Purpose: A Cruciformed Approach to Life, Gifting, & Decision-Making
Q: What is the chief end of man? A: Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully enjoy him forever. — Westminster Catechism, Question 1[1]
Q: What is our only hope in life and death? A: That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ. — New City Catechism, Question 1[2]
While applying for a lead pastorate, I came across this question by the search team: what is your purpose? This is a big question that I think both the Westminster Catechism and New City Catechism begin to capture in their respective first question. These catechisms elucidate the heart of our purpose: wholly belonging to and glorifying the Triune Life-Giver by enjoying him forever in Christ. As I contemplated this question about purpose, I sought to consider a theological framework to articulate my purpose.[3] The goal is to briefly show how the death, resurrection, and kingship of Jesus informs my purpose as evidenced in the areas of life, gifting, and decision-making.
My purpose is to frame my life, gifting, and decision-making in light of Jesus' death, resurrection, and kingship. I pursue this purpose in Christ through the Spirit's empowerment by the Father’s favor.
In light of Jesus' death: My decision-making is about counting others more significant than myself, because that is what Christ did for me. This affects my marriage, my neighbors, and my service in the church. The apostle Paul says it this way, “…always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies…So death is at work in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:10-12). After I resigned as children’s pastor from First Baptist Church of Farmersville, I had an opportunity to serve at two other churches in the community in the interim season. Rather than serving the church that had more resources and many gifted members, I chose through the Spirit’s leading a smaller church where I thought my wife and I could serve sacrificially, deeply investing ourselves in the people, so that the Father would make much of Jesus through our investment.
In light of Jesus' resurrection: I use my gifting so that others may receive life and make much of Jesus. The Lord has given me several spiritual gifts to serve his church, including teaching, wisdom, leadership, and shepherding. As an act of worship, I use these gifts to build up Christ’s kingdom. In recent years, I have served the church, leading teams of volunteers to minister in both urban and rural areas of North Texas. Within my role as associate pastor, I have preached and taught Scripture on a regular basis as well as counseled both children and adults alike. Throughout the years, I have used my cultural acumen and language aptitude to serve Christ’s kingdom through international missions. I discern when people are on the fringe or comprise vulnerable populations. This discernment has manifested itself in numerous ways, in my prayer life, CASA volunteering, ministry to at-risk kids, and counseling special needs families. Jesus brought life to me, and through his Spirit I desire to see others experience healing and life.
In light of Jesus' kingship: My life is shaped under the authority of the King, and his kingship informs my life and my enjoyment of his creation. This truth allows me to live in freedom to Christ, knowing that everything and everyone is subject to his judgment. This evokes a lifestyle of repentance and brings a sense of liberation from the need to control circumstances.[4] Jesus reigns and I do not. As a citizen of God’s people, I serve at the pleasure of King Jesus. As a pastor, I serve as one of Christ’s under-shepherds, being shepherded by Christ himself. Living under the kingship of Jesus pushes me to serve as an ambassador of Christ’s kingdom in the midst of a broken, evil world.
[1] https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/westminster-larger-catechism/
[2] http://newcitycatechism.com/new-city-catechism/#1
[3] There is a bit more to be said at a later time about (1) framing this question theologically, (2) constructing it in roughly individualistic manner as opposed to articulating a community-oriented perspective of my purpose, and (3) the limitations and subjectivity of the use of life, gifting, and decision-making as categories. We could use theological grids to discuss ministry practice among other activities and ontologies.
[4] Repentance before God and others is an ongoing activity. Recently, I failed to be gentle to a friend. I confessed and sought forgiveness. The biblical model for apologies is confession seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. There is more to be said at a later time.