How Will You Be Intentional in Changing the World
By Heather Pennington
This Sunday is Pop Up Sunday, a day when we celebrate all of our kids and youth as they "Pop Up" to their new grade or stage of life. Every year, this week fills me with excitement as I consider the possibilities of how the Lord will work in each of their lives.
Statistics show that this generation is more curious and open to learning about God than ever before. They have genuine questions they want answered, the desire to understand the Gospel, and the urge to embrace the rhythms of discipleship just like their parents. They are eager to drive positive change in our churches and communities. These are the individuals you want by your side as the church—these are world changers!
So, why am I sharing this with you?
I am sharing this because, just as it takes intentionality for each of them to succeed in school, work, sports, or other skills, it also takes intentionality for them to develop a life-giving relationship with the Lord. Disciples do not make themselves; they need to be discipled. Jesus exemplified this with his disciples; he showed them the way, prayed for and with them, demonstrated love, and taught them how to change the world through him. After his ministry, he commissioned us to do the same through the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
What do we want to be intentional about this year? Will we guide these kids to Christ? Will we help this generation prioritize God over friends, sports, and video games? Just imagine what Christ could do in their lives if we encouraged them to treat their Bibles and faith development with the same importance as their phones, sports, or friendships. Picture if they built their identity on who Christ says they are rather than on what the world (and Satan) tries to tell them.
They are:
- A child of God (1 John 3:2)
- Loved (Revelation 1:5)
- Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
- Accepted (Ephesians 1:6)
- Called (2 Timothy 1:9)
- Complete (Colossians 2:10)
- A conqueror (Romans 8:37)
- Free of condemnation (Romans 8:1)
- Salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14)
Will you join me in being intentional this year in answering the call to support the kids and youth that God has placed right in front of us?
Here are a few ways you can take action this week:
- Pick the name of one or three children from Sequoia to pray for and connect with throughout the year from our table in the foyer.
- Approach a youth on Sunday, ask how they are doing, or invite them to participate in
something that will foster their faith and community connection.
- Seek the Lord in how He wants you to fulfill your call to invest in the next generation.
If you believe you are not equipped, knowledgeable, or capable, then stay tuned for my next blog post.
Let’s put our faith into action and get excited about what the Lord will accomplish in this generation! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this.
Your sister in Christ,
Heather
This Sunday is Pop Up Sunday, a day when we celebrate all of our kids and youth as they "Pop Up" to their new grade or stage of life. Every year, this week fills me with excitement as I consider the possibilities of how the Lord will work in each of their lives.
Statistics show that this generation is more curious and open to learning about God than ever before. They have genuine questions they want answered, the desire to understand the Gospel, and the urge to embrace the rhythms of discipleship just like their parents. They are eager to drive positive change in our churches and communities. These are the individuals you want by your side as the church—these are world changers!
So, why am I sharing this with you?
I am sharing this because, just as it takes intentionality for each of them to succeed in school, work, sports, or other skills, it also takes intentionality for them to develop a life-giving relationship with the Lord. Disciples do not make themselves; they need to be discipled. Jesus exemplified this with his disciples; he showed them the way, prayed for and with them, demonstrated love, and taught them how to change the world through him. After his ministry, he commissioned us to do the same through the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
What do we want to be intentional about this year? Will we guide these kids to Christ? Will we help this generation prioritize God over friends, sports, and video games? Just imagine what Christ could do in their lives if we encouraged them to treat their Bibles and faith development with the same importance as their phones, sports, or friendships. Picture if they built their identity on who Christ says they are rather than on what the world (and Satan) tries to tell them.
They are:
- A child of God (1 John 3:2)
- Loved (Revelation 1:5)
- Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
- Accepted (Ephesians 1:6)
- Called (2 Timothy 1:9)
- Complete (Colossians 2:10)
- A conqueror (Romans 8:37)
- Free of condemnation (Romans 8:1)
- Salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14)
Will you join me in being intentional this year in answering the call to support the kids and youth that God has placed right in front of us?
Here are a few ways you can take action this week:
- Pick the name of one or three children from Sequoia to pray for and connect with throughout the year from our table in the foyer.
- Approach a youth on Sunday, ask how they are doing, or invite them to participate in
something that will foster their faith and community connection.
- Seek the Lord in how He wants you to fulfill your call to invest in the next generation.
If you believe you are not equipped, knowledgeable, or capable, then stay tuned for my next blog post.
Let’s put our faith into action and get excited about what the Lord will accomplish in this generation! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this.
Your sister in Christ,
Heather