Will young people be the future of the church—or the end of it? That probably depends on who you ask.
In some countries, statistics show that young people are either leaving the church at alarming rates or refusing to enter its doors in the first place. But in other parts of the world, young Christians are growing in numbers, and their message is one of hope, not defeat.
The urgency of Jesus’s words in Revelation 22:7, “Look, I am coming soon!” compels us to share God’s truth and reach the next generation.
But where should we begin?
Janie Stephens, BSF Executive Office Coordinator and former Young Adult Teaching Leader, sees a promising future for the Church and Bible Study Fellowship worldwide. Her own life was transformed through BSF, and she believes each of us can help shepherd and support younger generations to champion the cause of Christ.
If you feel discouraged about the next generation, Janie has a message for you: Do not despair.
Step 1. Seek to understand their struggles
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Each new generation faces challenges that can feel different from the challenges of those who came before them. What does the Bible have to say about topics like artificial intelligence, biohacking, or modern warfare? Younger generations are asking these difficult questions.
Janie points out, “We need to recognize that the dynamics young adults are dealing with today are, in some ways, different than what was faced before. But while these challenges may feel unfamiliar, we can also recognize that, as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 1:9, ‘There is nothing new under the sun.’”
In today’s culture, the gospel offers certainty in an uncertain world.
While young people face complex challenges, God is not surprised. His Word is always sufficient. He has planted each one of us here, for this time, to share His truth from generation to generation. As Christians, we can model our hope in Christ for young people who desperately need it.
In Revelation, we read about coming judgment and a culture in complete decline—but even then, God’s Word is sufficient. In today’s culture, the gospel offers certainty in an uncertain world. Young people continue to struggle with questions about life, purpose, and identity. When we take the time to understand their struggles, we are better equipped to point them to the gospel.
Step 2. Build a relationship
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
Younger generations are facing record levels of isolation and loneliness. In an increasingly divided world, the authentic connections of the body of Christ can be a powerful remedy. Christ-centered relationships offer an important example of the gospel’s power to draw God’s people together.
Janie experienced this for herself as a young adult in BSF when the women in her group began including her, and other young adults, in weekly meals and fellowship.
“The multigenerational dynamic was so special. Through our casual conversations, I learned so much about what it looks like to walk with Christ daily. Plus, it was also just a lot of fun!”
In an increasingly divided world, the authentic connections of the body of Christ can be a powerful remedy.
In a world of social media connections, we can be confident that building a gospel-centered relationship is powerful.
“There’s so much value in multigenerational relationships, and I think young adults really do want that. They want someone who’s gone before them, who can pour into them and answer their questions.”
Step 3. Equip them to lead
“Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
Perhaps the most powerful way to encourage a new generation of Christians is to empower young believers to become leaders.
“They are at an age where they have the time, the capacity, the energy, and the dreams and desires to change the world,” Janie says.
Janie shares that encouraging young people to lead isn’t just a task for those in positions of power or influence. Her own life was transformed when mentors in BSF recognized her personal abilities and helped her to use those gifts for Christ.
“These were the people in my life who saw things in me, saw how the Lord had gifted me, and called that out. They were able to see the potential in me, and lo and behold, as step-by-step I trusted the Lord, I discovered something that I loved doing. That really changed the entire trajectory of my life, and it all came from serving in a BSF class.”
That really changed the entire trajectory of my life, and it all came from serving in a BSF class.
Through the encouragement of these mentors, Janie discovered a passion for teaching God’s Word that led her to become a Teaching Leader, attend seminary, and now serve as BSF’s Executive Office Coordinator.
“Because I was fortunate enough to have faithful Christian women pour into me through BSF, I want to be that catalyst for the next generation. I want to help others recognize how the Lord has specifically gifted them and encourage them to step out in faith, even if and when it’s scary. As I reflect on my own call to lead, I would have never stepped out on my own without the encouragement of others. They saw something in me, encouraged me, and as a result I was able to see the Lord come through in ways I would have never experienced otherwise.”
As we continue to study the future in Revelation: The Hope, we realize that each of us is called to share His Word today. These simple steps to bridging the generational gap can help us make an impact for eternity.