Bethany Partner in Mission

At a recent Evangelical Fellowship of Canada conference, the question came up: “How are we going to stem the tide of youth who are leaving the Canadian church in droves?”

I was shocked by the frank question, as well as the implications that this perspective reflects in terms of the future of the church here. But I was blown away by the answer given by both a denominational leader and a para-church executive:

“We are hoping that Inter-Varsity will provide the people we need to turn this thing around.”

As incredible and absurd as this statement is, it really does capture the essence of my work. Inter-Varsity is to be a key player in providing the next generation of leaders, working with high school and university students who have often lost their enthusiasm for their faith.

How can we have a hope to do this? By coming alongside the students; life-on-life mentoring, love, truth, authenticity, vulnerability, hope and vision are the keys to inviting these students into a vibrant life with Jesus. Staff people who give of themselves and pour themselves out, who in turn inspire students to do the same thing, etc, etc, etc.

Although it is uncommon for a Vice President to lead summer mission trips, I needed to get a read on this student generation, so I led a team to Zambia last July. What did I see in these students? Is there still hope for a generation of change agents?

You bet your life there is! I watched amazing things happening with this group, including students discovering gifts in teaching and leadership. We may very well provide those leaders that the Canadian church so desperately needs.

By the way , did I mention that I love this job?! The stretching is exhilarating for me, and many great things are going on. God’s goodness and the joy that he has is also part of that fire hose experience, I feel bathed in miracles along with my hard challenges. This is so worth it!