You and I know that the best parents are the ones who train their young ones to fly. They teach them how to become good managers of money, to solve problems on their own, and to be responsible. Good parents want their children to be successful in life.
It should be the same for the Church. In the Great Commission (Jesus’ final words to the Church), He emphasizes two key things we should be doing: evangelizing the lost and discipling the believers. Christian leaders should be equipping the younger generation to take over and to lead God’s way. The Church will one day be relying on the next generation of believers to carry the torch… the torch Christian leaders have carried through the ages.
So, the question becomes: Are they ready? Is the next generation ready to lead the Church?
Let’s examine this...
Many young people are well educated, good leaders, confident, and full of passion. They stand up for what they believe in. Some have become pioneers and have made a difference in the world. But are they ready to lead the Church forward? I’m not so sure.
One article I read said that believers today are less biblically literate than their predecessors. They are more relational than theological. And they have been heavily influenced by years of biased media reporting and anti-Israel sentiments on university campuses.
Why are they less biblically literate? Because the Church has been preaching watered-down messages for some time. They are not teaching the WHOLE counsel of God’s Word. They sweep sin under the rug because they are afraid of offending or losing congregants.
I believe we’ve become immune to sin. We’re believing Satan’s lies. We don’t call sin sin any more. Therefore, without good solid teaching in the Church, young people are falling through the cracks. They’re getting weaker, not stronger.
FYI: I’m speaking of the corporate Church. There are certainly many churches equipping young people and hopefully, you are involved in one of those places where the mandate of Christ is at the forefront.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul led by example. He spent considerable time mentoring others. Timothy was one of Paul’s proteges. As Paul was getting older and his time of earth was coming to an end, he wrote two letters (1 and 2 Timothy) to his young pupil – the one who would soon carry on what Paul began.
Ponder what Paul said to Timothy…
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:13
Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2
I hope you noticed that Paul was focused on TRUTH. Truth is at the core of the Christian faith and it’s important we pour it into others. Truth dispels lies. Truth leads us. Truth is what helps the Church to survive.
It’s important we do not let our lifestyle influence truth, but that we let truth influence our lifestyle. But in today’s society, people aren’t willing to surrender their sinful lifestyle. Instead, they twist Scripture to fit their lifestyle. They look for Christians or churches that accept them for the way they’re living, rather than to seek a way out.
We need to stand on the side of truth and we need to train the younger generation in TRUTH. Ask God to bring younger Christians into your life so that you might have the opportunity to train them in God’s Word so they might lead the Church forward when the time comes.