Why the Jesus Movement must live on through us

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There was a time, not so long ago, when a generation on the edge of disillusionment and despair encountered a spark that ignited their hearts and set them ablaze for Christ. Those of us who lived through or were influenced by the Jesus Movement know what it means to feel the raw power of Gods Spirit, reshaping lives and redefining purposes. It was a time of revelation—a divine vision of what could be, where the Gospel became real, tangible, and urgent. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us: Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint, but blessed is the one who heeds wisdoms instruction.” The Jesus Movement was that revelation for our generation, and its time to bring it forward again.

To rekindle that fire, we must first step back into the time and place where God met us. Remember how it felt to feel the weight of cultural upheaval, to search for meaning in a broken world, and to finally encounter the revelation of Jesus Christ as the answer to every longing? We were in our 20s and 30s then—searching, hungry, sometimes rebellious, yet open to something bigger than ourselves.

Step back into that space and recall how believers reached across the divide, not to judge or lecture, but to walk with us in authenticity and love. Remember how one-on-one relationships with mentors and spiritual companions became lifelines, leading us deeper into faith and closer to God? Think of how their influence rippled outward, transforming not just individuals, but entire communities.

Now realize this: the younger generation today — those in their 20s and 30s — are walking that same road. And they need what we once had. They need you and me.

Todays Millennials and those of Gen Z are facing their own cultural storms — fractured communities, relentless digital noise, conspiracy theories, misinformation, and a deep thirst for authenticity and purpose. Many feel disconnected from traditional faith structures, longing instead for real, life-giving relationships that demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus, though they may not know even what that is.

We must step into their shoes and see the world through their eyes — their struggles, their hopes, their questions about faith, meaning, and belonging. Resist the temptation to dismiss their challenges as shallow or their methods as misguided. Instead, recognize in them the same searching spirit that brought us to Jesus all those years ago. Be willing to walk alongside them, offering not lectures but love, not rules but relationship, not judgment but grace.

In the Jesus Movement, revival didnt come through massive programs or grand strategies. It came through people. One person at a time, one conversation at a time, one prayer at a time. The movement grew because people cared enough to build relationships that mattered — relationships rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Imagine the impact if we did this again. Imagine what would happen if you became a friend to a Millennial or Gen Zer searching for guidance in their faith journey whether they were a believer or not. What if you were present in their life, not as an authority figure, but as a friend, listener, and fellow traveler? What if you shared your story — not just your victories, but your struggles, your questions, your moments of doubt? What if you were real, vulnerable and Christ-like?

When you invest in one life, you dont just influence that person — you influence every life they touch. A single relationship can transform a family, a workplace, a community. This is how movements begin.

When we come alongside the younger generation, we equip them to take the Gospel of Welcome — Grace Turned Outward — into the places only they can reach. Their workplaces, schools, social circles, and digital communities become mission fields, and the ripple effects of one-on-one relationships can create waves of change. Together, we become a living picture of the body of Christ: intergenerational, interconnected, and working together to fulfill Gods purposes.

The revelation of Proverbs 29:18 isnt just for one generation — its for all generations. Without a vision, people will wander, lose heart, and drift. But with revelation — divine guidance and the wisdom of God — we can guide each other into a life of purpose and blessing. Those of us who experienced the Jesus Movement carry that vision still. Its time to share it again.

Will you answer the call?

Step back into the moment when God first transformed your life. Step into the shoes of those searching for the same hope today. Build relationships, one by one, that will ripple outward to change communities, cities, and even the world. This is the legacy of the Jesus Movement, and this is the work were called to now. The Jesus Movement never ended because Jesus is still moving. We are still experiencing the Jesus Movement and we are not done yet. The fire may be down to embers, but not out by any means. It’s just waiting for someone in their 20s or 30s to fan it into flame.

Introducing our new podcast, Between the Answers 

“Between the Answers” podcast will look back to the pioneers of a historical phenomenon: the Jesus Movement, examine why it transformed into a broader social and political force over time, and ask questions about the Movement’s original message and its transformative power today. Our premise lies in the questions we need to ask between the answers.

Join John & Marti for the latest podcast by clicking on the logo:

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