Category: Interviews
InsideOut: As pastor of the Pentecostals of Alexandria, you get to see into hundreds of students’ lives. What is one thing that you admire about this generation?
Anthony Mangun: I admire this generation’s high-tech skills and their development of unique ways to communicate the gospel in a high-tech society.
IO: What do you do for outreach?
BS: In our schools, many students are very involved in organizations like FCA. I have been able to speak and lead worship at FCA meetings and “See You at the Pole” through these connections our students have made. Many students also teach Bible studies during lunch and hold prayer meetings before school begins. Also, we have students that have a worship service every Friday morning at their school. The greatest thing that has happened at Revolution is a “come see” culture where students consistently bring seeking friends to youth service. We teach the students at Revolution that outreach is a lifestyle and not just an event!
We are not here to rack up numbers that will look good on a stat sheet, and the way our plan of developing young people to reflect the image of God on an individual level is structured, we will not let one young person slip away without a well organized attempt on our part to disciple them to become more like Christ. This is our burden and passion.
Our attitude when presenting truth must be right. I don’t believe we accomplish anything by acting arrogant, or being angry, or, God forbid, being mean. The academic environment dictates an academic response. With a smile on our faces, we can present the truths of Scripture in a loving, matter-of-fact manner.
The Word of God is the final rule in all matters of faith and practice. It is vital that everyone, and especially the up and coming generation of the Church, be thoroughly acquainted with its teachings. Its principles are unchanging and will guide the Church regardless of the current culture and any opposition to biblical truth it attempts to bring.