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“RESTORERS” GIVE ME HOPE


“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord
Jesus” Colossians 3:17

In my reading, I have worked my way through a wonderful book titled, "The Next
Christians." Author Gabe Lyons helps the reader see what is giving life and passion to
believers in Christ today. There is not a specific age limit for these faithful individuals,
but it is the motivating factor of many eighteen to thirty-five-year-old Christians. What motivates them gives me hope in the work being accomplished by the Christian Church today.

Here is what Gabe Lyons writes:

I've observed a new generation of Christians who feel empowered. Restorers exhibit the mind-set, humility, and commitment that seem destined to rejuvenate the momentum of the faith. They have a peculiar way of thinking, being, and doing that is radically different from previous generations. Telling others about Jesus is important, but conversion isn't their only motive. Their mission is to infuse the world with beauty, grace, justice, and love.

I call them restorers because they envision the world as it was meant to be and they work toward that vision. Restorers seek to mend earth's brokenness. They recognize that the world will not be completely healed until Christ's return, but they believe that the process begins now as we partner with God. Through sowing seeds of restoration, they believe others will see Christ through us and the Christian faith will reap a much larger harvest.

They are purposeful about their careers and generous with their time and possessions. They don't separate from the world or blend in; rather, they thoughtfully engage. Fully aware of the sea change under way, they are optimistic that God is on the move-doing something unique in our time.

They possess a way of following Jesus that is radically different from the others I've described. And they may carry the most hope for the future credibility of the entire Christian movement in the West. It combines the best of both expressions (both Separatist and Cultural Christians do have strengths) but adds an entirely new ingredient that makes their faith come alive: restoration.

The perspective they exhibit is not anew Christian idea; it's actually quite old. But what's fascinating to see is how they have latched onto one concept in particular and applied it in every area of their life. Their faith activity isn't restricted to "religious" activities, but carries over into every day of the week and each aspect of their careers, relationships, and social lives.

I see this hope today within the ministry of Oak Heights Covenant Church, and we have a great future. God has placed many people in our midst who have the hearts to be restorers. We need to listen to their heart's passions, seek ways to carry out this work to the world around us, and celebrate the renewed direction of the Christian Church, which is to be a healing agent to a broken world.

Do you have the heart of a “restorer?”

Pastor Steve