A Weekend With 500 Gen Zs

More than 500 Gen Z students from churches across Ontario gathered on the May long weekend for a catalytic time of worship, teaching, small group discipleship, and fun activities. The theme of this year’s All Ontario Youth Convention was empowerment by the Holy Spirit—learning to “rise” from passive faith and “reign” with the authority God gives his children.

Message Canada’s Lucas Burton served as a keynote speaker at the 40th annual convention, one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Canada. Along with casting vision for Spirit-filled mission, he also connected with dozens of youth leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of communicating the gospel to today’s generation.

Reflecting on the weekend, Lucas said, “While I welcomed the opportunity to address rooms filled with people, I’m just as grateful for moments of conversation and prayer over meals, in between sessions, and in the unscheduled moments of the gathering.”

He explained that he often felt prompted to ask a particular question before praying with others. “As I was about to pray for a young leader, I was reminded of the question Jesus asks in Mark 10:51: ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ So I began to ask people, ‘What do you want Jesus to do for you?’ Something about the sincerity of Jesus’ care and his desire to meet them in their place of longing and need was deeply moving for many. This simple question seemed to usher us into an honest, sacred place and made for such rich experiences of prayer.”

As much as Lucas appreciated the chance to serve, he said his highlight was witnessing youth minister to one another. “On the final evening of the convention we heard a message about receiving a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Instead of inviting youth to respond by coming forward for prayer, a space was created for them to pray over one another. Soon, huddles of young people filled the room, linking arms in prayer and inviting God to fill them anew.”

In a generation facing significant challenges, Lucas said he is filled with expectation for what God will do as these young people walk in their identity as children of God and ambassadors of King Jesus.