When the summer is coming to a close and we begin to feel a nip in the air, I get incredibly excited. No, not because the Packers will be playing soon—my excitement runs much deeper than that. I’m excited because the students will be coming, which means another year of incredible ministry as the Northland International University students begin their Extension Ministries.
Next Generation of Servant Leaders - Philippians 2:17-30
A central passage to the philosophy at Northland is found in the second chapter of Philippians. This passage is so central to the heart of true servants that it is often mentioned. The text begins with the powerful description about the greatest Servant, Christ, and how He modeled the perfect Servant for us. Then, Paul addressed the fact that his own life was to be a model life of servitude in that powerful picture of being poured out like a drink offering. Finally in this text, the amazing impact of one godly life touching two other lives is seen. We are told of Timothy and Epaphroditus, who had both been deeply impacted by Paul’s life and ministry. Servant leadership was incredibly modeled and molded into these men because of personal ministry to them.
One simple concept instilled into every student at Northland International University is that ministry does not begin at graduation but is going on now. That is why Northland requires the upperclassmen to be engaged in both community ministries and church ministries all over the region. This may be one of the greatest tools in the educational process because it forces young people to realize that a biblical worldview is not merely about what they know—it is defined more precisely by who they are and whom they disciple. Doc O has said at numerous times that every believer needs a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy. Northland loves to see our students embrace this paradigm and flesh it out in real time.
Weekend Warriors
In short, Northland students are going out every week and weekend to engage in real world, ministry battle. They will face some of the same pressures and problems that our dear and precious pastors and their families face. Extension Ministries provide students with great opportunities to experience the ministry and ask pertinent questions; they also experience discipleship and learn in a real laboratory of life, carefully mentored by men and women in the ministry. Not only does it help the student in an incredible way, but it also helps hold up the hands of our churches in this region in a very real way. The ministry to the church is what we are all about. Our desire is to serve and encourage these churches and community ministries in a way that brings God great glory and reaps fruit that remains.
The next time you see a military commercial on television, remember that weekend warriors are not all carrying guns. Some warriors carry a sword and a trowel!