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My Personal Theology

I believe that a youth minister is not someone who organizes great programs but is someone who helps students follow Christ.  As a leader and a role model I know that many students will look to me to be an example.  Because of this, I would like begin by sharing my personal theology with you.

• John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less.

I have put this verse first because it is one of this simplest and yet most profound verses I have ever read.  Since I first really noticed it, it has been a real influence in my life and I often repeat it to myself. 

Pride can become a major obstacle in our lives, especially in a ministry when so many people look up to you.  I believe everything I do I must follow this verse.  My goal in life is to give Him glory and save none for myself.  A great youth minister is not one who becomes well known.  A great youth minister, or Christian for that matter, is someone who gives all glory to God, no matter the circumstances.  “In the end, the test is not how great you became, but how faithfully you served.” (Doug Fields)

• 1 Timothy 4:12 - Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I know that I am young so I sincerely seek the counsel of all of the knowledgeable people that the Lord has put into my life.  My experience is limited but I know that it is not my responsibility to know everything; I never will.  My goal is to set an example for my students and for all believers.  People may question my methods but I never want anyone to need to question the way I live my life.

• 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Central to this verse, and my life, is that Christ is set apart as Lord.  That is the most important part of this verse and my life.  With Christ as my center, I never want to stop learning and studying.  I want to be prepared for the questions that students and others around me ask.  Just as important as the answer though, is the way I answer.  I want my answers always to be accompanied by the unconditional love of Christ, shown to them through me.  I want my life itself to cause people to ask questions.

• Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Two essential parts of our lives, and our worship, are described here.  I believe that as children of God, our bodies are His and we must keep them both healthy physically and pure spiritually.  Along with our bodies though, our minds must also be kept pure.  If we do worship in all of these ways, then we will be more able to see God’s will.  I believe this is essential for all believers but especially important in full-time ministry as a primary leader in the church.

• Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

There are many parts of this verse that I believe and try to live by.  God has blessed me with the ability not to worry about much.  I believe that God is in control and because of that, prayer is the most effective way to eliminate worry.  When we realize that God is in control and that at the same time he is listening to us and we have a relationship with Him, it is not easy to find good reasons for worrying about anything.  When you realize that you have an intimate relationship with the one who is in control of everything, worry seems silly.

• Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

I don’t know how any Christian could not have this verse (or a corresponding one) in their personal theology.  Jesus calls these the greatest commandments and in them the rest of the law is summed up.  It is my never-ending desire and prayer to put my all-out, life-consuming love of God first and unconditional love of others right after that in my life and in my ministry.  

• Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

I believe that it is our responsibility as Christians to obey Christ.  He has commanded us to actively seek to develop followers of Jesus who obey Him.  We cannot hide ourselves away in our own little small groups trying only to develop ourselves.  At the other extreme, we cannot focus so much on reaching out that we forget to make disciples.  Christ did not command us to one or the other but to both, and I believe that for either part of the command to truly be successful, the other must also be there.

• Colossians 1:28-29 - We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

The more I look at this verse, the more I see in it.  The most important thing I see is that we labor with all His energy, not our own.  We work with His power and His energy for His glory.  It may be a struggle, but it is God’s work; all we have to do is surrender to what he is doing. 

Another major point I see in this passage that I want to live by is the “we”.  Ministry is not about what I do or even just about what God is doing in me.  Ministry is best done as a team.  I know that there are many things that aren’t my giftedness, but as a church body we can do anything.

Finally, teach everyone (not just the kids, or just the adults, or just men, etc.) with wisdom.  The word perfect is used in this verse, but it has a different meaning than usual.  Here, perfect means to be mature, so we are to lead all people to maturity in Christ.

Now that you have seen my Biblical foundation, click here to learn about my vision, mission, and strategy.