Missional Vocation: In the Home

by Ryan McLaury

One setting where we often do not think we are—or should be—missional is in the home. Just as I mentioned the many different types of workplaces we have a couple weeks ago, there are a number of different vocations within the home. Siblings, children, fathers, mothers, spouses, grandparents, etc. God has called each of these to live out the Gospel, although these roles have varying degrees of responsibility within the home. Not all of us have experienced each stratum within the domestic hierarchy. A bachelor is not yet a spouse. I am not yet a father. However, we must be prepared to live missionally in both present and future states.

So how do we live missionally in the home? Surely we aren’t sharing the Gospel on a daily basis with our immediate family members? For some, that is exactly what it means. Not all of us are blessed enough to share the hope and promise we find in Christ with each family member. Even those who are so blessed have responsibilities commanded to them by God. For parents, it means teaching the Gospel to children and providing a Christ-centered environment in which to grow. For spouses, it means being a spiritual leader and providing Christ-like support and love. For children, it means honoring and loving parents and siblings.

I will be the first to admit that it isn’t easy living missionally as a son, brother, and husband. It’s hard enough just to keep these relationships running smoothly each day, and God expects us to take on spiritual responsibilities on top of that? The good news is that when we are living according to God’s commands and allow Him to guide these relationships, it’s actually quite easy to succeed in these roles. That hardest part for me is remembering that piece of good news, rather than trying to rely on my own abilities (or lack thereof). God has equipped us with the proper tools to succeed (the Word and the Church). We just have to trust Him and take full advantage of His blessings.

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. –Hebrews 3: 12-13