Zambia Hunt

There are influences that God teaches us that shape our understanding of the work God has called us to do. These doctrines shape the philosophy that drives us to do things a certain way. There are at least six truths of Scripture that have been shaping influences in developing my life, mission, and ministry philosophy:

Christ will build His church.

The first theological shaping influence is that Christ will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. This promise of Christ assures what he will do and is an unassailable guarantee regardless of challenges, difficulties, or opposition (Matthew 16:18).

God is sovereign, man responsible.

A second theological shaping influence is that God is sovereign in salvation and that man is 100% responsible for every act of rebellion and sin.  We, therefore, boldly and courageously proclaim gospel truth and call all men to repentance and faith in Jesus, with the absolute assurance that, regardless of the religious background of the people or any cultural barrier or physical difficulty, men and women will hear the gospel that we preach. God will open their minds, enlighten their understanding, and that their hearts will be warmed, and they will believe and receive Christ. (Jonah 2:9).

Deposit truth in faithful men.

The third theological shaping influence is that gospel truth is entrusted to us so that we deposit it into other faithful men, ensuring the gospel boldly marches into the next generation. There is a body of truth that must be communicated. Though Paul does not list all the details, he commands Timothy to faithfully pass on everything he has been entrusted with and communicate that to others (2 Timothy 2:2).

Serve in humility.

The fourth theological shaping influence is the command to follow the example of Christ in humble service to God and man. He, who was God, did not demand the honor and rights that go along with that equality but served as a bond slave of his heavenly Father and of others. We are commanded to embrace the mind of Christ. This humble service is to the death if needed, knowing God is sovereign in providence. Thus, we are invincible until God is finished with us. (Philippians 2:5-8).

Biblical stewardship.

A fifth Shaping influence is the doctrine of Biblical stewardship. This is the truth that God owns everything, thus anything I have was given to me. God commands that I manage my gifts and abilities, influence possessions, financial resources, and ministry relationships for his purposes, his glory, and the fulfillment of his mission. As a steward, I am nameless and sometimes faceless to a watching world. I am not to build a platform to exalt myself or leverage my advantage. I am the steward of an illustrious master to whom my love, loyalty, and allegiance belong. I recognize that one day, the Lord, my Master, Jesus Christ, will return and call me to account for how I managed the resources he entrusted me (Luke 19:11-17).

Equip leaders for gospel ministry.

A sixth shaping influence is our task to raise leaders who will serve Christ and His church. We are to entrust the carrying out of his mission to faithful disciples. Our task is leadership training. This great commission was entrusted to disciples to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the Earth. This means that we are willing to give and send and pray and go ourselves, how those who have never heard of the beauty and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 2:2)

These theological principles have profoundly shaped my life, mission, and ministry philosophy. 

The assurance that Christ will build His church, providing a foundation of hope and steadfastness against challenges. Believing in God’s sovereignty in salvation alongside human responsibility encourages bold proclamation of the gospel. The responsibility of passing on gospel truth to faithful disciples, ensuring its perpetuation across generations. The call to emulate Christ’s humble service emphasizes servitude over seeking honor. The doctrine of Biblical stewardship recognizes God’s ownership over everything and the call to manage resources for His glory. Finally, it is vital to raise leaders for Christ’s church, focusing on leadership training and gospel advance.