Defined by the Creator: Rooted in His Truth
Student Ministries Pastoral Letter | April 2025
Dear Church Family,
Here’s a truth that’s deeper than we often realize: the One who designed you is the only One qualified to define you. Why does it matter? Because if you don’t know who made you, you’ll let everything else tell you who you are.
All worldly measures shift like sand. But when you build your identity on the God who knit you together before you even took your first breath (Psalm 139:13), you’re standing on a rock that won’t budge no matter what life throws your way.
But embracing who we are in Christ isn’t about flipping a switch or having a sudden revelation. Instead, it’s a slow unveiling. One gift of insight after another as we reflect on God’s Word, learn from others in faith, and keep company with Jesus daily. In this process we discover over and again, that our worth doesn’t hang on performance, popularity, or social media likes. Rather, it’s grounded in the enduring truth that the One who created the universe has already declared us precious. As we sink into this reality, the pressures of proving ourselves begin to fall away, leaving room for honest questions, brave steps of faith, and the freedom to become exactly who God intended, always held by His unwavering love.
So, let’s live from the inside out rooted in the truth of who God says we are. Encourage your children, remind each other, and let this rock-solid identity be your starting point every morning and your safe harbor at night. You’ll be amazed at the confidence and resilience that spring up when you remember who wrote your name in the first place.
Standing with you in His boundless grace,
Mark Gaines
Director of High School Ministry
