Dreaming Dreams

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

your young men will see visions.”

— Joel 2:28

We are setting aside the month of July as Youth Month—a time to focus intentionally on our younger generation. During this season, some youth pastors and leaders will be invited to take the pulpit, and we will listen to the voices and visions God is stirring in them.

But what does “newgen” preaching sound like? What are the opportunities and

challenges today’s young leaders face?

Will our youths invite their friends to MPCC? And what about us—those of us who are older? Will we invite the young to church?

Sometimes we wonder: does the presence of a mostly adult congregation make our services less appealing to young visitors? If a newcomer walked into a room full of only MPCC youths, would they immediately feel welcome and at ease?

What truly draws young people to the Gospel and to the Church? In my generation, we might say passion and conviction. But is that still true today?

These are some of the questions we recently discussed at our staff meeting. And we admit—there are no quick or easy answers. Perhaps that’s a good thing. Because when answers don’t come readily, it prompts us to pray, to seek the Lord, to care, and to dream.

I’ve been in ministry long enough to know what discouragement looks like. In nearly every parish I’ve served, there were seasons when youth ministry seemed dry and hopeless. No signs of breakthrough. No momentum. But still, we dared to dream. We prayed. We sought the Lord.

And then… it happened.

I recall my days as a foreign student at NUS. A few of us began attending a nearby

parish. The leaders there had long been praying for a breakthrough, especially among students—since the church was located along the education belt. In time, a revival took place. Many students began attending. Some from that group eventually became pastors and missionaries.

In another parish, youth ministry was a struggle. One morning, I received a prophetic word from the Lord: “Youths will be streaming to this parish.” At the time, it seemed almost laughable. Most of the second-generation youths were unengaged and lacking in confidence. But slowly, some began to rise up. The ministry eventually grew into one of the most vibrant youth works in the Diocese.

There was yet another time when a youth pastor came into my office deeply

discouraged. He was ready to quit. Honestly, even with my years of experience, I

couldn’t see a way forward. But one day, the Lord dropped a word of wisdom into my spirit—and something shifted. The ministry turned around. He was so encouraged that he later responded to God’s call and entered the ordained ministry.

Miracles do happen. But they begin with desire and prayer.

If MPCC is serious about thinking forward, we cannot do so without our younger

brothers and sisters. This isn’t about us “adults” stepping aside so they can take over.

Rather, we walk with them, mentor them, encourage them. Often not with big

speeches—but with quiet, faithful examples.

So let’s dream together.

Let’s grow a desire to see MPCC not only include the young—but be filled, shaped,

and eventually led by them.

And may the Holy Spirit—poured out on all people—awaken visions, stir dreams, and move us into His future.