Over the past few weeks, college protestors have been dominating the conversation in the news. Everyday there seems to be a protest here and a protest there. Unfortunately, while in America everyone has a right to protest, those protests have caused major disruptions on college campuses. They have led to cancellation of classes and, at some schools, the cancelation of college graduations for thousands. Some of them have become so disruptive and hostile that police have been called in to break up the protests
What is happening on college campuses around America have started more and more protests around the country and the world. Some of them have become quit violent and hostile.
While these protests have been going on, something rather interesting went on at another University. At the very last optional campus chapel service at Liberty University in Virginia for the Spring Semester, thousands of college students gathered together for hours worshiping God and giving praise and glory to Him. They weren’t there to protest anything. They were there to worship the one true God and seek Him for guidance and direction.
Draw the Next Generation to God
What happened at Liberty, can happen in other places as well. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, ministers have a unique opportunity to lead the next generation to God. Instant of calling them to protest human rulers and decisions, ministers can call them to praise and worship the one true King!
Young people in their high school and college years are often drawn to activism. And those who often speak the loudest and cause the most disruptions are the ones that often get talked about the most. So how can you, as a minister, draw people to God? Have can ministers help the next generation see God as the true redeemer or offerer of hope rather than a man made cause? Here are some ways:
- Meet them where they are. One of the best ways to do this is by creating authentic community. A community based on finding hope, peace, and purpose in Christ can be so encouraging in a time when the next generation are going from teenagers to young adults. Encourage students to share their struggles and questions with trusted believers who can speak truth in love.
- Guide them to develop a strong devotional life. Here you can plug them into the source of truth during turbulent times. Jesus says that “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). Consistently point them back to the unshakeable truths of Scripture and the certainty we have in Jesus.
- Lead them to praise and worship. Worship provides a stable anchor for the next generation, reminding them of the never-changing character of God amidst uncertainty. Just like what happened at Liberty can happen in smaller gatherings from college campuses to neighborhoods. Worship and praise God for who He truly is.
Conclusion
Amidst the chaos of decisions outside of their control, ministers need to remember to always be calling the next generation to Christ. Remind them that Jesus is the anchor, especially in uncertain times and storms of chaos and disruption. Provide them with discipleship relationships that they learn the importance of what it means to follow Jesus, the true living water and to lead them to praise and worship the one true King. As they experience God and see His faithfulness over time, even uncertain seasons can draw them closer to the immutable Christ.
Before you finish reading this post, write down a quick action plan. What else can you do? Share them below or on social media.
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