Raising a Jesus Generation: Our Call to Seize Every Opportunity
In every era, sociologists attempt to define the next generation with labels—Generation X, Y, Z, and Alpha—marking their traits, values, and trends. Yet, rarely do we hear of a generation defined by their love for Jesus. This absence should stir something within us. If the next generation isn’t marked as the Jesus Generation, it’s a sign that we haven’t fully hit our mark.
We are called to raise a generation that knows Jesus—not just in name, but in power, in truth, and in deep personal relationship. We must be consumed by a burning desire to see children embrace the love of Christ. As Scripture urges us, we must "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16). We cannot afford to passively wait for children to stumble upon the Gospel—we must actively create moments where they encounter Jesus.
A holy fire must ignite within us—a fire that compels us to relentlessly pursue every opportunity for kids and families to know Jesus and experience the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be driven by an unshakable conviction that no child should be left without the chance to hear and respond to the Gospel. This passion should move us to action—to look for the moments, to see the open doors, and to boldly step through them.
The power of opportunities, like Camp
One of the greatest opportunities we have is summer camp. When we look at the summer ahead, we must see camp not as just another event but as a powerful, life-changing opportunity for kids to experience God’s presence in a way that marks them for life.
The best preparation we can give our kids—beyond school supplies, extracurriculars, and academic resources—is the opportunity to spend time in an environment where they can encounter Jesus. While we diligently provide what they need to thrive in school and life, we must recognize that shaping their spiritual foundation is far more critical. The presence of God changes lives, and camp is a place where God moves powerfully.
But here’s the truth—we don’t have enough camps, services, or programs to reach every child yet. That means we must carry this mission wherever we go. We must actively create environments in our churches, homes, and communities where it’s hard for a kid to go to hell—because we’ve made it so easy for them to encounter Jesus.
A Focused Drive for a Jesus Generation
The need is urgent, and our focus must be unwavering. Just as David fulfilled the will of God for his generation (Acts 13:36), we are called to fulfill God’s purpose in ours. We cannot allow this generation to be remembered as one that “knew not God” (Judges 2:10). That reality would be a tragic sign that we’ve missed our purpose.
Instead, let’s work together with passion and resolve to raise a Jesus Generation—a generation defined by their love for Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and prepared to carry the Gospel to their world.
It starts with us. It starts with our homes, our churches, and our communities. It starts with seizing every opportunity—camp, midweek services, kids church, Kids Convention (Kids Blast), moments at the dinner table, bedtime prayers—and turning those moments into encounters with Jesus.
Let us burn with the fire of this mission. Let's be relentless in our pursuit of the next generation for Christ. May we never stop until we can confidently say that this is the Jesus Generation.