Theological Position Paper (Draft)
Ministry Praxis Capstone – RLGN489
By: Christy Long – L25913602
Presented to:
Dr. Floyd S. Elmore, Th.D. – Liberty University
Personal Educational Assumptions
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Axiology
Ministry Praxis – Educational Assumption
Ministry Praxis – Leadership Assumption
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the ultimate nature of reality and being.
Philosophers such as Aristotle, used metaphysics to answer questions such as: What is real? Is
time real? Is God real? The existence of God and the truth of scripture will be assumed.
Christians believe in the physical reality as well as the spiritual reality. Our core beliefs and
ultimate reality is that God always was and created everything and is still very much active in the
world. The Word tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen 1:1)
Epistemology
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of knowledge and truth. It
demands a person be able to describe and defend what they believe. It demands a standard for
truth, logic and reason. The assumption of this paper is that the evangelical Christian has studied
scripture and verified prophecy written hundreds of years before it occurred, and therefore hold a
Biblical worldview and the Canon as completely infallible and accurate. “I tell you the truth,
until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its
purpose is achieved.” (Matt 5:18)
Axiology
Axiology is the study of values and ethics. What is good, valuable or beautiful? It deals with a
person’s motives. It is assumed in this paper, that God defines what is good, beautiful and of
value. We are spiritual and physical and have been created in the image of God. We know our
worth and value in Christ, which is not measured in the natural world. We strive to do God’s
will, which is perfect and beautiful. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God
he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:27)
Ministry Praxis – (Christian Ethics)
Education Assumption
The assumption of this paper is that God has created us with the ability to learn as much as we
are willing to acquire. The mind is the most brilliant and complex organ created by the most
high creator. Education is how we grow in wisdom and knowledge. Education makes us well
rounded and helps us understand our world. The highest and wisest form of education is
studying the Word for God. It is the blueprint for our lives and gives us our absolute truths for
life. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and
instruction.” (Pro 1:7)
Ministry Praxis – (Teaching & Preaching)
Leadership Assumptions
It is the assumption of this paper that we are to be servants in our leadership as was our Lord
Jesus. Servant leadership flows from a heart of love for all people. The servant leader loves all
and ministers and serves all in need. Servant leaders must submit to God and their hearts must
be pure to be effective. The servant leader will be humble, seek justice and love mercy. They
will not boost or seek gain, but rather give everything and all they have to help their brothers and
sisters in Christ. “He must increase and I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
