Mission Alive’s founder, Dr. Gailyn VanRheenen, had a remarkable gift for what he called “shoulder-tapping.” More than anyone I’ve ever known, he could see potential in a young Christian and inspire them toward greater service in God’s mission. In my own case, he put an arm around my shoulder and said, “You could be the Apostle Paul for some unreached people group in Africa.” That was all it took—God had me. Six years later, I was living in Benin, West Africa.
In many ways, Mission Alive continues this same spiritual practice today, though we call it Discernment. Our network includes hundreds—perhaps thousands—of people who understand Mission Alive’s vision. When they meet someone whose heart beats in rhythm with that mission, they point them to us. That’s literally how it happens.
Let me share a few recent examples:
Steve Allen, The Table–Irving (Irving, TX): Introduced to Mission Alive by a friend and colleague who recognized his shared passion for serving the marginalized.
Jason Hollinger, Lufkin Street Ministries 2540 (Lufkin, TX): Connected through a mutual friend and coach as he explored starting a church among the homeless and marginalized.
Kelly Bolin, Made for More (Bertram, TX): Referred to Mission Alive by a friend at Abilene Christian University who knew she was discerning a call to start a church after finishing her M.Div.
Andre Ashford (Spartanburg, SC): Came to us through a Dallas-area pastor familiar with Mission Alive, who saw Andre’s passion for serving the marginalized.
Manuel & Nancy Gonzalez, Siempre Familia (Fort Worth, TX): Connected after sharing their vision to renew their church’s engagement with their immigrant community with a friend who partners with Mission Alive.
Each of these five most recent IFCs found their way to Mission Alive because someone like you made the introduction—figuratively “tapping them on the shoulder” and saying, “You should check out Mission Alive!”
You may not be called to plant or lead a church, but you probably know someone who is discerning their next faithful step—someone with a heart for the marginalized or a vision bigger than themselves. Why not take a chance, tap them on the shoulder, and suggest they check out Mission Alive? – Tod Vogt, Executive Director