The hope of Rooted is simply to proclaim that the message of the crucified Christ not only belongs in student ministry, but forms its only center. Since the Church’s beginnings, the Gospel has presented a challenge. Many, fearing its foolishness, shy away from what Paul describes as the “message of the cross”, which simultaneously reveals the depth of our sinfulness and the unending love of the Father. In its place, “a different gospel” takes root, marginalizing Jesus to either a therapeutic life-coach or a mere example for our moral performance.
This diluted, performance-based message is seen most clearly in student ministry. From this conviction, the Cathedral Church of the Advent presents Rooted: A Theology Conference for Student Ministry. Our prayer is to see ministers and ministries increasingly rooted in the Gospel.
The Gospel for Us
Student ministers preach a Gospel of freedom, where God measures us not on our efforts but on the performance of Jesus Christ on the Cross. While student ministers offer this message of grace and freedom, too often in this mission, we link our identity to attendance, appointments, and productivity. Rooted first offers a time of remembrance for student ministers to see the Gospel translate them into people freed from a performance-based identity.
The Gospel for Them
While we may know the importance seeing the Gospel amplified and applied in our ministries, the question remains on how this reality actually occurs. Rooted presents an opportunity for student ministers to consider and learn how our ministries become more deeply centered on the Gospel.
