Upashaker Gurung, the Prayer Director at Zero Hour, and Joshua O’Keith, a leader and former student participant, join the conversation to discuss their passion for empowering high school students as disciple-makers. They explore transformative experiences through prayer and camps, emphasizing the shift from mere participation to equipping students for leadership. Their insights highlight the significance of relational evangelism in community building and the emotional connections formed during outreach, demonstrating the profound impact of youth engagement in faith.
Zero Hour empowers high school students to become active disciple-makers through training, mentorship, and community support.
The podcast emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in fostering spiritual growth and uniting students in their mission to engage with their peers.
Deep dives
The Vision Behind Zero Hour
Zero Hour was conceived as a platform for empowering high school students to become disciple-makers and leaders within their communities. The founders recognized that existing student programs were often insufficient in addressing the unique spiritual needs and challenges faced by young people today. In response, they envisioned a system that integrates training and community for students, supported by mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders. This approach fosters a deep sense of ownership among students, equipping them to pursue their own spiritual journeys while actively engaging in disciple-making efforts.
The Impact of Personal Stories
The podcast highlights the transformation experienced by several individuals involved in Zero Hour, showcasing their journeys of faith and leadership development. Personal stories, such as a student who transitioned from merely participating in the program to leading a disciple-making team at his school, illustrate the profound impact Zero Hour has on its members. These narratives create a vivid picture of how genuine connections and accountability can awaken a sense of purpose and responsibility among young people. As they share their experiences, the guests emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment for students to explore their faith and take actionable steps toward making a difference.
The Role of Prayer in Disciple-Making
A recurring theme in the discussion is the essential role of prayer in nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a culture of disciple-making. Through practices such as prayer walks around schools and dedicated prayer times during retreats, participants highlight the transformative power of engaging with God in a communal setting. This emphasis on prayer not only strengthens the relationship between students and God but also fosters a sense of unity and shared mission among the teams. Many participants noted that significant breakthroughs in their interactions with peers occurred after dedicating time to prayerful reflection and sought guidance from God.
Empowering the Next Generation
The podcast underscored the importance of viewing high school students as active agents of change rather than simply future leaders. The discussions revealed a shift in mindset, focusing on empowering young people to fully engage with their faith and encourage their peers in meaningful ways. By creating opportunities for students to lead within their schools and communities, Zero Hour fosters an environment where their voices and contributions are valued. This approach not only nurtures individual growth but also has the potential to ignite a much broader movement of disciple-making among youth in various settings.
In this episode, Cory and Brian interview three directors from the Zero Hour Hub. Zero Hour focuses on equipping high school students to become disciple-makers in their schools. We get to hear the story of Cory McElvain, Upashaker Gurung, and Joshua O’Keith, as well as how Zero Hour emerged as a Hub in the KCU network. Cory, Upas, and Josh share the importance of changing the paradigm for students from just hanging to equipping and sending through the transformative experiences students have through camps and prayer. They highlight the significant impact of student leadership and the necessity of engaging with the lost in their communities. The story of the next generation being equipped within this network is compelling! If you’re looking to be equipped to reach the next generation check out zerohourministries.org
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