A Journey of Faith and Service
Rev. Dr. Mark David Albertson
A Glimpse into My Theological Foundation.
My journey into theology started as a personal quest to understand what folks call “the divine” and its impact on human life. At the core of my theology lies the concept of God’s boundless love and grace. I hold I am incapable of truly understanding “God,” yet in my heart of hearts believe that in His infinite wisdom and compassion, God loves and cares for all of His creation, no matter their past or present situations. This belief profoundly shapes my worldview and how I approach my ministry. While I view theology through a progressive lense, I am a theist.
Understanding the Divine Nature.
In my theological framework, God, quite frankly, remains a mystery to me. From a gender perspective, God is not a gendered being in the human sense. Scripture uses both masculine and feminine imagery to speak about God, precisely because God transcends human categories, including gender. The Bible does this all the time. God is described as a father and a mother, a warrior and a nursing woman, a king and a midwife. These are metaphors, not biology. They tell us something true about God’s character, not God’s body. In classical Christian theology, the point isn’t that God contains all genders, but that God contains no gender at all—and therefore can be spoken of using all gendered language analogically. That’s why the tradition has always said our language for God is true but limited, meaningful but not literal. As for pronouns: Christians have historically used “He” not because God is male, but because Jesus used “Father” language within a specific cultural and relational context. At the same time, Scripture itself already gives us permission to expand our language—which is why many Christians today intentionally balance masculine language with feminine imagery and non-gendered language (“God,” “Creator,” “Holy One,” “Spirit”).If push came to shove, I would more likely attribute the pronouns “They, Them, Their” because, that’s what God is. But, I settle on the He/Him pronouns for now as a remnant of how I have been raised and simply because it can be awkward to do otherwise.
I do believe that He is the Creator of everything, including the laws of physics and the universe. I am a theist. I believe that many terms, such as the “Holy Trinity” are more metaphorical than literal, yet at the same time, exist. Our human labels are completely inadequate to accurately describe this wonder, so I’m just fine using old terms to describe something far beyond those words. The doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are a means of humanizing a God of relationship. The Father, to me, represents the source of all life. The Son, in turn, acts as the bridge between humanity and divinity, and the Holy Spirit symbolizes God’s ongoing presence and guidance in the world.
The Importance of the Bible.
This very weird and precious book, written by 40-50 different people on four continents and in three languages, has somehow survived as the most important book in Christianity. I don’t believe God actually wrote the Bible. I don’t believe it is inerrant and infallible. I do believe, however, that through its myths, poetry, prophecies, letters and teachings, I find meaningful truth (as distinguished from historical or scientific truth), wisdom and insights that influence my daily life and ministry. I do believe that the writers of the Bible were certainly inspired by the Holy Spirit. The narratives of grace, redemption, inclusion, forgiveness, love and God’s faithfulness still deeply resonate with me, not as literal truth, but somehow, these stories, myths, poems, accounts and letters have survived years of campfires, oral storytelling and significant editing. I find immense value in this very strange book.
Putting Theology into Practice: Applying Beliefs to Ministry.
Theology isn’t just an academic pursuit; it’s a living, breathing practice that affects every part of my ministry. My theological beliefs shape how I serve, interact with others, and view the world around me.
A Ministry Rooted in Compassion and Grace
Grounded in the understanding of God’s boundless love, my ministry emphasizes compassion and grace. I aim to create an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone feels valued and accepted. By reflecting God’s love through my actions, I strive to offer a place where individuals can experience healing, support, and a sense of belonging.
Empowering Through Education
Education plays a crucial role in my ministry. I believe in empowering others by teaching Scripture and theological principles. By fostering a deeper understanding of faith, I encourage individuals to explore their own beliefs and build their own individual relationship with God. This educational approach is intended to nurture growth, inspire critical thinking, and develop a mature faith. My Bible studies involve arguing, debating, speculating and, above all, asking how these concepts can be applied in life.
Service as a Manifestation of Worship
Service is a fundamental aspect of my ministry, seen as an act of worship and a tangible expression of faith. Inspired by Jesus’ teachings, I aim to serve others selflessly and humbly. Whether through my preaching, my counseling, my teaching, community outreach, volunteering, or offering support to those in need, I see service as a way to live out my theological convictions and show God’s love in practical ways.
Building Community and Connections
Community is essential in my theology, mirroring the relational nature of the Trinity. I believe that fostering genuine connections within the church and the wider community is vital for spiritual growth and support. My ministry focuses on building strong, authentic relationships that encourage mutual care, accountability, and unity in Christ.
The Importance of Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are foundational practices in my ministry, serving as ways to communicate with God and express devotion. Through prayer, I seek guidance, strength, and discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to lead and direct my actions. Like Brother Lawrence, my goal is to practice the presence of God in everything I do. Worship allows me to honor God, celebrate His goodness, and invite others into a communal experience of His presence.
Prayer as a Lifeline
Prayer is more than a ritual; it’s a lifeline that connects me to something much larger than myself. Through prayer, I find solace, direction, and an unshakable sense of peace. In my ministry, I prioritize prayer, both personally and within the community, recognizing its transformative power and essential role in nurturing a vibrant faith.
Worship as a Celebration of God’s Goodness
Worship is a celebration of God’s goodness and a chance to express gratitude and adoration. In my ministry, I strive to create worship experiences that are engaging, heartfelt, and reflective of the various ways people connect with God. Whether through music, liturgy, or creative expressions, worship is designed to draw individuals closer to the divine and foster a spirit of reverence and joy.
Conclusion: Living Out a Theology of Love
My theology, rooted in the belief of God’s boundless love and grace and inclusive of all people, serves as the foundation for my ministry. It shapes how I teach, serve, and interact with others, guiding me to create a compassionate, inclusive, and empowering environment. Through prayer, worship, education, and service, I aim to live out my faith authentically and inspire others to experience the transformative power of God’s love. My ministry is an ongoing journey of faith, continually evolving and growing as I respond to God’s call and the needs of the community.