“To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:2 NIV).
This past Sunday Robin and I had the privilege of ministering at Awaken Church in Greensboro.
Before the service began I was getting to know some of the people that are helping Chris and Molly Shelton plant this wonderful church that currently meets in a deli. A young man named “Jack” helps out every week by opening the store so that they can have church. I stopped by the counter to thank Jack for his help.
“It’s no big deal.” he said. “I don’t mind. Hey, aren’t you his father?” he asked, while pointing at Chris.
“Well, no I’m not.” I answered. “His dad is over there.” I continued, while pointing out the elder Mr. Shelton.
Then I thought for a moment and said, “But I don’t mind being confused as Chris and Molly’s dad. I am certainly as proud of them as a father would be.”
Later in the morning when Chris introduced me as the speaker at the worship service he said that the DNA for Awaken Church was largely a product of his being a part of WCC. He said that WCC had been the place where he had caught a vision for reaching people for Christ in an authentic and relational way. He introduced me as his pastor, mentor and friend.
I felt greatly honored to speak at Awaken Church. Seeing what God is doing there through Chris and Molly and little Julia made me well up with pride. Not pride in myself, but in being part of the family of God…
… a family that makes us fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters because of Christ.
WCC is proud of its daughter Awaken.
May the Lord Himself increase the light of influence that Awaken Church has in Greensboro! May the members of Awaken know what it means to have spiritual children!
It’s good to have a “true son” in the faith!