For a few years now, I have been saying some things that I did not read or hear from someone else. I have heard these words in my spirit from which I speak and now write. Here you go:
“The Next Generation is tired of just reading or hearing about Christianity. The Next Generation wants to see a real follower of JESUS. They have an insatiable hunger to see the real deal. And, when they see a real follower of JESUS, they will be fully committed to following that individual and the impact of their lifestyle.”
Recently, I have begun to see leaders in the Body of Christ saying something similar. Here is a link for you to follow what Craig Groeschel (Senior Pastor of LIFEChurch) wrote today about the importance of “Missional Ministry” – http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2009/02/18/missional-ministry/
I praise God that we are all hearing the same thing from the LORD. NOW is the time for the “BRIDGE GENERATION” to come alongside of the NEXT GENERATION and mentor radical followers of JESUS. Yes, the truth of words spoken long ago “Preach the Gospel and if need be; use words.”
We don’t need more instruction … WE NEED IMPARTATION. We need to develop relationships like JESUS did where we walk with others on a daily basis and they learn by the way we live not the words we speak. This is the reason why ACTS 1:1 says this is a record of everything Jesus did and then taught.
Here’s a question that I am wrestling with its impact: How does the truth of this word impact ministry? Effective ministry in the 21st Century must take a different form if we are to reach the Next Generation. How do we develop a model of ministry that will reach those who “must see before they hear and believe?”
Now you know the reason for which I left Pulpit Minsitry over 5 years ago. God has called me to the front lines to walk alongside of Youth Pastors, Mission Pastors & Senior Pastors to model and mentor others in this thing called being a “Jesus follower”.
I praise God for the opportunity to be apart of a body of JESUS followers at Adventures In Missions that understands the truth of this move of God and is committed to serving and showing others JESUS with skin on.
In response to your question about ‘developing a model of ministry that will reach those who must see before they hear and believe’ – I believe the Lord wants us to seek Him through prayer, fasting & reading His word for the answer. Only HE knows what will work for each town or city and with each situation. Our efforts will be in vain if we strive without His guidance.
Here in Ottawa, Canada, our 2 Police forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ottawa Police have joined together with the local church to combat crime in our city. The Lord has put it on my heart to meet with one of the local youth pastors in our city to see how they are approaching this. I will let you know how it goes.
Wendy
Hey Lanny!
Those are my thoughts exactly too. I went to see Josh McDowell preach recently, and his biggest point was that if we continue on with the way we are doing things now, then there will be no church. Relational ministry is essential! It’s how Jesus did it, it’s how the early church did it, and its how we are not doing it in the “organized church.”
Personally I have seen this hunger coming from the kids I work with and am sometimes so perplexed and discouraged from the churches treatment of kids. “Lets hire a youth pastor so we can get the kids out of church and let him take care of them while we worship.” (not all churches but some) Well their wish is coming true with more than 80% of our kids never returning to church after High School. Add that to the countless youth pastors who last an average 18 months, and I’m sure many of our kids are saying to themselves, “Well my parents abandoned me, why shouldn’t I expect these adults to do likewise.”
Amen to Impartation! Amen to Relational ministries! Lets pray for God to bring the workers, because the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are so few.