Introduction

has a revolution started?

In his 2005 book, Revolution, Christian statistician George Barna identifies a critical trend. His research has observed a growing sub-culture of what he calls “Revolutionaries”. A Revolutionary is someone like Barna’s example called David, whose

“life reflects the very ideas and principles that characterized the life and purpose of Jesus Christ and that advance the Kingdom of God–despite the fact that David rarely attends church services. He is typical of a new breed of disciples of Jesus Christ. They are not willing to play religious games and aren’t interested in being part of a religious community that is not intentionally and aggressively advancing God’s Kingdom. They are people who want more of God–much more–in their lives. And that are doing whatever it takes to get it.” (Revolution, 7)

As the rest of the book describes, this emerging group of devoted disciples will indeed do whatever it takes, even if it means leaving the churches they have remained loyal to during their previous years. As Barna continues,

“These people are devout follows of Jesus Christ who are serious about their faith, who are constantly worshipping and interacting with God, and whose lives are centred on their belief in Christ. Some of them are aligned with a congregational church, but many of them are not. The key to understanding Revolutionaries is not what church they attend, or even if they attend. Instead, it’s their complete dedication to being thoroughly Christian by viewing every moment of life through a spiritual lens and making every decision in light of biblical principles. These are individuals who are determined to glorify God every day through every thought, word, and deed in their lives.” (Revolution, 8).

Is Barna describing what was described over 100 years ago?

Just before the return of Jesus “there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word”? (Great Controversy, 464)

At least for now, we can see that the Holy Spirit is stirring people’s desires to go deeper. Particularly among younger people, there is a growing hunger to live out the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, no matter the cost.

The curriculum materials here are tools designed to encourage youth and adults in this great pursusit.