Danny Franks

Whitney was a member of last summer’s institute (now called the City Project).  For more information on the City Project and how you can apply, visit thecityproject.summitrdu.com.  Applications are due to the Summit office by Feb 7^th!

As I sit down to reflect on my experience in the Institute (now City Project) I realize how difficult it is to summarize what I encountered and learned to value in a short blog post. Simply put, the Institute provided many of the people, events, and opportunities that were the catalyst for my spiritual growth and understanding. My primary intention when applying for the Institute, as cliché as this may sound, was exceeded. I was originally seeking Biblical knowledge where I thought I was lacking, as well as experience with mission trips. I was excited about spending the summer with 21 other college students, taking classes, going on stateside and overseas mission trips, and of course working for a Summit ministry.  What I received was much more.

Our mornings were spent in various seminary classes, and our afternoons were more or less spent working within the church. The seminary classes coupled with scripture memorization and required reading proved to be less about application and more an understanding of the reverence we should all maintain for Scripture. I learned to see the gospel in a more complete manner. Working  at the Summit taught me about the importance of the church and our service in it. I went into the summer fearful that I had little to provide because of my “elementary” understanding of the Bible. However, I learned how beautiful God’s design was in the Church Body– that WE ALL play a vital role.

The fellowship with the 21 other Instituters and the pastor I worked directly with were more beneficial than I ever anticipated. It’s interesting how much you can grow and learn through others’ experiences, gifts, and thoughts.  I enjoyed listening to students that came from different campus ministries and different backgrounds, and let’s be real, after 24 hours on a plane to Malaysia, you get to know people really well!

In summary what I learned: a genuine relationship with Christ doesn’t come from simply taking seminary classes. A genuine joy for sharing the gospel doesn’t come from being told how to share the gospel or even by being on an overseas mission trip faced with a multitude of lost people. What I learned was that everything I had been praying for (more Biblical knowledge and a desire to share God’s gift with the nations) was simply answered by being compelled by Christ to love and obey. The Holy Spirit already provided the understanding I was seeking. I certainly learned disciplines this summer that I am still working on, but the disciplines themselves are not what it means to be a Christian.  Rather, they are the tools we have been given to help us carry our cross and follow Christ. “To live is Christ” and we are called Christians because we are to live like our Savior from the inside out.