The most important thing about me isn’t the stuff on my resume—my background, my credentials, the skills I’ve mastered or the connections I have.

My background is critical to who I am, of course. Growing up in a small town in Missouri, in a large Catholic family, playing all kinds of sports, acting in plays, flipping burgers at McDonald’s framed my view of the rest of the world in ways I’m still sorting through. But, that background isn’t the most important thing about me.

My credentials are okay. I graduated from a good college, Missouri Southern State College, with a degree in Communications in the 80s. I went on to get a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in the 90s. I have served as a staffer, worship leader, youth pastor and senior pastor in four different churches over the past four decades. I’m currently serving CityChurch Lawrence in Lawrence, Kansas, and teaching at Calvary University in Kansas City, an assistant professor of Ministry Studies and Bible and Theology. I’m also working on a Doctor of Ministry degree. But, my credentials aren’t the most important thing about me.

The skills I’ve mastered are few. Does anyone really “master” the skills of teaching, writing and speaking? My student reviews sometimes indicate I’m no master of speaking and teaching. Officially, I’m a “Master of Theology” and I have a diploma to prove it. But, since theology is the study of the all-powerful, all-knowing and everywhere-present Creator, I’m pretty sure none of us ever really “masters” that. I’ve also been the husband of an amazing wife, Beth, for more than 30 years and a father of six amazing kids for more than 20 years, but I’m still working on all the skills those roles require. Yes, I’ve got skills. But, my skills are not the most important thing about me.

And I know a lot of amazing people. By the grace of God, I found an amazing wife and somehow convinced her that it was a good idea to marry me. My kids are a constant source of joy and amazement. My parents, siblings and extended family helped to shape me into who I am. My co-workers in ministry, students and fellow faculty members inspire and motivate me, and my teachers and mentors have impacted my life deeply. Truly, I know a lot of amazing people though none are exactly famous or powerful. My connections are not the most important thing about me.

The most important thing about me is simple: I know I’m not the center of the universe.

Like you, I am created in the image of God, so I know I have much value in the eyes of God. But (are you ready for some profound theologizing?), I am not God. Life is all about Him, His word, His ways, and His plans. As image-bearers, we have been designed to reflect the One whose image we bear! He is the Sun and we are moons. We shine only when we reflect His light. We reflect Him when we do good works, create beauty, think deeply, communicate truthfully and love deeply.

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3 Comments

  1. Shaun

    Hello. From mo. You coming into town soon? Would love to chat with you and solicit your prayers about something.

    Hope we can catch up soon. Say howdy to your better half from us

  2. Hi Shaun,

    Good to know you here.

    have you complete D Mins with Antioch School? your website is very good in summary the whole first principles series and the way of Jesus and His Apostle. Very comprehensive.

    Just want to know how the D Mins programme affect /impact your life and ministry?

  3. Hi Shaun,

    Good to know you here.

    have you complete D Mins with Antioch School? your website is very good in summary the whole first principles series and the way of Jesus and His Apostle. Very comprehensive.

    Just want to know how the D Mins programme affect /impact your life and ministry?

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