Rooted in Peace, Growing into Adulthood
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 28
A new young men's discipleship house in Richmond provides stability, life skills, and mentorship with another home in the works.
This story was originally published in the February 2026 Issue of Journey of Hope.
On a vibrant street in Richmond’s East End, a house is becoming much more than a building for shelter. For Murray Withrow, the SP Richmond site leader, the opening of a young men’s discipleship home represents years of prayer and patient investment taking visible form.
Murray has lived and ministered in the Church Hill area for over two decades. “It’s really a tale of two neighborhoods,” Murray said. One section was designated a historic district in the 1950s, while another experienced white flight and the construction of Interstate 95, which cut through the historically Black community of Jackson Ward and displaced thousands of residents.
During the displacement, five public housing communities were built nearby—tucked away, cut off and isolated by the highway. “You'll never really go to those places unless you're trying to go to those places,” he said. He and his family chose to live next door.
Over time, Murray built relationships in the neighborhood and identified the need for mentoring among young men. He started the Young Men’s Academy, walking alongside 12-13 year old boys through high school graduation. Post-graduation, he noticed what he calls “the cliff effect”—young men graduating without a plan and drifting. Murray began to ask: Why does discipleship have to stop when the program ends?
That question led to the launch of the first Men’s Discipleship House in September 2025. The home provides stable, affordable housing while offering structured support. Residents commit to paying subsidized rent and meeting weekly for mentorship, spiritual formation, and goal-setting. They are also provided with leadership opportunities, networking, and the invitation to open an investment account and receive free investment advice.
“Living somewhere stable is foundational to flourishing as an adult,” Murray said. “Without that, it’s easy to end up stuck in cycles that are hard to break. And it's not that these young men don't have skills or knowledge, because they do; they lack the environment that is conducive to flourishing. We believe we can provide that environment, which includes the home, but also the beautiful community life and mentor relationships.”
Brothers TJ and George, whom Murray has known since they were 6 and 7, completed the Young Men’s Academy in August of 2025. Today, TJ holds culinary certifications, works in a professional kitchen and is preparing for culinary institute. George, who now lives in the discipleship house, works while participating in a paid internship in the trades and is nearing a promotion at Chick-fil-A.
One morning, Murray stopped by to find George cooking breakfast—joyful, free and at peace. The next day, Murray asked how he would describe life in the house. George paused and replied, “Peaceful.”
“That image of George making scrambled eggs has stayed with me,” Murray said. “It’s a significant representation of someone having a place where they can live, rest, and rejuvenate. Many of the guys often come from overcrowded homes and chaotic environments. For the first time, George was able to simply be.”
"I hold them accountable for a lot. They may not love that, but the evidence speaks for itself that they're making tremendous strides. I hope one day they’ll tell the next cohort, ‘You won’t like this at first, but you’ll realize it’s actually really good.’"
Yet the program itself is not easy. Murray described it as “intentionally invasive,” with a household covenant, structure and real accountability. Residents commit to being fully present at least two nights a week, engaging in honest, intimate conversations about their faith, growth, finances, and relationships.
Murray sees his role like a coach—someone who pushes because he believes in what they can become. “I hold them accountable for a lot. They may not love that, but the evidence speaks for itself that they're making tremendous strides. I hope one day they’ll tell the next cohort, ‘You won’t like this at first, but you’ll realize it’s actually really good.’”
The story doesn’t stop here as plans are underway for a second, larger discipleship residence. What began as an idea a year ago, is quickly becoming a reality through what Murray describes as “a God story.” When he shared the vision with a friend, the response was immediate: “We have land. Call me.”
The proposed home would house up to 10 young men, with an on-site mentor family, Servant Partners office, and a commercial kitchen to help generate income.
As the discipleship homes take root in Richmond, Murray’s hope is profound: that these young men would flourish—in their walk, their work, and their relationships—and that one day, they’ll invite others to do the same.
You can read more about Servant Partners Richmond at www.servantpartners.org/richmond.