Changing Lives to Change the World

“Why not? Why not believe that one day the most critically acclaimed director in Hollywood could be an active Christian layman in his church? Why not hope that the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting could go to a Christian journalist? Is it really too much of a stretch to think that a major exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art could feature the works of an artist on staff at one of our fine Christian colleges?

Am I out my mind to suggest that your son or daughter could be the principle dancer for the Joffrey Ballet Company, leading a weekly Bible study for other dancers in what was once considered a profession that was morally bankrupt? I don’t think so. In fact, I believe it has been the pessimistic vision of the church that has prevented generations of young people from venturing out in to the culture-shaping professions of our world. I’ve always wondered why we could be so quick to sacrifice our children to become missionaries but stand in the way of their becoming broadcast journalists, film and television actors, photographers, and painters. It’s almost as if we believe God is strong enough to take care of his own only as they stay within the safety of the Christian ghetto. And yet, the Bible gives us countless of people like Joseph, who not only served as an adviser to the “president” of his day but also used that position to influence the entire land…

Without our strategic involvement in the culture-shaping arenas of art, entertainment, the media, education, and the like, this nation simply cannot be the great and glorious society it once was. If we are to be obedient to our Lord’s call to go into all the world, we will begin reentering the fields that we have fled.”

These are the words of the Emmy Award-winning television producer, Bob Briner from his 1993 book, Roaring Lambs.

That same year, 1993, in a basement-level room in the Georgia State Capitol, Tim Echols was attending a weekly prayer meeting. Here’s how Tim recalls it: “As we said ‘Amen,’ after a lengthy time of intercession, I shared that I believed God wanted me to bring young people to the Capitol to learn more about the political process. The others agreed wholeheartedly and suggested the name TeenPact. The very first class in 1994 had just 18 students. We brought back outstanding students to “staff” each of the following classes. The ministry grew to South Carolina in 1995, we officially incorporated in 1996, and the rest is history.”

As we begin our twenty-fourth State Class season, we invite you to join us. Our nation, our culture, our communities are in desperate need of what TeenPact is all about — namely, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Christ’s life-transforming love grips the lives of our students this year, we pray that the Lord would be glorified in our work of inspiring godly, culture-shaping leaders.

He has told you, O man, what is good;and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Tomorrow, our 2017 Traveling Intern Team gathers near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to begin their training for the 2017 State Class season. Please keep them in your prayers.