Untitled Sermon

Stewarding the next generation involves cultivating a sense of responsibility for the future and preparing young people to face global challenges. This concept emphasizes the importance of leaders who view themselves as stewards, prioritizing long-term interests over short-term gains[1]. For the emerging generation to become effective leaders, they must first practice stewardship in various aspects of their lives, including communication, education, finances, and personal relationships[2]. This approach is crucial as it prepares them to address pressing issues affecting vulnerable populations and the environment[3]. Religious perspectives suggest that one generation's experiences with God's works can set up the next generation for greater spiritual experiences, emphasizing the importance of passing on testimonies and faith[4]. However, challenges exist in cultivating stewardship values, particularly in financial support for religious institutions, as younger generations often prioritize differently than their predecessors[5].

[1] Peter Coutts, Choosing Change: How to Motivate Churches to Face the Future (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013). [2] Jonathan Catherman, Guiding the next Great Generation: Rethinking How Teens Become Confident and Capable Adults (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2020), 84. [3] Jonathan Catherman, Becoming the next Great Generation: Taking Our Place as Confident and Capable Adults(Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2020), 76. [4] Larry Sparks, Breakthrough Healing: 50 Keys to Experiencing God’s Supernatural Power in Your Life (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image, 2014). [5] Edward H. Hammett, Paul L. Anderson, and Cornell Thomas, Reaching People under 30 While Keeping People over 60: Creating Community across Generations, First Edition (Danvers, MA: TCP, 2015), 150.

Investing in Tomorrow: Our Call to Steward the Next Generation

Summary: Stewarding the next generation emphasizes the biblical principle of preparing and guiding young people to walk in faith and righteousness, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges ahead.

Application: This sermon can encourage parents, educators, and community leaders to take an active role in mentoring and teaching the younger generation about faith and values, helping them to navigate struggles and make wise decisions.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of being intentional and proactive in influencing the next generation toward faith, encouraging listeners to recognize their role in fostering a culture that supports spiritual growth and moral integrity.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme highlights Christ as the ultimate example of nurturing and guiding the young; His interactions with children and His teachings about the Kingdom of God remind us of our responsibility to invest in others for His glory.

Big Idea: We have a divine mandate to intentionally nurture and support the spiritual development of the next generation, reflecting Christ’s love and teachings as we equip them to carry the torch of faith forward.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring resources in your Logos library on the significance of discipleship and mentorship in the early church. Investigate theological frameworks that address how the church and families can collaborate in raising spiritually grounded youth. Additionally, examine any cultural shifts that may impact familial and communal support for the younger generation.

1. Speak Truth to Tomorrow

Psalm 78:1-4

You could emphasize the importance of communication by recounting stories of God's faithfulness and messaging the next generation about His deeds. This passage illustrates the call to proactively pass down spiritual truths. Encouraging this dialogue can foster a deeper understanding of God’s grace among the youth, being intentional about speaking into their lives and preparing them for spiritual growth.

2. Daily Dedication Ritual

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Perhaps teachers and mentors can adopt daily practices that engrain the knowledge of God's love and commandments into the hearts of children. This passage underscores the significance of keeping God's teachings as a daily rhythm, shaping familial habits and practices that reflect Christ’s love and guidance. It suggests having intentional dialogues around spiritual truths, creating environments that nurture such discussions.

3. Model Christ’s Care

Matthew 19:13-15

Maybe you can draw inspiration from Jesus' welcoming attitude towards children as a model for encouraging openness, inclusivity, and patience in guiding young people toward faith. The teaching emphasizes nurturing through love, helping adults to embody Christ’s acceptance and gentle leading, sparking genuine interest and respect for the things of God.

4. Cultivate Respectful Communities

Ephesians 6:1-4

This section suggests affirming leaders to create and maintain nurturing environments where respect, discipline, and encouragement help the younger generation grow in faith. While instructing both children and parents, this passage highlights respecting elders while nurturing the youthful spirit in love and discipline—reflecting Christ’s balanced care and guidance.