This month I want to consider a different kind of homelessness: ecclesial homelessness—professing faith in Christ while having no local church to call home. This is closely connected to our mission: Reaching the Lost & Gathering the Reached.
Our mission points to the Great Commission: make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all that Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).
Over 67 years of ministry, we have met many people who appear to have been reached with the gospel. They tell us they are Christians, but when we ask what that means in their daily lives, their answers are often unclear. Some point to a prayer they prayed years ago. Others say they believe in God, occasionally read the Bible, or try to be good people. Many, though, do not see regular worship with a local church as an essential part of being a Christian.
I do not say this to question the sincerity of everyone who identifies as a Christian. I say it because the New Testament does not separate faith in Christ from life among His people. In Acts 2, those who received the gospel were baptized, added to the church, and continued in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The people Christ reaches, He also gathers into His body.
Those experiencing ecclesial homelessness have no congregation where they are known, loved, taught, needed, and missed—no pastors or elders caring for them and no church family with whom they regularly worship and fellowship.
This is why relational restoration is central to our program. God created us for rightly ordered relationships—with Himself, ourselves, others, and the world He made. Sin disorders those relationships, and through the gospel, Christ begins to restore them. We walk alongside our participants, introducing them to the Christian faith and connecting them with local churches and their people.
The local church is one of the primary places where this restored life is learned and lived. There, believers with different gifts belong to and serve one another under the headship of Christ. No Christian possesses every gift, and no Christian is meant to live alone. We need one another.
- Read more about ecclesial homelessness and the importance of gathering with God’s people in this month’s blog: Ecclesial Homelessness: When Christians Have No Church to Call Home
Signs of Restoration
The stories that follow offer a glimpse of the quiet, steady work God is doing in the lives of men and women at the Mission. Restoration rarely happens all at once. It grows through daily prayer, honest conversations, faithful work, healthy relationships, and the courage to take the next step. Here are a few signs of that restoration taking root.
Restored Relationship with God
Participants are growing in renewed faith as they learn to trust God, receive encouragement from their churches, and recognize His work in their lives. These stories reflect spiritual growth through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and perseverance.
Dee W. was blessed to have many members of her church present to celebrate her graduation from Term 2. She enjoys being part of her church family and values the love and support they consistently show her, which has made a meaningful contribution to her restoration process.
Michael L. after prayerful consideration decided where to put down long-term roots in a local church community. His thoughtful approach reflects a desire for spiritual growth, discipleship, and accountability as he moves further into the restoration process.
John K. experienced meaningful support from his church during his graduation celebration. The strong turnout from his church family marked an important milestone and reflected the encouragement, accountability, and relational support surrounding him.
Restored Relationship with Self
Participants are learning to face their stories honestly, receive correction, care for their health, and move forward with greater dignity and hope. These stories show growth in self-awareness, responsibility, confidence, and emotional health.
Manuel S. has reached a significant milestone, because of his progress he was released from probation and supervision approximately a year and a half early. This reflects a meaningful step toward freedom, stability, and continued responsibility in his restoration journey.
Gerri P. is developing healthy ways to manage health symptoms. She recognizes the importance of consistency which is helping her move forward with greater responsibility and hope.
Rachel S. is beginning to see that she has much to contribute. As she settles into the micro-community and receives love and appreciation from the other women, she is discovering that she is a true blessing to those around her.
Brian M. has shown increased self-awareness by openly understanding his past. Instead of returning to unhealthy coping patterns, he has remained committed to restoration and is learning to face difficult emotions with resilience.
Arick K. continues to show steady progress in restoration and overall stability. He has grown in healthy routines, personal responsibility, and willingness to receive coaching and feedback, reflecting a consistent commitment to long-term growth.
Restored Relationship with Others
Healthy relationships are being restored through humility, communication, encouragement, service, accountability, and belonging. These stories show how Christ-centered community creates space for healing and growth.
Arick K. continues to maintain a healthy relationship with a fellow church member. This close relationship has provided accountability, encouragement, and support as he works toward personal and spiritual goals.
John K. has been serving his church family by assisting in the sound booth and helping with the online livestream during worship services. This opportunity has allowed him to serve others, build stronger relationships, and serve in his local church home.
Jacqualine K. is taking an encouraging step forward as she advances from Term 2 into Term 3. With her church friend, Sarah, walking alongside her, Jacqueline’s upcoming graduation celebration reflects the support, accountability, and community that continue to strengthen her restoration journey.
Rachel S. consistently demonstrates a kind and compassionate heart toward others. She often asks how she can serve, willingly assists with responsibilities, and looks for ways to encourage those around her through practical help and genuine love.
Brian M. has developed healthy, supportive relationships with staff, fellow participants, and members of his church. He has identified these relationships as a source of encouragement and accountability, strengthening his commitment to lasting change.
Restored Relationship with Creation
Participants are rediscovering stewardship through work, service, health, order, responsibility, and faithful use of the opportunities God has entrusted to them. These stories show daily faithfulness becoming part of restored dignity and purpose.
Tawnya M. is taking practical steps toward work and responsibility with encouragement from her church friends. After receiving help filling out applications at five places, she got a job at Panera Bread and maintained her commitment to keeping Sundays free for church. Her initiative reflects growing stewardship, responsibility, and a desire to honor the Lord as she moves forward.
Brian M. has demonstrated increased responsibility by actively participating in daily expectations and assigned work responsibilities. His consistency reflects a growing understanding of faithful stewardship as he prepares for greater independence and long-term stability.
Stephanie M. has begun the restoration process with a willingness to serve wherever she is needed. She eagerly helps with chores and practical needs, recognizing that even ordinary work can be an act of worship and a way to honor the Lord.
Partner with us in God’s work of relational restoration.