The unusual hunger of the younger generation

We must pray that the young people of Elim emulate Christ rather than fall in the trap of trying to copy other leaders or reliving past movements, argues Michelle Nunn

A few months ago, I attended a meeting at the House of Commons and arrived a little early. I took the opportunity to walk along the River Thames and through one of the nearby parks. As I made my way back, I found myself standing by the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928). With time still to spare, I sat on a bench and refreshed my memory about her life and leadership.

Pankhurst organised the suffragette movement in the UK and is recognised as one of the 100 most significant people of the 20th century. Her influence helped shape our society, mobilised women during the First World War, and brought lasting change to voting rights for both women and men.

Yet history also records her militant approach and her willingness to use force to bring about societal change – tactics that only ceased with the outbreak of World War I. While she was undoubtedly a formidable leader with many admirable qualities, there are aspects of her leadership, particularly her use of violence, that I would not encourage anyone to emulate.

Entering the House of Commons, I passed many more statues and portraits of national leaders. When our meeting began in the State Rooms at Speaker’s House, the current Speaker, the Rt Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, welcomed us warmly. He invited us to look around the room at the portraits of more than 150 former Speakers lining the walls.

As we surveyed them, he explained that the practice of chairing Parliament had been passed down from one man to another – with the notable exception of Betty Boothroyd, whose exceptional service included eight years as Speaker and a further 20 years in the House of Lords. He reflected on how his own practice as Speaker had been shaped by the traditions of the House and by observing how others before him had carried the role.

Both moments stirred a deeper reflection

As believers, we can easily fall into the trap of trying to emulate a particular leader or copy someone else’s spirituality, rather than centring our lives directly on Jesus. In the same way, churches can become preoccupied with reliving past movements or traditions instead of being led by the Spirit in the present.

As I pondered how we can drift from the simplicity of following Christ – even with the best intentions – I was deeply encouraged by what I have been hearing from our students at Regents. When reflecting on their growth over the past year, they spoke about prioritising their relationship with Jesus during their studies. Their primary goal was clear – to know Jesus – and they shared the different ways they are intentionally pursuing that aim.

This is profoundly encouraging – not just for me, but, I know, for you too. To see a younger generation undistracted and focused on knowing Christ through Word and Spirit is a gift. It is a privilege to journey with those who have such an unusual hunger for Christ. I am expectant about how the Holy Spirit will respond to that hunger, and how their deepening experience of Jesus will shape them as disciples and influence our nation for Christ.

I share this as both encouragement and invitation – an encouragement to pause and check that your own life remains orientated towards Christ, and an invitation to pray for our students who have set themselves apart to know Jesus through Word and Spirit. Please pray that, as the Holy Spirit responds to their unusual hunger, they will faithfully emulate Christ – and that our love of tradition will never hinder the new things God is doing in our nation today.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.