Congregations Unite #4Waukegan
In 2017, twelve congregations in Waukegan began coming together with the goal of developing new ministries with and for young adults. As part of this journey, we held listening sessions with both churched and unchurched young adults.
Some common impressions of churches emerged, along with some common desires. Many shared how they experienced the church to be too inwardly focused. Others shared how they saw the church to be divided across racial/ethnic and denominational lines. Still others longed for the church to speak up on current issues facing the community.
Over time, this feedback began to convict our hearts afresh. During one prayer meeting, pastors wept over our collective sins. We needed to repent.
As this conviction unfolded, conversations about a casino coming to Waukegan gained more public attention. Through much prayer, conversation, listening and learning together, we felt led to make a statement at Waukegan City Council.
We gathered united, wearing #4Waukegan hoodies. Thirty minutes before Council started, the chambers were at capacity. Soon after, the first overflow shutdown. After that, the downstairs filled with people, and then the building closed at capacity. Many were turned away at the doors. Some alderman mentioned that this may be the first time the building closed at capacity for a Council meeting.
Four people made statements on behalf of the hundreds of congregation members. One statement is included below.
News reporters shared about the council meeting in both English and Spanish newspapers. As an inter-generational, multi-ethnic crowd, many shared how this gathering demonstrated a beautiful, united witness for the church of Jesus Christ. One young adult shared how it was one of the most moving nights she has participated in as a Christian.
Newton, Jim. 2019. “Church Crowd Opposes Waukegan Casino Proposal, but Mayor Confident Plan Will Move Forward.” Lake County News-Sun, October 8, 2019.
Following this evening, pastors gathered for discernment about next steps. We felt a strong sense that we needed to pray for the city at the next Council meeting.
On a cold and windy night, over 100 Christians from local congregations gathered to worship God together and pray for the community. As we sang, the City Clerk came down and asked us to move further down the sidewalk…as our praises to God were penetrating the walls and filling the Council chambers!
This visible witness created curiosity among many. One casino supporter came over and said, “You all are definitely on the right side!” Several pastors from outside Waukegan committed to the unified prayer efforts for revival and holistic witness. Many young adults shared how this experience was deeply formative and gave them a picture of the church as God intended…salt and light of the world.
Photo credit: Daniel Cho
We started this journey with the goal of developing ministries with and for young adults. That is happening. But we are experiencing even more.
Step by step, we are becoming the Church that God desires. Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be unified. Through that unity, the world would see the love of God and gospel of Jesus Christ.
Somehow unity and evangelism are linked in God’s economy. At a recent prayer gathering, one person shared how they have seen more people give their lives to Christ in the past few months than over the past four years combined. Hallelujah! To God be glory.
What are the next steps? We believe God has so much more for Waukegan. We are excited to see God’s Kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. God will lead us forward #4Waukegan and beyond.