Providing a variety of opportunities to develop authentic, life-giving relationships with one another is an important aspect of the mission God has given us in the ARC. These relationships in turn become the context in which we can experience authentic transformation, grow as disciples of Jesus, and live more effective missional lives. One example of ARC pastors creating an opportunity to develop and grow in authentic relationship with one another is a couples group started by ARC Pastor, Joe Johnson and his wife Judy in Southern California. This group has graciously agreed to share how coming together as spouses in a context where being in authentic relationship with one another is highly valued is impacting their lives.  – ARC Director, Mike Bradley

Joe Johnson writes: “One of the most fun things I am doing with Judy is gathering four other pastor couples together for a monthly small group hosted and led by a different couple each month in their home. We all bring food with a theme selected by the host. The four couples are Jeremey and Michelle King, Radiant Church, Garden Grove; Nathan and Joy Hoff, Trinity Lutheran, San Pedro; Bob and Tara Mabry, Hope Community, Long Beach; and  Jon and Chris Anderson, City on a Hill, Redondo Beach.”

Judy Johnson shares: “When I am overwhelmed with a busy schedule, many roles, and the routine ups and downs of life, I sometimes forget who I am.  This is a place of loneliness, fear and self-condemnation.  How greatly I need the gentleness, truth, humor, and love of these dear friends who each show me a facet of myself.  This group regularly calls me back to integrity and rest.  Just by being ourselves we are clay pots who offer refreshing sips of living water to each other.”

Michelle King writes: “The nature of this group is such we are able to take our program hats off and are free to simply be. I was invited by my husband who had relationship with the all the men and to say that I was reluctant would be an understatement. Reluctant because nights away are precious, reluctant because I didn't want to sit around and hear pastors compare their ‘amazing ministries,’ reluctant because I needed a place to rest and be nourished not another venue to put on a pretty face. Our first night set the tone. It was hosted by our elder members, Joe and Judy. I really believe their candor paved the way for each of us to come as we were that night and it has carried on. In these short months, it has been an honor to gather as we pause and consider life with one another, praise, pray, laugh and did I mentions eat?  We now move things on our calendar to make these nights. This reluctant pastor's wife has been won over by a simple and genuine community.”

             Nathan Hoff share: “The enemy of our souls would isolate us, limit our vision, and accuse.  The Friend of our souls has done just the opposite through this group.  We are drawn into joyful communion with one another and our Lord.  My vision has been expanded.  The enemy's pointed finger at me is replaced with friends who point me to the Lamb of God.  Receiving personal ministry and also ministry as a couple from one another have been highlights.  Belly-laughing and personal ministry that touches wounds with Jesus' healing along with great food and company make for a great night.”
 

Chris Anderson writes: “The blessing of this group caught me off-guard.  Just a few months into a new call half way across the country Joe invited us to join in a group of MORE new people.... and PASTORS besides! I went.  In a lonely time, My Father gave me instant friends!  I never felt like the ‘outsider.’  We are all people on the same great adventure. I love our time together and Judy even said my tears were beautiful.  God speaks right to my heart through these people. Such a gift!!!

Tara Mabry shares: “Just one more things to do! Dang it! That was what I was thinking.  But then I thought about my family's time with Joe and Judy in Show Low, AZ where we had ministered together and I knew the time would have great value.  During our first time together Joe asked us to share some difficult things in our lives, and when we all were in tears, we could feel the empathy and kindness of each other. I knew that this was a safe group to laugh with and cry with. In all honesty, I am honored to be a part of such a remarkable group of people.”

And Bob Mabry writes: “It's a tricky thing for pastors to find rest.  I know that Jesus himself is my Sabbath Rest. This gathering of pastors and spouses.... actually for me it is just a gathering of friends, it is a place of rest. Great place to laugh, vent, eat good food, go really deep, pray and cry together -usually it's Joe and Chris who do the crying.  Love you guys, can't wait till the next time we meet. We laugh a lot, get real honest with one another, love each other, study Scripture, worship and pray together, play and get serious.  We hang out with Jesus and one another as apprentices of the Master Teacher.  We are Lutheran Christians who are kingdom first followers of Jesus.”

From Mike Bradley, ARC Director: Thanks to the members of this group for sharing your story with us. To all of us in the ARC – where are the opportunities for authentic relationship you are making time for? It might be starting a group like this with other couples. It might be in attending an ARC Life Together day in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Arizona, or Southern California areas (we will also be hosting these days in Florida and Alberta, Canada in 2013). It might be attending one of the ARC Pastor and Leader Retreats in April of 2013, or, getting involved in a new ARC Life Together Group (ask me about what these are). It might be attending one of the ARC Regional gatherings for all ARC members, or, it might be inviting the ARC Director or an ARC Ministry Team to come into your congregation for a weekend for teaching, ministry, and personal care giving.

Take advantage of one or more of these opportunities this next year. The tenor of our relationships with one another will directly affect how we are growing as disciples of Jesus and the effectiveness of our longing to live missional lives. For Christians, relationship is the task.