Did you know YOU play a key role in reaching the next generation for the Lord?
Each one of us is responsible for putting this scripture into action:
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine.
Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.
Teach them to your children.
Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,
so that as long as the sky remains above the earth,
you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.”
Deut. 11:18-21 NLT
For context, please read this post I wrote for Kingdom Edge Magazine, which is a great starting point for this discussion. I encourage you to hop over and read it HERE for a fuller understanding of your role in this important task. I break it down into what each existing generation can do to reach younger generations with the truth of God’s Word.
As churches begin to reopen during the quarantine, everything is going to look different. Many young people will be hungry for new ways of interaction, and we can meet their needs in unique ways.
5 Steps to Reach the Next Generation for the Lord
I have an idea that you can start in your own homes and churches. It’s a way that we can reach the next generation for the Lord and minister directly to their felt needs. Here’s a breakdown of my idea that will flex according to your situation. I pray you will consider it and present it to your pastors and ministry leaders.
1. To reach Millennials and Gen Z for the Lord, we need to meet them first in practical ways.
The best way to do this is with a meal. Many young people have grown up without enjoying wholesome, home-cooked meals. But they enjoy eating them!
And, I know many people in the Silent and Baby Boomer generations who are amazing cooks. Why not use your kitchen talents to bless younger people with a great meal?
Nothing fancy is required. I know very few people who will turn down spaghetti, chili, tacos, roasted chicken, and the like, especially if it is home-cooked. Store-bought meals are fine in a pinch, but I recommend we restart the church picnic-style, potluck meals that everyone loves and appreciates, especially on busy nights. Provide a variety of healthy and indulgent foods so everyone can find something they like.
Oh, and don’t forget the homemade cakes, cookies, brownies, and coffeecakes for dessert! (FYI: I love Ghirardelli brownie mixes even better than brownies made from scratch. I simply add in goodies like dried cherries, chocolate chips, and/or walnuts to make them more special. You have my permission to take shortcuts, friend!)
2. You’ll also need a group dedicated to providing child care.
Young parents are tired and taxed at the end of the day and the end of the weekend. If we can lift the burden of child care for an hour or two, we will have the lion’s share of the young adults’ attention.
This is where our teens and older children can shine in service. Any grandparents who want to love on babies are welcome too! As long as people rotate out on this job, no one will burn out and get grumpy.
Before you say, “I’ve already done my duty,” will you take just one shift per month, or even once per quarter, in the child care sector of this gathering? You may experience a surprise blessing in a connection with a generation that hasn’t even garnered a moniker yet!
If you can work in a Bible lesson while you’re at it, all the better! But the main thing is to have fun with the little children and to love on them. They need to form relationships with other adults and older children in the church too.
3. Millennials and Gen Z people are hungry, even desperate, for “adulting” tips.
Why not start off the discussion on a very practical level? You can have them send in questions in advance, or start up a mentoring network that matches young couples with older couples.
You’d be surprised at the wealth of knowledge you’ve accumulated that you take for granted, such as maintaining a vehicle, making small repairs, managing schedules, and kitchen tips. All of this knowledge could be an excellent in-road for helping the younger generations that lack this knowledge. Be open to sharing lots of practical tips.
Start the conversation with their practical needs. When they can get those needs met, they will be open and ready to listen to spiritual instruction.
4. Authenticity is a MUST.
Younger generations are yearning for real stories about your failures and triumphs, but especially your failures. You Silents and Boomers, I know this is a bit harder for you, since you weren’t raised to be as open with your feelings and faults as Gen X’ers like me. But I guarantee if you will open up with your own stories of faith, not pithy Christianese, you will captivate the younger audiences.
My former pastor taught me to always start my faith stories with “I” rather than “You should,” because no one can argue with what I believe or what happened to me. Plus, “you should” puts people on the defense. By using “I” in your stories, you’ll hold their attention.
Simply tell your stories. As humans, we are wired to listen to stories more than anything else. I don’t think that will ever change, no matter how sophisticated our societies become.
Once you’ve told your stories, be all ears to their feedback and questions. This is the step where you can put the scripture above into play. Teach them how to apply faith lessons and God’s Word in their own lives through your stories.
5. Repeat these gatherings on a regular basis.
The goal of these gatherings is to establish relationships. Studies show that young people need at least five trusted friends within the Church to keep coming back. They need to know they matter.
Relationships take time. They require your investment. It won’t be cheap or casual. It will require your all.
If we all make this investment now, and start laying the foundation for it before we begin meeting again in regular church services, we’ll be able to minister to the next generation with greater success.
So, what can YOU do in this process? Where do YOU see yourself serving? You matter, friend! Your contribution is vital!
Feel free to share this post with your pastor, ministry leaders, and community leaders. Contact your church now to get a mentor match-up and identify young families who may be interested in attending. Go ahead and get this ball rolling, friend. Don’t wait!
Do you have a prayer request to share with me, or feedback on this devotion? You can reply below in the comments or email me on my Contact page.
I have an idea that you can start in your own homes and churches. It's 5 steps to reach the next generation for the Lord by meeting their felt needs. #ministry #GenZ Click To Tweet
5 Steps to Reach the Next Generation for the Lord
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