Most of us, if we're honest, look back to the days of our youth—those school and college years—and remember feeling a little confused as we searched for our identity. Whether we were raised in godly or godless homes, most of us were searching for something or someone to identify with.

Like countless other generations all through history, we were looking for something to unite under, something to follow, something to live for. We were looking for a banner. And we were looking for someone to carry it.

Moses knew what it meant to lead people as they searched for identity. He was the one who was leading the people of God out of slavery into hope, and said the words, "The Lord is our banner." It's till true today. Our God is still the only banner we'll ever need to follow. It's an ancient truth, but God is still with us today, still leading the march through history.

History's a funny thing. These days it can seem as though we don't have much time for it, but if you ask me, it's vital to Christianity and vital to worship. That's why I think it's so important that we place an emphasis on the fact that we are part of a deep-rooted history of Christians who have survived. History matters, and the sacred call to worship has been heard for thousands of years.

But all this talk of banners can be confusing. Should churches just raise theirs and expect people to come along? Is our sole aim to get people into church and ignore what else is going on beyond our walls? 

Of course not, and I think we run into issues when we work ourselves ragged trying to "get" people to church. I want to encourage churches to go out and serve their community more than worry about who's coming to their services.

Any church committed to the local transformation of their city will go into the city. That's why we should let the students who come to church be trained and awakened to the things of God.

Then they will go—out into schools, onto athletic fields, homes, and every other crazy places—carrying the hope of Christ, raising their banner high.

For the original article, visit weareworship.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.