible privilege of working full-time in student ministry, where I oversee the discipleship of female students and leaders. It is such a sweet gift to come alongside parents and partner with them in the discipleship of their children, witnessing their growth and transformation in Christ. I’m constantly amazed at how God uses these relationships to shape not only the students but also the leaders who invest in them.
In addition to my work in student ministry, I also serve with a nonprofit called Storyverse, where I co-host a podcast aimed at making the Bible accessible to everyone. Our mission is to bring seminary-level teaching to the masses, helping people understand the Word of God in a deep and meaningful way. We’re now in Season 4, walking through the books of 1 Kings to Nehemiah, and I’ve seen God move in such incredible ways through our discussions. It’s been such a joy to witness how this podcast has reached people from all walks of life, breaking down barriers and making the Bible more approachable for everyone.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I believe there are three key qualities and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey: a humility and a desire to get well, relational leadership, and a deep understanding of Scripture.
One of the most significant turning points in my journey was when I developed a deep hunger for God’s Word and a desire to be made whole. In John 5:6, Jesus asks the paralyzed man, ‘Do you want to get well?’ This question cut deep for me, because I realized that true healing and growth come from wanting it—both spiritually and emotionally. This hunger for God’s presence and healing has been essential for me in both my personal life and ministry. For those early in their journey, my advice would be to cultivate a heart that longs for the truth of God and the healing He offers. Pursue His Word with the same desperation as someone longing for restoration. It’s not just about learning, but about being transformed by it.
Another key skill has been relational leadership. Leading with empathy, being present with others, and intentionally investing in people has been crucial in both my student ministry work and my leadership roles. The best leaders, in my experience, are those who care deeply about the people they lead and prioritize relationships over simply getting things done. If you’re early in your journey, I would advise you to focus on building genuine connections. Take the time to listen, understand, and serve others. Leadership is less about position and more about the people you serve.
My journey has been profoundly shaped by Scripture. A strong foundation in God’s Word has not only grounded me in my faith but has also provided me with wisdom and direction in every season. Whether through personal study or teaching others, deepening my knowledge of Scripture has been transformative. For those starting out, my advice is to commit to daily time in the Word. Don’t just read it—study it, meditate on it, and let it shape the way you think and live. The more you understand God’s truth, the more clearly you’ll see His purpose for your life.
In summary, I believe developing a hunger for God’s Word and healing, relational leadership, and a deep knowledge of Scripture are three of the most valuable areas of growth in my journey. To those starting out, I encourage you to be patient with yourself as you grow in these areas. Surround yourself with mentors, dive deep into God’s Word, and keep pressing forward, knowing that each step you take builds the foundation for your purpose.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to embrace the beauty of the sanctification process and surrendering the pressure to be perfect. For much of my life, I put immense pressure on myself to have everything ‘together’ and to meet a certain standard of perfection. This led to a crippling fear of being known and loved by others, as well as an unkind inner dialogue. I believed that growth meant achieving flawless results. However, this past year, I’ve learned to see that true growth comes not from perfection, but from allowing the Lord to shape me through my imperfections and struggles.
The Lord has been working in my heart, teaching me to find peace in the process, rather than in a destination of perfection. I’ve come to understand that sanctification is a journey, and it’s in the daily steps of surrender, humility, and growth that I truly experience His grace. Instead of rushing to fix myself or feeling frustrated by my shortcomings, I’ve learned to lean into God’s work in me—trusting that He is faithful to refine me at His pace and according to His will.
For me, this shift has been incredibly freeing. Although I still struggle, I rarely longer feel burdened by unrealistic expectations of perfection, but instead, I focus on trusting the Lord to work in my life, even through the hard moments. This has been the most profound area of growth for me, and I’m excited to continue growing in grace, patience, and dependence on God in the year ahead
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storyverseministries.com/
- Instagram: mackxjean, hellostoryverse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-ten-napel-04407118a
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
