One of the speakers made the statement that teens do not represent the "church of tomorrow" but in fact are the CHURCH OF TODAY! I have always believed this. This LIFE Conference reminded me why I believe this so strongly.
- The worship is genuine, passionate and a little reckless. I'll admit that many of those who participated were part of a "herd mentality" that joined the crowd. Yet, I watched ... and participated. God was not in the enthusiasm. He was not in the youthful energy. He was in the worship. His presence was ushered in by passionate followers. (I don't think God honors worship because there's a lot of people or because the energy level is so high. He honors those who honor Him). I wonder what causes adults to lose some of the passion. I wonder why much of worship has a sense of control and balance. Have we grown up so much that we've forgotten to be a child in His presence? Can God use the youth to remind the church of today that genuine worship requires a willingness to surrender to His greatness?
- There is a strong desire to be a part of something bigger. This is a God-placed passion that He plants in the heart of every follower who understands He is the one writing the story. Since it's not about them, they are free to do big things and little things because it all is for His glory. They see the eternity in leaving a bag of apples on a city bench that will soon support the weight of a homeless person. They see their scratches (from pulling thorny weeds from forgotten park pathways) as a badge of honor. I wonder why adults often want to be noticed and given credit for their acts of service. Can God use the youth to remind us that all acts of service are an offering of praise to God?
- They are quick to talk about the work God has done in their lives. To them, it's not a matter of waiting to see how much of LIFE will "stick" in their lives. They just assume God did a work and now there is work to be done. Of course we adults understand that not every exciting commitment will last. Often a renewal at a conference has the life span of a New Year's resolution. Yet, aren't they right to declare what God has done? Aren't they correct to take immediate, brave steps because of it? After all, what's the difference between a powerful change at a conference and a little change in the routine of daily life? Nothing! Each change lasts ... as long as the person remembers that God's fire is fueled by God's spirit - and that is never extinguished. Can God use the youth to remind the church of today that God is at work among us calling us to deeper commitment?
- They understand the need for community. As soon as God begins working, the teens kick into full community-mode. They are listening, praying and encouraging each other. They assume that their own personal commitments will be dependent on each other. It's not the "Lone Ranger" mentality of their parents. It's the "one another" teachings of scripture. Could God use the youth to remind us that being a Body means that each part is equally important to the other parts?
- They don't wait for the mission field to come to them. They are already looking for ways to live the reality of God in their homes, jobs and, this fall, their schools. They're already thinking like an army on the front lines. Could God use the youth to remind us that real Christianity is on the front lines and not the rear echelons?
