Today’s youth want to make a difference and be agents of change. They experience pressures from external sources (society, friends, and constant stimulation), internal sources (anxiety, depression, loneliness, selfishness), and deal with the typical teen’s philosophical dilemmas of wanting to know who they are, what the purpose of their life is, and desire for authenticity in relationships. We understand and acknowledge their issues, yet we also have seen lives transformed by the power of God’s Word.
We, too, wrestle with doubt, selfishness, and fear—yet we know that only through a daily dying to ourselves and being raised in the waters in Baptism can we walk closer with our Lord and discover the path He has laid before us.
What would happen if thousands of our high school students read through the Bible in a year? What changes would occur? What Gospel power would be released?
A Challenge
We propose that all those who seek transformation in themselves and in their community take up the challenge to read the Bible in one year. This October, in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, high school students (and their parents!) will begin to read through the entire Bible with the goal of finishing it in one year. The Reformation Bible Reading Plan can be found at herewestand.michigandistrict.org and will also be available on YouVersion–a free Bible on your phone, tablet, and/or computer that brings God’s Word into your daily life.
The theme for this student Bible reading program is Crafted By Truth, based on John 8:31-32. Students from Concordia University Ann Arbor will support the effort through blogs, videos, and Social Media posts by encouraging and engaging high school students in conversation, inspiration, accountability, and prayer.
Pastors, youth leaders, family life educators, teachers, principals, Sunday school teachers, and the like are encouraged to recruit students in their congregations and schools to join the movement and consider incorporating it into chapels, Bible studies, and meetings.
Getting Involved in the Reformation Spirit
As we prepare to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation with the Here We Stand Campaign, we want the young people in our Church not simply to remember the Reformation but to join its Gospel power by becoming Bible readers.
We also pray that God will use this year as a period of both birth and renewal for these students as they more fully realize whom God has made them to be and step into His plan for their lives. Let’s join together as a community and push each other to grow spiritually, grow closer to Christ, and develop a sense of confidence and peace in the process.
Photo (c) Mixmike/iStock
