From rejection to release

Yesterday Jun Vencer told us he has been invited to a meeting of 10,000 young people in the Philippines who are discontent with church as they know it, long to be radically relevant, and want to be part of the transformation of their nation. It's more or less the same everywhere - I'm convinced we are on the verge of something new, a grassroots movement that will change the face of the church.

Today Andrew taught on the characteristics of postmodern culture, how the new media (anything you can do on a computer screen) is shaping our mindset, and what kind of churches are needed. His message to the pastors was clear: young people have to be released to start new, relevant expressions of church for their generation. Kerstin and I also gave some input related to leadership and the release of young women into their calling.

Then Barbara and some of the Portuguese young people who work among the hippie tribes in Lisbon shared from their bruised experiences of church and their need to be seen, understood and encouraged by the mainstream. It was good that their rejection came out, and the older pastors reacted wonderfully by blessing them and receiving their insight. A moving moment, which ended the conference. As Andrew wrote on his blog:

"ONE CHURCH in Portugal, old and young, funky and traditional, pierced and clean cut, all committed to see thousands of new church wineskins for the new wine that God wants in this country that He loves."