nxt-move

Let Christ be Your King: He Will Redeem

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:21:11 GMT

Let Christ be Your King: He Will Redeem

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When I think about the leaders I know — and when I look honestly at myself — I see a pattern. The higher we climb, the more we carry. The more responsibility we hold, the tighter we grip. We become experts at managing outcomes, reading rooms, and holding things together. And somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, we start managing God the same way we manage everything else.

Maybe it started with good intentions. Early in your leadership journey, you were hungry, idealistic, and desperate enough to actually depend on God. But as experience built and results followed, something subtle shifted. You got better at figuring things out. You learned what works. And God — if we’re honest — started to feel less like a King and more like a silent board member whose blessing you’d appreciate, but whose veto you rarely expected.

The Upgraded Version of the Same Problem

Most leaders I know have moved past the “fairy godmother” version of faith — asking God to sprinkle blessing on their plans. That feels too naive, too transactional. Instead, we’ve upgraded to something more sophisticated: we treat God like a strategic partner. We seek Him in the morning, bring Him the big decisions, do our best with excellence and integrity — and handle the rest ourselves. Like a good executive.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the upgrade is an illusion. Whether God is your fairy godmother or your silent partner, the core posture hasn’t changed. You’re still in the driver’s seat. You’re still using God to get where you want to go.

So let me ask you directly: Is God your consultant, your co-pilot, or your King?

What Galatians 2:20 Actually Means for Leaders

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

For leaders, this verse is either deeply liberating or deeply threatening — depending on how tightly you’re holding the wheel.

My version of it goes like this: “Not only do I not have control — I have been crucified with Christ. The old self, the one who needed to prove something, who built identity around results and recognition, who was terrified of losing control — is dead. And now? The one who loved me and gave himself for me lives in me. It is Christ who leads, not me.”

This isn’t a call to passivity or poor leadership. It’s a call to a completely different source. The most dangerous leader in any room is not the one with the least talent — it’s the one with the most talent and no King.

The Loneliness Nobody Talks About

There’s a particular kind of loneliness that comes with leadership. You’re rarely alone, but you’re often deeply lonely. You carry things you can’t say out loud. You hold the weight of others’ expectations. You project strength because the room needs it, even when you’re running on empty.

And in that loneliness, the temptation is to perform — to keep building, keep achieving, keep proving — because stopping feels like losing.

But Christ is with you in that room. He knows exactly what you’re carrying. You don’t need to extract strength from your reputation, your network, or your track record. The one who is love itself is already in you. That changes not just how you lead — it changes what you’re leading for .

Obedience Is Not Weakness — It’s the Source

Here’s what stops many leaders from fully surrendering: it feels like shrinking. Like giving up agency. Like becoming less effective.

The opposite is true.

When you stop leading from your own reserves and start leading from Christ in you, something remarkable happens. Your wisdom deepens beyond your experience. Your patience outlasts your personality. Your love for difficult people exceeds your natural capacity. Because it is no longer you operating — it is Christ operating through you.

Complete obedience to Christ as King doesn’t make you a smaller leader. It makes you a dangerous one — in the best possible way. Because our King is all-knowing, all-powerful, and loves the people in your care more than you ever could.

What It Does to the People Around You

When Christ is genuinely King of your heart, the people you lead feel it — even if they can’t name it.

They feel safe telling you the truth. They feel seen, not just utilized. They feel like the mission is bigger than your ego. And that creates a culture that no leadership framework, no team offsite, no values statement can manufacture on its own.

You might lead a team, a family, a church, or a company. But the ripple effect of one leader fully surrendered to Christ goes far beyond org charts. It shifts the culture of a room. It changes what people believe is possible. It redeems relationships that everyone else had written off.

The Work You Cannot Do — and the One Who Can

Some of you are reading this and thinking about someone on your team you’ve given up on. A relationship at home that feels beyond repair. A version of yourself you’ve stopped believing could change.

God is not asking you to try harder. He never was. That’s not the Gospel — that’s just more self-reliance dressed in spiritual language.

God says: “I know you cannot do this. So let Me.”

The question is whether you actually believe that Christ lives in you. Not as a theological statement you affirm — but as a living reality you lead from. Because if you do, then the love, the patience, the wisdom, the redemption — none of it is yours to produce. It’s His to give, through you.

Don’t trust your past experiences with people or with yourself. Put your faith in the living Word of God. Trust the living Christ in you to do the work of redemption in every room you walk into.

The Leaders We Need

It only takes one. One leader in a team, a family, a community who fully obeys Christ — not perfectly, but genuinely — to change the entire dynamic.

My prayer is that you won’t carry this alone. That you’ll find others in leadership who also confess Christ as King — not just in their personal devotion, but in how they make decisions, build teams, and wield influence. Leaders who sharpen each other, hold each other accountable, and keep pointing each other back to the one who is actually in charge.

Christ is with you, and He is your King. Obey and trust Him. He will redeem.

The "Jonah Effect"

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:21:40 GMT

A Cautionary Tale of Misplaced Expectations

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Have you ever found yourself secretly disappointed when something you prayed for actually happens — just not in the way you expected? Or worse, when that mercy is extended to those we deem unworthy of it? This emotional tension lies at the heart of what I might call The Jonah Effect — paradoxical and often ungracious human reaction many believers express when God's mercy surprises, disrupts, or even offends our expectations. This phenomenon is vividly illustrated in the biblical book of Jonah, where the prophet Jonah experiences profound anger and disappointment when God shows compassion to the city of Nineveh. This effect isn't just a biblical anecdote — it's a diagnostic tool for our hearts, especially in moments of spiritual awakening or revival.

In an era where many Christians lament cultural decline and long for revival, the Jonah Effect raises an uncomfortable question: Will we rejoice when it comes — even if it comes to people we least expect or in ways that challenge our assumptions?

Jonah's Displeasure at Nineveh's Repentance

God called Jonah to prophesy against Nineveh, a notoriously wicked Assyrian city, warning them of impending destruction. To Jonah's dismay, the Ninevites, from the king to the common people, responded with sincere repentance—they fasted, put on sackcloth, and turned from their evil ways. God, seeing their genuine change of heart, relented from the disaster He had threatened (Jonah 3:10).

Far from rejoicing at this massive spiritual awakening, Jonah was "greatly displeased, and he became angry" (Jonah 4:1).

His anger stemmed from a misplaced sense of justice and perhaps a nationalistic pride. He had wanted Nineveh to be destroyed, believing they deserved divine judgment for their atrocities against Israel and other nations. He even confessed that this was precisely why he had initially tried to flee from God's command: "That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity" (Jonah 4:2). Jonah's anger was rooted in his conviction that God's justice demanded Nineveh's destruction, and God's mercy, in his eyes, made him—the prophet who had delivered the warning—appear "wrong" or foolish. His prophetic word, which predicted destruction, was not fulfilled, and this upset his pride and sense of vindication.

The Parallel to Modern Revival

The "Jonah effect" serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. If there is a perceived decline in Christianity and fervent prayers for revival, a truly God-sent revival should be met with overwhelming joy and gratitude.

Imagine a scenario where those who have long lamented the state of the church, or the moral decay of society, witness a genuine move of God—a widespread turning to faith, repentance, and renewal. The "Jonah effect" would manifest if some individuals, perhaps those who felt most strongly about the need for judgment or who held onto a certain theological framework about decline, found themselves unsettled or even upset by such a revival. This could be due to:

Pride of foresight: Believing their predictions of decline or judgment were more accurate than a sudden outpouring of grace.
Exclusive notions of salvation: Struggling to accept that God's mercy could extend to those they considered beyond hope or unworthy.
Discomfort with change: Revival often brings unexpected forms and expressions of faith that challenge existing norms.
A desire for vindication: Wanting to see the "wicked" punished rather than brought to repentance.

Just as God patiently reasoned with Jonah about his misplaced anger, highlighting the value of all lives (Jonah 4:10-11), so too are believers called to shed any "Jonah effect" tendencies. When God brings revival, especially in unexpected ways or among unexpected people, the appropriate response is profound rejoicing, humility, and gratitude for God's boundless mercy and transformative power, rather than being upset that His grace triumphs over our own expectations or desires for judgment.

What Will Your Leadership Legacy Be?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:48:17 GMT

Legacy is the planting of trees today whose fruit and shade you may never get to enjoy.

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Many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting someone who has become a great source of inspiration for me. This individual, faced with adversity at a young age, lost his sight due to a stroke. Despite the challenges, this friend of mine finds himself in a community of people who are committed to his rehabilitation and find solace in hobbies such as sewing and running (which most people think of taking up when they lose their sight!). His journey has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and leadership.

Rising Above Challenges

Growing up in rural Kenya, my friend faced both opportunities and challenges. However, the stroke marked a turning point in his life, and it seemed like his opportunities were dwindling. Years later, my friend's determination and hard work paid off when he qualified to represent his country at the Paralympic Games in Sydney in 2000. The incredible footage of him in the 5000m race, pulling his sighted guide around the final lap, highlighted his strength and endurance. Despite facing obstacles, he pushed himself to set several world records in different distances.

Motivated by his own triumphs, my friend decided to use this new platform he had and his success to help others in need. He established his own foundation, partnering with a major sponsor to raise funds for underprivileged children. A portion of entry fees from various world marathon events was allocated to support their cause. Setting a five-year fundraising goal, they surpassed it in just three years—a testament to their passionate commitment.

A Life of Vision

During a visit to the school that his foundation established in Kenya, I witnessed the impact of my friend's work firsthand. As we engaged with students, I asked how he maintained his drive despite the challenges he faced. His response encapsulated true leadership: "I may have lost my sight, but I have never lost my vision." One of the principal keys to leadership that endures is the ability to cast vision in a way that invites others to become the best versions of themselves and encourages contribution.

“True leaders understand that it's not just about the present; it's about leaving a lasting legacy. A clear vision today paves the way for a better tomorrow.”

The Power of Vision

Vision is a key aspect of leadership that leaves a lasting impact. True leaders know that their role extends beyond the present— it involves creating a better future. A strong vision guides actions, encouraging others to become the best versions of themselves, fostering growth, and ensuring a lasting legacy . Legacy, as one of my mentors once described, is planting trees today whose fruit and shade we may never get to enjoy. As leaders, we must continue to grow in our ability to help others cast their gaze from their circumstances and focus on the why . Achieving short-term goals is not the only product and power of vision; it is about creating a legacy that transcends time. A strong vision guides your actions, ensuring a lasting impact on those we lead.

“Legacy is the planting of trees today whose fruit and shade you may never get to enjoy.”

Just like influential figures such as Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela, my friend exemplifies this concept. They planted trees of hope, unity, justice, and compassion, knowing that their influence would extend beyond their own lifetimes. I am reminded of the words of Jesus and how He continually cast a vision of His coming Kingdom. Every parable he told was a tree planted. Every encounter was a tree planted.

“Leadership is not about the spotlight; it's about lighting a path for others to follow.”

Leading with Purpose

Leadership is not about seeking personal glory; it's about lighting a path for others to follow. Each of us has the power to shape the lives and futures of those around us. Our vision and actions can leave a positive and transformational legacy.

As leaders, we must continuously refine our ability to uplift others caught in the snare of their circumstances and encourage a shift of perspective to focus on the greater purpose. Jesus himself exemplified visionary leadership, guiding others toward his coming Kingdom. Leading with purpose requires courage, commitment, and creativity. Pillars of humility, wisdom, and faith uphold the challenging feat of leading with purpose, but are rewarded with the fruit of fulfillment and Christlike contentment. Challenging the status quo, embracing change, and learning from mistakes cultivates a leader with depth, vision for the future, and ambition to surpass obstacles and define their leadership legacy.

As we work towards our own legacies, let us remember that we are not mere individuals chasing personal success but rather builders of a greater kingdom—an enduring legacy that positively impacts others. So, what is your vision, and what will your leadership legacy be?

Follow the Tributary God Is Calling You To

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:28:52 GMT

We are called to be the lightweight canoes

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For months in 2023 and 2024, the Holy Spirit kept bringing the same picture back to me. I carried it in prayer, unsure at first why it gripped me so profoundly. I kept seeing the view you get from an airplane window. Not the city lights. Not the coastline. But the thin, winding lines of water that cut through the landscape as you fly over vast stretches of land far from cities and established communities. Tributaries. Streams. Small rivers that twist and bend with a beauty and uniqueness you can only appreciate from above.

Again and again, the Holy Spirit whispered: NXT Move is not called to be a box-fitting organisation. You are called to embrace the tributaries and to catalyse people to follow the unique tributaries where My river flows.

At first, I did not fully understand what this meant. But over time, the conviction grew. God was inviting us into something different. We are not meant to look like the large, visible river where everyone gathers, moves in the same direction, and follows the same familiar flow. Instead, He was calling us to pay attention to the smaller movements. The unique paths. The creative channels He is forming within the global next-generation movement.

A Canoe, Not a Houseboat

As I prayed, the image became even clearer. Instead of seeing one massive river, I saw many smaller tributaries flowing from it. They were connected to it and fed by it. Carrying the same water, the same life, the same Spirit. Yet each tributary had its own personality, its own rhythm, its own direction and destination. From above, I also saw something else. NXT Move is not called to build a huge houseboat designed for the mainstream river, where everyone fits on board and drifts downstream in one predictable direction. That is not who we are. That is not what the Spirit is asking of us.

We are called to be the lightweight canoes.

The kind that navigate the narrow streams.
The kind that reach communities the large boats cannot reach.
The kind that moves with the creativity and nimbleness of God.

Each tributary represented a different region, a different cultural context, and a distinct expression of the Kingdom. None with the same width or depth, yet every single one mattered.

This picture changed something in me.

One River, Many Streams

It is important to say this clearly. The tributaries do not exist on their own. They flow from a bigger river. They are part of the larger story of what God is doing globally with the next generation. There is a mainstream river of vision, prayer, hunger, and revival. And we honour that. We are shaped by it. We learn from it. But God’s creativity does not end at the big river. From that central flow, He releases smaller streams. Unique expressions. Context-specific movements. Gifts and callings that take on a life of their own as they follow His leading into communities the main river will never touch.

The unity is in the Source.
The diversity is in the tributaries.

This is not fragmentation. It is multiplication.

The Manila Moment

When I shared this in Manila, I sensed something shift in the room. I spoke about how not even our organisational structure could be defined by clean boxes or familiar hierarchies. What God is forming in our global community looks far more like a river system than a corporate chart.

Traditionally, global organisations determine the flow and expect the grassroots to follow. But God is reversing this. Now the tributaries themselves are shaping the river. Regional leaders. Local communities. Younger voices. Unique expressions. They are determining the structure, not the other way around.

In Manila, I felt people breathe again. I felt leaders realise:
There is space for me here. I do not have to fit into a predetermined flow.

And perhaps most importantly:
This is not another big organisation trying to establish its own river. This is a global community forming a river system together.

Tributaries Require Discernment

When leaders picture tributaries rather than a single dominant river, I want them to pause before assuming that “bigger is better” or that “the usual way is the right way.” There is a danger in following the assumed flow simply because it looks familiar. Authentic leadership requires discernment. Obedience. The ability to notice when God is pulling you into a smaller, quieter channel rather than the obvious one. Following tributaries is slower. Less predictable. More dependent on listening. But it is in those tributaries where the next generation is waiting. And the truth is this. A massive houseboat will never reach them, but a small canoe can.

The Freedom to Bring Your Stream

My heart is that everyone connected to NXT Move will feel released into their unique contribution. That they will no longer compare themselves to bigger streams or more visible rivers. That they will see the beauty and purpose of their specific flow.

A tributary is not “less than.” It is strategic. It carries life into places no big river ever will.

I want people to feel free to pioneer. Free to listen. Free to be faithful in their small corner of the river system. Free to bring what only they can bring. Because if each stream flows in obedience, the whole river system flourishes.

Small Does Not Mean Insignificant

Let me share two personal stories. For years, I dreamed of owning a beautiful five-star guest house on the ocean. A place where people could rest, reconnect with God, and feel seen. I prayed for God to provide something miraculous and big. I imagined the perfect version of hospitality.

But one day, God showed me a wooden spoon and dry pasta. I felt the Spirit say, "Use what you have. Open your home now. Do not wait for the five-star version of your calling. Obey in the tributary first.” It was a reminder that the size of the river does not determine the stream's impact. Obedience does.

Another example came through my relationship with Colin Piper. I have learned so much from Colin, not because of a global brand he built, but because he has sown faithfully for decades. Quietly. Consistently. Without chasing visibility. His life is a testimony that the Kingdom advances when ordinary people choose to follow the small tributaries God gives them, long before those streams ever become rivers.

Shared-Flow Leadership

God is also using this picture to reshape how I see leadership. For years, resource flow determined leadership flow. But God is shifting that. Grassroots communities are shaping what is needed. Regions are building their own streams of strength. The balance of influence is equalizing. Shared-flow leadership means we all listen to the same Source. We all obey the same Voice. Some streams are wider. Some are narrower. Some are fast. Some slow. Yet they all come from the same riverhead: the Spirit calling the next generation back to Jesus.

We cannot lead by hierarchy.
We must lead by flow.

What Tributary Has God Entrusted to You?

As you come to the end of this reflection, here is the question I want you to sit with:

Am I being obedient to the unique tributary God has entrusted to me to reach the next generation?

Not the one that seems impressive.
Not the one everyone else is choosing.
Not the one that looks like the obvious path.

But the one God is speaking over your life.

Do not wait to be the main river.
Do not wait for approval or visibility.
Do not wait for the “big version” of your calling.

Follow the tributary God is asking you to pursue, even if no one else understands it yet.

Because the next generation is waiting along the quiet, hidden streams.

And together, if we each remain obedient to our flow, our streams will form a river system that carries life farther than any single river ever could.

What tributary are you carrying, and where is God asking it to flow?

A Year of Listening and Obedience

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:57:40 GMT

THE GROWING IMPACT ON EUROPE'S NEXT GEN

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One Year On …

As we reach the end of this year, it’s hard to believe it has been one full year since the Next Gen Europe Review launched.

In 2024, we took some time to listen to God, the challenges, and the opportunities to see God’s Kingdom advance further in the younger generations. But we also realised that to truly understand any context or state of affairs, we must listen well. We must first decide where we will listen and what the focus is. We are passionate about seeing Christianity accelerated in the next generation in Europe, so we were always going to listen to the younger generations, the now and the future of the Church in Europe!

The listening process involved over 100 key leaders across Europe and their teams. We wanted to see through their eyes, understand the contexts, and get a real sense of what God is up to in the next generation, and some of the barriers. The leaders went through a process of listening, reviewing, reflecting, and responding.

They landed with 10 key actions to serve, reach, disciple, and empower the younger generations for Jesus.

There are so many insights into what God is doing. The fruit being seen, challenges being recognised, and sensing together what is birthing in the next generation in Europe. The key themes identified were fascinating:

Foster unity and collaboration amongst churches
Revitalise prayer, discipleship, and radical faith
Develop a holistic approach to wellbeing
Innovate engagement and communication
Invest in relevant and sustainable resources

The encouraging headline of this review is that leaders were sensing similar things, and there is a real unity of thought and heartbeat.

Over the past year, we have witnessed: New relationships being formed. Organisations coming together to work through the challenges and see how together we can better reach the next generation for Jesus. Younger leaders are stepping into spaces previously closed to them. Prayer is becoming the fuel, not the afterthought, of strategy, and many grassroots stories of boldness and authentic discipleship

We’re seeing that Generation Z and Generation Alpha in Europe are not a post-Christian generation; they are a pre-Christian generation, spiritually open, hungry for authenticity, and ready to encounter the real Jesus. Although these generations may have a few misconceptions about the Church, they are generally open and seeking authenticity. This openness necessitates a shift in evangelistic approaches, allowing us to introduce and invite people to meet the real, radical, life-changing Jesus.

Joining this grace revolution is an incredible opportunity, as integrating the pre-Christian context with diaspora churches is profoundly impactful. This resonates with Europe's current state, where there is so much potential for growth and unity in creating spaces for the next generation. The need is big in the next generation growing up in an own-truth or post-truth world, lost in a sea of chaos and feeling hopeless when looking at the future.

But God is beginning to birth something new in our continent : lives surrendered to Jesus, boldness in the few, authentic discipleship, and new ways of living missionally. We are so thankful to every leader and team that took part in the report. Our heart in this journey of doing this review/research was to listen, sense, and dream together with key grassroots leaders and their teams across the continent. We believe we are entering an exciting but challenging new paradigm of Next Gen ministry and mission. To be relevant and fruitful, we're going to need to be prayerful and faith-filled. That’s why we felt that for this coming season, we needed to start by listening collaboratively to sense where God is leading together. And where has listening led to? It has led to clarity, which has led to unity, which has then led to collaborative action.

We now see the beginnings of a prophetic platform, not in the sense of prediction, but in the sense of alignment with God’s purposes for Europe. Prayer has intertwined our hearts, listening has shaped our plans, and collaboration is now directing our steps.

And the big question we all now hold is this:

How do we turn continental unity into grassroots impact?

That is the work ahead.

We believe we are entering a new paradigm of Next Gen ministry, one that will require courage, prayer, creativity, unity, and deep dependence on God.

But we also believe this:

God is birthing something new in Europe.

And this year, we have only seen the beginning.

Generations Gathered Together

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:22:24 GMT

REFLECTIONS FROM MANILA WITH NXT MOVE

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At a combined age of 140, we were delighted to be the “grandparents” of the NXT Move community—representing the older generation with joy. Having lived in Asia for almost 40 years, it thrilled us to have the gathering in Manila. Asia’s significance for the future of Christianity cannot be overstated—4.8 billion non-Christians, more than the rest of the world combined, and a median age of just 32.

We’ve always seen NXT Move as our tribe. Many in this community are like our spiritual children; the relationships here are precious.

This became real immediately. In the jeepney from the airport to the hotel, we met a young woman from Europe and a young Filipino pastor from Mindanao. Conversation flowed, and before long we were praying over the internet for his 15-month-old daughter.

This kind of fellowship continued throughout the week—in coffee lounges, at meals, and in worship. The gathering felt like a meeting of “sons and daughters,” new friends and dear old ones alike.

Our relationship with the East Asia team grew stronger with each roundtable, dinner, and shared moment. We made connections for the long-term and watched others join in, expanding the reach.

From Tuesday’s opening session, we sensed a theme of reproduction—over 200 people sowing seeds together from diverse backgrounds as a Kingdom family.

We were proud to introduce younger friends from Hong Kong, eager to see what God would do. The opening worship was stunning; “The Church” band set the atmosphere for what was to come. The Visioneering theme resonated with a vision we’d brought from our church about “uncharted waters.” We also carried an urgency: the time is now.

Ric Sun’s family moved us deeply. What began as “Why did they bring the kids?” became a beautiful glimpse of the future. John, as a father and grandfather, taking communion for the gathering was profoundly significant. Wednesday’s worship and devotions opened hearts for repentance and more. Listening to younger ones share their hearts filled us with joy. “NXTworking” was alive and well—tables connecting, sharing, and growing. Dinners became times of relationship-building, adding more people from Singapore and elsewhere. We spent time with Angelyn and the Singapore team, sharing life and experience. Evenings at Filipino, Japanese, and Korean restaurants became a rhythm of fellowship.

Thursday’s prayer room was a highlight. We prayed for healing, encouraged those in seasons of change, and saw answers by morning. Gen Z led a spontaneous worship session that was amazing to witness. Friday’s leadership breakout with Boshoff was significant. We shared about intergenerational importance using the 4x100m relay image. Then Boshoff spoke two words—“New Breed”—the same words we’d received in a prophecy in 2006. After nearly 20 years, we’re still looking for how God will unfold this vision. Open-table discussions on Friday afternoon were rich—six generations, from Boomers to Beta, learning from one another. Dinner that night became an extended family meal.

Saturday morning built on the week—powerful worship, prayers for Asia and Oceania, and praying for young families with tears and unity. We even prayed for the band, Filipino pastors, as the Holy Spirit released words for new worship songs and possibly a future worship centre.

Taking an extra day to unwind was wise. Over breakfast on Sunday, we caught up with many in a more relaxed setting, had deep conversations, and reflected on what God had done. We sense a cornerstone has been placed on existing foundations. We’re looking forward to seeing what God builds next—and loving on more kids as He brings them into our lives.

As we reflect on the week, we’re reminded that NXT Move isn’t only about the next generation—it’s about partnership across generations. This theme resonates with a prophetic word we received in 2006, calling us part of a “New Breed” that God would raise up for worldwide impact.

Prophecy given to John and Sandra Snelgrove;

By Dr. Kingsley Fletcher,

28 February 2006, Vine Centre, Hong Kong

Prophecy of a New Breed

You are part of the new breed that God is raising up around the world.
Let go, so that He becomes God.

God will be teaching you things that you .........Some things God will

ask you to do which won't find in any text book, or anyone else doing.

This is not strange. God will use your uniqueness and will make you to

be stronger. You will chase lasting impact in His Kingdom.

You two will, as a team 2 in1 in unity. God will give you the

interpretation.....Word of knowledge, interpretation. Balance and

wisdom. A Heart of father and mother. You see in people what they

don't see. You will be used as spiritual secret agents. You will expose

things. You will be trained as servants. God will train you to operate in you.

God will bring you so much so much honour.

My anointing is so strong

on you, says the Lord. My anointing will come upon you, a wave of

glory. The Lord will use you in things of the spirit. You are not just

pastors, but are path finders, who will train and raise up people who

will change the world. Others started strong. You started slowly, but

will end in great strength. This place (The Vine) will be used as a

centre for revival.

God has raised you as a mouthpiece, connectors, bridge layers. I see

a Mission training centre. God will bring the nations to this place.

You will train the nations. Go after the hidden treasures in darkness,

you shall pour upon them my grace, strength, truth. No one will

silence you, keep you silent. Blow my trumpet to proclaim my oracles.

Your steps will be made firm. You are A fresh breed. Call!

You are to be new guards, to bring life back into the church. You

shall bring forth the promise. You shall create an atmosphere of

worship, great joy, glory of God in this place. I see a Blanket of

glory, healing. You have a heart to see people come alive, people who

see you, because you have been faithful. You are one of those I have

trumpets to reach out to the unreached. Faithful in small things, will

become Lord of big things. Don't worry about finances. I will select

those who will release the finances. I am pleased with you, I will

honour you, I will extend your days until you see my glory in your

lifetime.

Seeing that prophecy echo in Manila—through the young leaders we met, the intergenerational relationships formed, and the visions shared—was deeply moving. The seeds planted decades ago are bearing fruit in ways we could hardly imagine.

Manila was more than a gathering; it was a tangible unfolding of God’s plan. We leave with hearts full of hope, believing that what has begun will continue to grow. The foundation is laid, the baton is being passed, and the “New Breed” is rising.

Kindling the Fire

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:47:56 GMT

How to Steward the Stirring Revival

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Islands in Oceans and Sparks in Darkness

Recently, there have been encouraging reports, research, and social media posts pointing to pockets of revival stirring. Even while a lot of the news and social media headlines still paint a picture of a generation stepping away from the faith. We see the rising tides of secularism and a pervasive sense of disillusionment, leaving vast oceans of spiritual drift. But look closer. Amidst this cultural ebb, something remarkable is happening: we are witnessing islands of revival breaking out. These are not always grand, stadium-filling events, but quiet stirrings—a profound spiritual hunger and a renewed conviction that God is actively moving in our world. This is precisely how revival often begins—not with a roar, but with a whisper; not with a wildfire, but with a spark.

Our research confirms this shift is happening across the globe, fueled by qualitative, experiential changes. In the United Kingdom, for instance, a "Quiet Revival" is underway, with documented reports showing that twice as many people are committing to follow Christ compared to five years ago. Crucially, this growth is being driven by a desire for a genuine, personal "experience of God" (the most popular prompt for conversion) rather than intellectual arguments. Similarly, the spontaneous awakening at Asbury University in 2023 served as a public flashpoint, demonstrating that true spiritual stirring today is rooted in profound humility and deep personal repentance, bypassing pre-planned programs. Seekers are prioritizing authenticity, transparency, and unhurried relational care, rejecting superficial faith.

Additionally, political violence in the USA recently has rallied thousands to prayer meetings and repentance. Ongoing encouraging reports of the wide embrace of Christianity and spiritual awakening in the global South, particularly in Africa and South America. Continued reports of great growth of the house church movement in Iran and supernatural revelations of Jesus across the Middle East. In Asia, the suppressed and persecuted church continues to grow, and great next-generation mission movements are on the rise. Encouraging sparks of revival flickering across the globe.

This emerging landscape is a call to action. This is the moment where we must become active stewards. Our conviction is that this is a time to blow on the embers, providing the structure and spiritual climate for these sparks to grow. How we respond in this critical season—with intention, humility, and balance—will ultimately make or break what God is doing.

Revival often begins – not with a bang, but with a whisper; not with a wildfire, but with a spark . It’s the flicker of divine light in the darkness. This is a time to blow on the embers.

We are in a crucial season where our response to these emerging sparks will either help them ignite into a consuming blaze or allow them to cool and fade. How we engage – our intentionality, posture, and humility – will make or break what God is doing.

The Goldilocks Test: Finding the "Just Right" Response to Revival

Much like Goldilocks finding her perfect bowl of porridge or her just-right bed, our response to revival cannot be too hot, too cold, or simply wrong. We need to find the "just right" approach that accurately honors God’s work and allows it to flourish. We need to kindle these embers into a sweeping fire of revival.

Let’s explore three distinct ways we might respond, and why only one will truly steward these precious moments:

1. The Jonah Response: Too Cold, Too Critical

Remember Jonah? After the whale incident, God brings about a massive revival in Nineveh, saving a wicked city, and what's Jonah's reaction? Not joy, but anger and resentment. He criticized the very movement God initiated because it didn't fit his expectations or his personal sense of justice.

The Jonah Response to revival is characterized by:

Cynicism and Skepticism: Immediately questioning the authenticity, motives, or methods of a burgeoning revival.
Critique over Celebration: Focusing on perceived flaws, emotionalism, or deviations from tradition, rather than celebrating the salvation of souls or the presence of God.
Refusal to Engage: Deliberately distancing oneself from the movement, often out of fear of the unknown or a desire to maintain personal comfort and control.

This response chills the atmosphere, stifles the Spirit, and ultimately causes us to miss out on God's incredible work. We can end up being like a wet blanket on the very embers God is trying to fan into flame.

2. The Sons of Sceva Response: Too Hot, Too Exploitative

In Acts 19, we meet the sons of Sceva, who saw the powerful works of God through Paul and tried to imitate them for their own gain. They weren't connected to the source of power; they simply wanted to replicate the results. Their attempt ended in public humiliation, not revival.

The Sons of Sceva Response is marked by:

Superficial Imitation: Focusing on outward manifestations or "spiritual tricks" without the genuine spiritual foundation of relationship with Christ.
Exploitation or Manipulation: Seeing revival as an opportunity for personal gain, fame, or control, rather than a sacred move of God to be stewarded.
Adding Human Formulas: Trying to create "how-to" guides or rigid methods for revival that can stifle the organic leading of the Holy Spirit and lead to inauthenticity.
Spectacle over Substance: Prioritizing emotional highs, "star" personalities, or dramatic displays over the quiet, transformative work of the Holy Spirit in individual hearts.

This approach can create a temporary, shallow buzz, but it lacks the depth to produce lasting fruit. It dishonors God by making His work about us, leading to burnout, disillusionment, and a tarnished reputation for the faith. It blows too hard, often in the wrong direction, and with the wrong motivation, risking extinguishing the flame entirely.

3. The Mary and Martha Response: Just Right, Balanced Stewardship

This is the sweet spot, the "just right" way to steward what God is doing. It’s a response that beautifully integrates deep intimacy with practical service, learning from both Mary of Bethany (who sat at Jesus' feet and anointed Him) and her sister Martha (who prepared the place and space for Him).

The Mary Heart: Prioritizing Intimacy and Worship

Sitting at His Feet (Luke 10:38-42): Like Mary, our first response must be to prioritize Jesus' presence. In a time of revival, this means cultivating deep intimacy with Him – listening, learning, worshiping, and soaking in His presence. It's about letting our hearts be transformed by Him.
Extravagant Worship (John 12:1-8): Another Mary moment, when she anointed Jesus' feet, reminds us that true revival evokes extravagant love and worship. It's giving our best, without reservation or calculation, in response to His worthiness and what He is doing in our midst. This builds the spiritual atmosphere where revival thrives.

The Martha Hands: Practical Preparation and Service

Preparing the Place and Space (Luke 10:38-42): While Mary chose the "good portion," Martha was providing crucial hospitality. Revival needs "Marthas" – those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the practical work. This means creating welcoming environments, organizing events, providing logistical support, stewarding resources wisely, and establishing structures for discipleship.
Service as Worship: The key here is for Martha's activity to flow from a Mary heart. Her work isn't just a task; it's an act of worship, done with joy and dedication, recognizing that she is serving Jesus by serving His people and His movement.

The Balance: A healthy revival requires both. The Mary response ensures the spiritual depth and direction, preventing the movement from becoming a soulless machine. The Martha response provides the practical infrastructure and care, preventing the spiritual spark from fizzling out due to neglect or disorganization. When these two postures work together – intimacy fueling service, and service creating space for intimacy – the embers are truly fanned into a sustainable, growing fire.

May we steward well what God is doing in these precious islands of revival. May we respond accurately, with Mary's heart for His presence and Martha's hands for His work. And may God, in His boundless grace and power, cause a great revival to sweep over the nations, transforming hearts and bringing hope to every corner of our world.

What islands of revival are you seeing?

Which inaccurate and unhelpful responses have we missed?

How are you stewarding the sparks in your community?

Unity and Multiplication

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:14:08 GMT

The Power of Collaboration and Mentorship

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It was a warm afternoon, and I found myself engaged in a game of basketball with my son Peter. Eager to impart some knowledge about the game, I shared an important lesson with him about leadership and personal growth, inspired by the legacy of our family.

Generational Collaboration Serves As The Launchpad for Young Leaders

I began to tell him how to become a great basketball player, but he paid no attention and instead wanted to defeat me. So I told Peter, "Sit down with me, my son." I said that my great-grandfather, Peter, was a member of a group that served the community. Peter was a man of principle. And Peter had a son named Norman. Norman launched off Peter's shoulders, and he was frequently assisting others. Norman had a son named Graham, and that is your grandfather. Graham stepped off Norman's shoulders and has assisted many people throughout his life. Now I share my life with Graham, including my challenges and achievements. I listen and learn from him. I listen to him and learn from him, which is how I launch off his shoulders. I told Peter, "If you learn from me and go with me through your challenges, you will stand on my shoulders and ride the momentum of all these men who came before you."

He said, "Daddy, I'd want to stand on your shoulders." So I leaned down, and he climbed up onto my shoulders. As I stood up, he stood as tall as a giant. I glanced up and said to Peter, "This is where you belong." He glanced down and remarked, "Daddy, here is where I belong."

As I shared the story of our ancestors and our familial line of support and mentorship, a profound realization struck both of us - the power of unity and generational collaboration. I use this experience to inspire leaders to build unity and collaboration across generations. The older and younger belong together; they make the journey together and are united. Elders inspire and mentor younger generations. Disunity undermines the potential to share lessons and momentum. Unity builds power and drives from generation to generation.

The essence of my conversation with my son became a seed that sprouted into a desire to link the generation in our city. To bring the young leaders from diverse backgrounds together to launch off the shoulders of those who have been pursuing unity in our city.

Family On Mission: Global Unity Leads to Local Multiplication

About 7 years ago, some of the older leaders who had been catalyzing unity in our city planned a gathering of significant young leaders from across Western Australia. These were younger leaders from charities, ministries, and organisations. The initial meeting was just to assemble around a table in unity so that we might form relationships that would catalyze change in our city. We went around the table, each sharing what we were enthusiastic about. Our vision evolved from what "I" can achieve to what "we" can do together, and from what my organization can do to what our organizations can do together. Unity breeds multiplication.

Unity groups had formed across Western Australia, bringing together leaders from churches, schools, corporations, and charities to pray and serve their communities. Mark, the leader and a dear friend of mine began dreaming together. How might this collection of leaders from various organizations and faiths help not just their local community but also a community in another nation simultaneously?

We devised a plan to invite the leaders to lunch, listen to what's on their hearts, and hear the vision of working together to help a community in another nation. Twelve churches in Mandurah came together immediately to help twelve churches in another nation that care for children in great poverty. We were thrilled. We shared Mandurah's experience of helping their own region as well as a region in another nation with leaders of other unity groups, who were eager to participate. This simple narrative of togetherness and teamwork in Mandurah spread like wildfire. The impact extended beyond the immediate beneficiaries as the leaders from Western Australia returned with fresh inspiration to serve their own communities, thus perpetuating a cycle of empathy and service.

We witnessed a simple yet transformative strategy unfold as we brought leaders from different organizations and communities around the table to hear each other’s passions and dreams. This strategy built trust and fostered a desire for collaborative action, leading to magnificent outcomes that resonated far beyond our initial expectations. What started as a local initiative transcended borders and connected communities across different countries. The journey of unity and collaboration took us to Thailand, where leaders from Western Australia joined hands with counterparts in Thailand, fostering a deep sense of togetherness.

An organized delegation of religious and business leaders from one of these regions in Australia visited the region they were sponsoring in Thailand, as churches were actively assisting in the care of over 500 children living in severe poverty. One of Thailand's leaders stated, "When we were around the table and hearing one another's emotions, the barriers fell down and we felt like we were family." The leaders from the region in Western Australia returned from their tour motivated to help youngsters in their own communities. This generation is seeing an increase in support for both local and global unity. When we gather together, we can increase our wisdom, momentum, and fruitfulness.

Questions of Legacy and Leadership

In the midst of these powerful stories, critical questions emerged for each one of us: How can we create spaces for unity and collaboration in our own spheres of influence? Who can we invite to the table to dream together and envision change? Whose wisdom and experience can we lean on as we navigate through the complexities of our respective fields? By fostering unity and working collaboratively, we not only amplify our impact but also create a lasting legacy of progress and transformation. The world is changing faster than ever before; therefore, we must venture deeper in unity so that we may learn together how to adapt appropriately to all of this change and catalyze the necessary change.

The Fruit of Global Collaboration

In subsequent years, we hosted over 30 unity lunches, inviting leaders from the same region to learn about Mandurah and share their experiences. It was common for first-time leaders serving the same areas to hear each other's hearts. We discovered that getting leaders from various organizations around the table to hear what each other was passionate about increased trust in the group and their desire to collaborate. In a few years, all ten areas in our state supported ten regions overseas. More than 150 churches joined in.

To Go Far, We Must Go Together

Nick, a unity group leader, shared this significant story at a unity leaders gathering at my home. He shared that in a relay race, each of the four runners in the team passes the baton to the next runner. In life, a leader may assign us a new task and then leave us to try to achieve it on our own. He mentioned that there is another form of race called a three-legged race. A runner connects one of their legs to another runner on their squad and then runs side by side. It's a slower race, but everyone runs together. He stated that this is how we can connect the generations and serve our communities together. Older and younger people are running side by side as in a three-legged race. After he said this, there was a frenzy of discourse in my home as each leader, old and young, passionately stated how we needed to work together to develop Western Australia. Another leader, Peet, then explained how honest interactions foster trust and how trust allows us to go forward together.

We have a generation seeking this kind of genuineness. As you progress in leadership, so will your level of honesty, allowing you to guide others on a path of unification. We discovered that authenticity, vulnerability, and humility foster trust, which is the foundation for unity and collaboration. Every journey of unity begins with a single step - a step towards inclusivity, empathy, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow. It’s a journey where the older and the younger generations unite like partners in a three-legged race, each complementing the other's strengths and overcoming obstacles together. Let's step into leadership with authenticity and humility, for through unity, we can catalyze the change that our communities and the world is seeking.

ROOTED: Called To Abide in Him For Much Fruit

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:38:04 GMT

ROOTED

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Words like rooted, abide, and fruit have a deeper and more dynamic meaning in biblical contexts than in everyday English. Understanding the significance of these terms can result in a profound spiritual revelation. By exploring the biblical concept of being rooted, abiding in Him, as well as the fruitfulness that follows, we are continuously enlightened by God’s unwavering character.

What does it mean to be rooted?

To be rooted means to be firmly and deeply established in your origin with active function. It involves actively absorbing and deriving sustenance from a source that grounds and holds you steady. Just as the roots of a tree provide stability and nourishment, being rooted spiritually enables us to grow and bear fruit.

To have Christ as your firm foundation presents the following prompts:

that which holds you steady;

that which grounds you;

that which you absorb from and

that which you originate from

The importance of abiding in Him

In John 15:4-5, Jesus speaks of the significance of abiding in Him. He compares Himself to a vine, and His followers are the branches. He emphasizes that no branch can bear fruit on its own; it must remain connected to the vine. Likewise, we cannot bear fruit unless we stay deeply and firmly connected to Jesus. Being rooted and abiding in Him guarantees fruitfulness. Abiding in Him goes beyond mere existence; it implies enduring, sticking around, and acting in accordance with His teachings.

John 15:4-5 NIV

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

The guarantee of fruitful living: DOWN is the way UP with God

Roots descend into the ground to anchor whilst fruit grows upward and outward as a product of being firmly established and nourished. When we are deeply rooted in Christ and abide in Him, bearing fruit is the natural outcome. This is pleasing to our Heavenly Father, as it demonstrates our obedience and alignment with His plan for our lives. As we deepen our investment in building our lives upon the standards of God's Word, we are humbly grounded and anchored in His truth.

Living like a fruitful tree

In Psalm 1, we are encouraged to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. This delight and meditation on God's Word likens us to a tree planted by streams of water. Such a tree yields its fruit in due season, never withering or lacking prosperity.

Psalm 1 NIV

1 Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.

To stay in step with God, remain faithful, and abide in Him means continually pressing deeper and deeper into our relationship with Him. It means reflecting His character in all aspects of our lives and leading others away from sin. As we remain rooted, built up, and established in faith, we will see an increase in the production of fruit.

Colossians 2:6-7 AMP

6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin],

7 having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established [a]in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude.

We will reap fruit as we choose to deepen and maintain consistency in areas where we can invest more actively. We will bear fruit as we choose to prioritize the standards of God's word, remaining humble as we increase and intensify our levels of accountability of His word. We will bear fruit as we choose to immerse ourselves in the essence of the only true God and only source to absorb life from. We will bear fruit if we remain in our divine design as sons and daughters of God aligned with our true identity and origin from the very thought of God.

Being rooted and abiding in Him is a powerful calling.

It guarantees a life of purpose, stability, and productivity. Let us stay true, press deeper and deeper in relationship with Christ, remain faithful, absorb His teachings, and abide in Him with grateful hearts. In doing so, we will experience a life overflowing with the abundant fruit of the Spirit.

Choose Your Well: What Influences Will Affect Your World

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:26:46 GMT

Only living water can establish cities and communities that are vibrant and full of life

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Water wells have held significant importance throughout human history, playing a crucial role in our survival and development as a species. In many regions, the availability of water sources like rivers and springs has shaped the location and growth of communities, meeting the essential need for water. However, in arid and dry territories, the quest for water becomes much more challenging, making wells a vital lifeline.

Creating a well means going below the surface until you find the water currents. Jesus can see beyond what appears on the surface. Digging wells, spiritually speaking, refers to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus, the gospel of the water and the Spirit. It challenges individuals to seek spiritual fulfillment and become catalysts for positive change, enriching their communities through the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.

Historical Significance of Water Wells

The importance of wells is highlighted in history, where the destruction or concealment of wells was used as a strategic tactic during conflicts, depriving communities of a crucial resource and hindering their ability to regroup and thrive. The ability to find water is central to sustaining life, and the absence of water brings about dire consequences. The human body can only survive for a few days without water, emphasizing its critical role.

When a well is opened, the possibility of life in the area opens up. Water serves as the foundation for numerous essential bodily functions and is equally vital for nourishing livestock and crops, thereby directly impacting our food sources. Historically, the creation of wells involved extensive digging to reach groundwater, marking the beginning of life and community in the area. This reliance on wells illustrates the vital significance of water for human existence, as well as the spiritual significance of tapping into the well of living water.

The Call to Become a Well of Living Water

One significant biblical account is found in the book of John, wherein chapter four illustrates the symbolism of wells and water in a powerful narrative. The call to become a "well of living water" is presented as an invitation to embrace the transformative power of faith and to share the life-giving message of Jesus with others. This metaphor reminds us of our potential to enrich and revitalize our communities through our spiritual fulfillment.

The analogy of wells and water extends beyond the literal understanding, encompassing the proclamation of the gospel and the transformative power of faith. The narrative challenges individuals to consider their spiritual thirst and the potential for becoming a source of spiritual nourishment for others.

Spiritual Nourishment displayed with the Woman at the Well

The story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well serves as an allegory for the spiritual significance of water. Jesus converses with the woman, using the metaphor of water to convey the idea of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. He offers her "living water" as a representation of God's gift and salvation, urging her to seek a source of sustenance beyond the physical realm.

The Samaritan woman did not anticipate to meet the Messiah that day. Jesus, however, decided to meet her at Jacob's well at noon as she was going to draw water from it to quench her thirst. When this woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The woman told him, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman.

“How can you ask me for a drink?" That is to say, there was animosity between Jews and Samaritans in those days. Nonetheless, Jesus replied: "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." Jesus later conveys to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again. In fact, the water that I give them will become in them a spring of water that springs up to eternal life.”

At this the woman said to him, "Lord, give me this water so that I don't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." Jesus compared God's source of life, given through himself for our salvation, to well water.

However, as the source of living water, Jesus was also creating a well in the heart of this woman who had endured so much and had committed many wrongs in order to transform her into a source of living water. Above all, Jesus demonstrated his love, mercy, and concern for her and her heart. Jesus presents himself to her as a mirror, reflecting all that she had done and experienced in her life as well as the reasons why she might have felt rejected and in pain.

Spiritual Renewal Can Transform A Community

The encounter at the well transforms the woman, illustrating the potential for spiritual renewal and transformation through the metaphorical concept of drawing from a well of living water. It emphasizes the idea of internal renewal and becoming a source of spiritual nourishment for others, much like a well that sustains a broader community.

Our calling is to start digging wells so that people can drink the water that only Jesus can offer. Without water, people perish. The same happens to people without Jesus. Without Christ, people are thirsty and have not yet experienced the life he provides.. How much longer can they survive without Jesus? Jesus is the only water that brings life, the only water that truly transforms, the only water that cleanses people, and the only water that makes all things new. Jesus is the water that can transform you and make you a well of living for those who are near you. Through you Jesus will be able to make life arise around you.

Jesus alone is the water that has the power to change you and transform you into a source of life for those around you. The power of Jesus enables you to make life arise all around you and through you. Only living water can establish cities and communities that are vibrant and full of life .

Cultivating Spiritual Hunger

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:05:30 GMT

Seeking True Worship in Spirit and Truth

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‘The degree of fullness in any life accords perfectly with the intensity of true desire. We have as much of God as we actually want.’ ~ A.W Tozer

How much of God do you truly desire? The words of A.W. Tozer remind us that the depth of our relationship with God corresponds to the intensity of our true desire. Throughout Scripture, we are told that those who hunger and thirst for God will find Him. It is this holy discontent and fervent longing that fuels the fires of revival.

In our generation, there is a growing number of young people who are spiritually hungry, yearning to see God move in extraordinary ways. This hunger for more of God, His presence, and His power lies at the heart of any genuine revival. In our pursuit of God, we must refuse to settle for anything less and cultivate a hunger that transforms our lives.

Cultivating Spiritual Hunger

To develop a hunger for God, we must first acknowledge that there is always more to discover and experience in our faith journey. There is a story from one of the early Desert Fathers who met an older monk and said to him, “Father, as far as I can, I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and contemplate, I live in peace and as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?” Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire, and he said to him, “If you will, you can become all flame.”

Like the Desert Fathers, who sought wisdom from the older monks, we need to recognize that our current level of spiritual involvement is not the endpoint. Such recognition fuels our hunger to explore new depths in our relationship with God. It’s a story which reminds me that there is more to the life of faith than what I am currently experiencing. It’s striking to me how quickly many young people in our generation are coming to the end of themselves, and asking the same question- What else can I do? Where can I turn for that which will truly satisfy?

The Promise of Spiritual Hunger

As we cultivate spiritual hunger and seek God with our whole hearts, He promises to meet us in our place of longing. Jesus assures us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. This promise is not limited to personal fulfillment but extends to a collective outpouring of God's Spirit.

Moses, called to lead the Israelites out of slavery, understood the power of spiritual hunger. In Exodus 33, faced with the absence of God's presence due to the people's disobedience, Moses interceded on their behalf. His plea to God was not merely to reach the promised land, but for God's presence to go with them. Moses' spiritual hunger surpassed all other desires, and the Lord answered him.

In a world that often feels parched of genuine spirituality, the story in John 4 of the Samaritan woman at the well offers a refreshing perspective. This woman, alone and likely ostracized by her community, is taken aback when Jesus, a Jew, asks her for a drink. This simple request breaks social and cultural boundaries, setting the stage for a transformative encounter; one that demonstrates Jesus’ ability to satisfy our deepest spiritual thirst, and reminds us that our pursuit of God begins with His pursuit of us. It’s a journey of spiritual hunger, and it’s a journey worth taking.

Word and Spirit

Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that the Father is seeking for those who will choose to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). We see the potential impact of what happens when God finds such people in the life of John Wesley, the revivalist and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley was always clear about the priority of Scripture, and also emphasized the witness of the Spirit—the work of the Holy Spirit testifying to and confirming the Word in present experience. His personal revival led to a reformation of the culture.

I believe that this generation is longing for leaders who truly know their God, who intimately understand His Word, and who are led by the Holy Spirit. To this end, we must prioritize spending time in the secret place of prayer, where deep intimacy with God is fostered, and cultivate deep spiritual friendships to sustain our hopes for renewal.

Just as the Samaritan woman shared her testimony and led many others to encounter Jesus, a generation on fire for God will overflow with living water, meeting the deep needs of a thirsty world. Across Europe, there are more and more young people giving their ‘yes’ to Jesus and choosing to become all flame. We have the opportunity to be those who ignite revival by embracing spiritual hunger and leading others into the abundant life found in Christ.

The question for each of us is, how much of God do we truly desire?

Overcoming Success: Staying Out of the Entitlement Cycle

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:54:59 GMT

The Silent Thief of Joy

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Entitlement is a subtle but destructive force. It begins as a feeling—a sense that we deserve something, that we have a right to it. Over time, like a disease, it consumes gratitude, leaving us joyless and disconnected. The greatest test of our character is not in failure but in success.

Jesus Himself demonstrated the antidote to entitlement.

Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)
"You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does. In his very nature he was God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something he should hold on to. Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form."

Rule over Robbery

Despite being fully God, Jesus did not deem Himself entitled to the greatest attribute of being God. True authority isn’t found in clinging to what we believe is rightfully ours—it’s found in the willingness to let go. Entitlement tricks us into grasping and holding tight to status, success, or recognition as if they could be stolen from us. But Jesus showed a different way. Though He was fully God, He did not clutch onto His divine status like a trophy to be defended.

Jesus ruled over entitlement by releasing it. He didn’t need to prove His greatness—He revealed it through humility. In a world that tells us to fight for recognition, Jesus shows us that true significance isn’t found in status, but in surrender. One path leads to self-preservation, entitlement, and stagnation. The other leads to sacrifice, purpose, and impact.

Philippians 2:5-7 (AMPC)
"Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus... Who, although being essentially one with God... did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, but stripped Himself... to assume the guise of a servant."

Success bears a choice: will we live for ourselves or for others? Will we grasp onto status, power, and comfort, or will we release them in service of something greater?

The Entitlement Cycle

Survival – Getting by.
Success – Getting on top.
Significance – Making it all matter.

At significance, we face a choice: will we use success to serve, or will we demand that others serve us? This is the moment of divergence, where our heart’s true direction is revealed.

Success will test us in ways failure never will. Living for others will challenge you, and prompt you to give away, and invest. It calls us to gratitude, service, and sacrifice. But letting entitlement take hold of your heart will lead you down a different road:

Self-Satisfaction – Feeling entitled to comfort, reducing our dependence on God. Without gratitude, you will never have anything, forcing you to take the wrong steps to preserve your comfort above all else.
Self-Indulgence – Seeking pleasure over holiness. Permitting yourself and running the dangerous narrative: “You deserve this!”.
Self-Deception – entitled to your own opinion without allowing accountability.Producing a slippery slope of convincing yourself that: “Everybody does it. It is not that bad.”
Self-Destruction – Entitled to give up, lacking discipline, and letting go of priority and commitments.

Take a moment and ponder the stage of the cycle you may find yourself in . Are you embracing gratitude, or does entitlement sometimes slip in?

The Call to Die to Self

The Greeks who came to Jesus weren’t just travelers; they represented a culture that sought salvation through knowledge. They had status, success, and the means to seek more—but they still lacked what truly mattered. In Bethsaida, where Jesus had performed miracles, fed thousands, and taught the Beatitudes, they came looking for Him. They had reached a point of significance, yet their search revealed a deeper need. Jesus didn’t offer them more knowledge or status—He offered them freedom from the entitlement cycle and a new way to live.

John 12:24-26 (NIV)
"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Jesus offers a new definition of success: sacrifice that leads to life. He invites us not to grasp at entitlement but to be entitled to gratitude —to lay down our lives for others and find true joy in Him.

Letting Go

The greatest test of success is not in gaining more but in what we are willing to give away. Will we cling to comfort, recognition, and control? Or will we choose the path of Jesus—one of humility, sacrifice, and impact? True greatness is found in service. True joy is found in gratitude. True purpose is found in laying down entitlement and making room for God to move.

What are you holding onto today? What entitlement needs to be surrendered to God?

Jesus wants to free us from the entitlement cycle and redefine our lives through His example. The invitation is clear: "Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5 AMPC).

The Great Commandment

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:53:58 GMT

The GREAT COMMANDMENT: LOVING GOD AND OTHERS

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In Matthew 22, we find a significant story that reveals both God's heart for us and how He expects us to interact with Him and with others. This story presents a summary of God's standard for His people in their relationship with Him and with those around them. It emphasizes the core biblical truth of loving God and loving our neighbors.

The Greatest Commandment

The context of this story is a conversation between an expert in religious law and Jesus. The religious experts had previously tried to trap Jesus with their questions. In a similar attempt, a Pharisee asks Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" It is clear that the question is not posed to pursue truth but with the intention to entrap Jesus.

Jesus responds by saying, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." He also adds, "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus' answer is clear and direct because He understands their true intentions and recognizes that the religious leaders miss God's heart and the essential principle behind the entire Law.

The Outflow of Love

Loving God with our whole being is the foremost commandment because our capacity to love others deeply and selflessly stems from our relationship with God. It is through experiencing God's love and responding to it that we can truly love others in a profound way. This love overcomes evil with good and extends even to our enemies.

Examining Ourselves

As we reflect on Jesus' response to the religious leaders, it prompts us to consider our own understanding of loving God. Are we like the religious leaders, unaware of our own hypocrisy and ignorance in our pursuit of religious practices? What takes precedence in our lives? Is there something or someone we love or idolize more than God?

The Lesson from Mark 10

The story in Mark 10:17-31 further illustrates the challenge of idolatry in our lives. A rich man approaches Jesus, seeking to inherit eternal life. He reveals that he has upheld all the commandments since his youth. Jesus, moved by love for him, tells him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. However, the man walks away saddened because he cannot let go of his wealth, rejecting Jesus and the treasure in heaven.

This account teaches us that idols are not always obvious, as they often begin as good things that subtly displace and dethrone God from the center of our hearts. The rich man's identity and security were tied to his wealth, making it difficult for him to surrender it. Likewise, our idols can be deeply ingrained, unnoticed aspects of our lives that we prioritize over God.

This process may take time and require a willingness to face uncomfortable truths. Once God reveals these hard realities, we need to resolutely take steps to remove these idols from our hearts and minds. It is not enough to simply displace them; we must also cultivate a sincere desire to direct our love towards God.

Identifying and Unveiling Our Idols and Internal Resolve

In our pursuit of spiritual growth, it is essential to identify and confront the idols that hinder our whole-hearted love for God. This journey requires self-awareness, reflection, honesty, and courage. It cannot be accomplished through quick prayers or fleeting moments of devotion. Instead, it demands intentional time, disciplined obedience, and undivided attention towards cultivating a deep and dynamic relationship with God.

We must recognize the grip that idols can have on our hearts. It may not be a physical statue but rather something subtle and internalized, possibly even serving what we perceive as God's glory or ministry. These idols can take the form of wealth, education, abilities, networks, or even the ministry itself. Whatever it may be, when Jesus asks us to let go of these idols, we discern what truly captures our hearts.

Investing Time in Loving God

Love is not static or momentary; it is a dynamic relationship that necessitates intentional investment. We spend time with the people and things we love, and loving God is no different. It is crucial to set aside dedicated and uninterrupted moments for God, offering Him our prime time, sharpest state of mind, and unhurried selves. In a world filled with endless distractions and demands, loving God should take precedence over everything else.

No Shortcut to Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual growth and maturity cannot be rushed or fast-tracked. It requires consistent effort, discipline, and a genuine desire to know and love God. There are no shortcuts to this process, but rest assured, God is the best teacher on this journey. As we surrender our idols and give our undivided attention to God, we will experience true freedom and a deepening love for Him that surpasses anything the world has to offer.

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the greatest commandment. Jesus' invitation to the rich man to come and follow Him was an invitation to be freed from the demands and desires of the world. It was an opportunity to spend quality time with Him, know His heart, and find peace amidst the chaos. In today's digital world, we have incredible access to resources and tools that can aid our reflection and meditation on God's Word. It is up to us to intentionally carve out time for God, move beyond brief moments of devotion, and build the discipline to spend significant time with Him. So, let us identify our idols, surrender them, and embark on a journey of deepening love for God, knowing that through Christ, we gain what we can never lose.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:39:04 GMT

There is an opportunity waiting to be discovered

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Finding Opportunity in the Middle of Opposition

Are you facing a crisis or feeling like you're hitting a dead end? Are fear and anxiety overwhelming you because you don't see a solution to your current situation? Let me tell you something—you're in the right place. There's an opportunity in the middle of opposition. You heard me right. In every crisis, there's an opportunity.

The Chinese language doesn't have a word for crisis. John F. Kennedy once said that the word crisis, when written in Chinese, is composed of two strokes—one representing danger and the other representing opportunity. This insight underscores a powerful truth: every crisis holds the seed of opportunity within it.

Winston Churchill famously said, "Don't waste a good crisis." My own life exemplifies this principle. I moved from a small town in India to one of the world's most influential cities, New York, just before the pandemic. At that time, the city was in turmoil, with 600 to 800 people dying daily. Even the bustling Times Square fell silent.

Faith in Action: How a Song United a City

Amidst this chaos, my family and I faced a financial crisis. We were about to exhaust our savings, with a baby on the way and two young boys to care for in a New York apartment. It seemed like the end, but I knew there was an opportunity in the middle of this crisis.

Every day, I took a ferry to Wall Street, praying over the city. During these prayers, an idea took shape—an idea that seemed crazy at the time. It was to unite churches and produce a song, an anthem of hope. I stepped out in faith, and this song brought together over 100 churches and 120 voices, becoming a national story. This created an opportunity right in the midst of our crisis.

I'm not just preaching this; I've lived it. From a small town to a breakthrough so significant, I can confidently say that crisis is the birthplace of the supernatural. When man stops, God starts.

Biblical Miracles: Turning Setbacks into Setups

The Bible is filled with stories of crises that turned into opportunities for divine intervention. The ministry of Jesus began with a crisis at a wedding in Cana, where the wine ran out—a significant embarrassment in a shame-based culture. But Mary, knowing who Jesus was, saw this as an opportunity. She told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." This simple act of faith led to Jesus performing his first miracle, turning water into wine.

As a leader, your faith is crucial. Faith often feels like taking a risk, but it's the currency of heaven. Your words carry power—faith is the language of heaven. Speak words of faith and watch miracles unfold. A miracle is an extraordinary event that surpasses the laws of nature, and God is about to perform one in your life if you believe and obey.

Jesus used ordinary water jars to perform an extraordinary miracle. Similarly, God uses the simple and ordinary to achieve the miraculous. He never calls the qualified; He qualifies the called. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances in New York City, God used our situation to demonstrate His power.

The master of the banquet tasted the wine and was amazed. What would take 30 years in the natural world, Jesus accomplished in an instant. God is a God of divine acceleration. The Bible says in Amos 9:13-15 that things will happen so fast your head will swim. What you could do in ten years, God can make happen in ten months, ten weeks, ten days, ten hours, or even ten seconds.

As a leader, you don't walk away from a crisis; you walk right into it like David facing Goliath. Be strong and courageous like Joshua and watch the waters part. Leadership is about influence, as John Maxwell says, and turning a crisis into an opportunity will inspire others.

Your private testing will become a public testimony. When the world sees how you've overcome your crisis, your story will inspire a generation. God's eyes are searching the earth for someone through whom He can prove Himself faithful. My prayer is that this someone will be you.

In every crisis, remember: there is an opportunity waiting to be discovered. Believe, obey, and watch as your crisis transforms into a breakthrough.

The Power of Humility in Leadership

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:58:33 GMT

LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAINS, JERUSALEM AND BEYOND

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As we gear up for 2025, I've been reflecting on Nehemiah's epic leadership journey as he rallied the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days!

The key thing that stood out to me was restoration. Prophetically, I believe God wants to challenge His church globally to take on the task of restoration in 2025. May this be a year of restoring what has been broken—spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and socially.

As we embrace the 52 weeks of 2025, may restoration be our aim. May we learn from the principles in the book of Nehemiah, gain expectation, and grow in our faith, trusting God to do the miraculous through us this year.

Nehemiah faced a HUGE task—a city in ruins, enemies lurking, and discouraged people. We're tackling the spiritual, emotional, and social brokenness in our world, and it can feel overwhelming at times. What if God enabled us this year, like Nehemiah, to finish the restoration He has in mind for us?

I am encouraged by knowing that the wall Nehemiah called "finished" wasn't perfect. It was surely improved on beyond the 52 days, and it surely needed some further repairs later on, but the portion God set out for Nehemiah to do was done. What has God prepared for you in 2025 that is bigger than what you can do on your own?

Here are some principles from the wall-building heroes' playbook:

Consistency is Key: Nehemiah didn't take weekends off, and neither can we! Let's commit to showing up every single week, serving our communities, and making disciples.
Obstacles? Bring 'em on: Nehemiah dealt with opposition, and we will too. He prayed his way through, and so can we. Let's lean on God and each other for strength.
Stronger Together: Nehemiah knew he couldn't rebuild those walls alone. He empowered the people, and that's what we're about as an NXT Move community. Let's collaborate, share ideas, and support each other.
God is Faithful: Nehemiah relied on God every step of the way. We need that same trust in our work. Let's seek God's guidance and believe He'll provide.

How do we make this happen in 2025?

Get Specific: Let's identify the portion God has for us this year and create clear action plans. Success is obedience.
Lead the Charge: We need passionate leaders who inspire and motivate. Let's step up and be those examples and find others who need to be raised into leadership.
Face the Challenges: Whether it's internal conflicts or external pressures, let's tackle them head-on with wisdom and courage. Don't procrastinate or water down the brutal realities; face them, fight them, and forge a way forward.
Never Give Up: Restoration takes time. Let's be resilient, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Celebrate the Wins: When we see progress, let's give God the glory and celebrate together.

NXT Move, we are a global community of leaders working to accelerate Christianity in the next generation. We are called to restore the world toward the dream Jesus expressed as the Kingdom of Heaven. Let's work together these 52 weeks of 2025 to bring about restoration! I'm excited to hear about what God is going to do through you in 2025! Let's rebuild some walls—in our own lives, our relationships, and our communities.

52 Weeks of Restoration in 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 07:22:47 GMT

52-25

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As we gear up for 2025, I've been reflecting on Nehemiah's epic leadership journey as he rallied the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days!

Here are some principles from the wall-building heroes' playbook:

Consistency is Key: Nehemiah didn't take weekends off, and neither can we! Let's commit to showing up every single week, serving our communities, and making disciples.
Obstacles? Bring 'em on: Nehemiah dealt with opposition, and we will too. He prayed his way through, and so can we. Let's lean on God and each other for strength.
Stronger Together: Nehemiah knew he couldn't rebuild those walls alone. He empowered the people, and that's what we're about as an NXT Move community. Let's collaborate, share ideas, and support each other.
God is Faithful: Nehemiah relied on God every step of the way. We need that same trust in our work. Let's seek God's guidance and believe He'll provide.

How do we make this happen in 2025?

Get Specific: Let's identify the portion God has for us this year and create clear action plans. Success is obedience.
Lead the Charge: We need passionate leaders who inspire and motivate. Let's step up and be those examples and find others who need to be raised into leadership.
Face the Challenges: Whether it's internal conflicts or external pressures, let's tackle them head-on with wisdom and courage. Don't procrastinate or water down the brutal realities; face them, fight them, and forge a way forward.
Never Give Up: Restoration takes time. Let's be resilient, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Celebrate the Wins: When we see progress, let's give God the glory and celebrate together.

Still Here, But Not There Yet

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:24:32 GMT

Lessons from Habakkuk

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Life often thrusts us into moments of tension—periods where we feel trapped between our current reality and our hopes for the future. This sensation of being "still here, but not there yet" is not a novel concept; it has echoed throughout history, profoundly mirrored in the story of ancient Israel. The prophet Habakkuk captures this experience through his poignant dialogue with God, offering crucial lessons on navigating life's in-between moments. Delving into themes of gratitude, aspiration, and faithful living reveals valuable insights for personal journeys. My own experiences with these tensions have led me to find solace in Habakkuk's story.

The Historical Backdrop

Around 600 BC, Israel found itself in the throes of turmoil. Once a collective forged by God’s miraculous interventions, Israel had splintered into two fractured kingdoms: Israel and Judah. Previous moments of glory seemed far removed from the painful present:

The Exodus: God had dramatically parted the Red Sea, leading His people to freedom and establishing a covenant with them.
The Conquest of the Promised Land: Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel triumphed in battle and settled in the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promises.
The Golden Era of David’s Reign: David united the tribes, expanded the kingdom, and set the stage for a prosperous and divine-centered reign.
Solomon’s Temple: The temple's construction was not just a building; it was a monumental symbol of God's presence among His people, representing hope, holiness, and unity.

Yet now, these triumphs had turned into distant memories. The northern kingdom, Israel, had fallen to the Assyrians, and Judah faced a precarious existence, perpetually threatened by surrounding empires. In this atmosphere of unrest, the prophet Habakkuk wrestled with God’s seemingly paradoxical ways. He questioned how a just God could overlook rampant injustice and why He would use a wicked nation like Babylon as a means of discipline for His chosen people.

Habakkuk’s Questioning and God’s Response

Habakkuk’s heartfelt lament resonates with the frustrations we feel today:

“You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?” (Habakkuk 1:13, ESV).

In response, God did not shun Habakkuk's questions; instead, He provided profound wisdom for coping with the tension between "still here" and "not there yet." God's response reassured Habakkuk that while trials were imminent, His plan would ultimately prevail, guiding him and us through the uncertainties of life.

Living in the In-Between: Three Key Lessons

1. Write the Vision

“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2, ESV).

Here, God emphasized the necessity of clarity regarding His promises. Habakkuk was encouraged to document the vision revealed to him—a powerful act of faith that helps ground us in our pursuits. This means actively recalling and writing down the promises God has spoken into our lives, families, and communities. Regularly revisiting these truths can provide inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. A clear vision equips us to endure hardships and navigate distractions that seek to derail our calling.

2. Wait for It

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time... If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV).

Waiting is an oft-dreaded yet essential part of faith. God calls us to exercise active trust in His timing rather than succumbing to passivity. During our waiting periods:

- We must resist the temptation to settle for less than God intended, understanding that waiting is integral to growth.

- Authenticity matters; we can acknowledge our present reality while clinging to hope for our future. Bobby Gruenewald, Pastor and Innovation Leader at Life. Church, a multisite church based in Oklahoma and creator of the YouVersion Bible app, captured this essence perfectly when discussing his church’s mission, noting its smallness relative to the city’s lost population—a reminder that being fully present doesn't mean disregarding aspirations for growth.

3. Live by Faith

“The righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4, ESV).

Faith is the bridge that connects our current reality with our future aspirations, instilling a sense of hope in our hearts. It involves choosing to believe in God’s promises despite the contradictions presented by our circumstances. Habakkuk cautioned against pride, warning that inflated egos can cloud our vision and impede our progress. Trusting in God's faithfulness means taking steps forward even when we cannot see the entire path ahead.

Grateful Contentment and Aspirational Discontentment

Navigating life’s tensions allows us to embrace two seemingly contradictory truths:

Grateful Contentment: “We’re still here.” — highlighting a posture of thankfulness for God’s faithfulness in our present circumstances.
Aspirational Discontentment: “We’re not there yet.” This sentiment fuels our desire to see God’s promises brought to fruition.

This duality was evident in Israel’s history. When the exiled remnant returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, their experiences were marked by both joy and sorrow. Scripture reveals the emotional complexity: “Many... wept with a loud voice... Yet many shouted aloud for joy.” (Ezra 3:12-13, NKJV). It is entirely acceptable to mourn the losses we have experienced while simultaneously celebrating what God is actively doing in our lives. Acknowledging the coexistence of these emotions is essential for navigating faith-filled tension.

Practical Takeaways for the Journey

Whether in ministry, work, relationships, or personal faith, everyone encounters moments when they feel stretched—much like an elastic band—between gratitude and longing. Here are three guiding reminders as you navigate the in-between:

1. Remember the Vision: Consistently revisit and document what God has called you to do. This written vision will help direct your steps as you move forward.

2. Embrace the Waiting: Understand that waiting is not a dead end but a pivotal part of the journey. Use it to grow, dream, and trust in God's perfect timing, recognizing it as an opportunity for development.

3. Keep Believing for More: Faith is dynamic. It urges you to step out into the unknown, trusting that the God who brought you to your current place will lead you to the fulfillment of His promises.

Life's tensions can be daunting, yet they also serve as fertile ground for growth. As you navigate the “still here, but not there yet” moments, remember Habakkuk’s courage: question boldly, wait patiently, and live by faith. Gratefulness and aspiration coexist, creating a life filled with purpose, shaped by trust in God’s promises— with His faithfulness guiding you as you step forward into the fullness of what is yet to come.

Godly Transitions

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:11:09 GMT

TO LET GOD'S KINGDOM COME

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My 50th birthday

On 7 December 2023, I turned fifty. To everyone who sent thoughtful messages, thank you. For those learning this for the first time, I hope your future is filled with roses—beautiful but with thorns that occasionally pierce the most tender parts of your feet, even between your toes.

The week before my birthday, I worked from our Cape Town offices and had a coaching session with one of our executives. I found it peculiar when he suggested we meet in his office rather than the boardroom. After our session, as I walked past the boardroom and into the foyer, I encountered my first surprise party. Colleagues shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" A big cake and two balloons in the shape of a 5 and 0 indicated we were celebrating someone turning half a century. For a moment, I wondered who that could be. On the morning of my actual birthday, I woke up thinking, "How did I get here? I was twenty, went to bed, woke up, and now I'm fifty!"

We celebrated my birthday well into the weekend, as one should when reaching such a milestone. During these days, I had time to slow down and reflect on my life's journey and the people who make it worth living. I thought about the transitions from being twenty to waking up fifty, marked by change, growth, and challenge.

Curveballs and Transitions

I can say with certainty that more than 70% of the transitions in my life were precipitated by unexpected events:

Excited to go to university, I wasn't prepared for the hundreds of resumes I sent out, resulting in only one interview that didn't lead to landing a job.
I joyfully planned my first wedding, unaware of my ex-wife’s multiple affairs within the first few years of our marriage.
I went on my first blind date after ten years, not expecting to marry my wife after only six months.
With determination, I built investment banking and management businesses, not expecting corporate politics to take them away from me.

So, is life just a random mixture of uncontrollable events that lead to transitions we're ill-prepared for, taking us to unwanted places, doing things we don't want to do, with people who bore us?

Faith and Transitions

In the Christian walk, we are not promised a life free from transitions, but we are assured of a faithful and unchanging God who walks with us. Our faith equips us to face life's transitions with courage, hope, and wisdom. In these moments of change, we find opportunities for growth, renewal, and transformation. It should therefore be possible to turn curveballs into

Godly Transitions.

What is a Godly Transition?

A Godly Transition is a life change that manifests the Kingdom of Heaven in real life. All transitions in our lives have one purpose: to let God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven. No matter the curveball that precipitated the transition, the Holy Spirit wants to lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven manifesting in our lives.

For example:

In heaven, there is no corruption. Therefore, I must submit truthful tax returns, even with unexpected medical costs, a house flooding, and a car breaking down.
In heaven, there are no broken relationships. Therefore, I must work on my relationship with my parents when leaving home for college or getting married.
In heaven, we worship God continually. If I start dating someone who isn't a Christian, I should not tone down my walk with God to be sensitive to them.

Our Identity and God's Preferred Future

In having the Kingdom of Heaven manifest in our lives through a Godly Transition, identity precedes activity. This means life isn't a random mixture of events out of our control. Instead, we approach transitions as beings created by God, in His image, for His purpose.

To understand who we are, we must find out who God is and what aspect of Him He fashioned in us. This determines our purpose and sets us on course toward God’s Preferred Future. Whether it’s Jehovah Rapha, the Healer God, leading to medical services, or Jehovah Nisi, the Protector God, leading to legal or defense services, our purpose will have a great impact because it aims to manifest the Kingdom of Heaven.

Skills, Capabilities, and God's Preferred Future

If God is sovereign and all-powerful, what role do our skills, talents, capabilities, and resources play in Godly Transitions? Consider the Israelites entering the Promised Land in Numbers 13. They faced a transition and could choose to enter a Godly Transition. God promised the land but required them to fight for it with Him. Only Joshua and Caleb, who trusted God’s Preferred Future and were willing to use their skills and resources, entered the land.

God fulfills all His promises but is not obligated to fulfill our potential. Some promises are invitations into our potential, requiring us to put our skills and resources into God’s hands during transitions.

Facing Transitions Today

In the transition facing you today, are you willing to use your skills, talents, capabilities, and resources to obediently step into God’s Preferred Future, even if you know there’s a 100% chance of failure without the Holy Spirit's power? Two common reasons people say no are complacency and "box thinking." We grow up hearing, "Play it safe" or "Don’t take unnecessary risks," leading us to believe our future is better than God’s.

Today, God is calling you in your time of transition: don't stay in your box, don't covet someone else’s box—grow into your box. Confidence lies not in yourself but in who you are in heaven.

A Godly Transition is a life change that manifests the Kingdom of Heaven in real life. All transitions have one purpose: to let God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven. No matter the curveball that precipitated the transition, the Holy Spirit wants to lead us and co-labour with us into the Kingdom of Heaven manifesting in our lives.

What transition are you facing today? How does God’s Preferred Future im

pact the way you enter this transition?

How Gen Zs are Shaping Kenya’s Future

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:15:37 GMT

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

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Kenya has found itself at a crossroad

In recent months, Kenya has found itself at a crossroads, as waves of Gen Z protests, youth activism, and political upheavals reshape the national landscape. This movement is not just noise; it’s a bold demand for change by a generation frustrated with broken promises, systemic corruption, and entrenched inequalities. These protests did not emerge overnight—they reflect years of pent-up frustration with economic exclusion, joblessness, and marginalization. Although the youth (ages 15-34) make up nearly 70% of Kenya’s population, they face staggering unemployment rates of 67%, far higher than the national average of 12.7%. Year after year, over a million young people enter the labor market, most without access to the necessary skills or opportunities. Meanwhile, the underrepresentation of youth in leadership positions underscores a political system reluctant to embrace change. Even platforms like the youth council have fallen short of ensuring meaningful political engagement. The recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has only heightened frustrations, with many seeing it as another example of power games taking priority over the needs of everyday citizens.

I have seen firsthand the hunger for transformation

This generation is disillusioned with recycled leadership—the same faces, the same promises, and the same cycles of disappointment. But their protests represent more than anger; they mark a shift in civic engagement. Gen Z isn’t waiting for change to trickle down from those in power. Instead, they are stepping forward, demanding a seat at the table and a chance to shape the country’s future. What makes this movement unique is its rejection of traditional hierarchies. Leadership now revolves around ideas, not individuals; processes, not personalities. It is a leaderless movement, powered by principles, where the collective will matter more than any one figure.

Through my work at Inuka Leadership Africa, I have seen firsthand the hunger for transformation—not only in Kenya but across the continent. There is a new wave of young people who are tired of rhetoric. They want real solutions. I often hear one phrase from these young changemakers: “We need leaders who listen, not just politicians who talk.” It is this sense of urgency that drives them to the streets and into digital spaces, where they disrupt the status quo and demand accountability.

Leaders who fail to adapt risk being swept aside in a world where transparency is no longer optional

Unlike past movements, Gen Z has mastered the digital space as a tool for social change. Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram have become their battlegrounds, where grievances are aired, and leaders are held accountable in real time. With humor, satire, and citizen journalism, young Kenyans break down complex issues into digestible content that resonates across generations. Viral threads expose corruption, while TikTok videos translate government policies into relatable terms. Even the finance bill—traditionally inaccessible—was dissected and shared in multiple languages, ensuring that no one is left behind. These platforms have shifted the balance of power between citizens and the political class. In the past, leaders could hide behind controlled media.

Today, hashtags like #LowerFuelPrices and #RejectFinanceBill force politicians to address issues head-on. Public scrutiny is constant, and accountability is becoming the norm. Leaders who fail to adapt risk being swept aside in a world where transparency is no longer optional. The movement in Kenya is part of a broader wave of youth-led activism across Africa. We saw it in Nigeria with the #EndSARS protests against police brutality and in South Africa with the Fees Must Fall movement that called for fairer education policies. These movements transcend borders, with young people in the diaspora playing key roles in organizing protests, raising funds, and amplifying voices from back home. Kenyan youth abroad have held demonstrations in cities like London, Washington D.C., and Toronto, highlighting that the push for change is both local and global.

This surge of youth activism echoes global movements like the Arab Spring, where frustrations over inequality and state repression ignited revolutionary change across North Africa. Similarly, Bangladesh’s Shahbagh protests in 2013 demonstrated how young people could mobilize to demand political accountability. These parallels underscore that the current wave of protests in Kenya is not isolated. It is part of a global awakening where young people are refusing to wait for permission to lead—they are claiming their place at decision-making tables.

Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact

Amid the chaos, there is a growing sense of hope and purpose among this generation. Many are anchoring their actions in faith, guided by the belief that they are instruments of change. The phrase “Tunaomba na tunachukua hatua”—we pray, and we take action—captures the spirit of these young leaders. They are not waiting for miracles but are working to build a future where broken systems are reimagined, and shattered dreams become the foundation for renewal. What society once dismissed as hopeless is now fertile ground for transformation. The energy driving these protests offers an opportunity to redefine leadership. But meaningful change goes beyond replacing one leader with another—it requires a shift in leadership philosophy. Kenya needs leaders with empathy and integrity, committed to service, not status. Leadership today must extend beyond politics to include sectors such as healthcare, education, and business, where problem-solving takes precedence over crisis management. At Inuka Leadership Africa, we have seen how equipping young people with the right skills, mentorship, and networks can unlock their potential. Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact. That is why we partner with movements like NXT Move Global, which emphasizes cross-border collaboration and innovation. The future of Africa depends on partnerships that nurture young leaders and amplify their voices.

The future belongs to those bold enough to build it

Kenya is at a pivotal moment. The youth have already begun rewriting the narrative, but sustained change requires more than protests. It demands focused, strategic action. Young people must go beyond raising their voices—they need to pursue tangible reforms. For example, initiating recalls of ineffective MPs or ensuring that corruption cases do not stall would demonstrate that accountability is not optional. Without follow-through, protests risk becoming background noise that the political elite can ignore. The work ahead is challenging, but it is achievable with unity and purpose. Young leaders across different sectors—politics, education, business, and community work—must collaborate to maintain momentum and drive reform. It is time to Inuka (rise) and take deliberate actions that translate frustrations into meaningful change.

The future belongs to those bold enough to build it. Kenya’s youth are no longer waiting for doors to open—they are constructing their own. However, real transformation demands more than protests; it requires vision, discipline, and relentless effort. With each campaign, each partnership, and each policy shift, they are paving the way toward a better tomorrow. The winds of change are blowing, and Kenya’s youth are holding the torches to light the way forward.

Leading Untamed As A Young Leader.

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:46:03 GMT

SOWING WITH PURPOSE, REAPING WITH PROMISE

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Reap As You Sow

I've often found myself drawn to the concept of sowing and reaping. It is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a guiding principle that has shaped my journey. It is about understanding that leadership is not a destination but a continuous process of growth, giving, and receiving.

Breaking Free from Limitations

I've always admired those who dare to lead without limits. My sons, Josh and Ethan, have been a constant source of inspiration. Ethan's passion for challenging the status quo reminds me that age shouldn't define our capabilities. He's a powerful advocate for young leaders, urging us to be seen as equals and recognized for our unique contributions. Ethan urged leaders to treat younger individuals as equals - acknowledging their humanity and recognizing the depth of their capabilities. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate our approach and extend genuine respect and understanding to young leaders.

Josh, on the other hand, has taught me the importance of staying true to oneself. In a world that often pressures us to conform, authenticity is our greatest strength. It's the foundation upon which we can build lasting relationships and make a meaningful impact. He shared his belief that young leaders should not be defined by societal expectations or pressured into imitating someone else's journey. Instead, he encouraged young leaders to stay true to themselves and embrace their individuality.

As a mom, I don’t calculate how much my sons have invested in our relationship to determine how much I’ll give back to them. From the moment I knew they were mine, I’ve been reaping the joy and love that comes from sowing into their lives. That’s how love works. And that’s how God’s economy works too.

The Power of Sowing

One of the most profound lessons I've learned is the Zulu word Sawubona , which means "I see you." It's a reminder that leadership is not just about telling people what to do; it's about seeing their potential and treating them with respect. When we sow our time, care, and authenticity into others, we create a ripple effect that can change lives. When you share the real stories of your journey with Jesus—how He has shown up for you—people don’t care about the latest lingo or the perfect packaging. They lean in to hear what you’re sowing into their souls. They resonate with your authenticity, your struggles, and the new life emerging from old seeds.

The Bible also offers valuable insights into this concept. Isaiah 55:9-11 describes how God's word goes out and accomplishes its purpose, just like rain that waters the earth. Similarly, the seeds we sow—our investments in others—don't return empty. God multiplies them in ways beyond our understanding.

Young leaders have a unique opportunity to challenge the status quo, sowing seeds of authenticity, empathy, and respect, with young leaders leading in a way that breaks boundaries and inspires others.

Leading with Abundance

Leading limitless means adopting a mindset of possibility and abundance. It is about looking outward to see others' value and looking inward to tap into your own potential. This reminds me of Amos 9:13, which speaks of a time when the plowman overtakes the reaper, and the mountains dripping with abundance. God's blessings are so vast and abundant that they overwhelm us when we least expect it!

As a young leader, your harvest is not just waiting at the end of your journey. It's happening even now. The seeds you sow—your efforts, authenticity, and leadership—are already bearing fruit. The resilience you build, the empathy you practice, and the patience you exhibit all contribute to the ongoing harvest you are gathering.

These qualities form the acronym REAP —Resilience, Empathy, Authenticity, and Patience. They are foundational to thriving as a leader without limits.

Resilience: Don't give up when challenges arise. Jesus never gave up on you, and in Him, there's no such thing as "game over."
Empathy: Seek to understand others first, before expecting them to understand you.
Authenticity: Stay true to who you are. People follow leaders they can trust, not facades.
Patience: Trust that God will complete the good work He's begun, even if you can't see the full picture right now.

Sowing in God's Economy

In God's economy, we don't lead from scarcity; we lead from abundance. This process isn’t linear, and it does not operate like the neatly ordered rows of a human-planted field. Rather, this process is likened to the ecosystems and cycles of a rainforest, where some seeds are blooming while others are decomposing into rich soil, fertilizing future growth - all happening simultaneously.

Leadership is less about the resources at our disposal and more about the One who provides them. We do not sow based on what we have at the moment, calculating whether it’s enough. We sow based on who God is, and trust Him to bring the increase. Just as God provides seed for the sower and bread for the eater, everything we invest multiplies in ways we can't see.

The act of sowing into others is part of your harvest. As you invest in the next generation, in your peers, and in yourself, you are already reaping the rewards. The lives you touch, the leaders you raise up, and the impact you have will grow beyond any limit or what you can measure today.

Lead Untamed, Sow Boldly

Leading without limits as a young leader is a call to live expansively, free from self-imposed barriers. It's about being untamed in your approach— seeing and valuing those around you, and stepping into your calling with boldness. As you sow into others, know that you are also sowing into your own growth and impact.

God is at work, multiplying what you give. Your labor is not in vain. The seeds you plant today will bear fruit, not just for you, but for the generations that follow. The ultimate example of giving without counting the cost is Jesus Himself. He doesn’t measure our worth by how much we’ve given. His love is boundless, His grace immeasurable. Keep showing up, keep leading untamed, and keep sowing boldly. In Christ, your harvest is already happening!

Answering God's Call for This Generation

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:08:25 GMT

New Wine

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In Matthew 9:17, Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine to convey spiritual truths that are essential for believers to live by. As children of God, we are called to be the new wine that influences and transforms this generation. Delving into the value of being new wine and discussing the challenges faced by today's society, it is evident that cultivating a personal relationship with God is crucial to answering His call to be a renewed and transformed people.

In a world where we all desire to make a difference, finding opportunities to influence our generation becomes a crucial endeavor. From inspiring our peers to advancing a holistic Gospel movement, there are countless ways we can contribute to positive change. Seek out spaces where you can be a positive influence and connect with individuals who possess qualities of peace in every context you find yourself in. These individuals, divinely planted by God, can play a significant role in accelerating Jesus-following in the next generation.

The Concept of New Wine

Being new wine goes beyond bearing God's image; it involves actively participating in His mission to transform the world. We are called to influence this generation, reconciling and restoring the quality of life and relationships that God intended from the beginning. It is our responsibility to work with God in eradicating evil from the world and being agents of change.

Challenges of Today

In our current society, many people cling to familiar lifestyles and cultures that do not align with God's will. Even within the Church, there is a tendency to rely on outdated methods and strategies that may have been successful in the past but hinder our ability to embrace God's new directions. We must break free from these old forms and open ourselves up to the next move of God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:17 promises that God will pour out His Spirit in the last days. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, guiding and teaching us to become something new. However, this newness may not fit with the old order that people are accustomed to. As new wine, we must be open to transforming into fresh and transformational tools in the hands of God. We should be willing to challenge and let go of any doctrine, perception, or experience that does not reflect His glory.

Embracing the Call

God has called us to be the new wine in this generation, tearing apart every prejudice, prior preference, and belief contrary to the Kingdom of God. We are uniquely designed to communicate God's truth and principles with clarity that resonates with the needs of the current generation. Our increased insightfulness and originality of thoughts, coupled with love and profound peace, can bring much-needed transformation to this restless and anxious generation.

Spiritual Habit Practice

To answer God's call, it is crucial to develop a deep understanding of the Bible through regular study and contemplation. The Scriptures serve as a guide to help us communicate God's message accurately, effectively, and prophetically. As we allow God's Word to change us, we become vessels that pour into the lives of others, bringing about radical transformation. Additionally, cultivating a personal relationship with God is essential for believers. This relationship empowers us, grants us self-control, and produces the fruits of the Holy Spirit. By remaining connected to God, we become conduits of His divine move, as illustrated in Matthew 9:17. We can then experience the great harvest of souls, challenging and replacing anything that hinders the growth of God's Kingdom in our communities.

Finding Opportunities for Influence

The key to creating an impact lies in seeking out opportunities that allow us to make a difference. We can start by looking for spaces and individuals who possess qualities of peace in every context we find ourselves in. These people, divinely planted by God, have the potential to play significant roles in advancing a holistic movement of the Gospel. By keeping our eyes open and actively seeking these chances, we position ourselves to affect change on a meaningful level.

Inspiring Examples

Throughout history, numerous individuals have showcased the power of influence. Take, for instance, the woman at the well in the Gospel of John. Despite her reputation, God used her to bring people to Jesus, igniting a transformative movement fueled by the new wine of Christ's message. Lydia, a merchant doing business, encountered Paul and, after having her heart opened by the Lord, influenced her entire family to come to Christ. Similarly, in the Old Testament, Jonah encountered a king who became a person of peace, leading to a profound spiritual awakening in the city. These examples remind us that people of peace can emerge from any occupation or social standing, and it is God who lays the foundation for their influence.

Utilizing Tools for Influence

As we navigate our generation, it is essential to recognize that God not only uses people but also tools and instruments to advance the Gospel. Technology occupies a significant position in today's world, providing us with ample opportunities to reach and connect with various individuals. Whether through volunteering, learning new languages or cultures, participating in college away from home, engaging with podcasts, or exploring other available avenues, technology offers a platform to influence our generation effectively. The possibilities are endless, and it is up to us to capitalize on the tools at our disposal.

Reflection and Spiritual Exercises

In our journey of influencing others, it is crucial to reflect on the impact we have had and the opportunities we have embraced. Consider who the people of peace are that God has planted in your community or context. Reflect on the tools available to you and how they can be effective in influencing this generation for God. Think about the ways in which you have affected the people around you and how you can further utilize the opportunities God presents in your life. It is also important to envision what you hope to see in the lives of those around you and how you can contribute to this transformation. Ponder the possibility of scaling your influence outside of your comfort zone and reaching new heights in your journey.

Building Contagious Communities

Creating a contagious community is an integral part of influencing our generation. The desires you hold for the lives of those around you should have an influence on how you share the Gospel. By creating opportunities for new wineskins, you can become a catalyst for change. Acts 2:44-47 exemplifies how believers in the early church were united, shared everything, and consistently met together with joy and sincerity. By building contagious relationships rooted in selflessness, we foster an environment of acceptance, love, and responsibility. This environment becomes perfect ground for youth to embrace the life we model, resulting in an exciting atmosphere of worship and a strong desire to initiate ministry. Contagious communities not only make the Word of God authentic but also create the right environment for growth, ownership, and the spreading of the Gospel.

God is inviting us to become new wine in this generation. As we disentangle ourselves from the old order, embrace our unique calling, and develop a deep relationship with God, we can bring about the transformation that this world desperately needs. Let us be willing vessels, poured out to bring life and sustain the spiritual health of the new wineskins. Remember, wherever you are, whichever occupation or social standing you hold, God has placed you there for a purpose. Embrace the calling to be the new wine, influencing those around you with the power of the Holy Spirit. May we all strive to create a world where the Gospel advances, hearts are transformed, and lives are eternally impacted.

The Greatest Opportunity since the Reformation?!

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:29:24 GMT

What is God birthing in Europe?

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As core team leaders of NXT Move Europe and active members of the global NXT Move community, Marina and I are committed to advancing youth and young adult ministries across Europe. We facilitate the European Evangelical Alliance’s Youth and Young Adults network and help lead the European Youth Ministry Network, dedicated to training and equipping youth leaders to spread the gospel. When not traveling, Marina serves as the young adults and students pastor at Life Church Lancashire, while I contribute to the church's vision and strategy. Additionally, I am involved with 'The Way Studios,' funding 'The Way UK,' a ministry focused on reaching youth through social media. Currently, we engage about 7% of young people in the UK aged 13 to 24 with gospel conversations online.

What is God birthing?

Isaiah 54:1-3 serves as a prophetic image for Europe, depicting a barren woman bursting into song and expanding her tent to accommodate more children. This resonates with Europe's current state, where there is potential for growth and unity in creating spaces for the next generation. Statistics underscore the urgency: 38% of Millennials are leaving the church, 52% of teens never read religious scripture, and only 11% of young people in Europe are committed to following Jesus. Despite these challenges, there is immense potential among young people, with 80% of Christians deciding to follow Jesus before the age of 18. The Talking Jesus research from 2022 shows that personal connections and Scripture significantly influence young people's faith journeys, highlighting the importance of engaging with them authentically and sharing the good news.

To summarize the current landscape, two key elements emerge: Boldness among Christians and Hunger among non-Christians. We are witnessing a 'bold remnant' of committed young Christians who, despite the challenges of the pandemic, wars, and cancel culture, have remained steadfast in their faith. This resilience highlights the significant impact of maintaining their commitment to the Church during such turbulent times. For young Christians today, openly identifying as part of the Church is a monumental declaration. Movements like Revive Europe and The SEND demonstrates that these young Christians are fully committed.

Furthermore, there is a profound spiritual hunger among those unfamiliar with God. This generation, more spiritually aware than ever, is searching for meaning. The success of The Way in bringing people to faith online is unprecedented, with younger individuals creating and sharing content that resonates deeply with their peers. This phenomenon mirrors the great catch described in Luke 5, where numerous young people are drawn to faith, often independently seeking out churches, reading the Bible, or crying out to God.

As Sarah Breuel insightfully questions, 'Is Europe post-Christian or pre-revival?' The answer lies in recognizing this period as an extraordinary opportunity, potentially the most significant since the Reformation.

The Pre-Christian Opportunity

I see Generation Z and Generation Alpha as "blank pages" rather than "burnt pages." Although these generations may have misconceptions about the church, they are generally open and seeking authenticity. This openness necessitates a shift in evangelistic approaches, allowing us to introduce and invite people to meet the real, radical, life-changing Jesus. Joining this grace revolution is an incredible opportunity, as integrating the pre-Christian context with diaspora churches is profoundly impactful.

The Gift of the Diaspora

The diaspora church, mainly from MENA (Middle East & North Africa) regions, plays a crucial role in shaping the young church in Europe. With significant migration, diaspora churches are growing and diversifying the Christian landscape. This trend underscores the importance of addressing socio-political issues like migration and climate change from a Christian perspective, aligning with the compassion of Jesus and the passions of younger generations.

Challenges and Opportunities

To accelerate the trajectory of Christianity in the next generation, we must recognize and address specific challenges:

1. Own Truth vs. Post-Truth Culture: Younger generations build truth in a 'pick n mix' way, valuing personal experiences. In a mutual respect culture, individuals accept each other's truths. However, when a young Christian declares, "I know 'the truth' [the way and the life], his name is Jesus," they often face the severity of cancel-culture. This situation highlights their struggle to find a more effective apologetic approach. Yet, in an experience-driven culture, perhaps a direct introduction to Jesus and personal encounters with Him may prove more powerful than traditional apologetics.

2. Cancel Culture: Being a Jesus follower is challenging in today's cancel culture, necessitating a strong apologetic and experiential approach to faith.

3. Social Justice Causes: Engaging with young people's passions, such as climate change and social justice can demonstrate that these issues are central to God's heart. This engagement can prevent young people from detaching from the church and instead encourage them to lead in areas they are passionate about. The church must ask itself what Jesus cares about and ensure that its actions and values resonate with the younger generation.

4. Harassed, Helpless, and Hopeless: Addressing the needs of younger generations with compassion and understanding. In Matthew 9:38, Jesus sees the people's needs and has compassion for them, teaching us to extend compassion beyond our understanding. As followers, we must also embrace this compassionate approach towards others.

5. Understanding Their Loss: Acknowledge the significant life experiences younger people have missed in recent years.

What is NXT?

Looking ahead into 2024, our primary goal is to develop a community of leaders who support and invest in each other, creating a unified vision and strategy for reaching and empowering the next generation in Europe. Our approach emphasizes three key actions: pray, connect, and start conversations. By facilitating "NOW" conversations—"Not On Our Watch"—we aim to address the decline in Christian engagement among younger generations in Europe and globally.

Living in the Gap

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 13:13:30 GMT

Leading with courage, capacity & commitment

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Living in the Gap between Past and Future

While attending a leadership conference in London, Mike Sayer, founder of the Rebuilders podcast and leader of Red Church in Australia, made a profound statement about the leadership of today. He described our time as "living in the gap" between the falling walls of outdated systems and the anticipation of what the future holds. This gap challenges us to build healthier, more robust structures, avoiding the repetition of past mistakes. Sayer's insight is particularly relevant in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, where young people are dismantling harmful systems.

Historically, when societies face crises, God raises leaders to guide change. From Moses to Nelson Mandela, leaders have emerged to confront injustice and rebuild. However, true transformation requires leaders who are accessible, humble, teachable and willing to serve. They must challenge the status quo while creating a better future.

The Need for Next Generation Leader s

To navigate this transition, we need leaders with the courage, capacity, and commitment to not only challenge the status quo but also to create new paradigms. The story of Nehemiah offers a powerful example: builders who, with one hand, hold building materials and, with the other, weapons. They symbolize the balance of challenging and creating—a duality essential for contemporary leadership.

Servant Leadership: The New Millennial Paradigm

In Proverbs 21:1, it is said, "The leader's heart is a stream of water in the hands of the Lord." This highlights the importance of leaders being guided by divine wisdom, not just their emotions. Moses' journey teaches us that leaders must adapt and seek new strategies, especially when past methods no longer suffice. True leadership in this new era involves stepping out of the spotlight to serve and transform the world. Servant leadership propels leaders forth in humility, leading by example rather than seeking personal recognition. This servant-leader model, quiet yet impactful, is crucial for meaningful change.

Moses' leadership journey provides timeless insights:

1. God-Led Leadership: Leaders guided by divine wisdom rather than emotions. Emotional decisions can cost nations dearly, as seen when Moses, in frustration, struck the rock instead of speaking to it, as God had instructed.

2. Guarding Faith in Frustration: During times of frustration, leaders should seek to guard their faith diligently. Emotional intelligence is crucial, as it directly impacts decision-making and the success of their vision.

3. Embracing New Strategies: Leaders must not rely on outdated methods when God invites them to innovate. The strategies of the past may not be effective for today's challenges, necessitating a fresh approach.

Godly Leadership Strategies for the New Generation

For today's leaders, particularly the young, the call is clear: In times of crisis, God raises godly leaders to address the needs of the moment. Effective leaders not only challenge existing systems and strongholds but also create new, better ones, intentionally breaking old ways to construct improved alternatives. Leadership must be accessible and humble, serving communities to prevent the rise of new unhealthy idols. Finally, it is crucial for leaders to trust in divine guidance, seeking new strategies tailored to contemporary challenges that embody the principles of justice, service and people-centric governance, ensuring their leadership benefits all. By embracing these principles, young leaders can navigate the gap, cultivating transformation in their communities and beyond.

We are at a crossroads, living in the gap between what was and what can be. Our future depends on the leaders we choose to follow and the values they embody. By embracing servant leadership, guided by divine wisdom and a commitment to innovation, we can build a world that reflects justice, humility, and true transformation. The challenge is immense, but the opportunity is greater.

Change Your World - Leading Beyond Yourself

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:56:29 GMT

Leading Beyond Yourself

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In Jeremiah 29:7, we are reminded of the importance of seeking peace and prosperity for our cities or countries. This passage teaches us that our personal well-being is closely tied to the well-being of our surroundings. Just as the people of Israel were called to bring about change and pray for Babylon, their place of exile, we too are called to make a difference in our communities. Exploring the significance of personal responsibility and action in creating a positive impact in our cities is what grassroots growth is all about.

Prayer and Action: The Path to Transformation

While prayer is essential, it is not enough on its own. The transformation we seek in our cities requires us to take action. We must become agents of change in our communities, actively seeking peace and prosperity. It is not enough to simply observe the challenges around us – we must be moved to action. However, it's common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start. In such moments, we can turn to the book of Jeremiah for guidance.

The Power of Personal Peace and Prosperity

Jeremiah's words remind us that personal peace and prosperity lay the foundation for change in our cities. If each individual and family in a community experiences peace and prosperity, the entire city will thrive. Therefore, our pursuit of well-being should start with ourselves and our own homes. When we learn to live in peace and find paths to prosperity, we have the power to influence those around us. By helping our neighbours, we can extend peace and prosperity to our communities, neighbouring communities, and eventually the entire country.

Duplication and Transformation: Leading by Example

The process of transformation is further enhanced when we teach others to help and inspire their own communities. By following the model of leadership and discipleship set by Jesus Himself, we are empowered to unleash a ripple effect of transformative change. Jesus, working through His disciples, established a close-knit community that eventually expanded and spread its influence throughout the world.

Through his disciples, built a community that eventually spread across the world. This approach empowers individuals to lead by word and example, just as Jesus did. By starting small and focusing on the conviction in our hearts, we can create a ripple effect that leads to global transformation.

In the gospel of John chapter 13 Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 and 20, Jesus says: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Of 12 people commissioned to evangelize, today we are millions of Christians around the world. Change began in the hearts of each disciple, which was soon evident in their lives, subsequently impacting their families, friends, neighbors, and communities, and eventually spreading to millions of people worldwide.

The Promise of Support and Guidance

Initiating change may seem daunting, but we are not alone in this journey. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus promises to always be with us, providing support and guidance. With Jesus as our companion, we can overcome any challenges we may encounter. As we follow His teachings and lead with love, we can create a better world, one community at a time.

As the book of Matthew depicts, Jesus promises to guide and be with us when He says: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Wherever we are following this formula given in the word of God, the change must be eminent. Change begins with us - with our personal commitment to leading by example. While the task of transforming our cities and countries may seem immense, we must remember that it starts with small steps and a burning conviction in our hearts.

Through prayer, action, and the empowerment of others, we can create a ripple effect that transforms our communities and beyond. With Jesus as our guide, we have the power to change the world, one person at a time. So let's embrace our role as catalysts for Christlike change in our communities, starting today.

The Significance of Intimacy with God in Leadership

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:14:23 GMT

A Crucial Lesson for Young Leaders

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As a fourth-generation Christian with pastors in my family tree, I have witnessed the transformative power of faith and leadership throughout my life. What intrigued me the most was how leaders either adapted or resisted change as they grew older. After careful observation, I realized that those who maintained their strength as leaders were the ones who nurtured a deep, intimate relationship with God. Intimacy with God is essential for young leaders to understand how it sets the foundation for their leadership journey.

Embracing Change

It is a common observation that as people grow older, they tend to become more rigid and resistant to change. Life experiences solidify existing beliefs and leave less room for adaptation. Unfortunately, many leaders succumb to this pattern, their once-great leadership diminishing as they fail to adapt to the changing times of the changing next generations. However, there is a stark contrast when it comes to leaders who embrace change and continue to thrive. These individuals possess an intimate relationship with God.

The Path to Intimacy

Intimacy with God is not developed overnight but evolves as we walk hand-in-hand with Him. It requires committing ourselves to a daily relationship with Christ. Leaders who prioritize prayer, listening to God, and meditating on His word are the ones who understand the importance of this intimate connection. They recognize that rushing this process leads to shallow relationships, while investing time and effort reaps rewards beyond measure.

The Role of Intimacy in Transformation

In our sacred relationship with God, He lovingly guides and molds us. By knowing God and trusting Him, we open ourselves to His transformative power. Good leaders willingly allow God to work within them, demonstrating complete obedience because they have experienced firsthand God's trustworthiness and goodness. This surrender to God's plan is what sets them apart and enables them to become strong and effective leaders.

The Challenge for Young Leaders

Many young leaders in Christian ministries, churches, and workplaces find themselves caught up in the busyness of their work. Focused on their careers and the desire to make a difference, they often unintentionally sacrifice their intimacy with God. Although their dedication is commendable, it is crucial to remember that our worth in Christ is not solely defined by our accomplishments. When our work eventually comes to an end or unexpected circumstances arise, our true worth lies in our intimate connection with God. Your profession, work, and ministry can be quite captivating and fulfilling in their own right. However, there’s a potential pitfall; you might start identifying yourself with your achievements, rather than seeing yourself through God’s perspective.

The Unfading Importance of Intimacy

While accomplishments and career success may provide temporary satisfaction, they are fleeting in nature. In contrast, intimacy with God is everlasting. As a young leader, it is natural to be driven by tasks, projects, and professional achievements, but we must never compromise our intimacy with God for these pursuits. It is imperative to remember that what endures is our relationship with Him, which will continue to shape and guide us throughout our leadership journey.

Conclusion
As young leaders, it is crucial to recognize the paramount importance of intimacy with God in our leadership endeavors. While our work and achievements may bring momentary fulfilment, they pale in comparison to the everlasting significance of our relationship with God. By prioritizing our intimacy with Him, we can navigate the challenges of leadership with wisdom, strength, and an unwavering sense of purpose. May we never lose sight of this essential truth as we continue to serve and lead in our various spheres of influence.

Fostering a Spirit of Resilience

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:02:21 GMT

God is Bringing Restoration, Revival, and a Revolution in the Next Generation: Fostering a Spirit of Resilience

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As leaders, we often focus on measuring external impact and growth, looking for ways to restore and revive what is broken and stagnant and exercise the ability to turn setbacks into comebacks. But true transformation originates internally. Exploring the concept of resilience and its importance in leadership, faith, and life, we will delve into my personal journey of resilience and discuss how we can develop this quality in ourselves.

Personal Story: Triumph over Adversity

I embarked on a journey of training for a triathlon, facing a plethora of physical and mental challenges along the way. How many Indian swimmers do you know!? However, life had its own tests in store for me. Between 2020 and 2023, I had to confront cancer, COVID-19, fractured limbs…these setbacks repeatedly postponed my triathlon. Despite these hardships, I persevered. The word that encapsulates this experience is resilience – an internal commitment that leads to external outcomes.

The Importance of Resilience for the Next Generation: A Quality That Can Change The Trajectory Of Our Lives

For the younger generation, embracing resilience is crucial. It equips them to restore that which is broken, revive what is stagnant, and lead a revolution that defies the status quo. Through resilience, they can challenge societal norms, break free from negativity, and ignite a movement of love, unity, justice, and compassion. Resilience empowers young leaders to envision a world that transcends individual desires and dreams, creating a collective impact that stretches beyond their own lives.

Drawing Inspiration from Jesus: A Revolutionary Model

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of resilience and the power of a revolution. He challenged societal norms, brought hope to the marginalized, and embodied a kingdom where love, justice, and equality prevailed. His teachings and actions inspire us to mirror His leadership in our own lives. By following His example, we can initiate transformative change and create a better future for the next generation.

Embrace Resilience to Lead with Purpose with Strength, Endurance, Character and Hope

Developing resilience requires commitment and a willingness to endure life's challenges. As leaders, it is essential to engage with the S.E.C.H Principle. Suffering leads to endurance , endurance leads to character , and character leads to hope . Resilience taps into a deeper strength. Leading with purpose means leading knowing that God's divine plan for us is greater than any setback we may face. So, how do we cultivate resilience? How do we develop the strength to bounce back and keep pushing forward? As we endure and build character through our experiences, we begin to see hope on the horizon. Character, shaped by our ability to persevere, brings us closer to finding solutions that transform challenges into opportunities. It empowers us to take action, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.

Internal Growth Through Resilience Fosters Opportunity for Restoration, Revival and Revolution

For the younger generation, there are three external possibilities that can emerge from this internal growth:

Restoration

Firstly, there is the potential to restore. In various aspects of life, deviations from the original design and intent have led to significant cracks. By cultivating internal strength, one obtains the ability to recalibrate one’s focus and restore the broken surrounding elements.

Revival

Revival is akin to hitting the reset button on your life. It involves rising above restrictive negativity and igniting an uncontainable fire within yourself. The next generation needs leaders who can stay the course, where actions speak louder than keyboards or circumstances. Leaders who possess resilience, speak truth, and bring hope can have a profound impact, shaking the foundations of the world.

Revolution

The next generation has the potential to lead a revolution. This revolution involves challenging the status quo, defying conventional norms, and creating a world that surpasses individual dreams and desires. In a world that often defines individuals by their past mistakes, the next generation has the power to rise above and redefine themselves based on their ability to overcome adversity.

Conclusion
Resilience changes stories. It allows us to transform setbacks into comebacks and to uncover hidden opportunities within challenges. It is the driving force behind our ability to overcome adversity to continue moving forward. So, when faced with adversity, let us choose resilience and trust in the process—knowing that each step brings us closer to a more hopeful future. As for the younger generation, their internal strength has the potential to lead to restoration, revival, and revolution. By harnessing these capabilities, one can make a lasting impact on the world and bring about positive change. Remember, you are not defined by past mistakes but by the ability to rise above them.

God Loves This Generation: Embracing a Certain Hope in an Uncertain World

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:20:46 GMT

In a world that may feel uncertain and overwhelming, we can find solace in the unchanging love of God.

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In our increasingly complex and interconnected world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges facing our generation. However, in the midst of this complexity, there is a powerful truth that we can hold onto: God loves this generation! God has not lost a generation and His love extends to each and every one of us, especially the young people of this global youth cohort.

Living and Speaking Life in a Complex World

The world we live in today is marked by various complexities - geopolitical, ideological, economic, cultural, generational, digital, and anthropological. These complexities can often make us feel unsettled and unsure about the future. However, we should view these complexities as an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ to our peers through all available channels and means.

An Essential Part of God's Kingdom Work

Young people of this generation, you are not just spectators in the unfolding of history; you are integral to God's kingdom work in the 21st century. Just as God raised up leaders in previous generations, He has birthed each one of you into this world for such a time as this. You are exuberant, passionate, bold, innovative, and creative, and you have a crucial role to play in advancing God's kingdom throughout all generations.

Embracing Certainty and Hope

While the pace of change may sometimes make us feel like we're losing grip on history, it's important to remember that God is the ultimate Author of history. He remains sovereign and intentional in His plans for us. We can face each day and the challenges ahead with certainty and hope, knowing that we are loved by God.

Knowing Who God Is

First and foremost, it's crucial that we have a deep understanding of who God is. He is the God of generations, and He has not lost a single one. From the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the present, God has always had a remnant of faithful and obedient followers. We can draw inspiration from the courageous acts of leaders and ordinary individuals who came before us, facing their own challenges and overcoming them with faith, hope, and love.

God's Purpose in Every Circumstance

We must recognize that each one of us is born into specific events and circumstances that shape and influence our journeys. These circumstances may include difficulties and challenges that we did not choose or cause. However, God can use these circumstances to fulfill His purpose in our lives. No matter what we face, we can find comfort in the fact that God authors our lives and weaves them together for His kingdom purposes.

Generational Continuity and Diversity

Our generation is not alone; we are part of an ongoing story that spans multiple generations. By embracing the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us, we can enrich our own understanding and grow spiritually. Age is not a limiting factor in God's kingdom, as we see throughout Scripture where young men and women were chosen, anointed, and used mightily by God. As 1 Timothy 4:12 boldly encourages not to let anyone look down on the young due to their age, but by the example they set in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, we can find comfort in the fact that God has already deposited everything we need for His kingdom work.

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”

Encouragement in Uncertain Times

In the face of uncertainty and challenges, we can find strength and courage in God's love for us. His perfect love drives out fear, and His love never fails. As sons and daughters of the Almighty God, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we are dearly loved by our Heavenly Father. With unwavering faith and fixed eyes on Christ, we can move forward, unshaken by the trials of this world, and run the race set before us.

Conclusion
In a world that may feel uncertain and overwhelming, we can find solace in the unchanging love of God. As young people of this generation, you have a significant role to play in God's kingdom work. Embrace your identity as beloved children of God, and allow Him to shape and use you for His good purpose. May your faith deepen, your hearts be fortified, and your shoulders broaden as you walk confidently in His love.

Consecration: A Set-Apart Leader from the Next Gen for the Next Gen

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 07:42:20 GMT

The Power of Consecrated Hearts: Following in the Footsteps of Josiah

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In the words of evangelist D.L Moody, "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him." Throughout history, we have witnessed the transformative power of individuals who choose to be set apart for God's purposes. From biblical figures like Joshua, Esther, and Daniel, to more recent examples, the impact of consecrated hearts cannot be denied.

The Example of Josiah

One often overlooked figure from the Old Testament is Josiah. Born into a time when Israel was divided, Josiah became the king of Judah at the tender age of 8. The land was steeped in idolatry, yet Josiah chose a different path and sought after the God of his father David.

Josiah's Spiritual Inheritance

What makes Josiah's choice even more remarkable is that his earthly father, Amon, and his grandfather Manasseh, were renowned for their wickedness. Instead of being weighed down by his familial lineage, Josiah chose to look to David as his spiritual father, one who sought God wholeheartedly.

Taking a Stand

At the age of 20, Josiah embarked on a mission to rid the land of idols. His determination to restore the honor and glory of God among the people is evident in his relentless pursuit of cleansing. He removed anything that had overshadowed the place of God in the hearts of the people. His actions were driven by a heart moved by love and a desire to please and glorify his Creator.

The Rediscovery of God's Law

During the restoration of God's temple, Josiah's men stumbled upon the book of the Law – God's instruction through Moses. When the words were read in Josiah's presence, he was deeply moved, tearing his clothes and weeping. This encounter with God's truth prompted him to renew the covenant and propelled his mission of nationwide repentance.

A Call for Consecration

In a time when many have turned away from God, Josiah's example speaks powerfully to our present circumstances. We live in an age where the pursuit of holiness has been compromised, but God is still seeking consecrated hearts. He yearns for leaders who, like Josiah, seek Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.

Our Role as Vessels

As vessels in God's house, we have the opportunity to be instruments for special and significant purposes. The condition for this privilege is consecration . We must choose the path of wholehearted surrender; fleeing from evil desires and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. This journey is not meant to be trekked alone; it is meant to be shared with a community of believers with clean hands and pure hearts.

In Conclusion

In this era, marked by the worship of false gods and the enthronement of worldly desires, God is calling forth a generation in wholehearted pursuit of Jesus. Just as He did with Josiah, God desires to strengthen and use those who are fully committed to Him; the Bible conveys that His eyes are actively searching for such a people. The question that remains is how will we respond? Will we choose to consecrate ourselves, surrendering our lives as vessels for His plans and purposes? Let us take inspiration from the faith and courage of Josiah and embark on a journey of consecration, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Embracing Change: Leading in a Rapidly Evolving World/ Catching up with the speed outside

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 06:38:21 GMT

Change is an inevitable part of life.

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Change is an inevitable part of life, and in today's world, it is happening at an unprecedented rate. As leaders, it becomes crucial to adapt and respond effectively to these changes while upholding the unwavering truth of God’s Word. Thus, exploring the transformations that have taken place over the past decade and discussing strategies for leaders to stay relevant when leading the next generation to Jesus in the coming years is of vital importance.

The Future We Will Lead In

Considering the escalating pace of change, it is fair to expect more significant advancements in the next seven years than what we've witnessed in the last decade concerning Christians and the youth. As leaders, it is crucial to ponder upon the question of relevance. Irrelevance sets in when the rate of external change outpaces the internal rate of change within an organization or individual.

The Challenge of Staying Relevant

Throughout history, generations have become lost when one generation fails to pass on crucial knowledge and values to the next. Drawing inspiration from the book of Judges, which depicts the consequences of failing to pass on knowledge and experiences, we must strive to reach and stay relevant.

Judges 2:10 NKJV

“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.”

As Christian leaders, it’s essential to understand that change does not imply compromising on God’s absolute truth. Leaders can utilize the following strategies for staying relevant within their team and in the next generation as they navigate the ever-evolving territory in the world:

1. Develop a Lab Mentality:

Embracing a lab mentality entails continuously experimenting with new ideas and approaches. Failure should not be feared; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth. Fail quickly, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. Remember, your mission is more important than any specific method.

2. Clarity over Certainty:

In Christ, there is no room for confusion or cloudy vision, and when faced with an increasingly uncertain world, leaders must prioritize Christ-like clarity. The faster things change, the more valuable clarity becomes. Take a definitive direction, create clarity around it, and remain adaptable. Just like a bicycle cannot be steered when stationary, progress requires movement.

3. Major on the Majors:

When everything seems to be in constant motion, find a fixed point to anchor yourself. As the world continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly important to identify what remains constant and true. Focus on the Godly, absolute truth over those who you lead and build your leadership upon these unchanging foundations Remember, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). While our methods may change, our message and our mission remain the same.

Navigate Uncertainty with Christ-like Clarity

Go, but go as one

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:53:54 GMT

WHY COLLABORATION?

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As the Lausanne Movement, the following question burns in our hearts :

What will the year 2050 look like in advancing and fulfilling the Great Commission?

In asking this, we are drawn back to the final evening Jesus had with His disciples. We are invited into this room where Jesus, the night before He was to be crucified, was about to give His church its greatest mission and its greatest call. I am convinced that we, as a global church, are anchored in this call – the call to unity.

Unity: not none and not two. Distinct yet indistinguishable. Insiders to one another, with relationship being, in humility and teachability, the demonstration and proclamation of the Gospel. Simply stated, it's the fundamental belief that we are better together – that taking action together is our greatest response to the Great Commission."

This is what collaborative action teams are about. It’s taking action, working on the fulfilment of the Great Commission, but not as individuals but together. It's pulling people together in the smallest context possible, mobilizing them towards fulfilling the Great Commission, and taking action towards this. This exists specifically to address the lack of collaboration and connection to the right resources we experience in the global church. It reminds me of why I am so fascinated by draft horses when thinking about collaboration.

Draft horses are incredible animals. They have the capacity to pull immense loads of weight and were (and are still in some contexts) pivotal in taking a great load a great distance. It is said that one of these powerful animals can pull about 8 000 lb of weight. Now, if you have two draft horses, then you would be able to double the amount of weight they can pull, right?

Wrong! In reality, two draft horses working together wouldn’t be able to pull 16 000 lb of weight between the two of them, but rather 24 000 lb! Better yet, if you train these horses in working together and really leaning on the other’s strengths will have them pulling 32 000 lb together. Friends, we as the global church will also be more effective when we are working together.

²⁰ “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ^[1]

John 17:20-21 ESV

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 17:20–21.

But, why collaborative action teams?

Why should we use this new way of thinking about fulfilling the Great Commission, especially looking towards 2050?

Put simply, we are prayerfully seeking to mobilize and equip every congress participant to commit to collaborative action as part of a team. This means that every participant commits themselves to working together and taking wise action towards fulfilling the Great Commission. Fundamentally it’s about the belief that we're better together. Two people working together can do so much more than two people working apart. This is essentially what I think Jesus had in mind in John 17 when he prayed that we'd be one and the world would know that we are his disciples because of the unity that we have. The body of Christ, working in unity, accelerates the Gospel.

We also don’t have to look very far in the scriptures to see this take effect in a very practical and powerful way. Looking at the 12 men Jesus identified to build His church, we can see the ingredients of a collaborative action team. They collaborated together, they built teams. If you read through the gospels, wherever they went, they built a team and people collaborated together towards the fulfilment of the Great Commission. I can only imagine the endless possible connections and possibilities Jesus saw when He commissioned the twelve to “the ends of the earth.” Today, in a world much different from that of the disciples, this call remains.

Historically the global church is more connected and more resourced, with more possibilities to advancing the Gospel than ever before. There’s no lack of resource in the global church. There’s no lack of process, program, plan, or strategy. There’s no lack of understanding the magnitude of the task ahead of the church.

There’s no lack of connection to people. In fact, we live in a day and age where we are more connected than ever before to more people than ever before. So, if this is true, why are we still not fulfilling the great commission?

The world in 2023 portrays the daunting dichotomy of living in a world of endless possible connections.

However, at the same time, we are finding ourselves in a desert of true connections. This unveils a potential danger that stretches far beyond a “connected world” and reveals the danger of the Church having to fight for relevance in a fast-changing world. Martec’s law (see image) has shed some much needed light on the effect of this on organizations, and in our case, the church.

Martec's Law is the principle that while changes in technology occur very rapidly, changes in organizations do not. Organizations are finding it more and more difficult to adjust to the rate of change in the world around them. And, consequently, organizations are becoming irrelevant. Not because their message is outdated. Not because the people whom they want to see impacted have changed as dramatically. Organizations are becoming irrelevant because they have not been able to adjust the method for their message to continue reaching those they aim to impact. Well, what does this mean for the global church?

We are forced to answer the following question: how are the fast-changing realities around us influencing the church to respond to these challenges with the Great Commission as our driving force? We believe collaboration is the answer in a world of infinite possible connections and increased isolation. People, where they are, working together in accelerating the Great Commission.

In Conclusion

What would it take to finish the Great Commission? How could we possibly reach every person, everywhere? The answer: COLLABORATION . Collaboration is effective. Yes, collaboration is hard. But, collaboration is necessary. Our unity, our collaboration, is what God uses to set up the revelation of Jesus to this world. Collaboration is our response. Unity is our reason.

As we look ahead to what a world might look like in 2050, we are drawn back to some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples:

Matthew 28:16-20 ESV

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ^[1]

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 28:16–20.

Women & Ministry

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:53:16 GMT

Embracing Obedience Over Understanding

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The Journey of Obedience: From Birth to Ministry

At first glance, this topic seemed far-fetched and daunting to tackle, but after a few moments of contemplation and some head-scratching, it all boiled down to one word (my one take on this BIG topic): OBEDIENCE .

Born into Ministry: A Pastor's Daughter's Story

But for that word to make sense, I need to share the backstory of where it all began. Although I'm tempted to start at the very beginning, on the 28th of August 1992, around 20:45 when a 3.02KG baby girl was born to Isaac and Rachel Marumo, I sadly don't remember that far back. However, it feels like ministry has been a part of my life for that long. You see, my mom and dad are pastors themselves, so I was born into a pastoral home. But never would I have imagined that one day, I would be entrusted with the honor of pastoring a church too.

My husband and I are currently in our 3rd year of pastoring Mmuso Church, which is based in Pretoria Hatfield. Believe me when I say, it has been one step of OBEDIENCE after another. We launched in 2020 when the world was in the midst of the COVID pandemic's uncertainty, and all we had to guide us was a clear word from God and an unwavering directive: 'Start NOW,' which had vividly captured our hearts. But let's go back to the year 2010.

In November 2010, after completing my final Grade 12 exams at Suncrest High School, I came to Pretoria to visit my sister, who was already working here. That trip became the turning point that changed my plans and life forever. Upon my arrival, my sister advised me to find a holiday job to earn some money for school in 2011 while staying out of trouble during the festive season. I was successful in my search and landed my very first job with Edcon as a bank manager. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of my 12-year journey in retail and set me on a path toward fulfilling my destiny.

A Love Story and a Calling: Meeting My Husband and Ministry Partner

My move to Pretoria afforded me a gap year that I used to satisfy my thirst for theology and leadership by enrolling in CCMP. During that time, I also met my now-husband in the church where we both served. It was his love for God's people that drew me to him. The idea that two young aspiring professionals could maintain their full-time careers while passionately serving in the house of God made the future we were creating an exciting prospect.

So, after two years of marriage, when we began discussing the possibility of planting a church, a vision that God had clearly placed on my husband's heart, my world was shaken. I had always dreamed of being a part of a life-giving church, of contributing to one. However, I had never stopped to imagine that I would need to step out in faith and plant one myself, let alone co-lead it with my best friend (husband).

The Obedience Journey: From Doubt to Conviction

The transition from hearing God to actually acting on what He was saying was not an easy one, nor one that I made overnight. I was acutely aware of how much my heart needed a 'revamp' and work. Therefore, I wasn't about to walk into such a life-altering choice with doubts and questions. So, from 2018, when we discussed this as a family for the first time, to the launch of the Church on the 9th of November 2020, OBEDIENCE had to be broken down and taught to me in a way that I can now confidently say has anchored everything about this journey we chose as a family.

We had countless meetings with elders and friends who had been instrumental in speaking into our lives, all while wrestling with this idea. I was determined not to carry my past experiences into something new that God was orchestrating. I found myself struggling with the notion of letting go of my preferred setup, where my husband and I were two professionals contributing to the church without leading it.

While I was convinced that my husband had heard from God, deep down, I felt the need to personally discern if I was part of this plan and if God Himself wanted me to be part of the church plant. This is what He stirred in my heart and forever changed the way I perceive Him.

Divine Encounters in Dubai: Releasing Control and Embracing Obedience

When we found ourselves at the Dubai NXT Move conference, God met me right where I needed Him to. He used a room full of young leaders who were passionately engaged in His great mission of making disciples of all nations to challenge the narrative that had been holding me back from stepping out. These remarkable leaders showed me that ministry could be executed effectively on a global scale if I did it His way.

I left Dubai, dreaming about a great, life-giving Church He was inviting me to be a part of building, the way He wanted us to if we would only dare to open up our ears to His next move and be diligent with just that.

Building God's Bride: A Woman's Role in Ministry

See planting can be deemed as a lot of things, but if you want to do it effectively and according to God's plan, you must focus on understanding His vision for His church, what He is constructing, and channel your energy into aligning with the original intent rather than pursuing your own ambitions.

So to me, being a woman in ministry and planting a church is simply:

Letting go of your preconceived idea of who He uses when building His bride.
It is hearing clearly what He is busy with and what part He wants you to play in the body.
All He is asking for is your obedience more than your understanding, He is the Sovereign and All-knowing One, so be okay with relinquishing that role to Him.

In conclusion

Lastly, as I write this today, I am profoundly thankful for how He has orchestrated this entire journey, as it has progressed at a pace and rhythm far more reliable than any of my clear ideas could have ever set. I am acutely aware of the fact that all He asks of us, especially me, is to be obedient to what He says every step of the way. Ministry has its ups and downs, but when you rest assured that you are being faithful and obedient to the last thing God said to you, you stand and build on a firm and sure foundation.

The Next Generation`s search for Significance

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:07:22 GMT

In an ever-changing world, the next generation find themselves on a quest for significance.

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With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace and societal values constantly shifting, young people are grappling with questions about their purpose, identity, and worth. From a Christian point of view, this search for significance is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where scriptures offer guidance and wisdom to help navigate this journey of self-discovery.

The Biblical Foundation of Significance

The Bible emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their age or background. Genesis 1:26 reminds us that humans are created in the image of God, imparting a divine significance to every person. This truth underscores that the search for significance is not simply a fleeting desire but a foundational aspect of human nature. Psalm 139 further emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of each individual, expressing that He has intricately woven together every aspect of their being. This understanding provides a firm foundation for the next generation as they seek to find their place in the world.

In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings shed light on the concept of significance. In Mark 8:36, Jesus asks, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" This question challenges the prevailing cultural emphasis on material success and invites the next generation to consider eternal values. The pursuit of significance is therefore not confined to accomplishments, fame, or success, all of which fade with time, but is centered on a relationship with God and service to others.

Paul's writings further explain the search for significance in the context of Christian faith. In Ephesians 2:10, he declares that believers are "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This emphasizes that significance is not achieved through self-centered ambition but through a willingness to engage in God's mission. The next generation's search for significance can thus be fulfilled by aligning their ambitions with God's plan for their lives.

Challenges in the Modern Quest for Significance

One of the challenges the next generation faces in their search for significance is the prevalence of comparison and competition, amplified by social media. The pursuit of "likes" and external validation can lead to a distorted view of worth, causing individuals to equate their significance with virtual popularity. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers to "not be conformed to the pattern of this world," cautioning against adopting societal values that undermine one's true significance. Instead, he encourages transformation through the renewal of the mind, a process that involves aligning thoughts with God's truth rather than conforming to cultural norms.

Balancing Personal Ambition and Humility

Navigating the search for significance also involves grappling with the tension between personal ambition and humility. The biblical narrative provides examples of figures who struggled with this balance, such as King Solomon. While Solomon achieved great accomplishments, his pursuit of power and wealth led him astray from God's path. Ecclesiastes 1:2 poignantly captures the emptiness of pursuing significance through worldly means: "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! Everything is Meaningless." This verse serves as a cautionary reminder that genuine significance is not found in transient achievements, but in a life grounded in faith and purpose.

The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of significance in the Christian tradition. Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated humility, sacrificial love, and a commitment to serving others. His words in Mark 10:45 encapsulate his mission: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." The next generation's search for significance can find its ultimate fulfilment in imitating Christ's selflessness and prioritizing service over self-interest.

Embracing Suffering in the Search for Significance

In the pursuit of significance, the next generation must also grapple with the concept of suffering. The Bible acknowledges the reality of trials and tribulations, while also offering hope and a redemptive perspective. Romans 5:3-4 states, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage underscores that even in the midst of challenges, the next generation's search for significance can be refined through perseverance, leading to the development of character and an enduring hope.

Ultimately, the Christian perspective on the search for significance emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates faith, identity, service, and eternal values. It encourages the next generation to seek their worth in their identity as God's beloved creations, rather than in external validations. By aligning their ambitions with God's purposes and imitating the humility and selflessness of Jesus Christ, young individuals can find fulfilment in a life of purpose and service.

Navigating the Journey of Significance with Purpose and Hope

The search for significance is a universal human endeavor, and the next generation is no exception. From a Christian point of view, this quest is deeply intertwined with the foundational truths of scripture. By recognizing their inherent worth as creations in the image of God, aligning their ambitions with divine purposes, and embracing a life of humility and service, the next generation can navigate this journey with a sense of purpose, hope, and lasting significance.

The roaring twenties and their approach to the modern workforce.

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:00:05 GMT

The realities regarding multigenerational collaboration

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Being a Next Gen in the workforce boasts a range of challenges and celebrations but conveys a clear message: the world may not be ready to experience the severity of Gen Z professionally. This generation might just be the most purpose-driven generation to enter the workforce to date. As one, I can testify that we are motivated by meaning and mission within our career fields and our calling, valuing a culture of contribution over a culture of compensation.

The importance of authenticity and a collective identity

It is not a kept secret that the next generation is aware of their voice and eager to make it known and heard. They have firm standings and beliefs to pursue authenticity and justice and will not accept anything other than that in the workplace. In an ever-evolving world, they seek to cling to a truth that remains constant amidst fleeting cultural events, emotions, protests, and socio-political agendas - The Truth, The Way, The Life. But how does Gen Z oppose or try to populate that to their non-Christian peers and colleagues? More than anything, the youth seek to be understood, for that enables them to launch understanding back into their workplace and colleagues. Collective identity is such a fluid controversy and conversation amidst the youth today that it begs to ask the question if the next generation is a united one, a collaborative one – and if there is a place for differing value systems and worldviews to merge? The answer is Yes! The next generation is all about supporting a goal and mission and will sacrifice and serve to aid and support the said mission. By giving beyond oneself and contributing to their community is a driving force that demonstrates unity like never seen before!

Romans 12:2 conveys that we should not conform to patterns and customs of this world but that we rather renew our minds and revisit our values daily to ensure that we align with the will of God and live according to what is good and noble within His purpose for us. Let this be an invitation to our peers as next gen Christians to not conform to culture and the flavour of the week when it comes to identity – especially in the workplace. God has called and equipped the next generation to advance God’s agenda for a unified body in Christ and identity in Him, as God’s character and goodness remains constant in a fluid and insecure social culture.

Speaking up and stepping out: transparency is the trademark for trust in the workplace

A collective agreement can be made with regards to Gen Z’s enthusiastic aptitude to speak up and out about causes, catastrophes, celebrations, and concerns that are important to them and their peers. But what about the culture in the workforce and how the atmosphere shifts every time a young, next gen enters the office? Although the next generation has been described as innovative and daring, we are fearful of being the fresh meat in the office. When a young working adult feels safe amongst their colleagues and secure in their work environment their contribution and success skyrockets. They seek transparency and communication from their team members as Gen Z is passionate about activation and empowerment strategies in their workspace and despises passivity and allocation when the narrative is all about consumerism.

The youth are solemnly committed to deepen the effect of collaboration and contribution within their companies and organizations as they cherish the chance to be advocates of the past, present, and future. As a Gen Z, I am very aware that each of us possesses distinct and unique aptitudes and skills and have learned to cultivate, appropriate, and harness our bounty of gifts in the workplace. However, we sometimes find it difficult to sow and use it in the workforce amidst multigenerational colleagues who frown upon engaging in differences and sticking to tradition in the office.

The next generation is tough and tender about the truth and limiting the next gen’s passion to create and be original can barricade any connection or respect to grow and prosper. We will confess when we feel we are not being recognized or heard – as the next generation is all about living in the Light! God has gifted us all with vision and instinct to cultivate and grow what we have been given. Let us awaken to that truth and step into our identity of being good stewards and work together to grow in each other, our callings, and unique purposes.

What God says about the youth in the workforce: Attributes of the digitized next generation that catapults their tenacity to change the culture of their colleagues

As the digitized generation, they have access to a plethora of resources but struggle to make use of and distribute these resources in a monotonous and constrained workspace. God has gifted the next generation with flexibility, freedom, experience, and enthusiasm to function as a catalyst for connecting to others in a way that should boost collaboration and spirit within multigenerational teams. God has always been passionate and prominent about the next generation and proclaims His guidance amidst unfaithfulness in the next generation.

A theme of unity and collaboration sounds strong through the next generation, and they are super serious about the simple significance of working together to achieve victory and change in any social and work sphere. The next generation has been called to purify the minds of their employers and colleagues to inspire a mindset of cohesion and collaboration because the one thing Gen Z is confident in is that they have a voice and that they oversee using it and speaking up. God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the call – He has equipped the next gen to lead the world to victory.

Cultivating work ethic in the next gen: being tough and tender about the truth

Multigenerational colleagues might bump heads as older, more established colleagues believe talent and success to be self-made. Being a next gen with self-taught talents and skills often communicates “unreliability” as their skills did not transpire through traditional ‘hard work’, succession, or on a promotional basis due to years of loyalty and their repetitive role in the company.

Change should not be seen as a challenge and the next generation values collaboration over isolation – more than ever in a trending isolated youth culture. Building work ethic in the next generation requires a listening ear and willing heart to collaborate on their terms. Gifting the next gen with the opportunity to take ownership of a project or task will propel them to work harder and achieve the goal in excellence, as they share a part in its success, they see and uphold the value thereof. Young adults in the workforce are seeking to take more ownership for their and their team’s success. Aligning projects with passions elevates the engagement of the next generation in the workforce as it enables them to craft their work ethic of ‘working to live’ and not ‘living to work’ as previous generations.

The struggle of loving and living out Jesus in the workplace: humility as the office currency

The struggle is indeed real for all generations present in the workforce to act out their values and to lead by the Word and not by the world. Being a next gen who is focused on fulfilling their purpose and living out their calling in the workforce can be daunting when proclaiming Truth in an environment that is all concerned about concrete facts and evidence is needed to believe in something or see a consequence to commit my Jesus. In times when you find it challenging to live out Jesus in your workspace, approach the hurdle with a spirit of humility and submission. Entering a space in such a posture promotes the protection of your heart and the heart of your colleagues and promotes a more approachable basis for connecting to your multigenerational colleagues. The next gen has harnessed their age and the knowledge they bear as a product of being such an exposed generation. They know that a value is not a value if it does not hold value, and they are willing to risk it all to proclaim purpose > pay-slip.

An engagement model for unity

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:00:05 GMT

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Individualism and social cohesion

I grew up with this gibe in my native community. If you put five of us in a room for an hour, we will establish six different church denominations and seven sports teams that compete to the point of death. Such a community will do well in a world that celebrates individualism, that is, a world that emphasizes personal responsibility and self-reliance. However, in the place that I call home, individualism has proven itself incapable of healing our fractured society.

The tenuous social fabric of my country of birth, South Africa, has come undone in a post-COVID-19 world. This is also the current reality for many other countries around the globe.

In 2021 social unrest further slashed South Africa’s frayed social compact. My twenty-something-year-old son Andreas asked me this question, “Dad, our country is burning, what are we going to do?” I responded, “Son, I don’t know how to repair all the tears, but I do know that it will require all our combined effort.” At the time, the collective efforts of the Christian community in South Africa dispatched 600 tons of food to 52 000 people in two weeks, staving off impending food riots and further loss of lives and livelihoods. During this time a new understanding of the type of engagement model our world needs emerged for me. Existing engagement models: In the past few decades, engagement models of competition and collaboration have permeated our world. I believe that a third model is, however, needed.

Competition

As an investment banker working in Sandton, South Africa, on Wall Street, New York, and in the City of London, the engagement model of competition was proffered as the most remarkable innovation of contemporary times. The motivational speech I received from the line manager that first hired me simply stated, “I will never ask what time you went home or whether your work is done. You will achieve because you will be competing with your colleagues for bonuses”. Moreover, the meeting structures engendered competition amongst colleagues. Our monthly team meetings would conclude with the individual league table being put up on the screen. Your worth to the team was determined by how much money you made. Your worth to society did not feature as a performance indicator.

The engagement model of competition that celebrates self-interest and shareholder value above all else hurts the world. The world, including investment banking, has thankfully moved on. The world started embracing the notion of collaboration in its stead.

Collaboration

Collaboration as an engagement model refers to individuals or groups coming together to achieve a common goal, often by pooling their knowledge, skills, and resources. By understanding and accommodating the needs of various stakeholders, collaboration can achieve outcomes that can benefit all parties. Here, shareholders are but one of the various stakeholders.

It was, however, in the world of social development and in the church that I experienced the misgivings of collaboration as an effective engagement model. I experienced that collaboration is limited in achieving a common goal because we only come together to the point of mutual self-interest. As we are taught in negotiation courses, “If you, then I”. If you are willing to bring A and B to the table, I will be willing to bring C and D. But what if A and B outweigh C and D in monetary value, for example? It would appear that, even with the best intentions, our ability to collaborate is restricted to what we can get out of it. The fact that we all benefit when common goals are achieved, seems to pass by our consciousness undetected.

Is there an engagement model that can mend the social fabric, that can bring unity? The next generation of leaders introduced me to a possible contender. The engagement model of contribution.

A new contender – Contribution

NXT Move is a global ministry focusing on turning around the trajectory of Christianity in the next generation. This single-minded endeavor is based on the fact that 52% of the global population is under the age of 30, 80% of Christians made the decision to follow Jesus before the age of 18, and 38% of millennials are leaving the church.

It is here that I experienced the power of contribution as an engagement model toward unity. I have seen young people from Cape Town, South Africa, contributing their skill and expertise in the digital space to a ministry in Europe that mobilizes followers of Jesus to reach young people who would not walk into a church. This contribution accelerated the European ministry into a new realm of impact. I experienced the exuberant joy of a 30-year-old ministry from Denver Colorado teaching individuals focused on ministering to African youth (where the median age is 18,8 years) to accelerate the Gospel through teen-on-teen-evangelism. I have then seen how the Africans contextualize what they have been gifted from the USA into cities and slums, reaching the next generation with the Gospel.

The new generation is leading the way toward unity

It is the new generation that authentically and naturally achieves unity by contributing to each other, beyond the point of mutual self-interest. They give of themselves, and beyond themselves towards a bigger goal. Uniting in turning around the trajectory of Christianity in the next generation.

The Lausanne Generations Conversation held at Biola University, La Mirada California

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:57:39 GMT

From one generation to the next

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The Lausanne Generations Conversation (LGC) was built around the Generations Integration Pyramid. This pyramid was constructed on the following five principles: biblical vision, missional calling, friendship, mutuality, and collaboration. The pyramid describes and provides the roadmap for inter-generational integration to see the Great Commission being fulfilled. We looked at Psalm 78, where we saw that the global church needs new inter-generational examples, as well as Matthew 28, which reminds us that we are commissioned both geographically and generationally.

Insights from Acts 9 and Acts 15

During the event, we learned that the choices of one generation impact the next. We explored Scriptures like Acts 9:1-31 and Acts 15:36 - Acts 16:5, discovering how bravery, courage, and obedience were required for the Great Commission to reach new people and new generations. One story that specifically stands out is Acts 15, where Timothy was from the town where Stephen was stoned, and Stephen was the first believer to be persecuted and executed for their faith.

Our program included sessions of prayer and scripture, during which we worked through sections in Acts to discover how the disciples modeled a life of intergenerational friendship and mission. We also engaged in discussions about intergenerational friendship, had a friendship experience at Newport Beach, and explored the challenging topic of collaborative leadership in today's church. The second day included sessions on intergenerational mutuality, communication, and collaboration, culminating in our final commitment, communion, and commissioning to a collaborative intergenerational friendship. It was two days filled with learning, friendship, collaboration, and a lot of unscripted, genuine connection. A moment that I will forever cherish took place after our commissioning service, with 100 leaders greeting one another in faith. This is where I saw a glimpse of God's intended purpose for his church – One diverse body connected and working together to see heaven come to earth.

Nurturing Intergenerational Friendships and Mission

One of the biggest lessons and takeaways from this gathering was that it requires a specific posture to engage in intergenerational friendships and mission. We see in 1 Timothy 4:12 that Paul encourages Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth, but to set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It is in this posture, this attitude, that we find the confidence and security in God that enables us to live an example to our fellow believers with humility, honor, and grace.

As the next generation, we are called to take up the responsibility of living a life worth imitating for the next generation. Not only this, but we should extend beyond ourselves to the generation before and after us if we want to see the Great Commission fulfilled in the world around us. Acts 2:17 reminds us that God encouraged the disciples, saying, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people during the last days. Your sons shall prophesy, young men will see visions, and old men will dream dreams.' This is just one of many examples confirming that God's plan has always been for his church to be built from one generation to the next, with generations working together, not in isolation.

We are called to commit to this. There is no denying that God builds his church using those who have made themselves available, humble, teachable, and willing to see His reign on this earth. But the beauty is that we are not called to do this alone. We are called to build bridges, to extend ourselves and our ministries, and to see the gospel reach the ends of the Earth.

Fearless Bridge-Building in God's Kingdom

The Lausanne Generations Conversation has shown me the value of intergenerational friendships. As the next generation, it is our responsibility to engage and initiate these friendships that stretch beyond our borders and comfort zones. As stated in 1 Timothy 4:12, we should not let anyone, even ourselves, use our age as something that disqualifies us. Rather, our way of living and leading should be something that we share with the believers around us. The global church needs a next generation that will fearlessly and faithfully build bridges, not walls – a generation that engages despite our differences and disagreements. All this, to see this one thing: God's Kingdom, His great Commission to His people, reaching the ends of the earth.

The Difference Between Free-Range Chickens and Caged Chickens.

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 06:00:05 GMT

Lessons for working with the Next Generation

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What do chickens have to do with leading a next generation? It gives us as a mental picture to understand the environment the next generation needs from us to be at their best.

When comparing free-range chickens to caged chickens, it becomes clear that the environment in which they are raised has a significant impact on their well-being and livelihood. This comparison also holds valuable lessons for how we should approach working with the next generation.

1. Freedom of Movement and Space

Free-range chickens have the freedom to roam, explore and peck around in open spaces. They can spread their wings, socialize with other chickens, and engage in natural behaviors. On the other hand, caged chickens are confined to limited spaces, which severely restricts their movement, inhibits natural behaviors, and negatively impacts their overall welfare.

This analogy can be applied to the next generation. To ensure their growth and development, we need to provide them with ample space and freedom. This means offering opportunities for exploration, encouraging diverse experiences, and fostering an environment where young people can spread their wings and discover their passion and purpose without fearing the worst.

2. Natural Nurturing and Development

Free-range chickens have exposure to natural elements, such as sunlight, fresh air, and the ability to forage for food. This leads to healthier growth and the development of stronger immune systems compared to caged chickens, whose lives are confined to artificial environments.

Similarly, the next generation requires exposure to a variety of experiences, perspectives, and challenges. By allowing young people to venture beyond their comfort zones, explore different cultures, engage in volunteer activities, and encounter diverse perspectives, we enable their holistic development. This exposure nurtures empathy, encourages adaptability, and equips them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

3. Independence and Decision-Making

Free-range chickens have the freedom to make choices about when and what to eat, where to nest, and how to interact with others. This autonomy empowers them to develop independence and improve their decision-making capabilities. Conversely, caged chickens are limited in their choices and are subject to external controls.

In a similar vein, the next generation should be given the freedom to make choices, think critically, and develop decision-making skills. By providing them with guidance and support, while allowing them to navigate their own paths, we cultivate independent thinkers who are capable of making informed choices and create positive change.

4. Overall Well-Being

Free-range chickens, due to their freedom and exposure to natural elements, tend to exhibit better physical and mental well-being. They experience lower stress levels, fewer health issues, and are generally happier compared to their caged counterparts.

Similarly, by granting the next generation the freedom and space to explore, be themselves, and follow their passions, we contribute to their overall well-being. Cultivating a sense of purpose and allowing young people to embrace their individuality leads to increased fulfilment, improved mental health, and a greater sense of belonging and fulfilment.

The Importance of Discipling Amidst this Freedom of the Next Generation

Discipling plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation, especially when they are afforded the freedom and space to explore and grow. While freedom allows young people to develop their individuality, discipling ensures that they have guidance, mentorship, and a strong moral compass to navigate their choices and actions. Here's why discipling is important amidst the freedom of the next generation:

Applying discipleship amidst the freedom

1. Guidance and Direction

Choose connection over Control when engaging them! In a world filled with endless choices and possibilities, young people can easily get overwhelmed or led astray without proper guidance. Discipling provides them with a connection by a trusted mentor who can offer wisdom, advice, and direction. It helps them make sense of their experiences, understand their purpose, and navigate through life's challenges.

Here's the invitation: Let us show them Christ, live authentically ourselves - don’t be fake! Let’s welcome them with open arms if (and when) they strayed beyond where they should. Let’s show them the quality of land and food in the Kingdom of God for them to know the difference and to choose God as their environment for growth and nothing else.

2. Moral and Ethical Foundation

Freedom can be a double-edged sword without a strong moral and ethical foundation. Discipling instils values, cultivates character, and helps young people develop a clear understanding of right and wrong. It equips them to make Biblically sound decisions, act responsibly, and contribute positively to society.

3. Spiritual Development

While freedom allows young people to explore their spirituality individually, discipling provides them with the opportunity to deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. It offers a space to learn about scripture, engage in meaningful conversations about faith, and explore their beliefs within a supportive community. Discipling helps young people develop a spiritual framework that will sustain them throughout their lives.

4. Accountability and Growth

Discipling provides a system of accountability that encourages the next generation to take ownership of their actions and choices. It offers a safe space to receive constructive feedback, learn from their mistakes, and grow into their full potential. By fostering an environment of accountability, discipling helps young people become responsible and resilient individuals.

5. Mentorship and Role Modelling

Discipling connects young people with mentors and role models who have walked a similar path. These mentors can share their experiences, offer guidance, and provide support in times of doubt or confusion. By witnessing the transformation and growth of their mentors, young people are inspired to emulate positive qualities and values.

6. Identity Formation and Purpose

Freedom can sometimes lead to a search for identity and purpose. Discipling helps young people explore their true selves, understand their unique gifts, and discern their purpose in life. It encourages them to embrace their identity in Christ and empowers them to use their talents for the greater good.

In Conclusion

While the next generation deserves the freedom to explore and grow, discipling remains essential. It offers guidance, moral grounding, spiritual development, accountability, mentorship, and identity formation. By combining the benefits of freedom with the nurturing aspects of discipling, we can provide the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in their faith, personal life, and contribution to society.

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