Using Momentum to Bring Lasting Change

By:  Jack Redmond

BATTLECRY 2009 was incredible as over 13,700 teens, youth leaders and parents experienced 2 days of non-stop power packed ministry.  Our next step is translating the fire, passion and power of God that was experienced for a couple of days, into long lasting transformation in the spiritual lives of our teens!  Whether or not you went to BattleCry 2009, we all can use the tool of momentum to bring lasting change.

Think of it as a bonfire.  You set up the logs, pour on lighter fluid, strike a match and throw it on top.  Instantly, there is a burst of flames that is very powerful as heat and light go forth.  The reality is that if you don’t have kindling set up like smaller pieces of wood, sticks and paper underneath to catch on fire, the momentary excitement will soon fade and leave you with nothing but a cold pile of wood. 

Our teens are a lot like this.  They experienced the burst of power at BattleCry, but if we do not make sure we are doing our part to transfer that burst of flame into a long lasting burning fire, it will be nothing more than a great couple of days at a stadium. 

Here are a few things you can do to take a momentary burst into a long-lasting, powerful, ongoing fire: 

1)      Use the momentum to challenge teens to have a daily quiet time, and ongoing discussions about the issues they face most in life. 

2)      Plan or create the next step while excitement is high.  This may be time to start a choir, a worship band or to even begin an ongoing Bible study or youth service. 

3)      Build your leadership team – I have had many new youth leaders join our team over the years after they chaperoned an event like BattleCry.  When people see what God is doing in teen’s lives, they are more willing to serve the youth generation. 

4)      Stay connected with other youth leaders you may have met or may become connected with through BattleCry.  In my experience, churches that partner together on an ongoing basis build healthier larger youth ministries over time. 

5)      Build culture instead of programs.  When you build a culture where teens want to be and real change is taking place, teens will continue to come out and bring friends! 

Jack Redmond is the Co-Chairman of the Greater New York BattleCry and local youth pastor at Christ Church in Montclair, NJ.  To stay connected for ongoing youth events, leadership training and networking, he can be reached through www.4thgen.org or 973-954-4227.