This week I downloaded the audio book Just As I Am, the autobiography from global evangelist Billy Graham.  He presents his life story with a level of remarkable humility, in spite of the fact that he was on a first name basis with presidents, celebrities, world dignitaries, and his ministry reached countless millions all over the world.

As I am listening to Rev. Graham read his own words, what jumps out to me is that God uses ordinary people to do the extraordinary.  That said, I am doubtful that if someone was to try the same techniques of public evangelism that the same results would be there.  I could be wrong (and I'd love to be proven so), but it seems that there has been a great shift in the way that people embrace their faith.

As a young adult, you are inundated with information, experiences and challenges in an unprecedented way.  As a result, your self identify can easily find itself covered up by layers of superficiality.  Throughout history, God has been searching for people who are raw, real and authentic.  He values and encourages transparency.  If your church experience has modeled for you something contrary to this, I believe you have a misconstrued picture of what Jesus intended the Church to be.  After all, He excepts you just as you are.     

-Matthew W. Gamble, DMin