Mark Driscoll is one of my favorite young Christian leaders. While I’m not Reformed in my theology, I think he has a lot to offer Christian leaders, especially us young ones. While on a trip to the sunshine state (Florida) Mark sat down with J.I. Packer and asked him about theological issues young Christian leaders need to be focused on.

Here are Mark’s notes from his blog and my comments are in italics:

1. Regeneration — He said that the doctrine of regeneration has not been fully appreciated by many who do not understand that to be born again with a new heart and new nature means that we have at our deepest level a new identity and new passionate desires for God’s Word and ways. He commended to all young Christian leaders a thorough study on the doctrine of regeneration.
   
   I agree with this. To many times Christians are left to think that showing up or even going a step further and putting some cash in the coffer equals biblical Christianity. I’ve had my chops busted by well intentioned church people when I’ve talked about the negative sides of American Christianity, but I’ll take the heat when it comes to calling those who claim and call themselves Christ-followers to living as the Bible calls us to live. Regeneration is simply allowing the Holy Spirit to begin a work inside us that make us more like Christ (ie., Fruits of the Spirit, Clothed with Christ, good trees bare good fruit). Regeneration occurs when we focus on God through hearing and reading His word, praying, and other Spiritual Disciplines. We (young Christian leaders) no matter our position in the church need to do more living by example and showing what a changed life looks like and how to allow the Holy Spirit to begin this work and teach more on the call for those who follow Jesus to pick up their cross daily and actual follow what He teaches.
   
   

2. God-Centered Theology — He said that theology today is rife with man-centered thinking so that the glory of God in all things is not the essence of what is taught to be faithfully Christian. The result, he explained, is that even Christians often live their lives for the supreme purpose of their perceived happiness, feelings, and satisfaction. Yet, biblical Christianity differs from the other religions of the world in that the desires and purposes of God override ours; we are not the number one priority, but rather God is.
   
   I’ve allowed myself to fall into the trap of living for myself and forgetting that we live for and solely to glorify God. Again we young leaders need to be living by example a life that glorify God and works to bring the about the Kingdom of God taught by Jesus. Teaching through scripture in stead of purely topical when bring about a more God-Centered Theology to your congregation as you teach the whole Bible.
   
   

3. Godliness Begins at Home — This point was both surprising and refreshing. I was expecting only weighty and complicated theological admonition from such a theological giant. However, his wise counsel on this point is well needed. Packer said that most Christians do not take seriously the biblical teaching that true Christian living begins first at home with one’s spouse, children, and grandchildren. Therefore, he implored young Christian leaders to begin their quest for maturity and holiness at home in relationship with their family.
   
   I strongly agree with this. A lot of factors can get in the way of leading your family like personal pride, misplaced priorities, lack of understand from those who oversee you, etc. No matter the factors you are faced with you must realize your calling is to your family first then your ministry (1 Timothy 3:4). If to make it work put your family on your calendar and schedule family time. Take care of wife and your children and your work as a leader will be easier as you lead by example those the Lord has placed under your teaching and oversight.
   
   

4. Trinity — Packer stated that the fullness of the doctrine of the Trinity is not completely appreciated as it should be. The result, he said, is that some Christians have only a deep understanding of Jesus or the Holy Spirit so that they are guilty of what he called “Jesus-olatry” or “Holy Spirit-olatry” rather than a full love and worshipful appreciation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit.
   
   I think God revealed Himself to us in three different ways and should be studied and understood best we can from scripture. As young leaders we should add to our knowledge base so we can pull out ways the Trinity works or reveals to us in different ways as we’ve seen in scripture.
   
   

What about you, what are some theological issues you think young Christian leaders should be focusing on?

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2008 at 8:21 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.