Identity is a key issue in pastoral ministry. As men, for example, we tend to base our significance and identity on our vocation. When we serve as a missionary, pastor or other vocational Christian minister, it is easy for that role to become our primary identity. The problem with that is that if/when our role changes our identity is affected. One of the perils of retirement is that it can trigger an identity crisis.
Identity is also important in how we minister the Word. Too often preaching comes across as “doing in order to be” instead of “being in order to do.” Eohesians 2:10 gives the right pattern: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (NKJV).
Pastor Eric Geiger calls attention to how a grace-based identity is liberating:
“Attempting to live out our faith without first understanding our identity leads to a legalistic faith. Instead of enjoying the freedom that comes from a vibrant relationship with Christ, many Christians are handcuffed with performance-based Christianity. And the Christian life
becomes a list of ‘have to’s.’…
“Sadly, church leaders and pastors (myself included) have perpetuated the problem by neglecting to teach people who they are. Instead we offer pointers to people on what to do or how to live. It is much easier to teach and preach through lists of what people should do. ‘Do these things. Live this way.’
“While practical and application-oriented teaching is critical, we must be careful not to approach the faith as a way to act ourselves into a new identity. Instead of beginning with identity, we often begin with behavior. The order is wrong. Our identity must be the starting point. When we understand who we are, we are motivated to live the reality of who we are.” [1]
Consider this list of biblical identity truths. Since they are conditional on being IN CHRIST, they do not cause pride, but rather grateful dependence on our Saviour.
The Word of God declares that if I am in Christ…
- I am God’s child for I am born of the incorruptible seed of the Word Of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Pet. 1:23
- I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood. Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14; Col. 1:14; 1 John 2:12, 1:9
- I am a new creature. II Cor. 5:17
- I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19
- I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom. Col. 1:13
- I am redeemed from the curse of the law. 1 Pet. 1:18, 10; Gal. 3:13
- I am blessed. Deut. 28:1-14; Gal. 3:9
- I am a saint. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1
- I am holy and without blame before Him in love. 1 Pet. 1:16; Eph. 1:4; 1 Cor. 1:8
- I am elect. Col. 3:12; Rom. 8:33
- I am established to the end. 1 Cor. 1:8
- I am made near by the Blood of Christ. Eph. 2:13
When believers in Christ renew their mind with these facts, they base their personal, spiritual, essential identity on God’s revelation.
Since we are to walk by faith, we must take God’s Word on it! As we do, the Holy Spirit will increasingly direct our conduct to reflect who we really are in Christ.
May we as disciples and Christian leaders base our essential identity on our being “in Christ” rather than in a leadership role. And may we minister the Word in a way that is supported by affirming the believer’s positive and secure identity in Christ.
[1] Eric Geiger, Identity: Who You Are in Christ (Nashville: B & H Publishing, 2008), from ch. 1
For a more complete identity list see https://gracenotebook.com/let-the-real-you-stand-up/
J.B.W.
Revitalizing Pastors 