Get to Know Dani Lane-Briggs!

Hi! My name is Danielle, though I usually go by Dani. I was born and raised in the East Bay Area; both of my parents are still there in the home I grew up in. I have an older brother, married with kids, now living in the great potato-state of Idaho. My dog Jake has also made the move to Monterey Peninsula, and if he had his way, he’d be attached to my hip everywhere we go.

What inspired you to join the team at Wellspring?

The invitation to visit Wellspring was for a potential staff opportunity, but it was the people and the environment here that really drew me in. Also, I really love the name “Wellspring” and what it stands for - God is a steady stream and source of life for this place. 

Most of our team is bi-vocational, what else are you up to these days?

I am currently a student in William Jessup University’s graduate program, hoping to graduate in 2024 (if all goes well)! 

What was your first experience with ministry like?

I grew up going to church, being a participant in Sunday school and youth group; I was even part of the youth worship team as a keys player. It wasn’t until I was 21, though, that I would say I had my first experience serving in ministry. At the time, I had just graduated college, completed a 10-month internship, and was on the hunt for a job. For months, I had applied and was constantly being rejected. I remember praying and having this conversation with God about finances and how I was getting to a point where I wasn’t able to tithe; He asked if I would be generous with time instead for a season. Feeling very unsure what exactly that meant, I said yes. A day later, I received a call from the Children’s Pastor (her husband was my former youth pastor), asking if I’d be willing to serve 2 Sundays a month - I said I’d be willing to give it a try, though I had never worked with younger kids before. The following week, I received a text from the associate Youth Pastor asking if I’d be willing to meet - they were in need of youth leaders and wondered if I’d be willing to join the team. Again, I said yes, and for 3 months straight, with no job or luck landing a job, I served both services every Sunday for Children’s Ministry, facilitating small groups for youth every Wednesday, a driver for events and camps, and becoming part of the overall planning team for both. Finally someone hired me, but my serving never stopped - God had cultivated in me a heart for the younger generation and the rest is history.

What are some things you are excited to do in your position here?

The last 2 years of my work experience has been in a highly administrative role for a church. While I did enjoy what I was doing, there was an emptiness - much of my time was spent doing computer or paperwork and I missed meeting with people, talking with them and praying for one another. Here at Wellspring, I feel like I have a chance to get back to my roots, finding a way to honor God with the spiritual gifts he has given me, while also serving in a ministry that will always hold a special place.

What fills your cup outside of work, school, and church?

A good walk along the beach or a dense forest, and I’m rejuvenated. Photography is also a creative outlet for me, something that’s just a fun hobby.