You are the model for future generations of disciplers

Written by Chris Skinner

Chuck Bomar, in his book The Slow Fade, contends that young people are walking away from the church at an alarming rate. It seems that churches do a decent job of educating kids about Christ and the Christian life up until high school graduation, but then they are pretty much left to fend for themselves, with bad results. Very few churches spend time and resources ministering to the needs of this generation, but even those that do aren’t always effective. This is what Bomar calls “the slow fade,” as students are gradually swept away by the philosophies of this world taught in their classrooms.

What can be done about this? Fortunately, Bomar says, the answer is relationships! And nothing facilitates the beginning of a great relationship like one-on-one discipleship. Young adults, although they may look scary on the outside, are really starving for Godward connection with older believers. For example, David Kinnaman, who directed analysis of Barna research on the subject in 2009, explained that the “central theme of young people’s approach to the Bible is skepticism.” However, that same research showed a genuine interest: “many young people want to learn about the Bible and that should be an opportunity for Christian leaders.”

What does this mean for you? Simply be open to discipling a young adult this year. You have the power to be an incredible influence on them. And all it takes is ten one-hour meetings! Then when, you consider that they are now equipped to disciple their peers, friends, classmates, and beyond, that impact is increased tenfold (at least). It’s a lot easier than you think to influence the next generation of disciplers! The question is will you step up to the challenge?

Reference: The Barna Group, Ltd., Initials. (2009, October 19). New research explores how different generations view and use the bible. Retrieved from http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/317-new-research-explores-how-different-generations-view-and-use-the-bible