Momentum (Christ – centred, Spirit – empowered, Mission – focused)
Dave Hearn, President of the C&MA Canada
Every young person we encounter in our denomination today carries within them the future of the evangelical movement in Canada and our mission to the nations.
So what are we doing to inspire and engage young people in our movement today? As we go about our plans in our churches and communities are we engaging them in dialogue and seeking their perspective and ideas? Are we mentoring them and leaving a legacy that will leverage their dreams? Are we trusting them – even if their ideas puzzle or seem strange or too radical for us?
I’ve had 30 year-olds, and younger, ask me, “Do you really believe in us?” and “Do you really believe we are the future of this denomination? If you do, then why don’t you trust us sooner?” Great questions to consider.
Two recent experiences affirmed for me that God is moving in a big way in the lives of Christian young people around the world and that we need to trust that God’s mission will be in good hands as we continue to engage them.
I recall a prayer conference I attended in Egypt with 10,000 believers. One night, the speaker asked if all those under the age of 30, and who wanted to make a difference for Jesus, would come forward to the front. Two thousand of them did.
I remember standing at the back, watching this sea of young people, tears streaming down my face. All those over the age of 30 were then asked to raise their hands and lean forward and pray an anointing on this next generation.
More recently, I was in an old church in Montreal, speaking to a Chinese congregation made up mostly of young, English-speaking professionals. At the end of the service I gave an altar call, inviting the young people to join me as I bowed to God at the front of the room.
“…I began to hear one tiny creak after another as young people came forward. Those small creaks began to come faster and louder. It sounded like thunder!”
This building had old wooden floors that creaked with every step. So as I bowed on my knees, face to the floor, I began to hear one tiny creak after another as young people came forward. Those small creaks began to come faster and louder. It sounded like thunder!
At one point I stood up and saw a small crowd of young men and women on their knees, crying out to God. In that moment I thought, “Yes. We’re in good hands. If this is the next generation of our movement, we’re in good hands.” And again, just like in Egypt, I raised my hands and prayed a blessing over them.
Paul believed in Timothy and wrote these words to inspire him, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set the example for the believers through your speech, behaviour, love, faith, and by being sexually pure.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
This is a profound moment in human history. We are seeing God on the move bringing the nations to himself. It is an “all hands on deck” moment! It is time for us to infuse God’s blessing and pray for God’s anointing on the next generation. Let’s live in such a way that we inspire and invigorate. Keep your ear to the ground, the thunder is coming!
Please find the original version in C&MA website