Mark Sorensen Grace and peace, church. I pray this finds you well.
This past weekend in worship, we focused on one of the many things that’s close to God’s heart – and certainly another one of the deepest passions of our church: raising up the next generation.
I loved using the illustration of the apple at the beginning of the message. If you missed it, inside every apple is a simple truth. You can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you could never count the number of apples in a seed. That’s the kind of faith we’re called to live with. When we pour into the next generation, we’re not just making an investment for today; we are planting orchards that will bear fruit for, I believe, generations to come.
Think about this: From the very beginning, God has been a generational God. He gave Abraham a promise that would outlive him (Genesis 17:7). Moses led His people out of Egypt with the command that they pass on the story of His faithfulness (Exodus 12:26-27).
In Psalm 78:4, we’re reminded, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
That’s exactly what we’re doing as a church. It’s why we celebrate our kids and students. It’s why we train up young leaders. It’s why we believe that an important part of our mission today is to invest in the church of tomorrow.
Here’s what’s even more exciting: What we’re seeing in our church is part of a much bigger movement. Quiet revivals are stirring on college campuses. Worship nights are breaking out among students. Hunger for something real, something holy, is growing. The next generation isn’t just waiting to lead someday. They are seeking God right now! And He is meeting them.
So, here’s the good news. As a church, we will keep showing up. We will keep planting. We will keep believing that God can do more with one seed of faith than we could ever imagine.
Because this isn’t just about raising up the next generation; it’s about being faithful to the call, generation to generation.
To God be the glory!
– Mark
