Stephen Foster, a church leader in Oxford and former barrister, shares inspiring stories of faith and transformation at St Aldate’s. He discusses the powerful impact of the Alpha course, where individuals transition from skepticism to leadership. Stephen also highlights the rising spiritual interest among Gen Z, showcasing how the Holy Spirit is moving through their lives. Emphasizing the need for confidence in sharing the gospel, he encourages a vibrant, Christ-centered community that invites others on a journey of faith.
A significant spiritual awakening among younger generations is evident, with many confidently exploring and inviting peers into faith experiences.
Stephen Foster's personal journey highlights the transformative power of encountering the Holy Spirit, influencing his commitment to church leadership and justice advocacy.
Active involvement in community service, like leading a coffee team, fosters deeper connections and appreciation for the church's mission and diversity.
Deep dives
A Transformative Dream
A 17-year-old experienced a dream where a voice told her to read about Jesus in Luke's Gospel. Astonishingly, she found a Bible open to this passage on her bedside table when she woke up. This moment highlights the unexpected ways individuals can feel called to spiritual exploration, even if they don't come from a religious background. It serves as a powerful example of how personal revelations can ignite curiosity and lead individuals, especially youth, towards faith.
Remarkable Conversions and Community Impact
Stephen Foster recounts witnessing overwhelming numbers of individuals coming to faith in Oxford, primarily among the younger generation, particularly Gen Z. His church has seen first-time attendees, including prison leavers and those recovering from addiction, experiencing profound spiritual transformations. One notable story involved a young woman testifying that she had met God during her first visit to church, illustrating the excitement and openness of a generation ready for spiritual encounters. This shift in conversion narratives reveals a substantial movement towards belief among youth who are eager to explore faith.
Personal Faith Journey and Calling
Stephen shares his personal faith journey from a tumultuous teenage period, where he wrestled with his beliefs, to a life-altering encounter with the Holy Spirit during university. This experience redefined his relationship with Jesus and redirected his life towards church leadership and advocacy for justice. His background as a barrister enabled him to witness and support those at their lowest moments, connecting to his role within the church. Ultimately, this journey demonstrates the importance of personal conviction in shaping one's vocation and service to others.
The Role of Community Service
Stephen describes how leading a coffee team at church unexpectedly deepened his love for the community and made him appreciate the church's diversity. Initially hesitant, he learned that serving others fostered a stronger connection to his church and its mission, reinforcing the notion that active involvement in ministry can lead to personal growth. This experience transformed his views on church dynamics, leading him to embrace a proactive stance in his ministry and the significance of communal ties in faith. His realization emphasizes how hands-on service can cultivate appreciation and commitment to one's faith community.
A Spiritual Awakening Among Young People
The podcast highlights a spiritual awakening happening among younger generations characterized by boldness and openness toward faith. Many young individuals are not only taking part in church but also inviting their peers, spreading curiosity about Jesus. They are expressing their faith with confidence, unlike previous generations that often felt apprehensive about their beliefs. This shift showcases a new era of engagement where the Holy Spirit is moving through dreams and ordinary encounters, suggesting that young people are increasingly ready to explore their spiritual identities.
Stephen leads St Aldate’s in Oxford, having originally worked as a successful barrister in London. What is going on there these days is profoundly encouraging, with many folks encountering God and coming to faith on a weekly basis. It’s a rocking podcast that left me totally fired up!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sC8prVIkMNc
