YOUTH SUNDAY - BEATING THE STATISTICS
Barna Research Group, a leading organization studying church trends and statistics, reports that around 70% of students walk away from their faith within a few years of graduating high school.
Matthew 2:18–20
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
What pains me about this number is that these aren’t just statistics. These are real souls. Real people. Someone’s child, brother, sister, friend, grandson. People with names and with eternal consequences.
NextGen ministries, kids church and youth groups, are not about fun.
It’s not about friends.
It’s not about childcare.
It’s about discipleship.
Discipling young people is our goal, not just putting on a program.
Games and fun are just a funnel:
We like to play games and have memorable themes at youth group. But the fun isn’t just for fun, it’s a funnel. And the key to a funnel is where it leads. Our funnel is designed to guide students into memorable moments in God’s presence and to help them learn the truth of His love. I know this from experience.
Community is critical in discipleship
At youth group, we remind students that their faith doesn’t belong to their friends,but friends do matter. We need people in our lives who will carry us on a mat to Jesus, like the paralytic man in Mark 2:1–5. People who will push through the crowd, climb up on the roof, and lower us at the feet of Jesus.
Mark 2:1–5
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that He had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and He preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Kids ministry and youth volunteers are not about childcare programming, it’s about discipleship.
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples… TEACH them to obey ALL I have commanded.”
That’s why one of the primary efforts of our youth ministry is small groups. We break down the crowd into smaller groups where students can discuss God’s Word, build relationships, and be led by leaders who help them grow in their faith.
I’m grateful for leaders who invested in me, Pastor Ryan, Aaron, and Randy Chambers.
Disciple at Home
The most important part of next generation discipleship happens at home.
Pray for your kids and grandkids. Teach them the Bible. Demonstrate Christian living.
Pray with them and teach them how to pray.
Read the Bible at home. Create time for personal Bible reading.
When I was 10 years old, my grandma told me that if I memorized Psalm 23, she’d give me $15. I thought I was just earning some money, but she knew something more valuable than $15 was being stored in my heart.
Live a life that honors God. Be righteous. Bear fruit.
Don’t just come to church.
Don’t just preach about it, be about it.
Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk.
We had a student years ago who was going through a difficult emotional season and needed advice. I asked what her father thought. She said, “I know everybody loves my dad here, but the guy at church and the man at home are two totally different people.”
Closing Action:
In what ways can you impact the young people in your life to follow Jesus?
(Your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews…)
Giving: The NextGen giving initiative Pastor Ryan mentioned last week, goes a long way in helping us disciple students and give them life-changing Matthew 17 mountaintop experiences, through camps, retreats, mission trips, and conventions.
Volunteer your time and talents to disciple kids and youth.
Prayer
Discussion
Why do you think that nearly 70% of students walk away from their faith after high school?
Pastor Brandon says NextGen ministry is not about fun, friends, or childcare, but about discipleship. What do you think discipleship looks like for a young person?
What does it mean that “fun is a funnel” and have you ever experienced something fun that led to a deeper spiritual moment?
How can we build stronger, faith-centered community for the next generation?
Why are small groups such an important part of discipleship, especially for students?
How does the story of the student with two different versions of her father challenge you personally?
Of the three way to impact the next generation—giving, volunteering, and prayer—which one are you most drawn to right now? Why?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
How can we pray together for you today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!
