Shaun LePage
husband, Father, and Ministry Leader in Kansas City, MO
The most important thing about me isn't the stuff on my resume—my background, my credentials, the skills I've mastered or the connections I have.
My background is critical to who I am, of course. Growing up in a Catholic family in Missouri, playing sports, acting in plays, flipping burgers at McDonald's framed my view of the world in ways I'm still sorting through. But, that background isn't the most important thing about me.
My credentials are okay. I graduated from Missouri Southern State College in the ’80s. I got a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in the ’90s. I have served in five different churches over the past four decades. I'm currently teaching Ministry Studies and Bible and Theology at Calvary University in Kansas City, and working on a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Antioch School of BILD International. But, my credentials aren't the most important thing about me.
The skills I've mastered are few. Does anyone really "master" the skills of teaching, writing and speaking? Officially, I'm a "Master of Theology" and I have a diploma to prove it. But, since theology is the study of the Creator, I'm pretty sure none of us ever really "masters" that. I’m the husband of an amazing wife, Beth, and father of six amazing kids, but I still struggle to play well with others. My skills are not the most important thing about me.
And I know a lot of amazing people. I somehow convinced my amazing wife that it was a good idea to marry me. My kids are a constant source of joy and amazement. My parents, siblings and extended family shaped me into who I am. My co-workers, students and fellow faculty members inspire me, my teachers and mentors have deepened me. I know a lot of amazing people though none are famous or powerful. My connections are not the most important thing about me.
The most important thing about me is simple: I know I'm not the center of the universe.
Like you, I am created in the image of God, so I know I have much value in the eyes of God. But (are you ready for some profound theologizing?), I am not God. Life is all about Him, His word, His ways, and His plans. As image-bearers, we have been designed to reflect the One whose image we bear! He is the Sun and we are moons. We shine only when we reflect His light. We reflect Him when we do good works, create beauty, think deeply, communicate truthfully and love deeply.