Today and tomorrow I’m in Washington DC and I am having a blast speaking to over 500 leading students from across the nation’s schools on The Christian Heritage of Our Nation and Leading From the Inside Out. And what better place to do that than Washington DC?!?!
And NO better group to do it with than students. Why? Because throughout history they have often been used as a vanguard to the key movements of God? Anybody out there remember the Jesus Movement?
And it’s happening again today. Last week USA TODAY ran an article titled Children Get Holier Than Thou. It’s focus is on the surge of faith that is happening in the youth of today. They are not satisfied with their parent’s often “comfort zone faith.†They want to feel it, know it, experience and live it. They want to be on the edge and believe if you’re not on the edge you’re taking up too much room.
They want to be On Mission believers whose faith makes a difference not just on the day of worship…but every day, everywhere, and in every activity. In other words their faith is integrated into all of life and not simply relegated to a building or an event. And you know…that’s what I want.
And these students with me this week personify that heart beat. And how does that make me feel about the future? It’s as bright as the promises of God!
How do you feel? And what are you seeing in young
Dr. Reccord,
I would agree with those findings. In my years of youth ministry I found that they don’t just want to be taught missions they want to do missions. I think that is true with adults my age and younger too. You can only take in so many Bible Studies before you go out and do something. Many churches are producing “fat” believers who know a lot of Bible but they need to get out and exercise their faith.
Hi, Dr. Reccord,
I don’t know if you remember me or not, but I was at the last SLU 201 (July 9-13) and talked with you briefly to tell you thanks for signing and sending that book for me. I just thought I’d drop in and say hi and say that I’d have to agree with your post. I can’t wait to get out and live the dream that I know God has called me to (www.breakthegrey.org) and I know that many of my peers feel the same way. Thank you for drawing attention to the fact that youth today are not the kind to just sit around and accept what is being taught or to wait around for someone else to act. I think that that is the stereotype these days, so I appreciate someone recognizing that it is an inaccurate assumption. God bless (and have fun in D.C.)!
Sarah
Kevin, I would agree that young adults are often definitely focused on involvement and making a difference…in person! I am soooo fired up when I get the joy of being around young leaders. It would be my choice of where I spend a lot of my time. They embrace change and life and want to get involved in making a difference…up to their neck. I’m thankful you are one of those. Don’t lose that spirit regardless of each passing year.
Many have watched their parents’ generation seek money, position, power, and comfort – and have seen how empty it leaves a person. They are discovering that no greater satisfaction or joy can be found than when they live for the glory of Jesus and the benefit of others – even at great risk. Ironically, the less we think of ourselves and the less we seek our own comfort and pleasure, the more we are fulfilled. Many youth are beginning to genuinely experience Matthew 6:33 and 22:36-40.
Sarah, God has a call and plan for YOU and for every young man and woman which He has called to himself. And thank you for your encouragement of the message God is calling His people to be embedded in the culture at every level…doctors, lawyers, construction workers, teachers, nurses, etc….and expecting them to be ON MISSION with Him, and for Him, right where they are–starting now!
Thanks for living out that theology and making it come your daily orthodoxy. May your tribe increase.