Reaching the current generation

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

We have an incredible opportunity before us. Most people live weightless, ephemeral lives. We can give them substance instead of style. We can show them a big God to help make sense of their shrinking lives. We can point them to transcendence instead of triviality. We can reach them with something more lasting and more powerful than gimmicks, gadgets, and games. We can reach them with God. Imagine that. Reaching the next generation for God by showing them more of God. That's just crazy enough to work. (P. 25-26)

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.