In the journey of faith, some Christians, despite being raised in Christian households and attending private Christian schools, encounter a crossroads where they question the once seemingly unshakeable foundation of their faith. Drawing from my experience as a pastor and Christian school teacher, here are crucial lessons I’ve learned in guiding young individuals through contemporary challenges.
- Genuine Ownership of Faith: Many individuals, especially young people, may have inherited their faith from generations past. They go to church because their parents made them to. they are walking the path carved by their parents and grandparents, their journey lacks depth and safe challenges to test their faith to make that faith truly their own. As pastors, we must encourage them to personalize their faith and to nurture it to grow.
- Navigating Hypocrisy: The disillusionment from witnessing unaddressed hypocrisy within the church, and even within their own homes, can be a stumbling block. Of course, everyone is prone to hypocrisy, and I would argue the closer one preaches the true gospel, the more inclined they are to hypocrisy as it is harder to fulfill it fully. This is where pastors need to confront hypocrisy in the church while at the same time pointing to the truth that Christians are not perfect but forgiven and church is about pointing to christ as the author and the perfecter of our faith not the pastor.
- The Importance of Discipleship: For some, the absence of genuine discipleship has left them vulnerable to deception and false teaching. Pastors play a pivotal role in walking alongside these believers, providing the support needed to solidify their faith by systematically and habitually teaching from God’s word, not their personal opinions and views.
- Cultural Shifts and Faith Challenges: Living in a rapidly changing culture, young believers are often influenced by societal norms and social media that diverge from their Christian upbringing. As pastors, we must address these challenges openly, recognizing the cultural shifts and guiding them through a faith that remains relevant amidst change. For example just twenty years ago believers where not assaulted by an onslaught of advertising and entertainment pushing a degenerate agenda and sinful behavior. By not being straight forward about what is sinful a generation of young believers have been left confused how to live.
- Addressing Doubt with Compassion: The younger generation often grapples with questions that demand genuine answers. Pastors should create an environment where doubts are not criticized but compassionately acknowledged. The belief that withstands scrutiny is the essence of a resilient faith. We need to raise resilient disciples for Christ.
- Grounding in the Word of God: Lack of preaching word and grounding in the word is a common issue, leading to skepticism towards the Bible. Pastors should declare the word and explain the reasons behind the belief. This approach helps bridge the gap between skepticism and a profound understanding of the Scriptures.
- Emphasizing the Fruits of the Spirit: Drawing inspiration from Galatians 5:22-23, pastors can guide believers to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By embodying these virtues in their daily lives, individuals not only strengthen their personal faith but also contribute to a harmonious and uplifting church community.
- Promoting Unity and Fellowship: The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. Pastors can draw on passages like Psalm 133:1 and Ephesians 4:3 to underscore the significance of maintaining unity in the body of Christ. Encouraging a spirit of cooperation and fellowship helps create a church community where members support and uplift one another, fostering a collective faith journey grounded in biblical principles.
- Confronting Sin and Unbelief: Sin can pave the way to unbelief. Pastors must address this reality with sensitivity, recognizing that struggles with sin are part of the human experience, but this is exactly why Jesus came and what He saved us from. By providing a place for confronting sinful lifestyles as well as giving space for repentance , we can guide them back onto the path of faith.
- Building Stronger Church Communities: If young believers find a stronger sense of community outside the church, it’s a call for introspection. Pastors should strive to create vibrant and inclusive church communities that offer the friendship and fellowship sought by the youth, ensuring a sense of belonging within the church.
- Utilizing Technology for Outreach: In an era dominated by technology, pastors can leverage online platforms to extend their reach. Creating meaningful and accessible content, such as online sermons, podcasts, and interactive discussions, enables pastors to connect with the younger generation on platforms they frequent.
In navigating these challenges, pastors can play a transformative role in guiding the next generation toward a faith that is resilient, deeply personal, and anchored in the unchanging truths of the word.