Parenting is complex. And on Mother’s Day, that complexity often comes to the surface. For some, it’s a day of joy and deep gratitude. For others, it brings sorrow, longing, or even regret. It’s a day where we pause to say “thank you,” and for some, it’s a whisper that says, “I forgive you.” I want to speak not as a mother or even try to pretend I know the ins and outs of what a mother struggles with or goes through, but I do know what I have observed from my mother, and what I have seen from my wife. So this morning, I simply want to make a connection that I believe is both timely and necessary. A connection that I feel should be made, and not shy away from, and that is the mission of a Christian mother is similar to the mission of the church.
The Sacred Mission of the Church to Raise Up & Release is Parallel to a Mother’s Mission
This morning, we’re continuing our series, What Do You See?—and I believe Acts 11 speaks into both the heart of the church and the heart of the home. The early church faced tension, transition, and transformation, much like the journey of parenthood. At its core, the church is called to raise up disciples through the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit—and then send them out into the world for the glory of God.
In many ways, that’s the same calling we see in motherhood: to nurture, guide, train, and release. To prepare children to live productive lives—not just in society, but in the Kingdom of God. I don’t say that to oversimplify parenting or church ministry, but to help us reflect this morning.
Motherhood in today’s culture is complicated. Not because of one thing, but because of many. Society places pressures: Should a mom work or stay home? Dress her age or dress to feel confident? Should she be ever-present or give space for independence? And of course, there’s the ongoing cultural confusion over the identity and definition of womanhood and motherhood.
In the same way, churches feel that tension too. What version of the Bible should we use? What kind of worship—hymns or modern songs? Should we support many missionaries or focus on one? Should staff be full-time, part-time, or volunteers? Even questions about whether to host weddings or funerals can spark different opinions.
So today, I want to draw a simple but powerful connection: Just as the church is called to grow and send out disciples who proclaim Jesus as King, so too is a mother called to raise children who know Him, follow Him, and reflect His glory. The goal is the same: growth. A healthy growth from the church, and from a mother’s desire, is spiritually, emotionally, physically, and for the next generation.
Jesus at the Center
Acts 11:19-21
Believers Didn’t Preach Religion, They Proclaimed a Relationship in Jesus
Some of the Greatest Moments are when Moms Speak the Name of Jesus in a Whisper
Moms Start Conversations that Lead to Christ
Discipleship in Action: Encouragement, Learning, Listening, Limitations
Acts 11:22-26
A Mother’s Encouragement Fans the Flame of Faith
The Church Sends Out Disciples; Mothers Send Out a Legacy
Asking for Help isn’t Weakness, It’s Wisdom
Growth Happens in Quiet Consistency
Mercy in Motion
Acts 11:27-30
Jesus Prepares a Mother through Prayer and Mercy
As we close today, I invite you to take a moment to reflect—not just on motherhood, but on your own story. If you’re blessed to still have your mom, don’t take it for granted. Say thank you. Spend time. Enjoy the conversations. These moments won’t always be here, and one day, they’ll become cherished memories.
If your mother has passed on, pause today to remember her legacy. Tell a story she used to tell. Share a life lesson she lived out in front of you. Let her memory encourage someone else today.
And if your relationship with your mom is strained, broken, or painful, know this: you’re not alone. Jesus understands loss, betrayal, and heartache. Bring that pain to Him. Ask for comfort. Ask for healing. Ask for the strength to forgive. That may be the bravest step you take today.
Now, to every mother, grandmother, and spiritual mom in the room: Don’t underestimate the sacred work you do. You are raising and releasing. You are planting seeds today that will shape tomorrow. Keep pointing your children to Jesus. Keep modeling a faith that is real, growing, and grace-filled.
Talk about Jesus every day. Show mercy in the moments that matter. Don’t only let your kids see your strength—let them see your softness. Let them experience a mercy that mirrors the heart of Christ. Not just tough love. Not just the “get it done” part of you. But the gentle, patient mercy of Jesus has covered your life, again and again.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever told this story from my perspective, but it’s one I’ll never forget. It was just a few days after high school graduation, and I was heading off to what felt like the great adventure of life. Two of my friends and I were headed to Yellowstone National Park—to live, to work, and to start Bible studies.
I remember standing on the front porch with my mom and dad. They didn’t say much, but they said everything. If you’ve ever been in a moment like that, you know exactly what I mean. My dad hugged me and shared some advice, and then my mom just wrapped her arms around me and said, “I love you.” I had to fight back tears—probably because my two friends were waiting in the car—but also because I knew something sacred was happening. As we drove away, the car was quiet. There wasn’t much to say. Because raising up and releasing? That’s a weighty, holy moment.
When We Raise Up Well, We Can Release Well
Remember this: In Antioch, the term “Christian” was first used to describe followers of Jesus.
For you, “mother” was a name first used the day your child entered the world.
But what gives power to both titles is how you live them out.
Toady’s Takeaways:
Raise up in the name of Jesus
Encourage in the name of Jesus
Disciple in the name of Jesus
Allow Jesus to Lean into Your Limitations
Listen to how Jesus is preparing your heart
Release in the Name of Jesus
We don’t just carry the title of Christian, we carry the testimony. And whether you’re a mother, a mentor, a believer, or a builder of others, may your life make people say,
“Now that… that looks like Jesus.”
