Rachel & Rod Brown

Friday Feature Couple ~ Rachel & Rod Brown

We love celebrating and showcasing marriages who are living out their marriage and walk with Christ intentionally. I met Rachel when I volunteered for a year with a ministry called Bethany’s Rest. She is bubbly, vivacious and she truly is the epitome of joy. This gal loves God and wants you to see how God is for you and is not wanting something from you. My husband, Russ, and I went on a group date with Rachel & Rod to Reel Experiences. We highly recommend you do Reel with your small group or as a date night. So fun!!!

Rachel is a full time mother and leads a beautiful ministry called Be Still for women to hear and listen for the voice God during the middle of their crazy lives! Be Still’s vision is for every woman to rest in the freedom of the finished work of the cross! The key distinction of Be Still is that it meets in homes for worship and women will share their journeys and the beauty and hope of a testimony. The goal is for women to hear the story and and believe that Jesus himself can absolutely do it again in their life.

Rod works with Lead Pastors around the world for North Point Ministries. The organization forms long term partnerships with leadership teams that are creating churches that unchurched people love to attend. They provide consulting, strategic planning, human resources and encouragement. Rod works with North Point Partners around the world and domestically throughout his 20 year career in ministry.

How did you meet each other?

I was a widow living in Huntsville, AL. Rod was working and on staff with North Point Ministries…since I was out of state, we were introduced by a mutual friend in Atlanta! She connected us over email and we met in person a month later.

How did your husband propose?

We had our first date in Piedmont Park…so he took me back to the Park and he had a picnic set up where he proposed.

How long have you been married?

We will celebrate 5 years in June! A HUGE accomplishment when you know my story!

What’s one thing you do for your husband everyday?

I ask him everyday, “Is there anything I can do to help you today?” His job is super demanding and he travels on the weekends…catching up is always hard!

What are your thoughts about counseling? Do you and your spouse go?

We love counseling and are firm believers in it! We also love prayer counseling where you are guided into a memory that has caused you to be stuck in your beliefs. It is incredibly powerful and effective and we both love it!

What’s one piece of advice you would share with someone before getting married?

Don’t date unless you want to get married! You are playing with fire! And one more…marry someone who follows Jesus and sees themself in ministry even if they are not on staff at a church. Ministry is following Jesus!

Can you honestly say, “I love my husband, as is, without requiring anything to change?” Do you ever waiver on that?

Yes…having been married three times (twice widowed and now married for the third time) I KNOW I cannot change another human being. They have to want it. I can pray and I can war for them.

How would you describe the word “love?”

All in!

Do you feel something unfulfilled in your life – something God wants you both to do? What is it?

I do believe we will be in ministry together one day. We have not heard a specific calling or marching order but I do see us as a team in our next season together.

Has your husband helped you become more mature spiritually? In what ways?

Yes, for SURE! Rod is patient and listens so well, it is almost his job! He is a professional at not being impulsive and I am TOTALLY impulsive and don’t always weigh the facts! The wisdom that flows from him is intoxicating to my spirit and I am so thankful for his example!

Do you try to fix him? How? Does it work?

Hahaha ummm, no! Don’t try…what a laugh! Always fix what is behind your nose first!

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in marriage? Why?

Rod experienced anxiety and depression after we got married. I feel like my biggest mistake which became our biggest success was not being able to fully love and extend forgiveness to Rod when he was hurting because I was angry! I had not grieved my late husband well so that anger transferred to Rod’s sickness. I did not understand that what Christ did for me was for me to extend to Rod. Sounds simple but oh so hard when you are angry!

Do you think your children and friends see your marriage as beautiful? Why or why not?

I hope so…I hope they see us partnering well to bring life to those around us!

Are you hopeful about the future?

Incredibly hopeful…last half best half!

Do you feel your husband respects you? How could he show that better?

Rod could write a book on respect and honor. He honors my life and the choices we make to advance the kingdom. He is supportive and provides the support I need to feel loved and lifted up.

For more on Rachel’s story, click here.

Have you ever been frustrated with your spouse and not sure how to recover?
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