What is a Reformer?

The word "reform" is defined as the following:

"To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition."

Why I think of the purpose of the Young Reformers ministry in light of this definition, I realize that our task is not to create something new or even to tailor the gospel message to adapt to the culture in which we live. Rather, our purpose is to help remove the clutter that hides the Gospel message from people who are in need. The Gospel is in itself  pure, perfect, and needs no alteration or perfection. There are no defects in the Gospel message nor can it be redesigned to be in a better condition than what it already is. As Spurgeon said, "We read of "the gospel" as one; never of two or three gospels." Then the question must be asked, "What needs to be reformed?" If not the Gospel, than what? I submit that what needs to be reformed is our understanding of the Gospel and the accessibility of the Gospel. Religious traditionalism has hid the Gospel underneath the clutter of man's self-efforts while an Americanized version of the gospel has evolved into a therapeutic, self-help seminar that is no different that a motivational message wrapped in the name of Christ. No well-meaning Christian will admit that this has happened conciously or by some strategic conspiracy to alter the gospel message. Nevertheless, it has happened and the fruits of this alteration are evident by the shallow faith, misplaced faith, and ignorance of the true faith in Christ and the Word of God that we see in our nation today. 

A reformation is needed, but not a reforming of the Gospel, but a reforming of the church that is called to preach the Gospel, teach the Gospel, and live the Gospel. It is the church that must be altered back to the Gospel message, corrected of error, removed of defects, and put into a better form or condition. Although this seems like an impossible task, we are encouraged by the fact that God has already decreed the reformation of the church, guaranteeing her restoration and revival. 

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:26-27

Why Young? Why a Reformer? Part 1

The Scriptural foundation for a ministry to young adults is plentiful. When called by God, Jeremiah responded that he was a child (Jeremiah 1:6). The term child speaks of inexperience and youth.[1]  And yet, on these grounds Jeremiah accepted the call of God. Likewise, King Solomon humbly recognized that he was “a little child” when appointed king of Israel (1 Kings 3:7). The Bible Knowledge Commentary estimates that Solomon was 20 years old when he took the throne.[2] The grace and responsibility that was on Solomon as a young man may be why he made the thesis of the book of Proverbs to “give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth” (Proverbs 1:4). Turning to the New Testament, there continues to be adequate motivation for ministry to those in the younger generation. Jesus’ presence in the temple at twelve years of age shows his desire to learn God’s Law and that his wisdom was on equal footing with the Jewish teachers. Multiple exhortations throughout the epistles are directed specifically at youth and young adults. Paul told Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). 1 Timothy 4:12 reveals that the young can rise in the things of Lord not being hindered by their age. In this same context of the exhortations to the young man Timothy, Paul expects him to study to show himself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It is the opinion of the author that many churches have underestimated the young by merely attempting to entertain them instead of doctrinally instructing them. In contrast, the Young Reformers anticipates that there is a generation of young Christians who are intense and theologically curious. Many of them have not been raised in a Christian culture, therefore, they are longing for substance opposed to the diet of “pop-Christianity.” All of this translates into an extraordinary opportunity for this ministry to help young adults secure a firm foundation in their walk with the Lord, thus, preparing them for the challenges that await them throughout college, career, and the responsibilities of starting a family.

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[1] J.A. Thompson, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament – The Book of Jeremiah, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 147.

[2] John Walvoord and Roy Zuck, ed., The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, (Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications, 1985), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 494.