April 11 was ECBC's new Young Adult Pastor's first week in class with us. Steve and his wife, Suzanne, formally met the class and gave us the vision for the ministry. I really love Steve's plans! I was practically bursting inside because it so matched what I had been praying for. Steve's focus is a Biblical worldview; not only growing in knowledge but having this knowledge go "heart-deep". This is something I very much need to cultivate!
During my time at Crosspoint in Clemson, I was exposed to so much Biblical wisdom it was like drinking from a fire hose! I have really missed the college ministry at Crosspoint Church in Clemson since leaving almost two years ago. One of the things I've missed most is discipleship. I love the Biblical concept of not only growing in knowledge but doing life together; accountability. I am thrilled that our new pastor holds the progression of wisdom and knowledge from head to heart so highly.
A big part of Steve's testimony is from his time in seminary. While he was most excited about the great theological teaching to which he'd be exposed, God had other objectives. Steve said he learned that God had brought him to seminary for a degree but more importantly for his own spiritual growth. God stripped him of his love even for good things (such as biblical knowledge and service) that had taken the place of God in his heart. God taught him how to take theology to heart so that it affected his life not just his thinking. He pointed out that we easily fall into trying to manipulate our lives by doing things "faithfully" so that our lives would turn out as we want them to. God is after our hearts - to shape what we love. Steve defined spiritual maturity as the sanctification of our loves.
Our new pastor told us that he wants to help us grow in this area as well; not just having a "Bible verse to throw at a situation" but being led by a heart that is fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit's leading. His outline for ministry is to help us follow God's mission for us: that our love of Him would transcend our lives (our love for the Lord would always be held more highly and defended more strongly than anything else).
I am truly excited for what the next few months will bring. I am starting to see the unfolding of God's purposes for me being here. I believe one of the biggest reasons is to be a part of this ministry at ECBC. Still very much looking forward to God revealing more of His plan for my life. I wonder what it will entail and where He has designed for me to serve....
Lord, please let "heart deep" and "from the inside out" be my focus as I run after You! This walk is so much more than absorbing and reproducing knowledge... I want to not only love Your word but to be consumed with its author! Take me deeper to know and love You more. Releasing all else including control and my plans may be a frightening leap of faith but its entirely worth it!
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