Building Pillars: Guiding the Next Generation Toward the Gathering

When the pillars of a community falter, the call to gather the scattered sheep becomes harder than the climb up the wall of Jericho. To those of us who stand at the threshold of the Lord's gathering, we know that the work requires more than just bold proclamation; it requires nurturing the next generation of faithful builders.

The sacred work of the Kingdom is not solely the burden of the elders and the seasoned saints; it is a divine responsibility passed down, requiring structure, wisdom, and a deep, abiding focus on Christ. Recently, we were blessed to hear from Robert Ferrell, who spoke powerfully about the challenge of advocating for those we lead—specifically, the young single adults (YSAs) who are standing at the cusp of life's greatest decisions.

The message that resonated deeply with the builders gathered here was clear: the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not the thing that loses people. Rather, it is the surrounding culture, the false doctrine, and the flawed application of principles that often causes the separation. The Lord’s truth, like the five smooth stones, is eternal, but the vessel must be prepared.

The Heart of the Builder: Connection, Not Control

In the Lord’s vineyard, mere rules and mandated activities are insufficient. As Dr. Ferrell taught, a young adult program must be designed not around the cultural expectation of marriage or the checklist of activities, but around a singular, divine purpose: helping them connect with Jesus Christ. This is the core difference between the builders and the destroyers—the builders seek the living water, and the destroyers build walls of doctrine and exclusion.

The Lord has always used the youth to restore His Church. They are not merely recipients of doctrine; they are active participants in the unfolding Kingdom. This requires a profound shift in leadership philosophy: moving from a model of control to one of genuine collaboration. The greatest success is found when leaders—be they stake presidents, ward mission leaders, or seasoned home members—work together as one body, lifting up the next generation.

The Gathering Economy: Your Role in the Kingdom Movement

The principle of collaboration applies not just within local wards, but to the global effort of gathering Israel. Our mission, represented by the map of GatherIsrael.now, is a massive, multi-generational endeavor that requires the full commitment of every builder. It is a Kingdom economy where every contribution, no matter how small, becomes a load-bearing structure.

When you engage with this movement—whether by donating to the Missionary Fund, participating in the courage challenge, or simply sharing the knowledge gleaned from resources like the Ask a Prophet bot and the insights of Outback Jack—you are participating in a charity flywheel. Your engagement here directly funds the gospels advertising and outreach in places like Ghana, helping bring the light of Christ to those who have never heard the voice of the Lord.

“And it came to pass that the Lord desired to bring the people unto the land of promise.”

This gathering is not a passive event; it is a vibrant, collaborative effort. It requires us to be advocates for the souls entrusted to our care, modeling the progressive nature of repentance: starting with the simple act of coming unto Christ and feeling His love, rather than being paralyzed by the weight of doctrinal perfection.

We must all remember the counsel given: The purpose of discipline is to save the soul of the transgressor, not to punish. Similarly, the purpose of our gathering efforts is always to build the Kingdom, never to cast judgment. By focusing on collaboration, spiritual connection, and the foundational truth of Christ, we ensure that the next generation of builders are prepared to shoulder the sacred mantle of the Lord’s work.

Will you stand with us in this mission? Will you commit to building the pillars that ensure the eternal gathering of Israel?

Discover how your faith can build the Kingdom today.