The concept of being “in the gap” originates from a verse in the Bible, Ezekiel 22:30 – “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” This account in the Bible gives insight on how the nation of Israel was filled with corruption, deception, and abuse from the political and religious leaders of the land down to the common individuals. God was looking for someone to turn them away from the destructive path they were on; but unable to find anyone, He destroyed them.
Observing the rapid self-destruction that is sweeping across America’s youth and children through irresponsibility, dishonesty, crime, gangs, peer pressure, entertainment, drugs, sex, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and suicide, God calls us to rise up and “stand in the gap” on behalf of the upcoming generations.
After working many years as the School Coordinator and Internship Program Director for a local non-profit organization in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, while also teaching character in elementary classrooms and training high school and college students, Chad Christiansen saw first-hand the needs and struggles children are facing today. His heart was moved to make a difference in the lives of children before they are caught up in the negative influences that surround them.
In early 2010, due to economic shortfalls, the difficult decision was made by organizational leaders to close down their volunteer internship program, which had run successfully for the previous thirteen years. After weighing various options and consulting the leadership about the future of the Internship and School programs, Chad and Alissa sensed God leading them to use this opportunity to begin a new organization.
This decision was extremely difficult. They had a young family and they weren’t that crazy about the idea of running their own organization… but they were passionate about reaching this next generation for Christ and for equipping and mobilizing a new generation of world-changing leaders who would take up the call of Jesus to go make disciples of all nations. The new ministry would continue teaching character lessons to children, but would also expand into working with children through after-school and community programs. Through a multiple set of miracles and God’s direct leading, in the summer of 2010, In The Gap was born.
Since our founding, In The Gap has trained and equipped hundreds of young adults from across the USA and several countries around the world through our Leadership Missions Training program and Operation Impact. As a direct result our teams have ministered to tens of thousands of children across Oklahoma City and in four countries around the world.
In The Gap seeks to train youth and young adults to effectively communicate truth, be salt and light, and make a difference in children’s lives – now, and for eternity. Our Vision is large, and our Mission is challenging, but with God’s strength and the help of those who are concerned for the future of our children, together we will make a positive difference for the NEXT generation!
