Recently I was reading a small book (barely more than a pamphlet) written by Keven DeYoung called "The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation" (1) and in this book he is speaking to exactly what the modern church needs to do to be able to effectively reach the modern generation. I believe that he correctly highlights that what we need is not amazing programs, special small groups, flashing lights, or a fancy and breath-taking building. The key to reaching this modern generation is faithfulness. 

This is the key. It is not about a secret knowledge or learning exactly what makes them tick. It is all about being like Jesus, living like Jesus, and showing them Jesus in us. DeYoung summarizes like this "So the easy part is you don't have to be with it. The hard part is you have to be with him." 

The key is Christlikeness in action, attitude, and in example. The way we live our lives should demonstrate to the world around us that we are Christ's and they too can be His. But no-one will see Christ if we are not living life (living like Christ) among them. As DeYoung says we have to have a passion for Christ and for the those who are lost. This results in love and that love compels us to live holy lives in their midst to show the difference between the light and the dark. Holiness requires the truth. The world today is full of lies, deception, and downright abhorrence of the truth. What this generation needs is not a watered down gospel, a relaxed theology, or church members who just blend in. This generation needs the truth and it needs our church to live and speak that truth to them. The world needs to the gospel, which is not about what we can do but what God has done. The world needs an "awe" of God. 

See, the key to reaching this generation is no different than reaching any other generation has ever been. The world yesterday, today, and even tomorrow needs more of God. DeYoung said it like this

I highly recommend this small books as it challenges us as a church, not to worry about things, but to focus on faithfulness to God, obeying his commands, and loving those who still need him above all else. It helps give us a proper perspective on reaching the lost. God uses us but it is He, Himself who works. We must simply be faithful to obey. 

​To the Glory of God, in the Power of the Spirit, through the Work of Jesus Christ, may the Church be edified.
Pastor Caleb

1. DeYoung, Kevin. The (not-so-secret) secret to reaching the next generation. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2024. 

So why a blog? Is it not sufficient that we have multiple services each week? Not to mention all the various discipleship groups, meetings, and other church events where our pastors are able to interact with individuals and speak the Word of God into the lives of our church. 

This blog is primarily a platform for our pastors to, in a different format, address the needs of the world and the needs of our church. The goal here is not to write professionally, academic, or even perfect work, but to provide opportunity for the pastors here at GBC to further edify the saints of GBC and help all strive toward Christian growth. I pray that what is expressed here may benefit the members of GBC as we all seek to grow in our walk with Christ, love for Christ, and obedience to Christ. Our goal is to glorify God by writing down thoughts (and at times that's all a post may be, a simple thought) so that the Church may grow.

To the Glory of God, in the Power of the Spirit, through the Work of Jesus Christ, may the Church be edified.
Pastor Caleb