There is a high degree of spiritual appetite among many of the next generation. One assembly I know just completed four weeks of intensive Bible study for the young people, led by a senior man in the assembly. They went for three hours each night. Another assembly’s young people recently spent a Saturday night delivering “meals on wheels” to some of the senior Christians. Rise Up and Build in Lexington witnessed the enthusiasm of more than 400 young people going all day in Bible exposition seminars, finally shutting down at 11:00 pm with Dr. David Gooding in a question and answer session.
We have a golden opportunity to commit the truth to the next generation. Are we doing it? Here are some suggestions:
1. Cater to the highest spiritual level, not the lowest. For many years, young people’s activities were designed to reach the carnal and unspiritual. It was a responsibility the assembly assumed for the rebellious; the spiritual kids had to fend for themselves. Thriving young peoples’ groups today place a high emphasis on Bible study and practical service. It may require a transition; there will be some disruption of the status quo. But it will pay rich dividends among the youth when the spiritual is given emphasis.
2. Make the Bible, not basketball, the focus of young peoples’ meetings. Now there is nothing wrong with some good, healthy, physical activity, especially for young people. The problem in the past was that ‘activities’ were made the primary focus for young people, leading them to think the Christian life and assembly life was a mere social function. Young people today want to understand the Bible and to live it. The more we demand, the more they like it. Make the Bible the first order of business. However, this will require some example setting. There is a major difference between a good basketball game to relax after serious Bible study or a brief sermonette after a serious basketball game.
3. Encourage practical service. There is a great deal to do in the assembly. Visit the elderly, clean up the assembly building and property, help the missionary class, give out tracts, to name a few. The joy of fellowship in the service of the Lord develops lasting friendships and needed encouragement for both the servants and the served.
4. Encourage attendance at all assembly meetings. More and more we are noticing assembly meetings have a high percentage of attendance by young people. They are becoming the reliable attenders. Don’t let young people fall into the bad habit of another generation–making assembly meetings optional.
5. Encourage the development of gift. Timothy was encouraged to “stir up” his gift. Young people need opportunities to develop. Some youth show potential in public ministry, others in private. Both should be encouraged. One assembly I know allowed the young people to open the Sunday night meeting. In the past, experienced preachers often invited a young man to give a brief message at the beginning of the meeting.
Older women need to help younger women develop their gift, too. The whole assembly should be behind them. This will take grace and patience for the inevitable mistakes. Some will want to go beyond their ability in their enthusiasm, others will be reluctant to attempt something for the Lord. Both will need gentle, loving correction.
6. Pray for our young people. The Christian life has sufficient resources for the close of the 20th century. Sure, things are bad around us. The world is a terrible place with many snares. But this is not new. Immerse our young people in prayer. God can keep them. Through our prayers the Lord will equip and preserve them.
7. Love them. Let them see genuine Christian love in action. The fellowship among believers knows no age barrier. Young people don’t want you to be like them, but they can’t resist your love for them. This will speak volumes to them. They will do the same for others.
Kids today! We have been given a tremendous opportunity to “commit…to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Let’s not miss our only shot.