Pursuing Mission, MInistry, & Leadership
Sometimes stepping deeper into our purpose comes in unexpected ways.
Several years ago the Lord challenged me to start living out my faith beyond the four walls of my church. Within the confines of my local church community I had no problem starting spiritual conversations, but when it came to talking about faith outside of that circle, I had no idea where to start. Even though it was uncomfortable, I began reaching out in my neighborhood and city and serving marginalized people, those the world would consider “the least of these.”
I wanted to go deeper in the study of the Bible and, in particular, the areas of evangelism and leadership. It was a struggle finding the right fit because either the programs were not open to women or they were not specific to the area of study I was seeking. That’s when I came across Christine Caine on social media and saw a post about an upcoming Teaching and Preaching Workshop that Propel Women was holding. I immediately bought a ticket and booked a flight for the event.
During the workshop, Christine shared about the Propel Cohort at Wheaton College she was part of. I felt a nudge in my spirit to find out more. In fact, I called my husband from the lobby and told him about the program. Without hesitation, he agreed it was the program I had been searching for.
Two months later I stepped into the classroom of my first intensive at the Billy Graham Center. What followed changed the trajectory of my life.
Not only did the first course challenge me to dig deeper into the Biblical mission of the church, but it also connected me to a sisterhood of saints who are passionately pursuing Christ. These beautiful cohort sisters are women of all ages, backgrounds, denominations, ethnicities, and vocations. They inspire me and challenge me even if we do not always see eye-to-eye on every topic. Throughout our first year together, we developed meaningful connections that went beyond the classroom.
Christine cultivated a culture within the cohort that encourages us to passionately pursue Jesus over platforms and popularity. This is also true of the professors, administration, and staff at Wheaton. Their unwavering commitment to the mission of advancing the Kingdom in the way the Lord equips each of us as we fulfill our roles in the Church to better serve the communities in which we live. This is how we become influencers for Christ.
Here are three practical ways you too can be an influencer for Christ:
1. Seek and cultivate new opportunities or relationships with the purpose of giving glory to God. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14-15
2. Be satisfied with all you are in Christ. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Psalm 103:1-5
3. Steward the doors the Lord opens for you. Walk through them confidently and with boldness because of the One you serve. “This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” Ephesians 3:11-12
Sisterfriend, let us be ones who champion one another as we actively learn, grow, and pursue the cause of Christ!
Carrie Robaina
Carrie Robaina is an author and host of the She Walks In Truth podcast. She lives with her Uruguayan husband Ricardo and their 3 kids in the Kansas City area. Connect with her at www.carrierobaina.com or on social media at @carrierobaina.
