The numbers are staggering - 32,000,000 students are in the United States. The staggering truth is that the vast majority of students do not attend church regularly! Thom Rainer, President of LifeWay Christian Resources states, "If the trends continue, the Millennial Generation will see churches closing as quickly as GM dealerships."
So what is happening to them?
- Follow the Leader - For many, they are simply following the lead of their parents. When those who have the greatest influence on them are not fully engaged with following Jesus, why should they? In his article "Fathers: the greatest influence," Michael Craven states, "In short, if a father does not go to church, no matter how faithful his wife's devotions, only one child in 50 will become a regular worshipper."
- Practical Atheists Some youth attend church periodically, but have become functionally unchristian in the church environment. They know the "stuff" of Jesus, but they don't follow Him.
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Under-Challenged - Other students have tried the "church thing," and find it lacking challenge. Students' busy schedules and high demands have caused our churches to make our youth ministries into a fun-focused attractional event. Drew Dyke, in his book, Generation Ex-Christian writes, "Youth ministries have become a place for free food, video gaming, loud music and little spiritual engagement." Dr. Tim Elmore of Growing Leaders calls this generation "Overwhelmed But Under-Challenged."
What needs to change?
Lately I have been reading the book "Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory" by Tod Bolsinger. He uses the example of Lewis and Clark, who were instructed by Thomas Jefferson to look for a Northwest water passage, connecting the USA to the Pacific Ocean. Their canoes were useless when they encountered the Rockies. They realized to accomplish their mission they would have to change their methods and leave their boats behind.
The staff team with National Network of Youth Ministries has been grappling with the transformation needed In order to reach "EVERY." We have revised our mission to "Unite Christ-followers in communities through youth leader networks to share the gospel and advance ministry to every teenager." We need to refocus on the life-changing message of Jesus for every teenager by uniting with other Christ followers.
Breaking down "Every"
I have been wrestling with the enormity of the number 32,000,000. How can I do my part to reach every student? Thirty-two million seems so far out of reach! Recently I was struck with this thought; "EVERY drop of rain is responsible for a flood." I alone cannot reach 32,000,000 students. However, WE together can reach more. We are Better Together!
I concluded: I have to take the responsibility for the "Every" that I know. EVERY has a name, and the EVERY that I know are MY responsibility. This is not a task for one person, one church, one denomination, or one organization. This is an opportunity for every individual to reach the "Every" that we each know!
The Reality
Ruth* had no idea of her true worth. Dealing with abuse at home and feeling disconnected at church left her with the feeling she would never measure up. Suicide seemed the best way to leave her misery.
Then she met with a volunteer youth leader. That leader shared that God loves Ruth and knows her by name. Transformed, Ruth then went back to her school friends and shared how to find the true source for life.
I am asking you to join me:
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Pray by name for the "Every" that you know.
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Look around at the students you know. Are there other students around them? Who is offering their peers the message of hope; the message of Jesus?
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Pray the 9:38 Prayer that the "Lord of the harvest will send workers into His fields" (Matthew 9:38) and that someone will journey with these students. May God help us stay faithful to Paul's challenge in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..."
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Focus your network on the "Every" in your community. Imagine if every local network prayed and worked together to share the gospel with every teenager, and equipped them to reach their generation. If it's just up to the adults, it will be overwhelming. But if we are equipping adults AND students to be missionaries, we can envision a sweeping movement of God's Spirit that literally reaches every student.
Could "Every" become a reality where you live?
You make a difference for students like "Ruth" in your community. We would love to help you develop a solid action plan for your network - one that will build your vision into a workable "Every student" strategy.
* Ruth's name has been changed, but her story is true.
Kevin Boer is the Network Coach Trainer for NNYM. He develops coaching and resourcing materials to unite and equip youth workers across the nation.