NextGen Sunday 2025

Wow! What a Spirit-led and empowering Sunday!
If you weren’t able to attend the 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or the 12:30 p.m. Baptism Service, you truly missed a powerful day of worship. Our kids and students helped lead us in worship, prayer, and song—what a gift!

At the Baptism and Reaffirmation Service in the Courtyard, we celebrated 4 baptisms (3 by full immersion) and 10 affirmations of faith (8 by full immersion) using our new baptismal fount. Baptisms and affirmations ranged from 9 years old to 89 years old. A special thank you to the Long family for building and gifting this beautiful fount to JW.

God has blessed our church with a vibrant spirit, and this past Sunday was a powerful reminder of the life and movement within our community of faith.

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, there's a powerful counter-cultural message that challenges us to shift our focus outward. It's a call to humility, servant-hearted living, and putting others first - a radical approach that not only transforms lives but also holds the body of Christ together.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, penned these words: "Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). This verse isn't simply about being polite or doing good deeds; it's a profound invitation to embrace Christ-like humility and live out the gospel as a lifestyle.

Imagine a group of young people giving up chunks of their summer - not for rest or relaxation, but to serve others in need. Picture them traveling to flood-ravaged areas, wielding tools to build wheelchair ramps, serving food to the hungry, and even tearing down a 20-foot cinderblock wall. These aren't just acts of physical labor; they're powerful demonstrations of putting others' interests first.

This selfless attitude didn't stop with one mission trip. The same group showed up again to serve at a Vacation Bible School, pouring themselves out for nearly 200 children. They led games, taught lessons, and shared their "true north" - Jesus Christ. Their dedication and enthusiasm may have planted seeds that these children will remember for the rest of their lives.

But what drives people - especially young people - to live this way? It's a deep understanding that the gospel isn't just a message to be believed; it's a lifestyle to be lived. As one leader often reminds their students: "A disciple is someone who walks like, talks like, acts like Jesus." This summer, these young people embodied that definition, choosing to live out their faith in tangible, impactful ways.

Their actions bring to mind another powerful scripture passage. In 1 Timothy 4:12, we read: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This verse, originally addressed to a young leader named Timothy, carries a timeless challenge for believers of all ages.

In the ancient world, youth was often associated with a lack of credibility or authority. But Paul's words to Timothy flip this notion on its head. Instead of demanding respect, Timothy is encouraged to earn it through his exemplary life. The same principle applies today - respect is earned not through age or position, but through character and action.

The five areas Paul highlights for Timothy provide a roadmap for all believers:

1. Speech: Using words that build up, not tear down. Being honest, kind, and bold in our communication.
2. Conduct: Ensuring our behavior and integrity match our professed faith.
3. Love: Treating others selflessly and sacrificially, mirroring Christ's love for us.
4. Faith: Living as if we truly believe God is who He says He is.
5. Purity: Maintaining moral integrity in a world full of compromise.

When we see young people embodying these qualities - in their speech, attitudes, perseverance, and love for others - it's a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel. They're not waiting until they're older to lead; they're stepping up and setting an example right now.

This summer's experiences raise a compelling question: What would our world look like if we all lived this way? If we consistently put others' interests before our own, if we served with enthusiasm and dedication, if we led by example regardless of our age - how might our schools, neighborhoods, and cities change?

The challenge, then, is for all of us to follow this example. It's time to move beyond merely talking about our faith in Bible studies and Sunday schools. It's time to put it into action - to live it out loud.

Here's a practical way to approach this lifestyle:

1. What do I see? Where is God moving, and how can I be a part of it?
2. What do I hear? Am I truly listening to God's voice and direction?
3. What do I feel? Am I sensing the Holy Spirit's presence and prompting in my life?
4. Am I willing or not willing to respond and act?

This kind of faith isn't reserved for summer mission trips or special events. It's for every day of our lives - in every hallway, workplace, neighborhood, and church. The young people who served so selflessly this summer have shown us what it looks like to put others first. Now it's our turn to carry that momentum forward.

As we reflect on these powerful examples and teachings, let's remember that the future of the church - and indeed, the impact of the gospel in our world - doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of seasoned adults. Young people, when given the opportunity and encouragement, can lead with passion, integrity, and Christ-like humility.

Let's celebrate and encourage the young leaders in our midst. Let's come alongside them, serving together and learning from each other. And most importantly, let's all - regardless of age - commit to living out our faith in ways that tangibly demonstrate Christ's love and put others first.

The invitation is always open to join in this lifestyle of selfless service and bold leadership. As we do, we may find that we're not just changing the lives of those we serve - we're being transformed ourselves, growing ever closer to the heart of Jesus and the true essence of discipleship.

In a world that often seems self-centered and divided, let's be the change we wish to see. Let's live out Philippians 2:4 daily, shifting our focus outward and upward. As we do, we may just find that we're part of a beautiful, counter-cultural movement that brings hope, healing, and the love of Christ to a world in desperate need.