Opening Unexpected Gifts
Sometimes ministry moments begin in surprisingly simple ways.
As we gathered for our first session with a new cohort of pastors and spouses, Joe welcomed everyone and I brought out a wrapped gift. One of the pastors volunteered to unwrap it while everyone watched. Inside was See’s Candy—a small treat from home—which was joyfully shared and enjoyed.
I invited the group to open the gifts the Lord had for them in the following days.
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| A new A3 cohort of pastors and spouses gather together. | ||
So often, God invites us to unwrap gifts we don’t expect: relationships, lessons, seasons of waiting, and blessings that arrive in His timing rather than ours.
Building Community and Learning Together
Our first introductions quickly revealed the warmth of the group. Even though translation was limited at times, laughter needs no interpreter. Stories flowed around the room—some joyful and humorous, others deeply moving. One testimony stays with me.
One pastor shared how he had faithfully prayed for a wife, and how God provided the woman by his side. Their journey afterward was not easy. They endured heartbreak through several miscarriages before finally welcoming a son and daughter.
This story reminds me that some of God’s greatest gifts are often received after seasons of perseverance and tears.
Throughout the retreat, I was struck by how engaged everyone was. Discussions around the tables rarely needed encouragement; conversations naturally flowed. Joe’s teaching on Genesis 2 and the theme of “leave and cleave” sparked thoughtful dialogue, and the couples leaned into every opportunity to learn from one another.
I was especially thankful when the main translator arrived in time for my session on the four temperaments. I appreciated the maturity and humility of the leaders present. One seasoned pastor gently suggested that using biblical characters as examples might resonate even more deeply than simply providing verses.
I loved that he felt comfortable enough to offer that insight. Leadership flourishes where trust creates room for honest feedback.
Strengthening Leaders and Families
Exploring topics like mutual love, submission, power/control, money, and communication in marriage led to deeper dialogue. Before introducing my session on the five love languages, Joe humorously touched on the topic of intimacy in marriage. His story about helping one’s wife in the kitchen leading to a better sex life had everyone laughing.
Yet beneath the humor were meaningful conversations. It was interesting to learn that words of affirmation are not naturally emphasized in this culture. Several men reflected honestly on how affection and encouraging words had been absent in their own childhood experiences. They shared their desire to break those patterns and create a different environment for their children.
Those moments felt sacred.
Leadership development is never just about learning principles. It is about healing hearts, reshaping families, and allowing God to write a different story for the next generation.
Creating Space for Growth
On our final day after the morning session, Joe dismissed the couples early, encouraging them to take time to reflect, pray, and talk together about their goals.
One of the women later expressed gratitude for having space simply to process and pray with her husband. Sometimes the most important ministry happens in the unstructured moments.
Graduation day carried a different feeling as well. Without outside guests, it felt very intimate. Joe shared a meaningful recap of the four A3 outcomes, and several pastors gave testimonies about what God had done during the A3 journey. One of the younger leaders in the group spoke humbly about what a privilege it had been to learn alongside so many seasoned leaders.
There was humility, gratitude, and a genuine sense of community in this cohort.
Looking Ahead
By the end, conversations had already shifted toward the future. Leaders were eagerly discussing how the next cohort could be crafted. They asked thoughtful questions about how to shape the experience moving forward, so that more leaders would be impacted.
That may be one of my favorite parts of A3. We do not simply deliver a program. We help create spaces where local leaders can own the vision, contextualize it, and carry it forward in ways that fit their communities.
I admire Joe’s confidence in the local leaders as he gives them freedom to adapt the experience within their own culture and context.
As Joe and I reflected afterward, we realized we are growing more comfortable with the material each time we lead these experiences. Yet every setting teaches us something new. There is always more to learn, more to refine, and more to understand about the people and culture around us.
But one thing remains constant: God continues giving us gifts. Often the greatest gifts are not programs or presentations. They are people, relationships, and the joy of seeing leaders grow together as Christ forms something beautiful among them.
Will you open the gifts God has given you?
Silk Handley
SILK HANDLEY is an A3 ambassador who serves on the Women in Ministry faculty and is dedicated to supporting A3 through prayer, encouragement, and faithful service.
