How should we go about engaging young Christians? There are many view points of how people think we should get there. But there is only one Biblical way to engage young Christians. Engaging the younger generation is often over thought. If you believe that we should pander to the desires of young minds, then you are missing the entire point of the scriptures.
The scriptures are timeless. Twisting and turning Bible verses to make them more appealing to the general population does not honor God. When we try to sugar-coat or exclude certain sections of the Bible, we are not helping anyone. Taking Bible verses and misconstruing what their intended meaning is, tries to re-write the Bible.
So if we do not alter Bible verses, then how are we supposed to engage young Christians? By speaking the truth.
Religion is not about Church. Jesus isn't a religion. Having a relationship with Jesus is not about religion or a Church. When we put emphasis on people, we will always get let down. People and buildings are not the reason we should worship God. If they are, then your hope is not in Jesus.
I have read several articles lately about Churches wanting to engage young Christians. I would have to say that if you have to engage someone to be a Christian, then they probably have not put their faith in Jesus. Why not start there.
Why do we need to engage young Christians?
Personally, I think that the focus of the Church needs to get back to the basics. If there is not a foundation built on being saved, then the Church is already crumbling before it gets started. You cannot hope to engage anyone for that matter if your focus is not on Jesus. Everything in our life will disappoint us at some point in time. When we put 100% of our faith and hope in Jesus, we will not be disappointed.
Churches need to wake up and understand their purpose. Their purpose is not to appease people; it is to lead people to Christ. When Churches start to figure this out, then will start filling their pews again.
1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”