The largest subset of “unaffiliated” responders classified their religious views as “nothing in particular.” The group as a whole has become referred to as “the nones”—those who identify as atheist, agnostic or apathetic—and its largest demographic is youth and young adults.
Some will say that our cultural climate has caused this, as morals and values have morphed, melded and generally turned upside down. Others will point to a decline in family life. Yes, there are many cultural factors that impact us, but we cannot afford to assume the posture of victim and hope our youth limp back to Jesus and His church.
We have been given the mandate of not just reaching a generation during some of the darkest cultural times in our nation, but also of engaging, training and entrusting them with the very same mission. To achieve that level of transformation, we need the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and another priceless commodity that can be hard to find in the world: time.
We need to take the time to form relationships, invest in youth culture and invite youth into something bigger than themselves. Along with these three essentials, there is growing awareness that a “one size fits all” approach to discipleship is failing the diversity of youth and young adults. How can we provide ways for many kinds of young people to find their places at the table, and be a part of kingdom work in their own contexts?
How can we provide ways for many kinds of young people to find their places at the table, and be a part of kingdom work in their own contexts?
Within Foursquare, we have some brilliant practitioners who have seen this kind of ministry taking place. During Foursquare Connection 2015 in Anaheim, Calif., the “Developing Youth Culture That Goes!” Studio was hosted by Kimberly Dirmann, and featured teaching, exhortation and encouragement from Jeff Pruett, Reid Powell and Art Garcia.
If you are a pastor, parent, disciple-maker, young adult or anyone else who is interested in seeing the youth culture transformed by the love of God, head to the Connection Store and download this challenging and inspiring session.
To see more from Connection 2015, click here.
