By Rob Flaherty - Co-Interim Student Minister
Like it or not, we are the stewards of the church for a generation. Like it or not, we will also determine what the next generation thinks when they hear the word "church." We should want that to be exciting, encouraging, and for multiplication to be the result. One of the best ways for this to happen is to reach the younger generation as a whole, from newborn babies to college students. All of these life stages, and beyond, have significant implications for the future of our church and the world.
I can tell you first hand the young generation is not all about eating pizza, playing basketball, loud music, sports, gaming, going to college or work, or getting married and having kids. They wage war against hurt, strongholds, presumptions, and deceptions which oppose the will of God and His church. They also live in an age that is much faster than even twenty years ago. They are on the move in a world which is only speeding up. The hardships, ambitions, and energy they have should be recognized and appreciated when thinking about growth.
So how do we keep up, share the Gospel, and experience growth with unity? I wish I had a perfect answer, but I don't. Although a wise lady named Suzanne Lillard (a BCM director) once told me, "stay F.A.T. (flexible, available, teachable)" if you want to lead and move the Gospel forward. I can say we have to learn to meet people where they are, do things they do, see the world through their eyes, and learn to share Jesus in every opportunity we get. This isn't a classic discipleship philosophy, but why miss opportunities to reap the harvest? We will win souls if we win the schools, college campuses, workforce, and young homes. With that said, staying flexible, available, and teachable as we go is an asset.
In the coming months, we have some great opportunities to reach the next generation at church, in schools, in homes, and with the cooperation of other churches. Consider what you have witnessed God do around our community. How will the younger generations see our church years from now? Also consider, will they be praising God long from now for the accomplishment of the vision set before us? I believe so!
Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their descendants: we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
I can't wait to share with the next generation what God is going to do now!
To close, please pray for the ones out here lost and waiting for the church to charge further forward. That God will give Chisholm the endurance, boldness, wisdom, and awareness to move forward. Pray that we are good stewards of the church vision set before us. Specifically, pray for Cameron and I as we see how God wants us to reach the next generation at church, in schools, in homes, and with the cooperation of other churches.
Blessings,
Rob
Speaking of fat, we have our Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge on October 17th. Bring all the calories and invite people to our church home! Let's have fun and go big!
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