To see youth open to the Spirit of God and eager to learn more about God is music to Johnny Gordon’s ears.
As Pastor to Youth and Young adults at Forestview Church, this is what Johnny prays for.
Lately he’s had youth request to be spiritually mentored. They want more.
They’ve told their testimonies and stories of God at work in their lives at worship nights.
They’ve shown up ready to read Scripture and discuss real things.
One youth said that this church is finally her home.
She’s reading the Bible and is just thankful to be there with her faith community.
Three youth were baptized this fall and more are interested.
When Johnny arrived at Forestview, the young adults group was small.
In fact, three people showed up for the first evening.
They started studying the book of John and just talking about the basics of Christian faith – prayer, reading Scripture, how to live as a follower of Jesus.
That three has now become 37.
It’s hard to know exactly why – except that people seem to know that this is a welcoming and hospitable space where they can find community.
Although culture says that you need to have life all figured out, the young adults group is a space where you can think and talk and it’s alright to ask questions.
Johnny is faithfully doing what he thinks he should be doing while God is bringing people together in really wonderful ways.
The Spirit of God is prompting young people to recognize the spiritual hunger within themselves and is directing them towards this small community of faith as a way to know and love God in deeper and more intimate ways.
We plant and water but it is God who brings new life.
Whew. Thank God for that.
Photo creds: Tim Mossholder (Unsplash)