How would you complete the statement...

My Family Is __________________________ .

by David Womack

Many different thoughts and emotions come to mind at the mention of the word family. We are shaped by the influence of our families, and many life lessons are learned through family interaction. Our concept of how to live and work together is one of these lessons. In my family, we were taught as children to help each other. To this day, I know I have a network of support in my family regardless of the miles that separate us.

Just as our family shares names and genealogies, we can have families that share faith and heritage. Many of the most influential memories from my childhood and adolescence are connected to my parent’s faith and my family’s church life. I had the privilege of growing up in a local church family that included multiple generations and branches of my family tree. This afforded a unique perspective on how to live and work together. The dynamics in our church relationships can be interesting at times, but we can still learn valuable lessons in how to support each other.

I have an even larger family in my denomination. I was introduced to Free Will Baptists as a child and came to embrace the denomination and doctrine as my own when I became a child of God and began growing in my own faith. Free Will Baptists have been my family ever since. And yes, there are interesting dynamics in our denominational family as well. However, we are still family and share too much in common not to support each other.

Family life on every level is educational and impacts us deeply. It is no wonder God had so much to say about family. The biblical model of family life implores us to encourage each other to honor God in all we do and to support each other in doing so. The experiences and interactions in my home, church, and denomination instilled biblical values and principles in my life. The integrity of my faith compels me to support my family in return, at every level.

Family values are best communicated as we work together toward common goals. Historically, Free Will Baptists have shared a heart for evangelism and missions, as well as deep appreciation for our heritage. Randall House shares these values and supports our denominational family with bible-based, distinctively Free Will Baptist curriculum and books.

In support of our sister agency, Randall House provides free and discounted resources for home mission churches and FWB chaplains. Missions: North America reciprocates this support through involvement in several Randall House initiatives including the National Youth Conference and the National Youth Evangelistic Team.

Free Will Baptist faith and heritage are being propagated through the combined efforts of Randall House and Home Missions—family supporting family as God intended it to be. Regardless of your age, where you live, or the ministry to which you are called, you can be part of this living legacy. Just as you need your family, your family needs you.

About the Author: David Womack is customer service and sales manager at Randall House Publications. He lives in Hendersonville, TN, with Teresa, his wife of 30 years, and youngest daughter Tana.