Giving Away Our Harvest: “Grandparenting” in Mission
Photo on Unsplash by Jose De La Paz Naranjo
Mission workers who have joined the 2nd Half Collaborative (2HC) have averaged 19-20 years in ministry. Some are younger, yet already feeling the need for a slowed-down pace of communion with God, honest friendships, and sustainable rhythms in mission. Some are older, entering a season of still-active ministry but with different responsibilities and a reframed understanding of how they will walk the good road with Jesus and others in mission.
One couple who joined 2HC in the past has journeyed in mission for 38 years, with international experience in multiple locations. Listen as they describe their decision (near the end of their current sabbatical) to reframe their ministry with the image of “grandparenting.”
By Jeff and Roxanne
We believe this next season of ministry will continue our journey of learning, allowing us to share what we've learned with those newly in ministry and with the next generation of goers (workers). The image the Lord has given us is that of grandparents. A grandparent has time, a wealth of life experiences, and space to be present – to listen and encourage.
This invitation is not limited to just our grandchildren. It’s a mindset and posture that make us available with the space to
walk with people (not run 😊)
offer hospitality through our home
listen deeply to each person’s sacred story
go deeper in our connections.
This season of being grandparents is enhanced by our decision to step out of organizational leadership. It is time for the emerging generation to be encouraged and supported in their leadership journey. Our aspiration is to steward influence not through formal positions, but through authority grounded in crucible experiences and a life in ministry around the world.
As our sabbatical nears its conclusion, we reflect on the precious times we've had with the Lord, the silent retreats, the conversations with each other and family and friends, as well as the incredible hours spent in prayer and study. Through it all, along with the invitation to be spiritual grandparents, we also sense an invitation to enter the Fall season of our lives. Harvest is a part of the Fall, and we hope to spend more time writing and allowing our artistic desires in photography and painting to surface more prominently. We believe the Lord is urging us to give away our harvest—our life experiences and the lessons we have learned along the way—to help the next generation of workers as they embark on their journeys, just as we did back in 1988. We believe that “mindset” and “posture” are the foundations upon which strategies are built and executed. We feel that this might be our main contribution to the next generation and others we encounter.
Key words and concepts that have emerged for us during our sabbatical include: walking, hospitality, seasonal spirituality, embodied spirituality, integration and synthesis of our life experiences, friendship, and shalom—peace through integration. We have a deep desire to continue our discipleship with Jesus, growing in our friendship with the Lord and learning from Him in the quiet, relaxed ways of love.
The older we get, the more we realize how much we don’t know! Each day, we feel that the Lord is teaching us and walking with us. His kindness and love are truly amazing!
(Below: During our sabbatical Roxanne has engaged with scripture as art, with a desire to teach others how to use their senses to connect with God.)
