N is for Newness

Now, how does that re-founding actually take place? What happens to make it happen? Do the resources for so fundamental a change come from within us? Or don't we need outside help?

Being both a systematic theologian and a pietist (meaning, one whose Christian faith includes an emotional dimension), about the best possible experience for me is a combination, a theological-spiritual one. I had one this summer, on my congregation's youth trip. I think you'll appreciate it.

Our first stop was three days at a work camp in Tennessee, run by a protestant company that provides good resources for youth ministry. It was overall a good experience. In the three evening programs of music, interactive activities, video, speaking, etc., there were two themes that seemed to me to predominate. One was "Let's get excited." Now, I think that Christians have a great deal to be joyful about -- even excited -- so that made sense to me. The other was, "Let's make a commitment to Christ." Again, being committed to the Savior seems an excellent thing to do.