THE AWAKENING
“Awake, O Sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14
What is the Awakening?
The Awakening is an orderly, structured weekend designed for teens (High School sophomores through College-aged Freshmen). The Awakening is designed to bring participants to an awareness of each one’s need to accept Jesus as their Savior, and then begin to make Him Lord in all areas of life. The focus of the Awakening is commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. During the event, one will be inspired, challenged, and equipped for a close, personal relationship with Jesus, and for Christian action in the home, school, work places, and community.
The Image of the Awakening Weekend
1 Samuel 3: 1-10 is the biblical image of the Awakening. Samuel is a boy who ministers to the Lord under Eli, the priest. One night as Samuel is lying down in the temple of the Lord, the Lord calls, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him, so he did not recognize who was calling him. After the Lord calls Samuel three times, Eli perceives that it’s the Lord calling. He instructs Samuel to respond with, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears,” when the Lord calls again. Samuel does as Eli instructs, and hears from the Lord.
What happens at the Awakening?
The Awakening is three days in which “sleepers” live and study together in a worshipful time of singing, prayer, talks, discussion, fellowship and fun! During each of the fifteen talks heard on the weekend, the theme of awakening to God’s call on one’s life is presented. Sleepers will learn more about the journey of walking with Jesus, and will personally experience the grace of God through loving Christian community.
What happens after the Awakening?
One of the most important parts of the Awakening is the follow–up. Although the weekend only lasts for three days, everyone is invited to continue using what they have learned throughout life. While attending the Awakening, each Sleeper is challenged to:
1. Choose Jesus as personal Savior, and begin making Him Lord; and
2. Strengthen one’s spiritual life through study, prayer, worship and Christian community; and
3. Become intentional about personal faith through participation in local church, small groups, and student ministries.
Who should attend the Awakening?
Any student (10th grade through college Freshmen) who desires to grow spiritually and learn more about the journey of walking with Jesus and living for Christ in our world.