I've been diving deep into two areas in my recent discernment: the narrative themes God has been writting in the chapters of my life and the spiritual gifts God has given me. I'm increasingly convinced that I am called to the function of apostle. In Eph. 4, we get a 5 function understanding of gifts for the disciples of Christ. The role of apostle is one of a pioneer, entrepreuer, visionary and trans-local ministry. This hits home for me as I reflect on growing up, always moving from place to place and from my more recent "homelessness".
People ask me: "Tim, Where are you from?" or "So, where's home?". I don't have good answers to these questions. My childhood was in Texas, then Louisiana, then Mississippi (no laughs please...) and finally back to Louisiana - only to go to school in Texas. Meanwhile, growing up, family was in Ft. Worth, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Now, family is in Georgia (Andrew), Portland (Kevin), Washington, DC (Mom, Dad, Colin), Ft. Worth (Grandpa, Uncle/Aunt/Chad-cousin) and Ft. Lauderdale (other grandparents) and Pennsylvania (other Uncle Aunt/Cousin). On top of that I have mentors in Boulder, Mandeville, and friends scattered FAR beyond that. But I'm finding a profound joy as I am priviledged to connect people from all these places. All these places are my home.
Sitting around a noisy living room near New Orleans, I found myself with two mentors and their children (one adopted from China of course), a friend from high school, and two other friends - clay friends - from Pennsylvnia and Minnesota (but really New York). Gathered, we were the church, a hidden little gathering of conversation and faithful attempts at following Christ.
This is problematic though. My church has only boxed in ideas and roles of leadership -of which "the apostle" doesn't neatly fit. Where do I belong? How does all this fit in?
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