This past year I celebrated with my husband, Phil, a wonderful milestone he achieved by God's grace; he graduated from Re:Train—the yearlong Missional Leader program at Mars Hill Church.

In many ways, our whole family has sacrificed for this accomplishment—giving up family time, days off, and large chunks of Phil's brain, which were preoccupied with reading, writing, and studying. It is a minuscule price to pay in comparison to the richness of redemption I have experienced in my husband as a man, pastor, and father.

Renewed Passion

Phil's passion for the gospel has exploded. Sitting under the teaching of amazing pastors like John Piper, Sam Storms, and Bruce Ware, I have seen admiration for the Father, affection for Christ, and acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit's power multiply exponentially. Many a night, Phil would share with me what he was gleaning from the most recent book he was studying. Spurgeon's biography remains my favorite as I have memories of Phil tearing up as he spoke of the deep, passionate prayer life Spurgeon inspired within him. 

Renewed Love

Phil has always been a man whose adherence to truth stands firm. His life is marked by integrity. I saw that commitment to truth coupled with a tenderness and compassion as when he was challenged by one teacher with this exhortation: Sometimes the sheep need to be corrected, but sometimes they just need to be loved and inspired. God used those words to continue to work gentleness and compassion for the people into my husband's heart. 

Renewed Fellowship

I have witnessed Phil's pastoral calling sharpen and strengthen through this process. Receiving encouragement, perspective, and challenge from his fellow cohort members has given him clarity and confidence to continue in obedience to God's call on his life. The life of a pastor is often marked with loneliness. I watched my husband enjoy the brotherhood of shared mission with other godly men. 

God used those words to continue to work gentleness and compassion for the people into my husband's heart. 

My heart is filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate Phil's graduation from Re:Train. God has faithfully sustained our family through a difficult season while he honed my husband towards greater passion and influence for His glory. 

What more can a wife ask for?

Applications for 2013-14 ReTrain school year are now open. Apply today to get world-class theological instruction, along with practical ministry expertise from pastor and scholars serving in church ministry.