This conviction propels us forward at Messenger College (MC). We are committed to developing world-changing Pentecostal leaders for the 21st century. This is a task that requires Spirit-empowerment and daily intentional effort. Yet we are inspired because we know we have our hands on the future.
MC is not the only place where the future is shaped. Every local church has the opportunity to place their hands on the next generation. In order to shape the future by developing the next generation, we must intentionally focus on providing the development to the whole person. At MC we understand our work as taking place within what we call the Triangle of Formation: mind, heart, and ministry.
Head
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” lamented the prophet (Hosea 4:6). The apostle Paul charged that renewing the mind was a key ingredient to demonstrating God’s will for human life (Romans 12:2). Jesus understood that shaping the mind was essential—the gospels are filled with His teaching regarding God, the world, salvation, relationships, holiness, and so much more. In fact, Jesus said that it would be knowing the truth that would bring freedom (John 8:32).
Shaping the Christian mind is a crucial component of the work of MC. The spirit of the age attempts to undermine ministry effectiveness by questioning the possibility of knowing truth. However, we intentionally form our curriculum to be a rigorous process that helps our students increase their knowledge about the world and God’s Word. We also work to help our students learn how to think through the issues and challenges of the day and to understand what God has to say regarding them.
The local church can also help to form godly minds in the next generation. Students are often much more knowledgeable about many issues than people might expect. Additionally, they can usually handle much more information than we give them. Do not “dumb down” teaching to the next generation. Provide plenty of opportunities in teaching sessions for them to ask questions. Address issues relevant to them. This will take time to find out what is going on in their world and develop a biblical response. Doing so will be worth it. You might also consider scheduling guest speakers to address various issues regarding faith, spirituality, and ethics. Whatever you do, recognize that the way the next generation thinks is being developed now. Engage their minds with the truth.
Heart
When Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, it became very apparent that He was offering a way of living that went beyond knowing creeds and behavioral conformity. His statements regarding the various relationships of human life made it plain that he was interested in changing the hearts of His followers. Jesus understood that the heart of the person was the fount from which all behaviors spring. Change the heart and you have changed the whole person.
At MC we understand this to be an indispensable part of our Triangle of Formation. Our desire is to lead our students in cultivating holy souls that become the root of all their living. We accomplish this in a variety of ways including small group interactions, teaching our students how to engage individual spiritual disciplines, regular corporate times of worship, and an openness to and a hunger for dynamic encounters with the Holy Spirit. We use all of these tools to help our students grow in holiness.
It is not enough to only teach the next generation a list of doctrines and rules. Something more is needed. Take time to connect with students on an individual and group level. Lead them in their process of spiritual formation. Thankfully, there is an increasing amount of resources available for helping students develop spiritual maturity. Track them down and take advantage of them. If even a small group of next generation leaders embrace the transformative life of Christ, it can make a tremendous difference in your church and community.
Hands
Finally, we want people to be able to do what God has called them to do. Each Christian—even next generation ones—has been gifted and called for some kind of ministry. Jesus provides the best example of teaching ministry: He showed the disciples, sent the disciples, and reflected with the disciples on their experience (Luke 10:1-24).
This is the model we have adopted at MC. We offer opportunities to our students to observe and do ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. Their classes and text materials are taught and written by experienced leaders. Additionally, each student is required to be engaged in a ministry practicum every semester. Finally, each student must complete an internship before he/she can graduate. Throughout this process, we also work with the student in interpreting and understanding his/her experiences.
Many next generation leaders are sitting idle in pews while filled with a great deal of energy and creativity. Too often, the “now generation” is afraid of the next generation’s lack of experience and knowledge. Yet, we forget that everyone must start somewhere. Engage the next generation in ministry. Draw them close and let them see what you do. Give them opportunities to do it. Provide time afterwards to walk through what they experienced. Remember, this method worked for Jesus—surely it can work for us!
To change the future, we must begin today. It is not an easy task, but we are promised the power of the Holy Spirit in the process. Focused daily intentional effort on the mind, the soul, and the ministry of next generation leaders can develop an army that will create a great future.
written by Daniel Davis, President of Messenger College
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