I recently did a research paper on Effective Ways of Reaching Youth of Tomorrow for the Masters in Christian Study class that I am taking. The passion for doing this research paper had to do with some recent encounters that I have had where people seemed more interested in doing things "the old way" than they did in actually trying to save kids from hell. I was really hoping that my passion and concern was over stated, but unfortunately the statistics that I found were even more concerning. Here are three points that really sparked my concern:
- ~80% of Southern Baptist Churches have an average age of members of 60 years old or higher!
- Statistically, if people are not saved by age seventeen, the chances of their ever accepting Christ are almost nil!
- 88% of the children raised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18, never to return.
If these statistics do not concern you, then most people would question if you care about anything. I think we must first realize that this is the state that we are in. I know that I do not want to accept this situation, but the fact is this is what we have created. This also means that most of the things are doing are not working. I do not say this to offend anyone, but because I am concerned that we are losing our youth to hell.
The next thing that we must do is to find ways to share the Truth with the youth. If the old ways are not working, then why would we not look for ways to share this important news. The only reasons that I have heard not to look for different ways is either "we have never done it this way before" or "it makes me uncomfortable." I answer these comments that same way. I say that I am very thankful that Jesus did not try to do it the same old way. If it was not for Him making Himself and other uncomfortable, then we would never have a way to heaven. Is it not worth making ourselves uncomfortable in order for these kids not having to spend eternity in hell.
In closing, I listened to a paper last night on Missional Theology. Donny Granger was able to explain perfectly the passion behind Missional Theology and the "Posture of Pursuit" that we should have toward lost people. This is the passion that I would like to have toward youth. What is the passion? Well, the picture below shows the intensity that we need.
So the question is now to you. Are you willing to passionately pursue after the lost youth putting yourself into uncomfortable situations that could save these kids eternal lives?
Labels: Christianity, youth ministry
