First Church of God

There are four tables shaped in a square, and fifteen youth pastors gathered around these tables.  Each of us feels called to be a catalyst in raising up a new generation of Christ centered leaders.  We have come together from all over the country to strategize the best way to make it happen for Church of God youth groups across the U.S.A. and around the world. 

Andy is teaching us about passing the torch from one generation to the next.  Moses had Joshua, constantly at his side, equipping him and training him to take the torch when that time came.  Joshua ended up being the one to lead God’s people out of the desert and into the promised land.  The torch was successfully passed!  But what happened next?

Joshua never prepared anyone to take the torch.  When his time was done, no one stepped up. 

Joshua died, and after a whole generation had died, another generation grew up not knowing the Lord…  Judges 2:10 

Chapter two outlines what happened for many years to come.  God raised up a prophet who got people on track, but as soon as that prophet died, the following generation turned away from God.  Chapter after chapter in Judges this same scenario is played out.  Such a sad history of God’s people.

I recall a word that came from God last fall...  "They will stand on your shoulders, and your ceiling will be their floor:

Lord, what is my role in raising up a new generation of young leaders?  What kind of example am I to them?  How can I pass on my passion for You? What will it take to get them on my shoulders?  Will they pick up the torch and follow You with reckless abandon?