A Family Thing

By Linda Canup

When I first saw Tal & Acacia, the auditorium was empty except for maybe 40 music and radio insiders who looked as if they could use another cup of coffee and maybe one less donut. Tough crowd, I thought.

Nevertheless, the sisters suppressed their nerves and began to play. I was immediately impressed by their strong, clear voices, creative melodies, and thoughtful lyrics. But it’s what I learned about them afterwards that truly amazed me: Not only were they the next best thing in music; the 20-somethings were also missionaries to Lebanon. “Lebanon, Tennessee—not the country. I always have to clarify that,” says Acacia, laughing. “It would be way cooler to be the country, but it’s not.”

Way cooler? That’s debatable. Their ministry in Tennessee has a significant amount of coolness of its own. The whole family—including their parents, two sisters, and brother-in-law—is involved in starting home churches. They meet once a week for food and worship and get together often for fun and fellowship.

“It’s not just about faith, but about life. Seeing Christians in real situations—just living,” says Tal, “It’s amazing how Christ comes out of you even when you’re not using words.”

They learned this philosophy of lifestyle ministry early on. As church planters in the inner city of Portland, Maine, their parents weren’t afraid to help anyone and everyone that came their way. “We’ve had people living in our basement,” says Tal, “foster kids, and not-foster kids from the streets, that just stayed with us. It’s just always been like that.”

Of course Tal & Acacia’s parents had concerns about raising children in such an unconventional environment. But the Lord calmed their fears and impressed this message on them: “If you live a radical life, I’ll give you radical kids. Don’t be afraid to obey me because of your kids. I’m going to take care of them.”

And so they did, He did, and now they are—radical girls, that is. Whether through music or some other area of their lives, Tal and Acacia put ministry first. “[It] isn’t something necessarily that you go to. It’s something right at home. Starting with your kids and then opening your doors to everyone else,” says Acacia.

“Yeah,” Tal agrees, “It’s a family thing.”

Learn more about Tal & Acacia by visiting their Web site at www.talandacadia.com.