It has been two and a half years since my family joined Sojourn Community Church. Our time at Sojourn has been one of gradual maturity in the gospel. I wholeheartedly agree with Sojourn’s vision that the gospel of Christ transforms our lives, our communities, our city and our world.
As I have reflected upon our years at Sojourn, God’s Word proclaimed and community life have contributed to gospel intentionality in my life before God. When I feel my heart grows cold to God’s Word or my relationships, the Lord shows grace by leading me to repentance and renewed faith. I have experienced God’s mercy as Scripture comes to mind in moments of need and desperation. Along with meditating on Scripture, I have also learned to meditate on my responsibilities and circumstances of my life. When do I fear man, instead of fearing God? Where I am anxious? Frustrated or irritated? Uncomfortable situations where I am called to love? Grateful? Suffering? Tempted? I take time to work through the struggles, burdens, troubles, and responsibilities of the day.
An area in my life that I have received great encouragement and challenge is being a faithful, loving pastor in my home. With so many godly and gospel centered husbands in our congregation, I am always provoked to love my wife well and disciple my kids well. Sojourn has been a great place to learn and be challenged to be deliberate with my family. I’ve learned I should not do marriage and parenting “on the fly”.
Another area I have seen change over the past few years is my increasing passion to reach out to non-Christians at work and with my neighbors for Christ. This pervading vision of seeing the gospel transform all of life, has compelled me to be bold and courageous in speaking of my love for Christ and his life changing message.
Lastly, because of the emphasis of the gospel in Sunday gathered and community life, I believe that the more in love I am with the gospel of Christ, the better friend I will be to people. As I rehearse the gospel week in and week out, the more motivated I am to pursue and care for people both in and outside of the church. I am more prayerful for friends who are struggling and in need of God’s sufficient grace. I am more aware and rejoice with friends God’s tangible mercies in their lives.
