“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
There are the themes that you plan, and then there are the themes that the Holy Spirit creates. IGNITE 2024 was a beautiful mix of
Jesus’ call to &GO and make disciples, tempered with Holy Spirit wisdom—that the only way we can be faithful in that call is if we can &GO as our authentic selves.
From Jonathan Traylor, the main worship artist, to Angie Rose, to Rev. Kate Monahan, to Bishop Moore-Koikoi, who closed us out on Sunday morning, all of them, in their own ways, pointed to the power and the purpose found in being who God made us to be.
On Friday night, Pastor YaNi Davis told the crowd, “When you know your purpose, you have a reason to wake up every day and find joy.” Angie Rose, the concert artist, shared how, when she found herself in a dark place, God brought her back into the light and gave her new life.
On Saturday morning, students raved about her testimony. “Angie told us her story about her drug addiction. It spoke to me. I faced something similar to her,” shared Margot.
Rev. Kate Monahan picked up the theme on Saturday morning, encouraging everyone to pay attention to the things that “light them up.”
She proclaimed, “God put God’s goodness in you. Your creativity, your humor, your
friendliness, your helpfulness, your love for animals, your instrument, your leadership skills, are all reflections of a God who took the time to carefully MAKE you in a way that is unique and special.” That message took root and blossomed as the weekend progressed.
On Saturday afternoon, participants had the opportunity to meet with the speakers or participate in the open mic on the East Deck. Rev. Joe Kim, the speaker for Saturday night, invited those in his session to share their authentic selves with each other. “When we do life together, it doesn’t matter the cool things you did. It matters who you are.”
Pastor Kate Monahan encouraged students to think about the problems that need fixing in the world, then consider what they love doing, and imagine how they could use their passions to address these problems.
In the second afternoon session, some chose the mission project of writing Christmas cards to persons in prison, while others gravitated towards Go & Flow, a yoga chapel experience.
On Saturday night, Rev. Joe Kim challenged everyone present to let go of assumptions and insecurities. As he concluded, he proclaimed, ”
Maybe you need to let go, because this is the amazing thing. When you do let go, when you open yourself up to God’s goodness and grace, you can experience life in the way that God intended. Not only are you transformed to claim your own belovedness, but you are also transformed so that you can share it with your community.”
By the grace of God, a miniature version of the beloved community formed over the weekend. Worship leader Jonathan Traylor
fostered a sense of radical welcome. He invited those dancing in the front to return to their seats and bring a friend up with them. When students gathered for prayer on Saturday night, Traylor took time to pray with some of the young men. Those moments made an impact on Matthew and Logan from First UMC Moorestown.
Students from across the connection felt the welcoming vibe. Lexi from Hopewell UMC shared, “I really like it here. I feel like you can open up and be yourself.” Abby from Bridgewater UMC added, “Everyone has been so inclusive. The worship was amazing. I loved it so much and all the praying that we did.”
Having nurtured their authentic selves over the course of the weekend, Bishop Moore-Koikoi sent everyone gathered out to be totally and completely themselves as they go and make disciples. “There’s someone who needs to hear about racial justice and discipleship in your voice. There’s someone who needs to hear about the environment and environmental justice in your voice… God needs all of us to be who God has called us to be. If we don’t do that, there’s someone who might miss out on hearing about the love of Jesus Christ.”
After gathering at the table for communion, Bishop Moore-Koikoi sent everyone forth with a charge and blessing:
“Go to the places where being yourself matters.
Go speak hope in the way that only you can.
& GO be your authentic self.
& Go be you.”
Students, leaders, and volunteers departed with the intention of carrying all they had experienced with them. Regina shared, “I feel like I go home lighter. A weight lifted off my shoulders a bit… [my faith is] probably not different, just more. Everything is positively enhanced.” A student from Bridgewater UMC committed to “try to see God more everywhere—not just on these trips—especially in the really, really hard times when it seems like He’s not there at all.”
Aditya, also from Bridgewater UMC, made a commitment to wear his “God clothes” more often. He wants to “do those things you do every day at IGNITE and then bring that into your everyday routine. When you pray every day and read every day, it helps you carry that mountaintop with you.”
This year it is easier than ever to carry the IGNITE experience with you. Download the IGNITE 5-week devotional today.
IGNITE is more than just a weekend retreat. It is designed to ignite faith development in this generation of young disciples. Register today to secure your spot for IGNITE 2025 and lock in the lowest price for your whole group. Registration closes Nov. 1, 2024.