Don’t Give Up On The Next Generation
3 STEPS TO BRIDGING THE GENERATIONAL GAP
BSF Staff
From the Editorial Team
Will young people be the future of the church—or the end of it? That probably depends on who you ask.
In some countries, statistics show that young people are either leaving the church at alarming rates or refusing to enter its doors in the first place. But in other parts of the world, young Christians are growing in numbers, and their message is one of hope, not defeat.
The urgency of Jesus’s words in Revelation 22:7, “Look, I am coming soon!” compels us to share God’s truth and reach the next generation.
But where should we begin?
Janie Stephens, BSF Executive Office Coordinator and former Young Adult Teaching Leader, sees a promising future for the Church and Bible Study Fellowship worldwide. Her own life was transformed through BSF, and she believes each of us can help shepherd and support younger generations to champion the cause of Christ.
If you feel discouraged about the next generation, Janie has a message for you: Do not despair.
Step 1. Seek to understand their struggles
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Each new generation faces challenges that can feel different from the challenges of those who came before them. What does the Bible have to say about topics like artificial intelligence, biohacking, or modern warfare? Younger generations are asking these difficult questions.
Janie points out, “We need to recognize that the dynamics young adults are dealing with today are, in some ways, different than what was faced before. But while these challenges may feel unfamiliar, we can also recognize that, as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 1:9, ‘There is nothing new under the sun.’”
In today’s culture, the gospel offers certainty in an uncertain world.
While young people face complex challenges, God is not surprised. His Word is always sufficient. He has planted each one of us here, for this time, to share His truth from generation to generation. As Christians, we can model our hope in Christ for young people who desperately need it.
In Revelation, we read about coming judgment and a culture in complete decline—but even then, God’s Word is sufficient. In today’s culture, the gospel offers certainty in an uncertain world. Young people continue to struggle with questions about life, purpose, and identity. When we take the time to understand their struggles, we are better equipped to point them to the gospel.
Step 2. Build a relationship
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
Younger generations are facing record levels of isolation and loneliness. In an increasingly divided world, the authentic connections of the body of Christ can be a powerful remedy. Christ-centered relationships offer an important example of the gospel’s power to draw God’s people together.
Janie experienced this for herself as a young adult in BSF when the women in her group began including her, and other young adults, in weekly meals and fellowship.
“The multigenerational dynamic was so special. Through our casual conversations, I learned so much about what it looks like to walk with Christ daily. Plus, it was also just a lot of fun!”
In an increasingly divided world, the authentic connections of the body of Christ can be a powerful remedy.
In a world of social media connections, we can be confident that building a gospel-centered relationship is powerful.
“There’s so much value in multigenerational relationships, and I think young adults really do want that. They want someone who’s gone before them, who can pour into them and answer their questions.”
Step 3. Equip them to lead
“Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
Perhaps the most powerful way to encourage a new generation of Christians is to empower young believers to become leaders.
“They are at an age where they have the time, the capacity, the energy, and the dreams and desires to change the world,” Janie says.
Janie shares that encouraging young people to lead isn’t just a task for those in positions of power or influence. Her own life was transformed when mentors in BSF recognized her personal abilities and helped her to use those gifts for Christ.
“These were the people in my life who saw things in me, saw how the Lord had gifted me, and called that out. They were able to see the potential in me, and lo and behold, as step-by-step I trusted the Lord, I discovered something that I loved doing. That really changed the entire trajectory of my life, and it all came from serving in a BSF class.”
That really changed the entire trajectory of my life, and it all came from serving in a BSF class.
Through the encouragement of these mentors, Janie discovered a passion for teaching God’s Word that led her to become a Teaching Leader, attend seminary, and now serve as BSF’s Executive Office Coordinator.
“Because I was fortunate enough to have faithful Christian women pour into me through BSF, I want to be that catalyst for the next generation. I want to help others recognize how the Lord has specifically gifted them and encourage them to step out in faith, even if and when it’s scary. As I reflect on my own call to lead, I would have never stepped out on my own without the encouragement of others. They saw something in me, encouraged me, and as a result I was able to see the Lord come through in ways I would have never experienced otherwise.”
As we continue to study the future in Revelation: The Hope, we realize that each of us is called to share His Word today. These simple steps to bridging the generational gap can help us make an impact for eternity.
About Us
At Bible Study Fellowship, we believe people discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word. That is why BSF offers in-depth Bible studies in community for people of all ages around the world at no cost. To learn more about Bible Study Fellowship, visit bsfinternational.org.
Ready to study God’s Word in community? Find a group that works for you at joinbsf.com.
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My husband and I are thinking of starting a group for young people to encourage and lead them to seek God’s vision and purpose for their lives. “I want to help others recognize how the Lord has gifted them and encourage them to step out in faith” encapsulates what’s in our hearts.
Thanks for the steps as I can pray about how to incorporate them as we plan for what the Lord has ahead. Thank you.
Great insights into how to encourage and understand the next generation. Thank you for this thoughtful article. I will try to put it into practice!
Thank you Jamie for sharing your story with us. It is nice to hear how the Lord is working in your life. God bless you as you continue to work for Him.
Have you at BSF prayed about reaching out to our young people (Junior High and High School and College aged) with BSF classes geared to them? Online classes might work, as they use social media so much. I see a great need for them to learn how to study God’s word and apply it to their daily lives…and to realize that they can know God, through His Son, personally. (And to know that there are others in their age group who want to know Christ and walk with Him.) Thank you!
Debbie – thank you for praying this with us! We are always looking for new ways to reach the next generation. Thank you for joining us in prayer for wisdom and insight
Agreed Debbie. I have often had this thought as well : )
A beautiful reminder on involving the next generation in the cause of Christ
Thank you. It helped me understand the challenges of the current with the young people where God’s truth stands the same, unchangeable by the fast changing technological world.
Thank you for sharing your experience and testimony, Janie. I appreciate you sharing the 3 steps. I’m concerned about our youth of today on many levels and desire to be involved either through BSF, community or my church with everything else on my plate. Our future lies in our next generation – supporting them is critical!
Continue your journey! Blessings!!
Thank you Jannie for that powerful testimony. The future of the church is in its young people, and we will not give up on them. I believe it takes a lot of intentionality on the older generation to pray, mentor, point and live out the Word of God to the younger generation. Holy Spirit our helper is always available to guide and equip those who are willing to be used by Him.
How do I as a 70+ old woman reach out to teenagers. and I feel restricted by BSF in not being able to share some materials from BSF to show them what they have access to and may be missing How can I reach them about BSF with not sharing other then check out BSF.
Paul’s Letters to the Churches are the Grace age Gospel to the Body of Christ in this Dispensation of Grace period. I believe BSF is Gods plan to add believers to the Body of Christ For the Rapture. May God our Creator help each one through BSF. All Glory and Praise to God Almighty.
What a beautiful testimony! My daughter is a freshman in college in CT. She found it so discouraging for not able to find a biblical base fellowship in school. Any advice how to choose a BSF group closer to her age and connect?
Wow that’s really sad there’s not even one group at her school 🙁
Maybe she could to try the BSF online classes?
Thanks so much Jannie
We are not giving up on our Future generation. My prayer is that the good Lord will continue equipping me with His word so that I can pour to them. Give them hope. Assuring them that their Future is bright once they are with Jesus. We cannot pour from empty glasses. I will thank God for giving me an opportunity to joint BSF as CM…GL.. and now CA. Thank you once again for your words if encouragement
What a timely message. The future of God’s church has been on my heart for years. Thank you Janie for giving me and others action plans for our concerns. God will continue to bless you and the work you do for His Kingdom!
Thank you, Janie! What a beautiful testimony of the Church coming together to encourage you. These are great ideas into understanding my high school boys’ perspectives and what they might be thinking. Bless you!
Great inspiration for young believers and old. Gives me hope for my grandchildren and great grandchildren to continue leading others to Christ.