Value 6: Youth Empowering

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Title:  Value 6: Youth Empowering

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Redemptive Closure (point to Jesus):  

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WELCOME

Good morning!!! My name is Ryan Hanson, and I have the honor of serving here at The Light KC as the lead pastor. I’m so glad you’re here with us.

‌Welcome to those joining us online. We hope you're doing well and hope to see you in person in the coming weeks.

And a special welcome to those joining us for the first time. We’re so glad you chose to be here.

ME/INTRO - Tension

I want to start today with a number, that I think should bother us all.

70

Any thoughts as to what this number represents?

According to Lifeway Research, 70% of students stop attending church between the ages of 18-22.

I don’t know about you, but that tells me that the church (on average) is failing, in huge ways, at discipling the youth.

According to that same research the reasons youth are leaving the church are humbling. Here are the top 5 reasons according to their research.

5 - Too much effort to make church relevant

The old pastors wearing skinny jeans and laser light show worship doesn’t feel genuine

Many churches try too hard to reach the youth, diluting or eliminating the real purpose of the church, developing a relationship with Jesus Christ

4 - They never actually attended church

Between kids programming, youth groups, and other activities, many kids can go all the way through high school without regularly attending Sunday services

Having never attended Sunday service, having never started the transition into adult worship, they are lost when expected to attend when they graduate from youth programming

3 - They want genuine community

Many churches teach faith to kids as a list of DOs and DON’Ts

Church feels like a manufactured community based on behavior modification

Outside of the church youth discover there are many types of communities that offer their own version of life change

2 - They get tired of pretending

Many churches have a “happy all the time” culture

Church starts to feel like a place full of hypocrites pretending to be people with perfect lines, when they clearly don’t

1 - They don’t need church

In many churches the fundamental doctrines of the church aren’t taught in youth programming

They were never taught about the problem of sin and their need for a savior

If church was just about living up to the communities list of DOs and DON’Ts, they don’t need it, or want it

I don’t know how to see this list, but reading it bring me back to all my childhood church experiences.

These may not exactly line up with your experiences, but I can think of people I know that have had these experiences.

I’ve had some of these experiences.

If we’re going to live up to the mission / vision / values that God has given us, this should grieve us

7 out of 10 kids leave the church after high school because the church fails to teach them the truth

The church chose entertainment for our youth, instead of discipleship

Instead of integrating the youth into the church early on, kids were separated from the adults and fed a watered down message that doesn’t hold up when challenged

WE - Tension

Have you experienced any of this?

I have always found it interesting reading children’s bibles.

The stories are all in there, but it is crazy how watered down they are.

Massive sections of the stories are left out, to make them more akin to bedtime fairytales than the word of God.

Some of that is probably necessary for kids, but if Noah is more about the animals than God’s judgment and the consequences of sin, we have a problem.

This is one of the major things I appreciate about the Wesleyan Church’s focus on

staying true to the bible

refusing to compromise to cultural pressure

focus on raising up people groups that have historically been oppressed (women, minorities, and the youth)

all the while, being flexible on HOW the local church does ministry - allowing the local church to adjust the worship style, building design, and ministries to fit the needs of the location and demographic they serve

I think we need to ask ourselves as a church

How much does the 70% statistic grieve us?

How flexible are we in the way we worship?

How open are we to change?

How badly do we want our kids to keep their faith into adulthood?

These are the questions I’d like to talk about today as we conclude our series titled “The 5W’s of Church”

We’re in week 7 of our 7 week series, we’re going to go over our church’s mission, vision, and values to answer

WHY - THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH exists

WHO - we are as a local expression of the church, The Light KC

WHAT God is calling us to do as His church

WHY we feel God put The Light KC WHERE He has in Overland Park, KS

and...HOW - we as the church feel called to live out the mission and vision God has given us

To review

Week 1 we discussed our Mission and Vision. To review:

Mission (Why we exist)

To reflect the light of God’s love and grace to everyone, everywhere, at all times.

Vision (Who we hope to be)

To be the family of God, where all people are welcomed, loved, invited into a saving relationship with Jesus, and sent to live out their God-given purpose.

We’re currently walking through our values, that spell out the ACRONYM F.A.M.I.L.Y.

We’ve discussed

F: Faith Fueled

A: Action Oriented

M: Missionally Minded

I: Intentional Hospitality

L: Love without Limits

Today we’re going to talk about our sixth value: Youth Empowering

F: Faith Fueled

A: Action Oriented

M: Missionally Minded

I: Intentional Hospitality

L: Love without Limits

Y: Youth Empowering

If you missed the previous messages, please feel free go to our website, TheLightKC.org, to catch up.

As we begin, please turn with me to [1 Timothy 4:1-16]

We’ll have the scripture on the screen, but if you have a Bible with you, or Bible app on your phone, I’d encourage you to turn to the passage and follow along. There is nothing that replaces having God’s word in your hand.

AND... if you don’t have a Bible, we have Bibles under the seats. If you don’t have a bible and would like one, please come see me after the service and I’ll get you one you can keep.

Let's dive in.

GOD - Text

Before we jump into the text I want to give some context.

This passage is Paul’s message to Timothy as he is about to take over as the pastor for the church in Ephesus.

Whereas our youth may or may not going to go into full time ministry like Timothy, I think we do need to ask ourselves

How are we preparing them for a life of faith?

How are we preparing them for the challenges to their faith they will face once out of high school?

How are we preparing them to transition from “kids/youth/student” ministry to membership within the congregation?

This passage is Paul preparing Timothy for his ministry, but I think it has a lot to teach us about how the church should prepare our kids for a life of faith beyond youth programing.

Abandon The Faith

Please join me as we start in 1 Timothy 4:1.

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

I find passages of scripture like this very sobering.

I grew up in a time when most people I knew made professions of faith, “believed in Jesus as their savior” during a youth retreat with 100s of other kids in a very energetic environment with the treat of an eternity in Hell as the alternative choice.

Whereas the choice presented is real, I do wonder how many kids “professed their faith in Jesus”

because of the moment

because their friend did

or, because of the emotionally delivery and threat of hell

In a commentary on 1st and 2nd Timothy T.D. Lea writes, “A mere profession of faith does not guarantee the actual possession of eternal life. The emptiness of mere profession would become clear by the departure from Christianity of some of the Ephesians.”

Please hear me, I am not saying, nor do I think that the author of this commentary is saying, that we can, or even could, earn our way into heaven.

Believing in Christ is all that is required.

Christ has done the work by living a perfect / sinless life, dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, and coming back to life giving us hope that a life with God in heaven is possible.

All we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and receive the free gift that He offers.

But...

What I do think the author is saying is that if we truly did believe in Jesus, our life should reflect that belief.

If nothing changes in how we live our lives, based on our believing in what

Christ has done for us

the love He has for us

the promise of eternal life He is giving us

We need to ask ourselves, if we ever believed in the first place.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

As parents and as a church, we need to ask ourselves, are we starting our children off in the faith well?

Are we helping them to build a foundation of faith that their entire lives can rest upon?

Are we teaching them sound doctrine that will stand up to the temptations of culture?

Are we preparing them for life after kids / youth / student ministries?

We need to be a church that continually asks ourselves these questions so we can best serve our youth.

Everything God Created is Good

That’s just verse 1, Paul’s not done, continuing in verse 2.

1 Timothy 4:2–6 NIV

Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

The context of this verse was the rise of Gnostic thinking. The Gnostics were a group that believed that everything spiritual was good and everything physical was evil. They believed that all physical desires and pleasures were evil and need to be abstained from.

I think this is a warning for all of us.

How often do we fall into the trap of thinking that certain things are wrong, or should be abstained from because we don’t like them?

Have any of us discouraged someone from listening to a certain type of music because it is outside of our preferred style?

Have any of us judged someone for the translation of their Bible because it is not the translation we grew up memorizing?

Have any of us discouraged someone from certain activities because we don’t understand or agree with them?

Remember Verse 4

1 Timothy 4:4 NIV

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

There are obviously boundaries, but we need to be very careful where we put those boundaries and what we judge.

Should rap be rejected because it is not the style of music we grew up with.

There are many Christian rappers making a massive / positive impact on kids lives right now through their music.

Last year we took the students to Winter Jam and KB was there. I had never heard of them, but every student in the room seemed to know every word to his songs.

Lacrea is a Christian rapper with a powerful story who is also making a huge difference is the lives of students.

There is an urban church in Grand Rapids, MI that exclusively worships with Rap Music that is thriving and doing amazing things to reach the youth of their community.

Just because we don’t understand or agree with the style, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

That is what Paul is warning us of here.

We need to withhold judgement of things we don’t like or understand and critically evaluate them before forming an opinion.

Many things are, as Paul writes, “good...and not to be rejected”

But...

If we’re going to be a church that empowers the youth and helps them build a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, we will have to adapt to what speaks to them.

We will never sacrifice the message and truth of Jesus Christ, but how that truth is presented and how we worship should always be changing to better reach the lost.

The question, we all have to ask is ...

What will we sacrifice for the faith of the youth?

John gives us the vision in 3 John 4. He writes.

3 John 4 NIV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

This is what we need to be aiming for, joy that our children are walking in truth.

Not the details of how they choose to worship, or dress, but they’re walking in the truth.

Train Yourself to be Godly

Paul is not done with Timothy. Continuing in V7, we read...

1 Timothy 4:7–11 NIV

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.

The Greek word here for TRAIN YOURSELF is

Gymnaze as in our current word gymnasium

Just like a coach trains his/her athletes, the church should be providing the youth with training to be Godly.

The job of a coach is two fold

We need to teach the athletes

We also need to be good examples for the athletes

How much do you engage in the spiritual disciplines? (reading the word, praying, serving, silence, community, etc)

Do you include your children or others in these practices?

Do you set and example, then invite them into the practice so they can learn and grow?

Moses writes in Deuteronomy 6:5-9:

Deuteronomy 6:5–9 NIV

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

In the OT, and even today, orthodox Jews have visual reminders that they used to “impress” the teachings of God on their children.

The put boxes called MEZUZAH on the door frames of their house with scripture in them to remind them of God’s presence in their life, the type of person they wanted to be, and the life they wanted to live

[picture: Mezuzah]

During morning prayers they would put boxes called TEFILLIN on their heads and bound to their arms. The head tefillin represents intellect, while the arm tefillin represents physicality, symbolizing the submission of one's mind and actions to God. 

[picture: Tefillin]

As a church we need to be constantly looking for opportunities to train our youth in godliness

and be genuine in how we engage in the spiritual practices ourselves, serving as an example and reminder just like the mezuzah and tefillin of Jewish practice.

Because your Young

But this is not enough.

Even if we adjust our worship style and/or decor to serve the youth and do everything we can to train them to live Godly lives, we will fall short.

Paul finishes this passage with a call to action to the youth themselves.

Let’s continue in V12.

1 Timothy 4:12–16 NIV

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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

This is where Paul sends Timothy out to pastor the church in Ephesus, the second largest cities in the Roman empire.

And Paul tells Timothy, don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for everyone through the way you study, preach, and teach the word of God.

Most scholars believe Timothy was about 30 years old at this point, having traveled and learned from Paul for the previous 15 years.

As a church we need to give opportunities for our youth, and young adults to engage and use their gifts.

That’s why I’m so excited every 5th Sunday when we get to see our youth lead worship, do announcements, and maybe someday even give the sermon.

I love how active our 20-30 year olds are at inviting friends, serving, and using their gifts to help the next generation.

Jeremiah 1:7–8 NIV

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

YOU - Takeaway

Isn’t this the call for all of us.

Go where the Holy Spirit send us

Be courageous in living the Godly life we’re called to live

Trusting God to be with us when things get tough

And as a church, we need to provide all those opportunities to our youth.

We need to be a church that EMPOWERS OUR YOUTH.

WE / JESUS - Redemptive Close - Call to Action

Jesus echoed the priority that we need to give our youth in the gospels.

Mark 10:13–16 NIV

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

As a church, or as individuals we should never stand in the way of youth coming to faith in Jesus.

In fact, we should do the opposite, we should do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for our youth to develop a solid foundation of faith that will serve them the rest of their lives.

If we were to sum up today’s value in on statement, this is how I’d do it.

Value #6: At The Light KC, we will be a church that EMPOWERS OUR YOUTH. We will be genuine in our faith, serving as examples of what healthy adult Christian lives looks like. We will engage in spiritual disciplines ourselves and invite the youth to join us, teaching them how to learn from, listen to, and obey the Word of God. We will not isolate the youth in children’s programming, but intentionally find ways to involve youth in Sunday services helping them smoothly transition to a post youth faith. We will never compromise the Gospel Message or Doctrines of the Bible, but we will adjust how the message is presented to reach the changing needs of our youth. We will be a church that sacrifices our preferences to help the youth develop a foundation of faith that can survive in an increasingly hostile culture. As a church, we exist to serve the next generation.

PRAYER 

Will you join me in prayer...

SONG 

Before our last song, I want to confess a blind spot that was exposed in my life over the last two weeks. We’ve been talking about showing hospitality to our community and loving without limits. Over the last year, we have worked to develop relationships to reflect God’s love to our community. I failed to balance the needs of the community with the needs of the members of this church, and for that I apologize and ask your forgiveness.

I recognize that, of all seasons, this season is one of the hardest for a lot of people. Expenses during the holiday season high, requests to donate and serve and high. And not all of us have the margin to meet the demands laid upon us.

I want to start a new tradition. During the months of November and December, we will have a benevolence bucket on stage. During the last song every week, if God has blessed you with some extra that you’d like to make available to those within the congregation that is in need, come up and put it in the bucket.

If you have a need come up and take what you need. No judgement, no questions, nobody will know.

This is completely on the honor system, and I trust that this will be a way that we can help each other within our community while maintaining dignity and anonymity.

Whatever is left in the buckets January 1st, will be added to our benevolence fund to be used the rest of the year.

As we enter into our final song, I want to open the steps up front as an altar to anyone who needs God this week. The steps are open for you to pray to the God who is with you, who loves you, you wants to give you His peace.

‌

You may feel a hand on your shoulder as I or one of the elders join you in prayer.

BENEDICTION 

Psalm 139:13–16 NIV

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

This week...

Let’s commit to never being church that focuses exclusively on entertaining the youth

Let’s be a church that prioritizes our personal discipleship and invites student into joining us as we all deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ

Let’s re-evaluate how we do things from songs we sing, ways we dress, methods of teaching, and decorations we add to the building; never sacrificing the doctrine of the Gospel in the Bible, but always remaining flexible in HOW that doctrine is presented to reach the needs of the youth

AND...Let’s involve students not only in Sunday Worship, but give them opportunities to serve and contribute to the community.

Quick reminder...

Next week starting a new series on Discipleship - having a mission / vision / values are great, but we’re called to be disciples that live that mission / vision / values out - comes next week as we discuss HOW to do just that

11/1 - Students are going to the corn maze at Louisburg Cider Mill

11/5 - Prayer Workshop

11/15 - Hayride / bonfire at SMP

11/23 - 5th Sunday / Student Sunday / Potluck / Chief’s vs Colts

Digging Deeper Bible Study - Wednesday at 6 PM - Programming for all ages

If you’re new, please stop by our info desk, or see me. We’d love to say “hi” and get you know you a bit better.

I hope you have a great week.

Go in peace.

You are dismissed.

DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS (download into APP)

What do you think are the most important lessons you can learn from 1 Timothy 4 as you build your faith?

In what ways can you contribute to your church community that allows for your talents and gifts to shine?

How do you think the church can better support you in your spiritual growth and everyday life?

How can you personally set an example for your peers in speech, conduct, and faith?

What does it mean to you personally to be empowered as a young member of the church?

What sacrifices are we willing to make to ensure that our youth build a strong faith foundation?

How can we foster an environment that encourages vulnerable discussions about faith among youth?

How can we, as the church, actively engage in the empowerment of youth within our church community?

What are some practical steps we, as the church, can take to mentor and guide youth in their faith journey?