Missional Community Through Family
Many would say I've had it easy... growing up in a Christian home; a child of parents in full-time ministry; sitting under God's Word daily from an early age. Yep, no wonder I'm SOLD OUT to Jesus, right?
While that assumption is way off (I was born a sinner like you, you know), I think we fail to grasp the inherent power of "family" in terms of living in a missional community. I'll show you what I mean.
When I turned 21, I was aching to get out of the house and out from under my parents eye. You probably remember saying the same thing I did, "I can't wait to be on my own." And that's what I did - except not in the normal course most college students go (i.e. dorm life). Instead, a slightly-older married couple did something incredibly humble and brave - invite me to LIVE with them.
He was a seminary student heading into the pastorate and she was an incredible selfless person who loved to serve and live by example.
In no time, I was drawn into their family as if I was blood-related. I loved each of them as if my own brother and sister. More importantly, he discipled me - spending time together in God's Word and prayer. In those three years as a member of their family, I'd come to grow closer to my heavenly Father more than any other moment I've had since.
While I realize this form of discipleship is not meant for everyone (i.e. can become dangerous without the right precautions), Lynelle and I opened our home two years ago and haven't looked back. While our relationship with Elizabeth has taken a different form than mine with Burk, God is present and working in all of us and she is apart of our family.
- Colin Rowley
