Our Life Equipping Community interns (minus one who arrived a week late). These young adults are committed to growing as courageous, faithful servants of Jesus. What an honor to do life with them for at least a year!

One of the critical roles of apostolic ministry is that of serving as a spiritual mother/father to an emerging generation of Christ followers. While this has always been the case since the founding of the Church, it seems more critical than ever in this current season. Jill and I witness the detrimental impact of a generation being “fatherless” more and more each year. Even if a young adult’s parents are still in the picture, they are often AWOL in terms of being a consistent presence and voice beckoning their children to dream big and follow Jesus courageously into their God ordained Kingdom adventures. Christian parents today tend to outsource their discipleship privilege and responsibility to their churches youth programs. And this hasn’t proven to be a good choice.

No wonder the vast majority of churched teens choose to no longer participate in a local church once their programmatic youth group days are over. What they needed (and need) is a FATHER, not a PROGRAM!

May the authentic fathers and mothers of the Kingdom life rise up and step into their apostolic role of sharing not only the gospel, but their very lives, and discover consistent ways to encourage, comfort and urge the future generation of Kingdom servants within their reach to live the life that Jesus has made possible in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“As apostles of Christ…we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our very lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:6-8).

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his Kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:11,12).

“For this is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes. Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thess. 2:19,20).

Check out the LEC (Life Equipping Community website at: http://www.LifeEquipping.org

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about this theme!