Build Bridges then Lead the Way

Last Night Lifechurch was filled to beyond capacity. Over 1000 young people were in attendance to remember Maxwell Rivera's life. The grief and sense of loss was profound. But an amazing thing happened.......The grief and pain in those young people's heart was confronted by the powerful and genuine love of God. They couldn't deny His presence.

Some are asking for leaders to rise up and I would say "look around the room." Last night on the platform, down the aisles and in the seats were teen leaders, counselors, school administrators, parents, educators and student worship leaders. They have been and will continue to lead the way. Perhaps this will cause an awakening in the hearts of others to "follow the lead." Or perhaps this will cause generations to link arms tighter and 'build bridges' because never has and never will one generation do it alone!

Psalm 71 reflects David's desire and yearning to pass down to the Next Generation what he has seen God do in His life. The amplified reads:

17-24 You got me when I was an unformed youth, God, and taught me everything I know. Now I'm telling the world your wonders; I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray. God don't walk off and leave me until I get out the news of your strong right arm to this world, news of your power to the world yet to come, Your famous and righteous ways, O God. God, you've done it all! Who is quite like you?

That is my life chapter....God use my life until I'm old and gray to show your greatness!! May I make You famous!! To think that in that very sanctuary that was once a Wesleyan College Gym, I stood as a teenager worshipping God during a concert. Now many years later I stand there again with hundreds of young people crying out to God. Who would have thought the Lords plans would have been to use my husband and I to lead the way in making this a place of hope and light to the next generation. WOW!!!!

Last night was like none I'd ever seen....though Nicky Cruz had told us of similar times he had experienced. The weeping was intense in that room...... a cry of grief, a cry of hopelessness mixed with cries of surrender and brokeness. Though tragedy brought them to that room it was the love and realness of God that had captured their hearts. It was undeniable........not man but Jesus!!

I spoke with an educator that has a long history in the Bethlehem area. He stated "we are all so grateful for Lifechurch and it's people for providing a haven for these young people to go. When I was growing up and something like this happened we had nowhere to go, we all had to grieve on our own. Thank you Lifechurch!!"

May we continue to lead the way........... We may not be where we should be, but we sure are not where we were. Every generation will do "their part". I'm endeavoring to do mine while I'm still here. And when I'm gone may the Next Generation say "She led well."

Fighting for Generations

Two Years ago on Mother’s Day…..I shared a message on the State of the Church amongst generations. I went on to say:

“…..Why must we turn the tide? And why is it so crucial that we capture the hearts of this generation, the Millenial Generation? What’s at stake?

Perhaps the statistics shared by Dr. Sweet that of the 330,000 churches in America 75% are not growing or are declining. Of the remaining 25%, 24% are growing from what is called ‘transfer growth, believers that go to another church for what ever reason. The remaining 1% is growing from ‘New Growth’….unbelievers coming to Christ.

You see I believe we live in an unprecedented time in History. Never has a generation been more at risk. It’s the 1st time in Modern History that over ½ of the worlds population is under the age of 20. The “Faith” that was once in the hand of 65% World War II Christians was passed down to 35% Baby Boomers, which in turn was handed down to only 16% Gen X’ers. Unless the tide turns this decline will continue to a slim 4% of Millennials (ages 18-29).”

The front page of yesterday’s USA Today read, “There is a decline in church attendance amongst young adults.” It stated that young adults felt as though faith was irrelevant in today’s world.

Research has found that young people are committed to churches not built for them but built by them. Around the country, Millennials are flocking to churches that:
-Are led by authentic leaders
-Embrace technology
-Include night services (even weeknight small groups)
-Serve the poor and suffering
-Strive for community
-Encourage creativity
-Allow young leaders to lead at the highest levels

Last night I had the opportunity to rehearse with a group of the most amazing young people (Millenials). As part of the Lifechurch Student Worship (LCSW) they passionately and unashamedly worshipped their God. Growing strong in their musical skills and grounded in their faith they have “stepped” up and want to be the first to impact their generation. They aren’t so much interested in religion or the traditions of man as they are in a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Tonight at the Memorial Service for Maxwell Rivera they have an opportunity to bring comfort through Worship to many of their friends who have lost a peer because of a tragic event. Truly religion and the traditions of man can be found to be "powerless" in the face of deep grief.

May we continue to Fight for this Generation. May we pass down the Life and Principles of Jesus and may we help them become fully devoted followers of Christ that impact "their world".

You Have Not Passed This Way Before

New seasons come in all of our lives. This is a time when things change and what was once familiar looks different. Whether it’s a job, a house, a relationship, or a career----if you have not passed that way before, it’s new to you.

One of the biggest obstacles to accepting change is fear---- simply because we’ve never been there before. Many questions arise… “Do I go back to what was familiar, comfortable and safe or do I journey through the “unknown” on my way to my ‘next destination’?”

Many times during transition we feel pressure….mental, physical and even spiritual pressure. This pressure can actually work for us. The reality is with change comes a pressure that causes us to stretch. We stretch in our trust in God as we depend and rely more on Him. Our confidence is stretched as we focus more on our God-given purpose. Our faith is also stretched causing us to not give up but instead stay the course to our new destination.

You may be feeling “pressured” from all sides today. Let me encourage you to let the circumstances that could “suffocate” you to be the very situations that strengthen you and raise you to a new level…..