Psalm 145:1-7

 

According to the Barna Research Group, 2 out of 3 people who accept Jesus as Savior do so before reaching the age of 18. 

 

Many families have heirlooms that get passed down from generation to generation. Maybe it's a piece of jewelry, a gun, a sword, knife, or even a chair. Whatever it is, it holds sentimental value to that family. But the most valuable thing we can pass down is a good Biblical foundation and strong faith. 

 

Four Reasons Why We Invest in Next Generation Ministries

  1. It’s our ministry assignment. … The job of the older generation is to ensure that the younger generation has a firm foundation
    1. Who God is. … It's critical to teach that God is the great Creator, the master of the universe and the King of Kings. He is the one true God who has provided us with a path to salvation. 
    2. The storyline of the Bible. … The Bible has one underlying story from Genesis to Revelation. God created everything, man rebelled, God provided a path to redemption and salvation, and God reigns supreme. 
    3. They are sinners in need of a savior. … It's sometimes easy to forget that the cute kids are also sinners (until their next outburst), but it is something they need to hear. In order to accept Jesus as Savior, they first have to realize they need a savior. 
    4. They were created with a purpose. … Every child is born for a reason and with a purpose. Nobody is an accident. 
  2. It’s a strategic time in their lives. … Research shows that most believers accept Christ before turning 18. The formative years of our lives are when we develop our strongest convictions, so it is critical that we provide the younglings a strong Biblical foundation. 
  3. They are part of the church now, not just the future. … In our church, there are many youths who serve in some way. Some lead the youth worship band, some control the tech for youth services. Some do those same things, but in big church. 
  4. God uses young people to advance His kingdom. … God uses people of all ages. In the Bible, we see both elderly and youngsters called to serve in some way, from offering food to feed a crowd to blessing Jesus when He was a baby. 

 

How can we help?

  1. Pray. … Pray for the leaders in the church who lead the students. Pray for the youth pastor and the head of the children’s ministry.
  2. Serve. … You don't have to teach to serve. You can serve in other ways too. Help with the audio in their services, or provide meals or snacks for a party, or give them a place to hang out. 
  3. Celebrate. … When a youth is baptized: celebrate! When the youth return with great reports from a mission trip: celebrate! When a student feels called to ministry: celebrate! Support the kids and their achievements. 

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Faith That Lasts: Raising Kids That Don’t Leave the Church by Jon Nielsen
  • Show Them Jesus; Teaching the Gospel to Kids by Jack Klumpenhower
  • Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids by Kara Powell & Chap Clark
  • Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin