Theological Perspective / Personal Beliefs

As a life-long Presbyterian, I am most comfortable within the Reformed Tradition.  I fully affirm the Apostle's Creed as a brief but sound statement of my beliefs.  I understand my call to lead in the local church as practical theologian, spiritual entrepreneur, and pastor whose call is:

  To lead, sustain, and nurture others to faith in and discipleship to Jesus Christ;

Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6.   Through Jesus Christ, God shows us the way to live, gives us all truth, and promises us life and eternal life.  Jesus' sinless life exemplifies God's intentions for our lives.  Jesus' death - sacrifice, satisfaction, ransom / payment - is for our benefit.  For those who trust and believe in the Son of God, His resurrection results in victory over the power of evil.  My call is to share through Christ the peace, forgiveness, companionship, guidance and eternal life that Jesus Christ offers to all people.

  To lead, sustain, and nurture others to faith in and discipleship to Jesus Christ;

"Thy Word is a light unto our feet, and a light unto our path."  Psalm 119:105 .  God's Word is all about transformation, not information.  God's Word is a living word which is foundational, practical, and relevant for our understanding of who we are, how we live, and for whom we live.  We can understand and apply Biblical, historical, and theological doctrines, principles, and truths to our contemporary world.  It is true that "We cannot teach what we do not know; we cannot lead where we don't go."  I strive to become more and more competent in interpreting, proclaiming and applying God's inspired Word to my life so I can help others to do the same for their life situations.

  To help others be an effective and prevailing Christian presence in society;

"Faith without works is dead." James 2:17 .  I lead, teach, give spiritual direction, study the scriptures, pray and provide resources to help people apply their faith in Christ to relationships in their homes, communities, and workplaces.  People will know we are Christians by our character, conduct, relationships and involvement in society.   We cannot earn God's love, but we can show we accept God's grace and respond to God's mercy by striving for justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God.

  To train and encourage others to become skilled in the many aspects of ministry;

We are a "priesthood of believers." Rev. 1:6; Calvin's Institutes 2.15.  We are to bear one another's burdens, teach, serve, love, and live with one another as Christ does with us.  The Holy Spirit, "God with us," directs and moves each of us toward God and toward humanity.  Spiritual gifts must be discerned and put into practice; ministry must be shared; and volunteerism transformed into servanthood as we minister to and with each other.

  And to help others see God's redemptive vision for the world.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." Matt. 28:19 .  God calls us to world-wide ministry, so we are a missional or "sent-out" church.  We need to formulate strategies that lead to effective mission, evangelism, and discipleship within our church, our neighborhoods, and throughout the world.  What we keep we lose; only what we give away remains our own.