LAMP Seminary Student Profile: Paul Deschamps
LAMP Graduate Paul Deschamps, of Christ The King Presbyterian Church shares his testimony of how God led him from death back to life throughout his walk. As a student at LAMP Seminary, the Lord provided Paul with the opportunity to pursue ministry instruction while serving in a church he loves, answering the call to work in student ministry.
Where He Began
Paul speaks of a Christian upbringing being raised in the church and in a Christian home. However, he didn’t come to know Jesus as his Lord and savior until the age of 19. He shared that his life had been marked by poor choices and hurt relationships until the Holy Spirit convicted him of his sin and showed how gracious our God really is. Luckily, through repentance and honesty, he was able to restore many of the most strained relationships, particularly the relationship between his parents and himself. Not long after his conversion, and discipleship from his mother, Paul became involved with a group of young adults who loved the Lord and served in the ministry of Young Life. He was encouraged to become a leader, and would do so for several years, pointing high school kids to Jesus. After completing college, and marrying his wife Lindsey, Paul began to feel a call to full time ministry, and has been pursuing that for the last several years. He shares, “Jesus has brought me from death to life, he has paid for my life with his, and I am so thankful for the ways he is growing me and using me in service to his kingdom.”
Answering the Call
Paul is currently the Director of Student Ministry at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. For the last 5 years, he has served in this ministry where his primary functions have been planning, implementing and overseeing the ministry opportunities for 6th-12th grade students. Paul shared that serving the church in this capacity has been very rewarding. He has felt a call to work with students and before training with LAMP was trained as a Social Studies Teacher. His desire to work with young people has provided opportunities such as teaching, ministry and mentorship. Although challenging at times, Paul receives such joy to work with young people as he helps root their lives in Jesus instead of themselves. “Student ministry is fertile ground for gospel indeed, and I am excited to see the fruit grow from the seeds we scatter.”
Paul’s Time with LAMP Seminary
Initially Paul was attracted to LAMP because of the robust and reformed curriculum that was rooted in both the local church and local ministry. Not only did it enhance his ministry from the academic knowledge gained, but it allowed him to directly apply the material where he served. “Instead of having to leave our local church and ministry to pursue seminary instruction, I have been able to double down on both my learning and my service in the church.”
Things that have been helpful.
Paul found that the cost and ease of access to his studies with LAMP to be helpful. By providing a rich reformed curriculum that was accessible from anywhere at a fraction of the cost of a brick-and-mortar school, made the decision easy to test out the program. However, once in the program, what kept him there was the relationships he has made with the pastors and other course facilitators in the area. The fellowship and support given through these men has been really encouraging to Paul’s studies and ministry.
Looking ahead
For the time being, Paul is happy to continue serving in his current role for a little longer. He believes that student ministry is a calling, and he still has some work that God has prepared him to do there. He is continuing to pursue ordination, and is open to serving where the Lord calls.