We had our first night of REMIX (www.relevantstudents.com) this week and all day I have been stuck on the idea that people have a deep need to belong. No matter if you create environments for adults or teens they all need to belong to Christ and belong to a group. The need is deep, it is real, and we create places so people can find connection and authentic relationships. This week we tried to drive home the idea that we have REMIX so that we can figure out what following Christ looks like TOGETHER. That word together is huge. Following Christ is not a solo act. Jesus never modeled a faith that was expressed in isolation apart from others. Read this…

16 As he was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.
17 Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me! I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish.”
18 They immediately left their nets and followed him.
19 As Jesus went on a little farther, he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat preparing their nets to go fishing.
20 He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee and the hired men in the boat and followed Jesus. Mark 1:16-20

It is amazing to me that Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to join a group of people who would follow after Him for the next three years. Yes, as soon as they followed after Jesus they were with others. These first followers were in a group. I cannot help but connect that with the work we do with students as we invite them to be a part of this movement called Christianity. We are calling them to belong to the most significant movement they can ever belong to. We are calling them to connect to truth, hope, love, peace, and faith that is found in Jesus and lived out in this group we call church, or youth ministry, or young life, or community group, or small group. It is TOGETHER.

I am thrilled I do not have to live life alone. I am thrilled I get to be a part of helping others belong. If you are out there and you are creating an group or environment for kids, adult, or teens keep striving. You are making a difference.