THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE FIGHT OF FAITH

Introduction

According to Barna’s research, nearly two-thirds of U.S. 18–29-year-olds who grew up in church say that they have withdrawn from church involvement as an adult after having been active as a child or teen.

A 2016 Barna study found that 62% of parents would consider moving to another church for a good youth program with 49% consisting of those who “definitely would change churches” for a youth program. Out of this group of parents, 48% would definitely allow their teen to choose which church they attended.

“I believe we’re in a crisis of youth ministry”-Mike Yaconelli

“Youth ministry is not dead, nor is it irrelevant. But it’s broken, and we need to do what we can to fix it.”-Chap Clark

Equipping For Ministry

Pastors and teachers exist to equip Christians for ministry and life.

See Matthew 28:18-20...

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

See Acts 19:8-10...

The primary task of the church should be proclaiming and obeying the Word of God.

If we view youth and children’s ministry as glorified babysitting, entertaining, keeping them busy, or just keeping them out of the way, we are failing at our calling.

2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

1 Timothy 4:12–16...

People often think that the Bible is too hard for children to understand. They can learn algebra, geometry, and any number of subjects at school, but we think that they can’t understand the Bible. So we keep everything as simple and as basic as possible. Then we can’t figure out why young adults who were raised in church don’t know anything about the Bible. We are surprised when people who were raised in church and even made professions of faith don’t know anything about what it means to live a faithful Christian life. Children are more than able to understand Biblical teaching. Children are capable of great things if we quit having such low expectations of them.

Matthew 19:14 “but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.””

Growing in the Faith

Growing in in the faith comes by growing in our understanding and application of the Word of God.

1 Peter 2:2–3 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

A lack of growth demonstrates one of two things: either a lack of faith, or a lack of intake of the Word.

Twenty-four years in the first grade- that is how long it would take to pass if public schools met only as often as Sunday school and if no classes were missed. If you came to Sunday school and worship service, that would be about 12 years in the 1st grade. And if you came to Sunday school, worship service, and Wednesday night Bible study, that would be 8 years in the 1st grade. These stats illustrate a couple of important truths. First, our time of corporate worship and Bible study are absolutely vital to our growth in the faith. Second, it is not enough. These times are designed to help equip us to be able to read, study, understand, and apply on our own. So we need a steady diet of corporate Bible study and personal Bible study if we desire to grow in the faith.

See Hebrews 5:11-14 and Romans 12:1-2...

Strengthening the Body of Christ

Young Christians are not the church of tomorrow, but the church of today.

If we constantly segregate youth and children from the whole church, we shouldn’t be surprised when they leave. Why would they stay somewhere that they don’t feel a part of?

See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27...

If young people are always separate from the body, how are they going to grow on their own?

Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Older saints are called to invest in and disciple young believers.

See Titus 2:1-8...