Following God's will: Hollingshead uses his passion for God

Josh Hollingshead, 23, uses his passion for God and his word to co-teach the youth group at Wednesday night Bible studies at Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau. Originally from Gideon, Mo., and an alumnus of Southeast Missouri State University, he enjoys watching and playing basketball and reading. Here he shares why he likes ministering to youth and how God's word is alive and working in his own life.

How long have you been involved in a church? My entire life.

How long have you been involved in Mount Auburn Christian Church? Almost four years.

What do you love about your church? I love having people that I look up to who are in leadership positions who want to be true to Scripture and come alongside others throughout their faith journey. I have had people who have both encouraged and supported me in ministry and in life. It is great to know that I have those people in my corner.

How did you become involved in teaching the youth group Bible study? There was a need for someone to help with the youth group after the departure of our previous youth minister. I felt that because I am only 5 to 10 years older than the students in the group God could use me to fill a unique role, in that I wasn't so far removed from their group that they felt I was out of touch, and yet could still share with them the growth that Christ has brought in my life since I was their age.

What is your favorite thing about your leadership position? My favorite thing about my leadership position is getting to share the Gospel each week with the students. It is so enjoyable to pass on what I have studied, and get to see, through their faces and conversations, how the students are coming to a fuller understanding of Bible truth.

How has your ministry deepened your relationship with God? One way my leadership in church has deepened my relationship with God is having to do extra study preparation in preparing to teach. In this way, even as I teach the students, I am still learning as well. There is also so much enjoyment to share with others how Christ's sacrifice saves and how our lives and eternity change because of that. Being able to share that has lead to personal growth as well.

Have you had any other leadership roles in the church? How else are you involved in your church? I currently don't have any other leadership roles in the church. But I am currently involved in a small group known as Faith Cafe.

What has God been teaching you lately? God has been teaching me lately that regardless of what situations we face in life, if we are faithful he will use those situations to grow us up and to shape us, to be more like him.

How are you a witness for Christ outside of church? I thoroughly enjoy discussing theology. I'm always up for a conversation about it, even if myself and the person I'm discussing it with don't agree 100 percent. I think a big way God works is through people who are open to dialogue about their faith and beliefs with others. I think people are much more interested in spiritual topics than we sometimes think. These conversations can just be encouraging and instructing to learn from other's study, experience, and wisdom.

What is one of your favorite things about God? His grace and salvation in my life. That when no one else could save me from sin, Christ did.

What is your favorite verse in the Bible? John 16:33. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is a great personal reminder when hard times come that it is to be expected in this world, but the great news is that Christ is so much bigger than any hardships we face, and he has already won the victory.

What are your plans for the future? I am currently working toward getting accepted into medical school, although I am trying to remain open to wherever God may lead me.

What do you hope do be doing 10 years from now? I hope to have a family, possibly be working in the medical field, and to be continuing to listen to God's call in my life, serving where he can use me. I have found that when I am following after him and his will I am the most content and satisfied.