SWO APPLICATION 2009
PERSONAL INFORMATION

1. Explain your involvement in church this past year.
This year I was at a new school, so I spent a lot of my time visiting different churches. I spent the majority of my first semester at Trinity Baptist in Geneva Alabama. I came home most weekends to be with my home church in High Springs, but I would attend Trinity on Wednesday nights. My friend from school played guitar for worship during youth group, and soon I was singing with him for the service. Towards the end of my first semester I was unable to attend regularly, so I decided to stop singing since I couldn’t be 100 % committed to the youth in that way. That was the conviction I was feeling. It didn’t feel right in my heart to be there if I couldn’t commit to be there all of the time.
I came to school really wanting to get plugged in right away with youth. But when my involvement with Trinity fell through, God told me to widen my view. I started going to an awesome college bible study on Thursday nights, called the Mark, and have now started to attend the same church of the couple that leads the study. Their names are Donna and Chuck Arney. They are very outreach minded, and pour everything into this ministry called the Mark. Their church, which I now attend, is called Calvary Baptist in Dothan AL. Chuck and Donna just took over Sunday school right before my second semester started, so I’m excited to wee where things go, and I know this is where God wants me to be and where I am supposed to be involved.

2. Are you currently being discipled by someone?
Two different relationships came to mind immediately after reading this question. The first is the relationship I have with Donna and Chuck, whom I talked about above. The first time I met them, and went to the Mark bible study, I was reminded of Snowbird and the passion and sense of family we share. Donna and Chuck are in their early 50’s but they give everything they’ve got to minister to us college kids. Chuck digs into the Word, showing us word by word, verse by verse what things mean and encourages us to take and apply these things to our lives. His focus is to fall more in love with our savior everyday, and through that, experience real changes of heart. They both are generous with their time, staying up late to teach the word, not only on Thursdays, but also on other nights of the week in their own home. We also have an opportunity to be discipled just as girls with Donna. I have gotten to spend intimate time with both Chuck and Donna and being apart of their ministry has stretched me more than anything so far. I can say that they are genuinely concerned with my walk as a Christian. I’m excited to get more involved this second semester, and the rest of my time here at BCF, and maybe beyond.
The second is the relationship between my good friend Storm and I. We are room mates for the spring semester. There is no doubt that God had His plans when we crossed paths. We are both counseling majors and have very similar testimonies. Although we are very similar overall, she is strong where I am weak, and vise versa. She has taught me more about compassion and how to really see people for what they are. She has a true servant’s heart and has challenged me to be more servant minded.

3. Are you currently discipling someone?
Just like from question 2, I can definitely say I have helped Storm grow spiritually from the fall semester until now. Coming from this past summer at Snowbird, I think she was almost stunned at first on how I viewed different things, especially being selfish and how even the smallest amount of selfishness in a situation can make things go awry, all the while remaining undetectable until too late. We’ve opened each other’s eyes to a lot, and it’s been amazing seeing her take more of a spiritual stand for herself in all areas of life and humbling to think that God is working through me to accomplish that.
I also have been keeping in touch with my girls from First Baptist in High Springs and have been challenged more than ever to be a good example for them. I’ve been blessed because I get to come home from school on most weekends. I would say I’m in my home church at least every other weekend, if not more.

4. Describe any ministries that you have been involved in this past year.
With this being such a rapidly changing time in my life with being in a new city at a new school I’ve mostly been doing searching. Like I said before, I was involved with worship at Trinity Baptist for awhile, which was an awesome experience. The Mark ministry is a growing ministry and I’m excited to see what projects and missions opportunities we will take on. I was also able to be a part of a family mission trip with my home church. We go every year to Camp Victory in Alabama to do maintenance work to the camp. It’s always awesome to see young and old serving together as families and as the body of Christ. This spring semester, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, I was led to sign up to do DNows through the BCM at school. It was shown to me that this is where I could use my call to work with youth. So far I have not been needed, but my name is on the list and the semester is not over yet! I’m just praying for God to use me in this area as He sees fit.

5. Describe how your personal study of Scripture has been this past year. Include specific things that God has been teaching you through His word.
This past fall semester I’ve gone book by book through a lot of the New Testament. My Thursday night bible study has been going verse by verse through Ephesians. One of the biggest things God has been stressing to me is selfishness. I know this was stressed a lot this summer, but God was definitely not through with me hearing about it. Through His word, I have had to completely evaluate my life and even though it doesn’t look horrible on the outside, it’s completely undisciplined. This spring semester I was completely broken over my need for control and having to know things. I realized the because of these problem I was loosing my sense of hope. Looking at Romans 5 was a huge turning point. It re-emphasized to me “not only that” (verses 1-3), but God gives us “much more” (verses 9, 10, 15, 17, 20) and that not having hope in this is being ashamed of God (opposite of verses 4-5). This is also selfish and childish behavior (Ephesians 4:11-16)! Before this I was praying for brokenness not really knowing what to expect. All I knew is that I had to give the situation to God, and I have been blessed from what God has revealed to me through His word. My quiet times are still not 100% on schedule for a day to day basis, but I know this is needed, and it’s something I’m striving for.

6. What has been the biggest struggle for you this year in your Christian walk?
I think I have a couple “biggest” struggles. One has been control, like I explained somewhat in #5. I had no idea how a false sense of control could infect every aspect of my life. God is in control, and I this is something I had to be broken over to fully realize and feel in my heart. God knew all of my mistakes before he created not just me, but everything. How can I feel like I have any grasp on something that huge? I wouldn’t say I have a complete handle on this issue, but I’ve realized and accepted that it’s a problem, and am now able to be intentional about striving to fix it. I also know that I can’t fix it on my own, and pray constantly for God’s strength. A second struggle is one I would define as spiritual warfare. This has to do with lies that are directed towards me that play through my head over and over. This isn’t a constant, all the time, issue, but in usually will happen in an “attack” like manner all at once. It usually happens when I make a step in the right direction. When I say these lies out loud to myself, or friends they sound bogus, but the only way I can describe it is that the “attacks” are an overwhelming sensation of heaviness and sharpness all at once. Sometimes my chest will hurt. Praying and reading scripture usually puts these feelings to rest. These experiences were happening more often, but I have not dealt with this in awhile now.

7. How would you describe your walk with the Lord this past year?
Exciting! I’ve learned a lot, and have had to learn to rely on God more than ever. I have put God back into a place of full authority over my life, and I fall more and more in love with Him all the time. I feel like my walk this year has been full of God tweaking me and reprogramming me. I’ve remembered how undeserving I am, but yet He still reveals Himself and His will for my life more and more. It’s been really awesome to see my obedience blessed. I shared with Brody last summer about doubts I had for coming to BCF. God completely took care of every detail that brought me to this school, and now I even realize that my education at BCF was not the main factor for me being here. It is evident to me that the education I am receiving at the Mark, and relationships I’ve established there are an important part of God’s will for my life.
I wouldn’t say that I’ve had a year of explosive growth, but the steps have been substantial and steady. There have been a few bumps here and there, but I’ve tried to have an open heart and mind for God to teach me His lessons so I can keep a steady pace of growth.

8. If accepted, what do you feel will be the most difficult challenge for you?
I think my most difficult challenge there will be the same challenge I have here, and that is to live out everything I’ve been learning. I think that this carries more weight at snowbird because I am being looked at as an example all summer long by high school kids. And, living out what I’ve been learning requires my heart to be in the right place. You have to strive extra hard to be selfless, and to love God with all you’ve got. If not, lessons you’ve learned will be lived out solely for your gain, and not because you love the Lord, and not because you want to carry a good witness for others. I’m concerned about keeping my attitude in the right place as the pressure builds through the summer, especially since I know the difficulties set before me, and how easy it is to fall into the rut of not having the right attitude. It has been a prayerful process and I’m excited to be challenged, even now, for the coming summer.
9. Are you currently dating/pursuing a relationship with anyone?
I am currently being pursued in a relationship by a guy named Shannon Forrest. We’ve known each other since the fall semester when I started going to the mark, but we didn’t start hanging out until the spring semester. Neither of us was looking for a relationship, or expected God to move like He did. We met at the Mark bible study, and we also attend the same church, if I’m not at home for the weekend. We are blessed to be surrounded by people that care about us and this relationship and who aren’t afraid to hold us accountable. If accepted, we will have been talking for about 3 and a half months. We are on the same page as far as beliefs, relationships, and callings go. With this relationship, all I can say is that “it has to be all God.” He has used us both as a catalyst for each other’s growth, and we are definitely learning things we would not have learned otherwise. He has met my father, and will meet my family after you guys have gotten this application. It’s been really exciting so far, but I understand snowbirds rules, and have every intention on following them if rehired!

DOCTIRNE
1. Hell
Hell, simply put, is where you will end up if you are not in heaven. Hell is full of evil and eternally condemned evil doers, and God’s wrath is what put them there. Hell is an everlasting (Matthew 25:41) unquenchable fire (Mark 9:46-48) which is the reward for the unrighteous and wicked (Psalms 9:17). This is the exact opposite of this, which is the gift of eternal life in heaven, is the reward for the righteous (Matthew 25:46).
This doctrine of Hell also encompasses the terms Hades and Sheol (Luke 16:19-31). As to my understanding these two terms are used interchangeably (Sheol more so in the Old Testament) to describe the not-so-pleasant place the unrighteous and wicked are in before being tormented in the Hell described in Revelation 20:14-15. This is the “lake of fire” where the wages of the wicked leads to sin (Proverbs 10:16) and the wages of those sins leads to death, unless Christ is accepted as savior and the grace extended over us accepted (Romans 6:23).
Hell is actually a key proponent to keeping us away from the slippery slope of a lifestyle headed into this lake of fire. After salvation, by grace, transforms our hearts, we need to know what our consequences are. This makes us evaluate what our faith is really about, gives us a better sense of forgiveness because we know the weight of God’s wrath (Romans 12:19-21), and gives us a hand’s on experience with mercy so we can better extend it toward others (Romans 5, John 3:18, 1John 3:17).

2. The Security of the believer
I believe that we do have security as believers’ in our salvation. I believe that most confusion with this matter is in the question of salvation, rather than the security we have in our salvation. This concept really comes alive to me in John 10, where the shepherd and his sheep are described. Ultimately Jesus is the good shepherd, and we, the believers are the sheep. Verse 7 deals with coming to salvation, in which Jesus is “the door of the sheep”, the only way to salvation. Verse 9 further explains that through this door they come into life and come back out into the world being born again. This passage continues to express the intimacy between the Shepherd and His sheep and that they will know His voice (vs. 27) and they cannot be snatched from Him, or His father’s hands (vs. 29-30).
This concept occurs over and over in scripture that as believers, we can have confidence in our salvation, and security as a believer of our inheritance. 1 John 5:11-13 tells us that “we may have eternal life.” Hebrews 13:5 reassures us that God will “never leave nor forsake” us. Romans 8:37:39 tells us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I believe that the Holy Spirit is a key factor in confirming this security (1John 3:24b, 4:13; Ephesians 1:13-14). With all of this, if you truly believe, I do not believe that you can lose your salvation. However, like I said before, it is important to know in your heart what salvation means and what it requires. I believe lack of security comes from a salvation based off feeling, or lack of discipleship at salvation. 2Peter 2:20-22 says this:
“For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire’.”
This passage speaks to me in that if someone understands and experiences Christ but does not truly accept Him and His salvation in His heart, that person is sinning, and will fall to a life of sin which will ultimately lead to death. But, if in your heart you are truly saved you cannot fall from grace or lose your salvation.

3. Define the Gospel
The gospel is the ultimate love story between Jesus as the bridegroom, and the church as His bride. It depicts such an awesome pursuit and anticipation of Jesus working towards the goal of being united with His people (Romans 5). Literally put, the gospel is the perfect life of Jesus Christ who becomes the perfect sacrifice. Because Jesus is the perfect sacrifice His blood covers all of our sins. He miraculously rose again and we have thus been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This message presents our free gift to have an everlasting life in the presence of our Savior.
The gospel is to be believed in (Mark 1:15), something to be testified (Acts 20:24), something powerful and not to be ashamed of (Romans 1:16), something to be preached and lived by (1 Corinthians 9:14), something to be spoken boldly of as to make known its mystery (Ephesians 6:19), and it is everlasting (Revelation 14:6).

4. The significance and importance of the virgin birth of Jesus.
The virgin birth of Jesus signifies that He is completely God, as well as completely man. This is important because only the perfect human sacrifice and the perfection of the deity of Christ as Jesus can save us. Because Mary was a virgin, the imputed sin that came through the blood line of Adam could not be passed on to a son. This made Jesus a perfect human. Not only this, but as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, Jesus had to be a born of a virgin. This virgin birth is significant because it starts off a sinless life of a completely human Jesus who was also completely God, and through this we are all able to receive salvation and grace that is big enough to cover all of our sins.

5. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit
I believe that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit happens at Salvation. Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’.” This was right after the ascension of Jesus and the Holy Spirit had come down. At this point it is was up to the people to believe and accept Jesus as their salvation and at that point they would receive the Holy Spirit. The same is true today. I think some people would use Acts 8 to argue that we don’t necessarily receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, but I believe, because of the time frame of events in the book of Acts, that these people did not fully understand the message they received because they were only baptized in the Lord Jesus. Peter and John came to these people and prayed with them to make sure they had received the message and when the people fully understood their salvation they were able to receive the Holy Spirit.

RELATIONSHIPS
1. In your own words explain your view of marriage and premarital relationships.
Marriage is a covenant. It is biblical. It is unconditional love. It is a commitment. I think society has lowered the significance of marriage, whereas it should be held higher in our hearts. I do believe that being obedient to God can lead you into a marriage relationship. I do believe that a proper biblical marriage should reflect how Christ loves the church. I believe that being faithful to your spouse starts before marriage and this is why premarital relationships should also be taken seriously. Coming into a premarital relationship should be a completely selfless move. God will work to glorify Himself, in His time, when bringing two people together. I think we have lost sight of treating each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We have a selfish tendency to want more, or expect more out of the relationship even if a “romantic relationship” is not really our final intention. I think this is how we end up “dating” for fun, or because of boredom. If we really viewed marriage as high as we should, we would take every step underneath that more importantly.

2. What guideline do you have for relationships outside of marriage?
Christianity is built on relationships. We should always strive to put others before ourselves. However, we are not perfect, so we have to intentionally consider those around us. This is true in any kind of relationship. I believe we are called to care for one another “in all purity,” no matter what the circumstance is. I think, because of the love we have for our Lord, have clear and understood boundaries when it comes to relationships. Boundaries are needed in every kind of relationship so it can be made aware where we stand. I don’t think there is a formula for these boundaries based on types of relationships, but they should be ones that come from true personal conviction, which only happens when you have a true love for the Lord. This is part of respecting the people around you, and yourself and your faith.

3. What is your view on dating?
I have to be honest; I don’t think there is a formula for dating that works for every single person or “couple.” I do think that there are important key elements when considering a significant other. I mean, “dating” in my mind is a worldly institution, but if you are being obedient to God, he will definitely guide you on the right path. Of course we know that we should be equally yoked, but I believe this has more to do with your level of pursuit and love for the Lord between two believers, rather than just knowledge of facts. I believe that intentions are everything. Why are you dating? Are you looking for a relationship that will end in marriage, or are you just taking advantage of the opportunity before you for selfish reasons? Why are you considering the other person? If you feel you are equally yoked, then are your callings similar or the same—does the other person have qualities that will aid or complete the ministry you are called to do?
Also, the relationship in its entirety should be glorifying to God. It should be an example of Christ’s love and obedience to Him. The relationship should also be above reproach, like any other area of our lives. I believe that it’s a good idea to have older and wiser Christian counsel and accountability and it also helps to have family involvement and blessings when it comes to dating decisions. Part of being obedient to God is being obedient to your parents. If they are not telling you to go against God, and they have a problem with your significant other, it’s usually good to follow their counsel and obey their requests when it comes to the relationship. This is something I’ve learned the hard way in the past, but intentionally seek now.
Also, like I talked about in question 2, there needs to be clear boundaries. You need to make sure these boundaries are glorifying God, and keeping you above reproach. This can be more of common sense for some more than others, but don’t put yourselves in situations that will hinder your witness, walk, or relationship in any way. We are not perfect people, but if you are not intentional at all you are asking for trouble. Bathe your relationship with prayer, and let God reveal Himself in the relationship.

4. Have you ever felt like you were a part of a healthy Christian community?
I have felt like I have been a part of a healthy Christian community. Of course, being at snowbird is an awesome example of this. But, since I’ve been at school I would say that I’ve found this community at the Mark, the bible study I’m a part of. As far as relationships go, it closely reflects the community at snowbird. I also feel like my church at home is a healthy Christian community. We study together, serve together and fellowship together. My own family, because of its size and because we live so close, is a healthy Christian community. We always help each other out, we are in each other’s lives, and as a whole we are centered on God.
Since coming out of an extremely rough period of my life about 2 years ago, I have been extremely blessed by the people I have been surrounded with. Every single “community” I have been involved with has encouraged my spiritual growth, and has pushed me to become more conformed to the image of Christ. It’s all been very exciting, and I constantly thank God for the environments in which I am placed.