Here’s a blast from the past. This article published in the local Mound Paper — The Laker — describes the philosophy behind the Revolution teen ministry I launched and led (2005-07). We hope MainStreet launches strong so we can re-launch a dynamic youth ministry like Revolution able to reach local teens for Christ. -JB
Words like “revolution” and “Ground zero” are usually not the first words that come to mind when you think of church. Jeremy Berg, leader of the emerging Revolution Teen Ministry in Mound, would argue, however, that these may be the perfect words to describe the type of Christian youth movement Jeremy hopes to see launched in his hometown of Mound.
“I’m afraid something has gone seriously wrong,” Jeremy laments. “The place where heaven and earth are supposed to collide, where the power of God Almighty is waiting to ignite teenage hearts and forever change their lives, has all to often gained the reputation of being boring, irrelevant and lifeless. Whatever happened to church?”
Revolution seeks to invite a more holistic approach to Christian life, one where students integrate their faith into every arena of their lives, rather than separating their everyday lives and activities front their weekly dose of religion on Wednesday night youth group or Sunday morning worship. Revolution wants to meet youth on their own turf, bringing the revolutionary Way of Jesus outside the church walls and into the everyday world of today’s teens.
Jeremy Berg, a ’98 MWHS graduate, is an active leader in the community whose many hats include boys basketball coach, substitute teacher, driver education instructor, and youth pastor at Bethel Methodist Church. Jeremy hopes to spread the message that “Christianity is not simply about going to church on Sunday and being good boys and girls. Rather, the Christian life is an invitation to join Jesus in living a radically different kind of life, becoming active participants in his powerful revolution of love and service, and bringing the peace of God’s reign — his Kingdom — to a world in need of fresh hope for the future.”
The Revolution kicked off Friday, November 17, 2006, with a Battle of the Bands & Talent Show. The event featured over 30 talented acts including four high school bands, two college bands, representing 4 high schools, two universities and several local area churches. Nearly 150 students packed the basement of Bethel Methodist Church renamed “Ground Zero,” to join in this celebration of local youth talent. “I knew the youth of this town were musically gifted,” Jeremy remarked. “But I had no idea they were this good!”
By the end of the night the words on most lips were: “We need to do this again — soon!” So, echoing the rally cry Jeremy repeated throughout the night, “If you hear rumors of a revolution in Mound, don’t be alarmed. Just go check it out!”
Some photos from the Revolution (2005-07):
Kingdom Harbor 
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