about - austinclark.info

*the ministry, the site, the vision, and I are all still in progress. please have grace as we all move and grow

who are you?

My name is Austin Clark.

I am a Christian – a sinner saved by grace through faith in the work of Christ (long awaited Messiah) on the Cross.

I am son – created in the image of God, Imago Dei.

I am citizen – seated in the presence of my King

I am bride – beloved by Christ my husband

In addition to these, I am secondly: the oldest of five children, graduate student, single, lover of creation, listener, life-long camp counselor, caffeine addict, overthinker, gym guy, Honda Pilot driver, smoothie drinker, book reader, and book writer (just to name a few).

I have personal experience and an ever-expanding knowledge base on identity theology, gender identity tension, and sexual identity tension.

I am not a licensed counselor

I am not an ordained minister

I am not a mental health professional

Discipleship is not meant to take the place of professional counseling, therapy, or medical attention.

what is identity?

The working definition of identity I use is: the sense of self we live out of.

how is identity formed?

Our sense of self primarily comes from our core and high impact relationships. From our experiences within these relationships and our physical situation, a sense of self is developed and maintained. This sense of self functions as a map, framework, or program guiding us through life.

say more about identity formation and relationships.

A person’s most core and therefore formative relationship is with God. People are not only created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27),* but also created with Divine relationship in mind (1 Corin. 6:13). All God-ordained relationships serve to assist in the formation of one’s identity, and ultimately direct attention back to the core God/human relationship (Eph 5:21-33, 1 Jn 4:7-12). These include but are not limited to: parent/child, master/servant, priest/parishioner, husband/wife, friendship, and siblings.

The Bible describes how people relate to God several ways. Most striking is as the Imago Dei. A few more are as: children of God, citizens of heaven, and bride of Christ.** These essential relational dynamics are at every human’s core; for every human is made in God’s image and likeness (Gen 1:26). They also serve as primary frameworks for understanding oneself. People simultaneously are and innately called to image God as children, citizens, and brides in relation to the one true God and the dynamics already at play between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

what do you believe identity is not?

The Word of God offers a robust collection of identifiers and descriptors that act as identity reference points for the human experience. If an identifier/label is not used or inferred by the Word of God to identify/describe a person or relationship, I am hesitant to use it.

what does a core identity of child, citizen, bride, made in the image of God, mean?

Living primarily out of these interconnected senses of self as they exist in relation to God as our Father, King, Husband and as He is Father, Spirit, Son.

All other relationships and identities are secondary and flow out of the core essential nature and identity. All other relationships and identities are built on top of this most core relationship dynamic.

In faith, we reach towards the relationship with God as Father, King, and Husband–not knowing exactly what such a relationship with such a dynamic being is going to fully entail. By grace through faith, we begin a life-long journey of figuring out what living as child, citizen, bride in relation to the God of the universe looks like, sounds like, feels like, tastes like, and smells like.

Biblically, we understand this journey involves confession, repentance, redemption, and sanctification on constant repeat. Biblically, we also understand human lives will reflect similar themes, yet also be unique.

what do you believe about the Bible?

Inerrant – without error

Sufficient – nothing is missing/left out

Authoritative – Word of God recorded by human hand with jurisdiction over everything in existence

True – contains absolute Truth that can be known. Application of Truth is often debated and can vary depending on circumstances and individuals.

where do you go to church? do you work for a church?

I am a member at Christ the King PCA in Raleigh, NC. I am a ministry intern at Christ the King with a focus in identity development and discipleship ministry.

what is identity development and discipleship ministry?

Working “in the trenches” alongside families and individuals to empower and encourage in the discovery and living out of the core human essence (made in the image of God and called child, citizen, and bride).

what does identity development and discipleship ministry look like, and how do I know if it’s right for me?

Identity Development and Discipleship ministry will look somewhat different for everyone. Everyone’s journey is unique. For more details, check navigate to “the ministry” tab.

who are your top five influences when it comes to identity?

Postscript

*Biblical references used above represent a fraction of the Scriptural evidence for the claims made on this page. For an in-depth discussion and explanation of identity theology, please reach out via the contact page.

**several other “core identities” could be identified/named when looking at Scripture. These could include sheep, servant, priest, etc. Child, citizen, and bride are not exhaustive, yet do serve to encompass key concepts put forth in Scripture