The Church & Youth

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What is the place of young men and women in the local church? What is the call and service the youth provide for the body of Jesus Christ in the proclamation of the Gospel to the world? The sooner every reader prayerfully answers these questions, the better off the local church will be. The better off the youth in the local churches will see that they are more than consumers to be entertained during church gatherings and events. Youth in a local church are not a given because you have a “program.” Instead, God entrusts youth to local churches that show Gospel-centered love and present the truth to prepare leaders and pass on the faith delivered to the saints.

“How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word.”[1]

Youth provides the opportunity to engage foundational truths. As each of us ages, there is a real temptation to become so settled in the ways that we may believe in having all the answers or most the correct answers. This may happen in a local church if there is a lack of opportunity to teach the Gospel anew to new generations within a family unit or to new believers as the Lord entrusts them to Gospel-centered congregations. God entrusting youth to the local church provides the local church the rejuvenating joy of re-discovering the Gospel again and again as youth members are taught and trained in faith, doctrine, and the person of God. Reengaging these foundational truths is not impossible without youths as part of the local church; Youths among the church members provide the opportunity for intentional and deliberate expressions of discipleship in an intergenerational manner.

“The glory of young men is their strength,

And the honor of old men is their gray hair.”[2]

Youth provide vigor and liveliness to the local church. The local church is precious in God’s eyes. Whether it comprises seasoned saints only or made of young families and new believers, the local church is part of the eternal Church, the Bride of Christ. Therefore, it is important to see God’s intent on giving us individuals in all stages of life to display the full strength of the body described in Ephesians 4. As young men and women are full of vitality and strength, these, coupled with the wisdom gained from living a while in this world, can lead to a joyful and God-honoring result when all generations are part of the local church. Perhaps you have witnessed it; young boys and girls working alongside their parents, grandparents, and countless others from different generations to serve their community or gather to worship. Is that not a wonderful sight to see?

The local church must be an intergenerational reflection of the community where it ministers the Gospel of Grace.

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”[3]

Young men and women give us hope for the future. As Paul saw the end of his earthly life and ministry, God provided a young man for Paul to train as a pastor for the church in Ephesus. Paul was entrusted with young Timothy. Young Timothy was raised in the faith by his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois), as God purposed to have him lead the local church at the appointed time. The hope is not that the youth would remain in the local church through entertainment, gimmicks, or some cultural expression, but by being instructed and taught how to guard the message entrusted into their care to pass it to those who come behind them. God is honored and glorified when the local church sees the importance of the young men and women as those that will carry on the faith that we received from those that came before us, even those that have been faithful since their youth.

Is God entrusting you to disciple those about to launch into adulthood and the real world? Is your church fortunate to steward disciple a youth group? Then let the whole congregation, not just the “paid professional,” pour into their lives. Give more than money; share your life with the young men and women; leave a legacy that will not perish but will yield eternal results by sharing the Gospel and its implications. Let one generation impact another to worship God as one!

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (Ps 119:9). (1995). The Lockman Foundation. [2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (Pr 20:29). (1995). The Lockman Foundation. [3] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (1 Ti 4:12). (1995). The Lockman Foundation.