It Takes A Village | Pastor Stephen A. Green | August 23, 2026

Main message: The church and community must reclaim a "village" mindset to surround, pray for, teach, celebrate, and protect young people—modeled by Mary rushing to Elizabeth, where community presence, the Holy Spirit, joy, and celebration change lives.

Key points:

• The speaker warns of a "crisis in the village" (falling literacy, poverty, mental-health and school violence concerns) and urges communal responsibility for children.
• Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–45) demonstrates the power and purpose of seeking faithful community in times of crisis.
• The presence of the Holy Spirit in community awakens joy and shifts atmospheres; faithful worship and prayer around children deeply influence them.
• Children are present now, not merely the future; the church must affirm, equip, and celebrate young people and give them spiritual responsibility.
• Practical charge: surround kids with godly, praying people, teach them Scripture, let them worship, and publicly celebrate and pray for them.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 1:39–45, 1 Timothy 4:12, Matthew 19:14