We Are the Movement

By Chuck Klein

Movements that have changed the world have most often been driven by the young; students, young adults, and a few older folks with young minds. The greatest movement was birthed the day Jesus handed his mission over to a young group of disciples and told them to take his message to the ends of the earth. That group has never stopped multiplying. Now today, we are that movement.

Each person in God’s movement has a significant role. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared advance for us to do.” NIV. The word “workmanship” in this context refers to a special uniqueness, like an individual piece of poetry. That is how God created each of us, talented, unique and gifted with individual abilities. If we have received Christ, his Spirit is working in our lives enabling us to use our gifts to do the good works God has specially chosen for us.

But we do not attempt our work alone. God has formed us as a team, as a movement: “So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5NIV). We have our individual responsibilities, but we also have each other. That gives an awesome sense of purpose and confidence.

So where are our good works? It’s where we spend most of our time, and if you’re a student that means your school campus. If you are a youth leader or other adult who cares about students, it means being with teenagers. We have a significant mission together. Be prepared. Here are several suggestions:

• Know who you are. Remembering that you are God's child and that Christ lives in you gives great confidence. Read again Ephesians 2:10 and also 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. These scriptures paint a clear picture of the purpose Gd has for each of us.
• Stay close to your leader. Letting Christ’s love penetrate your heart, time in his Word, prayer, obeying him - that’s good stuff. We are representing Christ so what better way to do that then to know him intimately.
• Trust His Spirit. Jesus has given us his Holy Spirit. What a gift! As we walk in the Spirit wisdom will mark our steps, love will guide our decisions, power will exemplify our speech.
• Put on your armor. Carefully read Ephesians 6:10-20. Prayerfully “suit up” every day.
• Always team up with others. Our work is not a walk in the park. We are called to the front lines of God’s rescue operation among students. We need each other.
• Adopt your school. Be the first to adopt your school, or join the team of others who are already praying and reaching out. 
• Make a plan. The goal of our movement is that there is a team at every school praying, sharing Christ and serving. Be wise and strategic as you share and serve. There is more than one way to make a difference at a school. We are the movement.

We are united by our dedication to the same mission: Communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to every student. Paul said it well in Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens… stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” NIV.

You are a vital part of the movement. Share your ideas and stories!

© Copyright 2010 Campus Alliance