Sometimes the biggest things God does begin with the smallest acts of obedience.

For Kara Risser, it wasn't a ministry plan or a business idea that started it all. It was a burden.

After graduating college and moving to Nashville, Kara found herself having the same conversation over and over again. People longed for authentic community, but they didn't know where to find it. She understood the feeling all too well.

"I've always loved building community," Kara said. "But I also had experiences where I felt like the outcast and wasn't included. My heart has always been that people would feel seen, valued and loved."

Instead of simply wishing there were more opportunities for people to connect, Kara sensed God inviting her to become part of the answer.

"I didn't want to just sit there and complain that there weren't enough opportunities," she said. "I wanted to do something about it."

What happened next began with one simple invitation.

Listen to the entire conversation with Ellie Millerborg and Kara Risser in the podcast below.

A Basement Full of Strangers

Kara started inviting people over for game nights.

At first, they were small gatherings at her apartment. Friends brought food, shared a meal and spent the evening laughing together. There was no grand vision—just a desire to create a place where people could belong.

Then she moved away for a season to work at a camp in Missouri. When God eventually led her back to Nashville, that desire for community returned stronger than ever.

She began hosting game nights again.

Only this time, they grew quickly.

By the third gathering, nearly 65 people had packed into her parents' basement.

"We were like, 'We're not going to fit in here anymore,'" Kara recalled with a laugh.

As attendance continued to grow, so did the vision.

After months of prayer, Rooted Nashville officially launched in April 2025. Today, monthly events regularly welcome between 80 and 120 people who gather not only to have fun, but to build meaningful relationships rooted in Christ.

Learning to Trust God With the Season She Was In

While Rooted Nashville was growing, God was doing something even deeper in Kara's own heart.

She admits there were seasons when she questioned where she was in life.

Still single.

Unsure about her career.

Wondering how God could use the gifts He had given her.

"I've been praying for a way to use my gifts," she said. "I realized I could either stay discouraged about the season I was in, or I could open my eyes and see what God had for me right now."

That shift changed everything.

Rather than waiting for life to look different, Kara chose to be faithful with what God had already placed in front of her.

Looking back now, she believes those early days taught her one of life's greatest lessons.

"I've learned to surrender and trust His plans," she said. "It's not about me. I'm just a person inviting people over. When you say yes to God and follow His guidance, He does more than you could ever plan, dream or imagine."

Only God Could Have Done This

As Rooted Nashville continued to grow, Kara began seeing God's fingerprints everywhere.

Some people discovered the gatherings through Instagram.

Others overheard someone talking about Rooted at a coffee shop and decided to show up.

Friendships formed.

Bible studies began.

People who had drifted away from church found themselves growing in their faith again.

One couple even met through Rooted Nashville and eventually got married.

For Kara, those stories are reminders that God is the One building the community.

"I don't have that much influence," she said. "Only God could have brought all these people together."

Her goal has never been impressive attendance numbers.

It's much simpler than that.

She wants every person who walks through the door to know they are seen, valued and loved.

A New Chapter

As she watched God work through Rooted Nashville, Kara sensed Him expanding the mission.

The need for meaningful connection wasn't limited to churches or community events.

She saw it in workplaces too.

Today, she's preparing to launch Ready Set Rooted, bringing customized team-building experiences into businesses with the hope of helping coworkers build healthier relationships and stronger teams.

"I think we live in such an isolated and disconnected world," she said. "I just want to help people experience meaningful connection."

While the setting may be different, the mission remains the same: creating spaces where people can flourish and where Christ's love can shine through everyday interactions.

Hope for the Lonely

Kara knows many people are still searching for community.

Her encouragement is simple.

Don't wait for someone else to create it.

Take the first step.

"You aren't going to find community sitting at home or behind a screen," she said. "Get out of your comfort zone. Try something new. Keep showing up."

She also encourages anyone carrying a burden on their heart not to ignore it.

"If there's something God has placed on your heart, listen to it," Kara said. "Whatever season you're in, God can use you. If you're willing to take that next step, He's going to work in your life."

Looking back, Kara never could have imagined that opening her home for a game night would become a ministry impacting hundreds of lives.

But that's often how God works.

He doesn't ask us to see the whole picture.

He simply asks us to say yes.

And sometimes, one simple act of obedience becomes the beginning of a story only He could write.

Learn More

To learn more about Rooted Nashville, upcoming events or Ready Set Rooted, visit their website or follow them on social media for the latest updates.