“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

Psalm 78:5-7

“I don’t know if God exists, but if He does, He is not worth my worship. He is cruel and unloving.” This would be a statement that you would expect from someone who has had a difficult upbringing, or maybe even been a victim of harsh abuse, but it wasn’t. As I sat across from a 19-year-old young man whom I had baptized just 4 months prior, it hit me. He had made a profession of faith in Christ. He had been a faithful attender in my youth group for a few years, had been a part of public school Bible club, and was very involved in youth activities, but somewhere down the line, he had not set his hope in God. There was a disconnect between what he was being taught and what he believed.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has asked the question, “Why are we losing so many young people in our churches?” Consider this alarming statistic about Gen Z (young people born from 2000-2015) in relation to Christianity and faith:

While Gen Z is quickly becoming largest generation in the world, (comprising 32 percent of the global population according to the Chicago Tribune) Barna studies show that around 70 percent of young Christians walk away from their faith during their college years.

The reality is, there is a generational disconnect between what is being taught in churches and Christian homes and what is being internalized. I truly believe that the reason for this disconnect is primarily singular: Young people are being taught what to believe about God, but they don’t know WHY they believe it. Just as the children of Israel had to pass down the truths of God and His amazing works from generation to generation, we as followers of Christ, must take responsibility for the spiritual inheritance of this generation.

So here are some Biblical and practical ways you can effectively pass on truth to the next generation whether you are a ministry leader or simply a disciple making parent:

1. Spend quality time with them individually. (Matthew 11:19; Philippians 2:5-8)

A man in our church was recently challenging me about parenting my 2-year-old son. He said, “Zach, your son can never be like you, if he is never with you.” This might seem overly simplistic, but with the never-ending pace of the digital age, personal relationships are eroding all around us. We have to make a concerted effort to preserve those relationships with the generation to come. Relationships are the essence of discipleship. In fact, our Savior modeled this more than anything. Instead of avoiding the tough projects, (the harlots, drunkards, and rioters) He went straight to them! He did this so often that people accused Him of being too friendly with sinners! (Matthew 11:19) Instead of peering down our nose at the next generation, let’s take a page out of our Savior’s book, get on their level, and get to know them.

“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matthew 11:19

2. Listen to their difficult questions and be ready to offer Biblical answers–graciously. (1 Peter 3:15)

^“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

Have you ever just thrown your hands up when trying to pour into someone of the next generation? Whether it’s because times have changed so quickly and you don’t know how to communicate with them, or because they just keep asking “why”, it can be exhausting! But brothers and sisters, let’s not forget our calling and responsibility! We must be ready to first listen to their question in order to understand their heart, and then be ready to offer them clear Biblical answers, or be willing to say “I don’t have an answer, but I’ll do some studying and get back to you on that.” Some of the questions that Gen Z is asking are:

• How do I know that the Bible I have in my hand is the Word of God?
• Why would a good and loving God who is in control of everthing, allow so much evil in the world?
• How do I know that God even exists?
• Can you prove that God is real scientifically?
• Why is any sexual deviance outside of the confines of a marriage between one man and one woman wrong? Isn’t that an antiquated view of Scripture?
• And the list goes on!

As you provide answers, don’t forget that how you say something is just as important as what you are saying. We don’t offer a reason of our hope in Christ with haughtiness and a judgmental attitude (this generation, more than ever will never receive that well). Instead, we do it gently and with compassion. This is how we win them over!

3. Live as an authentic follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:13-16)

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. ¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in youth ministry, it’s that young people are tired of fakeness. For too long, previous generations of Christians have focused more on outward conformity to a certain look or set of rules, instead of seeking inward transformation that only comes through being madly in love with Christ. Could it be, that the reason our message is not resonating with the generation following us, is because they see right through our façade, and realize that many of us are not even living by the Gospel that we preach? Have we lost our saltiness as the salt of the earth? Have we hidden our light? Christian leader and parent, I believe now more than ever, there is a generation ready to follow Christ, but they are waiting to have their questions answered by people who practice what they preach.

Ultimately, we have two choices when it comes to discipling the next generation: We can throw our hands up and say, “I quit!”. Or we can ask God for a renewed passion and love for this generation as we seek to show them the ugliness of sin and selfishness and the beauty of the Christ in us! For the Gospel’s sake, don’t quit!