I was sent out last Sunday from The Refuge Church. Not because I was in trouble... which has been the reason I have most often been sent out of the sanctuary (just ask my mom), but sent on my way for a summer full of travel and ministry. For me, the summer is the time of year when I travel the most and it takes me away from my church family for an extended period of time. Last Sunday was a great service in which my church family got to hear about where I would be and what I would be doing. There was a question and answer session so they could ask about the summer endeavors. The service concluded in a concert of prayer with my church family laying hands on me as prayers and tears flowed freely. Then we ate because as far as I can tell that is the way to celebrate everything with your church family. Leaving is hard but I am humbled and excited about what the summer holds.

There is a declaration repeated daily in my home and regularly with my church family which says, "We are a family of missionary servants sent to make disciples of Jesus Christ." This statement serves as a reminder of some of our identities in Christ as well as the commission our King has given to each of his followers.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV)

This is the directive to govern the way we approach every relationship and every place we find ourselves. We are a family for God has adopted us and made us his own. We are missional, which means we understand that our lives are not our own and we are always on mission because we love our King and desire to obey him. We are servants because we follow the example of Jesus. We are to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are a sent people.