What's the new National Leader of the Baptist Union of New Zealand been thinking about lately? Find out in this video update from Chris Chamberlain – see the abridged transcript below.
Kia ora New Zealand Baptists,
School is back this week, and I thought it would be interesting to talk with our National Youth Catalyst Ethan Miller and Jan Ozanne our National Children and Families catalyst. There'll be probably crowds of parents heaving sighs of relief and saying praise the Lord because the kids are back at school. But it's not quite as simple as that is it? So I thought I'd get some input from a couple of specialists.
Jan, how is it with children and families in our movement at the moment?
JO: “Kia ora everyone. Things are exciting for us as a Baptist movement of churches. And yeah, going back to school brings up all sorts of emotions. It can be relief and it can be really hard. I would just like to encourage our parents. This is the most important job that God has given you to do, and you don't have to do this on your own. It's not God's plan for you to do this on your own. I encourage you to reach out to other parents, to other parents in your faith community, at your local church, and support one another, pray for one another, be there for one another, especially at times like this where emotions can be really high.”
CC: “Ethan, you've been experiencing young life up close and personal. What's going on as far as you're concerned?
EM: “Yeah, so I've just returned from two discipleship camps for young people wanting to explore their faith, named M28 after Matthew 28. And I can sum up the experience with Acts 2:17, that God will pour out his spirit on all people. I think we're seeing that in our churches at the moment. I think we've definitely seen it in our young people.At th M28 camps the hunger in our young people and their faith in Jesus was just incredible. We had about eight hours of discipleship content each day, which is pretty intense. And there were a couple of things which stood out to me. One was that so many youth just carried on through the morning tea break continuing to read their Bibles or pray or to journal, while all their friends and their leaders were talking and eating away. The same thing happened in the evening; they've had this long day of of content, they're given the opportunity to go have supper but they just continue to pray, continue to worship.
Yeah, I think Jesus is raising up a new generation and they're willing and hungry to learn and to lead. They're preaching - man, they are gifted, gifted communicators! They're they're passionate about the word of God and about mission, and ministry. It's really exciting.”
CC: “This is great. I wonder what would happen if one of the teenagers or one of the pre-teens was given responsibility for delivering a message or leading an intercessory prayer in the worship service in your church?
I'm usually surprised or feel exposed whenever I see younger life taking a responsible part in our worship services, because I'm seeing someone with rich faith who is stepping into it and delivering the goods. What do you think Jan?”
JO: “I think it's an excellent idea. We've been talking about the rise of anxiety in our children, and I think that as faith communities, one of the best things we can do is help our children to know that God is real. He loves them. He is with them. He is gifting them in all sorts of different ways. And our job as the church is to encourage and empower and give our children space to explore this very real, genuine connection with a God who was with them at the school gate, and wherever they go. It starts in church, and at home, and we can be working together to really encourage this.”
CC: “Ethan, I'll give you the last word. What's one thing you want to say to our people?”
EM: There are so many incredible stories at the moment. I’ve seen 16-year-olds deliver full sermons to their congregations better than I could. And I'm like, wow, how do you have that depth? How do you know the Bible that well? How do you communicate that so calmly and convincingly to a congregation of 300-400 people? So yeah, give them the opportunity, get alongside them and I think you'll be encouraged. God is on the move.”
Read more Together columns from Chris:
- Together: week one with Chris | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: When children struggle, the Church responds | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: The Acts 2 Movement | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: Kingdom people | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: Pentecost
- Together: New Zealand Baptists have been affirming women in church leadership for 50 years
