More Than Father & Mother

More than father or mother, the life of ministry is being called beyond comfort.  Moving often physically away from the familiarity of family & friends to follow in full faith and faithfulness.

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

— Matthew 10:37 (NIV)

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He didn’t sugarcoat the cost. He made it plain that being a disciple would sometimes require leaving behind what’s most familiar—even family, even home.

This verse from Matthew has always been challenging for many people. It isn’t a command to hate our parents or children. It IS an invitation to love Jesus MORE. To trust Him more than our family ties, more than our need for comfort, and more than our fear of the unknown.

That’s a hard word, isn’t it? And yet, it’s been the story of my life—and my family’s too.

Over the years, we’ve followed God’s calling through a series of moves that, on the surface, might seem disruptive or even unnecessary. But each one has carried deep purpose. We’ve packed up our lives, said bittersweet goodbyes, and leaned into the unknown multiple times:

• From the familiar rhythm of life in Ohio
• To deep southern social challenges (and summer humidity!) of Louisiana,
• To snowy winters and faithful communities in Wisconsin,
• To the fast pace and layered history of Washington, D.C
• Then to the slower pace and religious bubble of the Amish, Pennsylvania.
• And Chicago, Illinois, an area pulses with potential and spiritual hunger.

Each move has come with questions.

• “Why now?”
• “Are we sure?”
• “Will our kids be okay?”
• “Can we really start over again?”

And each time, Jesus has lovingly whispered, “Trust Me.”

Yesterday marked another sacred moment of trust in our family ministry journey. We dropped off our daughter, Jenna, in Kentucky as she stepped into her first full-time role in ministry as a Children’s Director. What a mix of emotions—deep joy, pride, and yes, the ache of distance. The life of calling we have lived on away from family we now get to live on the other side as parents. Watching her say yes to God’s call reminded us again that this life of following Jesus has never just been ours—has to be passed on, lived out, and now embraced by our children.

Every place has taught us something different about His heart. Every city, every church, every new beginning has deepened our dependence on Him. We’ve seen Him show up in youth groups hungry for purpose, in neighborhoods needing presence, in churches longing for renewal, and in even quiet, lonely moments when we didn’t know anyone yet—but knew He was present.

The truth is, the call to ministry doesn’t come with stability. It never comes with a full roadmap. What it does come with is an invitation: to trust. To let go of what feels safe, to leave behind Father and Mothers (Grandpa/Grandpa) and to step into what is a sacred calling to follow. Following Jesus will stretch you beyond your comfort zone, beyond your zip code, and sometimes even beyond your family’s hopes and expectations.

It may break your routine. It may disrupt your plans. But what you gain in return is the unshakable joy of walking in obedience to Christ, and that joy is worth every mile, every tear, every “we’ll miss you,” and every “I don’t know what’s next.”

If you’re wrestling with a call that feels costly, here’s what I want you to hear: God is already where He’s calling you. He’s not asking you to abandon your family or your history. He’s asking you to prioritize His voice above everything else—because only He knows the fullness of your calling.

He may call you across the country. He may call you across the street, but know that He will always call you deeper into His heart.

So pack lightly. Love deeply. and go boldly, because He IS worth it!