Reforming Students

Recently, I finished writing a document called “Ephesus Church Philosophy and Function of Student Ministry.” It has been helpful to use as a foundation to build on in conversations, planning, teaching, peaching, leading, counseling, and discipling. Last Sunday afternoon, I met with my student ministry team and decided it was time to use this document to narrow our focus even more to 7 distinct values. I utilized various resources to think through and pray, considering the things I value as a pastor, what I hope our church will value in ministry, and most importantly, what I believe God values within the body of the Church. It has been very helpful for me to think through each of these values, and to hopefully lead others to see the importance of each one. Here they are:

1. Everything we do must be to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• All things that we are and all things that we have are a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:11). He is worthy of All glory (Romans 11:36).

2. Everything we do shall be done with excellence and planning. We are “serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Our aim is to do all things well.

• “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you” (Augustine of Hippo).

3. We do all things, not seeking our own advantage, but that of many that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:33).

• We must assume a posture that enables us to be all things to all men, that by all means some will be saved (1 Corinthians 9:22).

4. We minister to students knowing that the primary disciplers that God has appointed in their lives are their parents (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

• Student ministry exists to support and reinforce the biblical training within the family, not replace it (Ephesians 4:12). Students shall be provided with faith nurturing teaching, discipleship, relationships, and events that support and encourage their daily home-based training.
• The student ministry of the church assumes the responsibility of discipleship in the life of a student from a non-Christian home.

5. We provide students various opportunities to serve the community and love their neighbors, with the hope that they will creatively endeavor to find new ways to lead in service (Galatians 5:14; Micah 6:8).

• Our prayer is that students discover it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). We shall let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to God who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

6. We will provide students with opportunities to “stir one another to love and good works” through intentional, closely evaluated fellowship gatherings and events (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47).

• Ephesus Student ministry does not exist for the purpose of providing a safe social environment; Fellowship opportunities are for the purpose of relationship building, parental involvement in the ministry, Scripture study, and/or service to a community or other ministry.

7. We strive to teach and preach the “whole counsel of God” according to the theologically reformed confessional commitment of Ephesus Church (Acts 20:27).

• There are no doctrinal truths we will not teach – nothing is too difficult or unimportant.