Serving God Beyond Earning the “A”

By Charlyn Valencia

 

As a seminary student, I’m exposed to a great deal of doctrine, history and theology. Being in seminary has allowed me to understand who God is and who we are because of Him. Over the past couple of years, I have been able to answer a lot of “how to” scenarios: “How to set up a church,” “How to read Greek,” “How to teach,” “How to lead,” “How to do ministry,” and even “How to read the Bible.” There is nothing wrong with having an understanding of these topics. However, there is something wrong with a consumeristic mindset that results in idleness. Hence, my reason for joining YouthWorks as a summer staff. I wanted to give what I had been given.

 

 

My YouthWorks summer allowed me to find application for each of those seminary categories (except for the Greek). I knew the right answers in the classroom, but would those responses allow God’s kingdom to come on this earth according to His will? Was I too busy looking for the right answer that I overlooked the heart behind a question? Was I actually listening or was I too eager to explain the philosophical flaw in the person’s reasoning?

 

I served as a Site Director during my first YouthWorks summer. The last night of training (before leaving for our site), I cried myself to sleep fearing I would fail my Area Director, my staff and, most importantly, God. I was worried I would make mistakes. I was nervous about not being a good leader. I was preoccupied with fears of not having proper ministerial training.

 

Shortly after, I realized I had it all wrong. I was no longer in the classroom trying to get an “A.” I was in a community that needed to hear about Jesus. I was among people that did not care about how the founding fathers of our faith decided on which texts to include in the Bible. I was surrounded by people who wanted to hear the truth of Scripture and see people live Christianly in a fallen world.

 

 

YouthWorks provided a safe space for my spiritual growth. I found myself building upon the foundations developed in the classroom. I met expectations and requirements, but I also failed. Those failures highlighted areas where I depended on my natural skills and abilities. Recognizing these areas served as launching pads for growth. It was not growth in my own strength – rather, growth in my ability to trust God’s empowering grace.

 

This not only allowed me to perform job duties, but gave me a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit, reminded me of my need for Christ and brought me closer to the Father. I was no longer aiming to please God or striving for an “A,” I was pursuing the Father and growing in a more profound love for Him. Consequently, all my fears dissipated because I realized as I pursue God, I will influence, love, and serve in a manner pleasing to Him.

 

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Charlyn Valencia is a Masters of Theology student at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has served with YouthWorks in Kansas City, Kansas as a Site Director.

 

Interested in learning more about being a YouthWorks Summer Staff? Click HERE.