— Reflection on being a Colson fellow
A Life-Changing Journey Through the Colson Fellows Program
The Colson Fellows Program was a transformative experience that reshaped not only my understanding of the world but also my calling in God’s kingdom. My time in the 2022-2023 City Church of Corpus Christi cohort gave me the tools to live out a biblical worldview with confidence, conviction, and purpose. This wasn’t just an academic program—it was a personal and spiritual renewal that equipped me to engage with the complexities of culture while standing firmly on the foundation of Scripture. Through the curriculum, fellowship, and personal mission work, the program transformed how I see myself as a leader and disciple of Christ.
Foundation:
A Biblical Worldview as the Lens for Life
A biblical worldview is the core of the Colson Fellows Program. It’s not just a set of beliefs; it’s the lens through which we interpret everything—our lives, relationships, society, and culture. This worldview acknowledges that God is the Creator and Sovereign over all things, as stated in Colossians 1:16. The grand biblical narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration offers a coherent understanding of reality, giving purpose and meaning to everything we do.
In the first quarter, Making Sense of Worldviews, I studied Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and How Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey. These works solidified the importance of having a worldview rooted in Scripture, where God’s truth is the foundation of all understanding. Our cohort discussions further helped me see how the biblical worldview provides the most consistent and truthful explanation for the human condition and the world around us. This worldview is not just theoretical—it is transformative, shaping every decision I make.
Cultural Engagement:
Navigating the World with Grace and Truth
One of the most critical parts of the Colson Fellows Program was learning how to engage with a culture that often stands in opposition to biblical values. In my blog post, Lessons from the Colson Fellows Program: A Personal Journey, I reflected on how challenging yet rewarding it was to apply biblical principles to real-world issues. The second quarter, Understanding Culture, deepened my ability to critically analyze the cultural forces that shape modern life. Books like Why You Think the Way You Do by Glenn S. Sunshine and Strange New World by Carl Trueman revealed the historical and ideological shifts that have led to today’s secular, postmodern society.
Through thoughtful discussions with my cohort, I learned how to balance truth with compassion. It became clear that, as believers, we are called to engage with culture, not retreat from it. The tools I gained during this quarter helped me develop a framework for engaging in difficult conversations, equipping me to approach sensitive cultural topics with grace and truth.
The third quarter, Flashpoints in Current Culture, focused on applying the biblical worldview to contentious cultural issues such as social justice, identity, and sexuality. Readings like Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams and Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan gave me practical ways to address these complex topics from a biblical standpoint. This phase of the program was transformative because it allowed me to connect theological truths with real-world issues in ways that are meaningful and impactful. I learned not only to defend my beliefs but also to do so in a way that reflects Christ’s love for all people.
Taking Action:
Living Out My Mission
The final quarter, Forming a Cultural Response was a culmination of everything I had learned. This part of the program wasn’t just about theory—it was about putting faith into action. During this phase, I developed my Personal Mission Plan for Shoe Leather Gospel, a ministry dedicated to addressing biblical illiteracy and equipping believers to live out their faith. This mission plan was inspired by Restoring All Things by John Stonestreet and Warren Cole Smith, which emphasized the role that every believer plays in God’s work of restoration.
Creating this mission plan was a pivotal moment for me. It gave me clarity and focus, showing me how I could use my unique gifts and calling to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This wasn’t just an academic exercise—it was a step toward fulfilling the calling that God has placed on my life. I left the program with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on the challenges of ministry and leadership with confidence.
Conclusion:
A Transformative Journey of Faith
Looking back, the Colson Fellows Program was a defining moment in my spiritual journey. It wasn’t just about learning—it was about transformation. The biblical worldview I developed through the program has become the foundation for how I approach every aspect of life. I now have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage with the world through the lens of Scripture, navigating complex cultural issues with grace, truth, and love.
More than that, the program equipped me to live out my faith in tangible ways. Through my mission with Shoe Leather Gospel, I am actively working to combat biblical illiteracy and help others develop a worldview that is rooted in God’s truth. The fellowship and support of the City Church cohort were crucial in this journey, providing the accountability and encouragement I needed to grow.
This experience wasn’t just about gaining knowledge—it was about becoming the kind of leader and disciple that God has called me to be. The Colson Fellows Program changed the way I see the world and my place in it, and I am forever grateful for the impact it has had on my life and ministry.