There’s something powerful about gathering with believers who don’t speak your language, don’t dress like you, and don’t live in your cultural context—but who share the same love for Jesus.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of two global gatherings—one in Florida and one in Finland. In both instances, the Lord overwhelmed me with His goodness as I saw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered to celebrate what God is doing and to reaffirm their commitment to reach the world with the Gospel. It was inspiring!
As I’ve traveled throughout different countries—from dusty villages to urban megacities—I’ve been awed by the beauty of the global Church. Through translators and tear-filled prayers, I’ve experienced its power. The Church is alive—and it’s worth celebrating.
One Body, Many Parts
Scripture tells us:
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
That truth isn’t limited to your youth group or your church. It spans continents. It echoes in house churches in Southeast Asia, in underground gatherings in the Middle East, in youth camps across Africa, and in storefront churches in Latin America.
It’s easy for students to think the Church begins and ends with what they see on a Wednesday night or Sunday morning. But the Church is global. And Jesus is continuing to build His Church in every corner of the world.
What an incredible opportunity we have as youth leaders—not only to teach our students this marvelous truth, but to invite them into celebrating it.
Global Perspective Changes Local Passion
When students get a glimpse of the global Church, it often ignites something new in them. They realize the Gospel isn’t just a message for their friends; it’s the hope of the whole world. That perspective doesn’t pull them away from local mission—it fuels it.
It reframes how they pray. It expands how they serve. It humbles their assumptions. And it deepens their gratitude for the freedom and resources they may take for granted.
Whether through a mission trip, a video story from a young believer overseas, or a simple moment of prayer for persecuted Christians, even small exposures to the global Church can reshape a teenager’s faith.
This is one of the reasons I’m so excited about our Lead THE Cause event this summer. We’ll be welcoming 15 international leaders from a dozen countries who will take part in this experience with us. The 400 students and youth leaders attending will get to meet these leaders and hear their stories—bringing the global Church to life in a personal and powerful way.
Unity in the Midst of Diversity
One of the most beautiful things about the global Church is how diverse and yet united it is at the same time. Different expressions of worship. Different styles of preaching. Different rhythms of gathering. And yet—one Lord. One faith. One mission.
In a world that’s increasingly divided, the Church has a chance to be a living, breathing testimony to what unity in Christ looks like.
Let’s not keep that vision from our students.
A Challenge for You—and Your Students
This month, take time to expose your students to the global Church. Show a story from another country. Pray for a church across the world. Invite a missionary to share. Challenge your teens to give or go.
And remind them: They are part of something so much bigger than themselves. The global Church isn’t just out there somewhere. They belong to it. They’re in it. And they’re called to love it, pray for it, and celebrate it.
Because the Church of Jesus Christ—global, local, diverse, united—is worth celebrating!
