Mobilise 2008 Review

Mobilise has come a long way from the humble beginnings of 350 delegates in 2004. With about 1,700 students and twenties, this year’s event was not only the biggest but one of the most exciting, as we gathered to meet with God and be challenged and shaped by fantastic teaching.

There was a unity and intensity to the messages of the week, both in our Mobilise morning sessions and through the teaching of Mark Driscoll. There is so much more that God has in store for us if we will only step up and increase our passion for church planting and taking the gospel to the nation.

Mark Driscoll’s three sessions on missions and movements were breathtaking. Whilst there was so much to take in about the gospel, the church and the Spirit, it was his sheer passion for strategic, nation-changing leadership that gripped my attention. He wasn’t simply talking to the current leaders; those in their thirties and above. I want to remind you of what he said in his third session:

‘Historically, young people have tended to be at the centre of new movements, at least early on. I believe that when God said to Terry “include the students in the leadership conference”, that was God’s way of saying I anticipate further, ongoing, continuing renewal.’

He listed a whole number of young pioneers; George Whitfield, who began to minister aged 25, D.L. Moody at age 21 and C.H. Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards and Billy Graham who all began ministry aged only 19.

‘The truth is that God likes to empower young people to lead movements. What they lack in wisdom they make up for with zeal. And if those with a bit of wisdom can come alongside and make the transition from player to coach then they will succeed.’

I believe he really hit the nail on the head. If we are to see an increased growth in church planting and mission then we need to be raising up new young leaders. It excites me to see so many hundreds of you gathering alongside leaders and standing together for the gospel.

As you reflect on the conference, listen to the seminar downloads and prepare for the year ahead, can I encourage you not to lose sight of the wonderful privilege it is to be young men and women, called by God to be a part of His salvation plan for the world. Let’s get out there this year and make a difference!

Tom Shaw
The City Church Canterbury

To download talks from Mobilise visit the resources page