by Chip Borgstadt

Go. The word has major implications in the Bible. God told Abraham, “Go to a place that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Moses trembled when God told him to go across the Jorden River (Joshua 1:2)

The prophets were always confronted with “Go.” Jeremiah was told to “go to all whom I send you” (1:7); Isaiah, “Go and say this to the people” (6:9); Ezekial, “Go, speak to the house of Israel” (3:1); Jonah, “Go at once” (1:2); and Hosea, “Go” (1:2).

Jesus said “Go.” On three occasions, he told his disciples to “go” reach out to others with the good news. In those three situations. Jesus models ministry that reaches hurting youth and changes their lives.

”Go on your way” (Luke 10:3). In Luke 10:1-12, Jesus sent seventy disciples into the field with a task to accomplish: to proclaim peace. They were to avoid the delays caused by carrying extra clothes and the distraction of worrying about money. They were to offer peace wherever they went.

We are sent with a mission of proclamation. Youth are desperate for peace – with God, with others, with us, within themselves. We give life when we enter the daily routine of young people with the peace of Christ.

From TV’s fast-paced fifteen-second commercial spots to the droning thirty-minute infomercials, the message is the same: Buy this or do this and everything will be better. The message is always to good to be true. It’s little wonder that when young people are offered the unconditional love of God, totally free, they find it hard to accept. The things they’ve bought haven’t lived up to their expectations. Things have worn out, fallen apart, been used up – all without coming close to fulfilling the claims. So why buy into God?

Trust is developed only in relationship. A relationship with a caring friend who knows God can lead to a relationship with God. Through the words and actions of a caring adult believer, the newcomer experiences a welcome both priceless and reliable. Words and actions fuse. We “go and tell” so youth might believe.

“Go feed them.” In Luke 9:12-17 the disciples were surrounded by hungry people who had come to hear what Jesus had to say and were far from home at mealtime. The disciples were immersed in the situation, but were unable to solve the problem. They looked to Jesus. He told them to find out what they had.

Miraculously, with Jesus’ blessing, the disciples fed the crowd with only loaves of bread and two fish. The leftovers equaled far more than the original amount. The lavish grace of God had spilled over into the need of the crowds, and even Jesus followers were surprised. Their resources were multiplied; God had given life.

Young people fill our communities. They are hungry. They hear the message of anyone who offers hope. We disciples are overwhelmed by the immensity of the task and the mountain of need. What can we do to respond to their hunger? What can we do to meet their needs?

Jesus tells us to look at the resources we have – our talents, our time, our treasure – and to ask for his blessing as we use them to help others. We are like the disciples of long ago, as we “go and feed” others.

Go…and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). The great Commission, Jesus’ directive to his disciples, forces his followers out of their comfort zones and into life. Disciples are to make other disciples. Making disciples happens through care and involvement. But nothing happens until someone goes.

Jesus said, “Go” and we must. Focusing only on the youth in our congregations would be easier, more comfortable. Yes, they have needs – many times overwhelming. But Jesus said, “Go.”

We cannot limit his message to the household of faith, but are compelled to open our doors as we go out into places where the message is foreign and suspect.

We have the prime directive to invite others to a relationship of grace and new possibilities. We are charged with the task of teaching them to recognize God’s presence in their lives so that they too can join the mission to “go and make disciples.”

Chip Borgstadt, a youth ministry consulatant and writer, lives in Omaha, Nebraska
From Lifegivers, © 1997 by Abingdon Press. This material may be reproduced for educational purposes.

Other articles in the Lifegivers series:
Faith Conversation Skills.
Creating a Welcoming Environment.
Keeping It Real.
Steps to Identify Potential Youth Disciples. Welcoming Youth.
Getting Connected: Real-Life Options in Reaching Out to Youth.
Setting a New Direction.
Experiencing the Gift of Friendship.
Connecting With Youth.
Addressing Our Fears and Dreams.
How Youth Learn.
Helping Youth Know God (By Checking Out Your Feelings).
People Who Resemble God.
Compelling or Repelling.
Help! I Need Volunteers.
The Significant Seven: The Seven Keys to Lifegiving Ministry With Youth.
Welcoming Youth.
Jesus Said, “Go!”.

Brought to you by your youth ministry colleagues at Cokesbury.