And A Child Shall Lead Them..........
I consider myself fortunate to have been in high school in the early 1970's because of the strong movement of the Holy Spirit during that time. I'm not sure how it spread across America, but it was evident in Bismarck, North Dakota in churches, schools, and all kinds of interdenominational groups that sprung up in order to meet the hunger of those who wanted a relationship with Christ. In my school the Fellowship of Christian Athletes grew strong to meet the needs of many, athletes and non-athletes.
Our program was student-led, and we averaged 100 kids every Thursday night. Our advisors were either wise enough (they were) or scared enough (maybe) to stay in the background and let things happen. The results were not perfect, but they were significant in two ways. First, many kids came to Christ as He honored the efforts of the imperfect but sincere leaders. Second, many future Christian leaders were developed, leaders that still function, imperfect but sincere, in their churches, schools, f and neighborhoods thirty-five years later.
I bring this up because recently I wandered down to the library at my school and there was met by two former students who had come to see me. I figured they had a high school project they needed help with or had something to sell. What they wanted was for me to come to a student gathering to share the Gospel. They, along with a small group of Bible study mates, had put together an evangelistic meeting for students in the area and wanted a teacher/coach type to speak. The topic they wanted addressed was simply, The Gospel. I agreed to help them and was immediately terrified, knowing how difficult such things are for me due to the warfare that I expected would follow.
The meeting happened. I was terrified. There was warfare. God took over, and over 100 kids listened intently to the Gospel. They did so after hearing from a Christian rock band made up of area youth, after watching a highly effective human video on the Crucifixion, and after special music--all student organized. All was organized and run by teenagers, and outside of my surviving the night, it was my greatest thrill.
I thrill to see the return of kids taking to the streets with the Gospel. I thrill to see the Holy Spirit move young people to serve in the unique ways He has prepared them. I thrill to see a significant movement of the Spirit across America. I thrill to see kids looking beyond themselves and reaching out to the needy -no- starving souls of their peers.
I pray that we adults may be wise enough to know when to turn them loose and when to get more involved, that we will support them in prayer and in enthusiasm as I was supported 35 years ago. I pray that we will allow imperfection and trust God to use and train our youth in His own way, preparing them for the Church of the future.
About the Author:
Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.