AM HQ Studies 19th Century Student Movement to Mobilize Masses of Youth

AM HQ Studies 19th Century Student Movement to Mobilize Masses of Youth

Apostolos Missions International is a campus ministry seeking to mobilize the youth of the world effectively for service in God's Kingdom. Various movements have successfully gathered students for the cause of preaching the Gospel on campuses. However, the movement lead by D.L Moody is marked as a great example for youth missions.

"Faith makes all things possible... love makes all things easy," Dwight L. Moody

The evangelist Dwight L. Moody was a one of the most important revivalists in modern Christian history. Often considered the first mass evangelist, Moody gave 19th century America a lasting example of mass evangelism and education when he committed over 5000 college students and turned them into missionaries one university at a time. 

The battle cry that led to such spirited evangelism among the youth was "all should go and go to all," according to A.T. Pierson. Moody's strategy for evangelism was to gather a large amount of students and teach them intensively. Moody was known as a simple person who maintained a high view of Scripture, great faith in prayer, and strict focus on mission. He was a man who always sought for the Holy Spirit and longed for greater spiritual power. 

During an open youth summer conference Moody organized, 151 students attended. Although the conference seemed like an average retreat with Bible studies and fellowship, prayer groups eventually allowed it to spark a movement of missionaries among the students. By the end of the conference, 100 of those students gave their lives to serve world mission.  

One of Moody's disciples, John R. Mott, led a world-wide movement called "Student Volunteer Movement," (SVM). This organization allowed for more students with mission interests to gather often for prayer, Bible studies, and conferences. Moody, Mott, and their co-workers continued to travel to over 150 universities to find, train and dispatch missionaries with great zeal. Eventually, they evangelized thousands of students who later would bare fruits in mission fields around the world.

Beyond the number of missionaries that were born through Moody's mass gatherings and conferences, a new movement of lay mission was circulating. All interested students could volunteer through SVM and other similar organizations were growing to allow for all kinds of people to participate in mission. Moody himself was not ordained or formally educated in theology. And therefore, he encouraged the participation of every kind of person and opened the doors of the church to everyone. 

Although mission around the world generally began to fade after World War I, the mass evangelism movement of students sparked a historic and influential interest in mission during that era. Moody's evangelistic approach and revival is sometimes referred to as the "Third Great Awakening."

"Without higher education, he founded three schools. Without theological training, he reshaped Victorian Christianity. Without radio or television, he reached 100 million people," Christian History Magazine posted about Moody.

Similarly, in today's world, millions can be reached in one effort and be caught in the net of the truth for the advancement of the Gospel. 

 

 

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Events
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    Aug
    Olivet Teen Mission Summer Camp 2025

    The OTM Summer Camp 2025 is a special gathering for teens to grow in faith and leadership. Through Bible studies, prayer, fellowship, and fun activities, teens will deepen their relationship with God, build meaningful friendships, and be equipped as future spiritual leaders in their churches and communities.

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    Europe Olivet Leadership Institute Q3

    The Europe Olivet Leadership Institute (OLI) Q3 is a regional leadership training program designed to equip current and future leaders for ministry and mission. Held at Pilgrim Hall in the UK, the training focuses on deepening understanding of core Christian doctrines, strengthening spiritual leadership skills, and fostering unity in the body of Christ.

  • 08
    Jun
    Pentecost Sunday 2025: Empowered for Mission

    On June 8, 2025, World Olivet Assembly churches will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through worship, prayer, and reflection on Acts 2, believers will renew their commitment to the Great Commission, empowered to spread the gospel with boldness and faith.

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

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World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global gathering of evangelical churches and para-church organizations existing for the advancement of world mission.

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.