10 Ways to Encourage the Young People in Your Church

If we are going to make an impact in the lives of young people, we must do it quickly, emphatically, and intentionally –they grow up
pretty fast, and if you don’t influence their faith, heart, and mind at a tender age, it is certain, someone else will. In the five years I
have been at Cross Roads, I have seen many of our youth grow and mature into fine young Christians. When you consider the context
of their daily lives, such spiritual growth is a praise-worthy accomplishment.

Their world is vastly different than the world of their parents. The culture at large fights for their attention and affection. They are
exposed and connected, much sooner, to pervasive and wicked worldviews. They are inundated with relative thinking and humanistic
mindsets. They are pressured to adopt a “coexist” philosophy of life, which ironically promotes toleration for all views except
Christianity. If the church fails to make investments into the youth department, the church will eventually cease to exist. I, for one,
do not believe they are the “church of tomorrow,” I believe they are a vital and necessary part of today’s church.

So how do we encourage them? How do we let them know that we care? How do we help them embrace the faith of the Bible?

1. Keep preaching the Gospel. The gospel is the only message in history that is for all people, at all times, in all places. Radical
transformation in this generation can be a reality when the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented clearly and scripturally. Yes, teenagers
need the Gospel.

2. Stay in touch with them, the way they stay in touch. If we are going to make a connection with young people, we must connect
with them through new mediums. If you are not in tune with social media, get out of your comfort zone and get connected with the
young people of your church. It’s not only a good way to communicate, but your presence may very well be the accountability system
they need.

3. Do something special for them on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but do something nice for a young
person. Buy them a small gift. Send them a funny card. Let them know you care, and that you think of them often.

4. Keep them involved in the worship experience of the church. One of the tragic mistakes we make in the modern church is to
isolate every group from one another in worship. I am not against the nursery, children’s church, or Wednesday night programs; but if
we are not careful, we may very well be excluding our children from the presence and move of God. Keep them involved. Let them
sing in the choir, call on them to pray, let them usher. Have them serve in various capacities of the church.

5. Place expectations upon their lives. When young people have no order or expectations, they run wild. Down inside, they want
some rules and regulations. They may not appreciate it now, but with consistency and compassion, they will eventually learn that
those expectations were in place because of love and grace.

6. Model Christ-likeness before them. It doesn’t matter how many sermons you preach, how many rules you give, how much
money you throw at them; if they do not see Christ in your life, you will have very little influence upon them. Grow in grace yourself,
and allow your growth to spill over into their lives.

7. Volunteer your time for their events. Give your time to their cause. Sponsor a child for summer camp. Serve as a chaperone at
the next outing. Become a presence in their activities, not just an “old-person” on a pew.

8. Compliment their efforts. I don’t care who you are, we all enjoy compliments. Young people especially need to know they are
accepted. We are generally pretty good at pointing out their flaws; but on occasion, accentuate and applaud their positive attributes.

9. Share your own experiences with them. Be real and be honest. Share with them your life, your testimony, your trials, and your
victories. They need hope; hope of growing up and surviving in this difficult world.

10. Call their name daily unto the Lord. Above and beyond all other things, prayer is the key to influence. Keep their name on a
list. Call it out frequently, passionately, and specifically.
I have never met a church which didn’t want to reach young people. Every church sees the value in younger people
becoming a an active part of the church. They know the future life of the church depends upon it.

The problem is often the church doesn’t act like what they claim to value.

If a church is more interested in protecting traditions, for example, than it is in creating a future, then it will most likely
fail to attract young people.

At least that’s been my experience.

If a church is interested in attracting young people, it must think strategically about doing so. And, let’s be honest- we
are all figuring out this subject. I’m totally open to learning from you. These are just some things I’ve observed.

Here are 5 suggestions for attracting young people to church:

Value them and their ideas

Young people will want to do things differently. They see things differently. We must give them a voice and an access to
authority. This doesn’t mean we have to change anything we believe or teach, but it does mean we have to listen to
them and not dismiss what’s on their heart and minds. I’ve found I must make time in my schedule for the younger
generation. I need to engage them regularly. They want to know me personally. But, when I do, it’s huge to them – and I
have more credibility to speak into their life. (And, it fuels me personally.)

Give them a place to serve

Find ways to let young people assist others. It’s a huge value for them. For the newer generation, it appears service may
be the new front door. They will care more about serving than they will about “membership”. They want to make a
difference meeting real needs. I’ve discovered they like hands on experiences. And, they usually aren’t afraid to get their
hands dirty.

Be genuine with them

Young people can spot phonies. Let them see you are real. Authentic and transparent have been admired cultural values
all their life – so they will accept nothing else. Be honest with them – about your shortcomings, your flaws and your
fears. Let them learn from your mistakes and the things you did right.

Love them

Young people want to sense they are loved – even when they mess up. In my experience, young people want a safe
place to be transparent and they want you to love them even when they do things – and believe things – of which you
wouldn’t approve. If you want an opportunity to speak into their life, they have to know you genuinely care for them.

Guide them

Young people want direction and they want to learn from your experience. If you talk about the concept of mentoring –
they are into it. If a more experienced person is willing to invest in them – they’ll listen. This is a huge opportunity for the
church in reaching a newer generation.

We, at Bible Baptist, understand it is our responsibility to raise up the next generation of leaders for the
Lord’s work. With that particular understanding, we believe it is never too early to teach children to
faithfully serve the Lord. Along with a specialized Sunday School program and active children’s choir, we
offer Children’s Church and Junior Church designed specifically for the child’s age group on Sunday
Morning. Bible Baptist Church also offers a sound and solid Youth Department for both Junior High and
Senior High teenagers. Activities include such things as Summer Camp, Mission Trips, Monthly Outings,
Youth Choir, Youth Visitation, Youth Rallies, and much more.

We have trained volunteers who selflessly give of their time to see both children and teenagers brought
under the teaching and preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths of the Word of God. While
we are not geared for merely babysitting, we are geared to train young people to unashamedly follow
Jesus and to build relationships with others their age who are doing the same.
 God's Goodness and Mercy ►
Children's Bible
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
Patient, and full of loving-kindness.
The Lord is good to all,
Showing mercy to all his creatures.
All thy works give thee thanks, O Lord,
And those who love thee praise thee,
They speak of thy glorious rule,
And proclaim thy mighty power,
That men may know thy great deeds,
And the glorious splendor of thy rule.
Thy rule is an everlasting rule,
Thy dominion endures forever.
The Lord lifts up all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all wait for thee,
And thou givest them food in due season.
Thou it is who openest thy hand,
And satisfiest the desires of all creatures.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways,
And gracious in all his acts.
He is near all who call upon him,
To all who call upon him in truth.
He fulfils the desire of his worshippers,
He hears their cry and saves them.
He takes care of all who love him,
But destroys all those who do wrong.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord.
Let all flesh praise his holy name forever.
The Children's Bible
by Henry A. Sherman and Charles Foster Kent.
How To Honor Your Parents ►
Children's Bible
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And forsake not the teaching of your mother;
They shall be a crown of beauty for your head,
And a necklace about your neck.
Listen to your father who begat you,
And despise not your mother when she is old.
He who does what he is told is a wise son.
But he who makes friends of spendthrifts,
Brings disgrace on his father.
He who robs father or mother,
Saying, "There is no wrong in it,"
Is like him who is a destroyer.
He who curses his father or mother,
His lamp shall go out in the blackest of darkness.
A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son despises his mother.
A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And brings bitterness to her who bore him.
Be wise, my son, and make glad my heart,
That I may answer the one who reproaches me.
Let your father be filled with joy,
And let her who bore you rejoice.
The Children's Bible
by Henry A. Sherman and Charles Foster Kent.
Bible Hub
God's Care for Those Who Try to Do Right ►
Children's Bible
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But he blesses the home of him who does right.
Surely he scoffs at the scoffers,
But to the modest he ever shows favor.
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
But he disappoints the desire of the wicked.
The Lord is a stronghold to him who lives rightly,
But he brings destruction to those who do wrong.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower,
To which the righteous runs and is safe.
Every word of God is true;
He is a shield to those who trust him.
Say not, "I will be revenged for a wrong";
Wait for the Lord, he will save you.
For the Lord gives wisdom,
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright,
He is a shield to those who live clean lives,
That he may guard the course of justice,
And protect the way of his faithful ones.
Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But the foolish despise wisdom and discipline.
Reverence comes through wise instruction,
And before honor goes modesty.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Depend not on your own understanding;
In all you do make him your friend,
And he will direct your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes.
Revere the Lord, and avoid sin.
Then you will have health of body
And your bones will be refreshed.
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
With the best of all you receive,
Then your barns will be filled with grain,
And your vats overflow with wine.
A greedy man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
Intrust what you do to the Lord,
Then your plans will succeed.
The Importance of Being Willing to Learn ►
Children's Bible
The lips of the wise speak knowledge,
But the fool does not understand.
A fool's way seems right in his sight,
But a wise man listens to advice.
A fool despises his father's correction,
But he who regards reproof acts wisely.
Listen to advice and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your later life.
Advice in a man's mind is like deep water,
But a man of sense will draw it out.
Hold fast instruction, let it not go;
Keep it, for it is your life.
My son, reject not the discipline of the Lord,
And do not spurn his reproof,
For whom he loves he reproves,
Even as a father the son of whom he is fond.
He who rejects correction despises his own self,
But he who listens to reproof gains understanding.
The Way to Be Well and Happy ►
Children's Bible
Many a man tells of his own kindness.
But a trustworthy man who can find?
A child is known by his acts,
Whether his work is pure and right.
Worry in a man's mind makes it sad,
But a kind word makes it happy.
A man's spirit upholds him in sickness,
But who can raise up a broken spirit?
A calm mind is the life of the body,
But jealousy rots the bones.
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,
But by inward sorrow the spirit is broken.
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
The Control of the Temper ►
Children's Bible
A mild answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
A man without self-control
Is a ruined city whose wall is broken.
A fool gives way to his wrath,
But a wise man restrains his anger.
A fool's anger is known at once,
But a sensible man heeds not an insult.
A man's wisdom makes him patient,
It is his glory to overlook faults.
He who is patient is better than a warrior,
And he who rules his temper than he who takes a city.
The Right Use of the Tongue ►
Children's Bible
Do you see a man who speaks before he thinks?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
He who answers before he hears
Covers himself with confusion.
He who is sparing of words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of sense.
Even a fool, if he keeps still, is considered wise;
Prudent, if he keeps his lips shut.
He who guards his mouth and tongue
Guards himself against trouble.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue;
They who are fond of using it must eat its fruit.
A man has joy from the utterance of his mouth,
And a word in season, how good it is!
A word fitly spoken
Is like golden fruit in silver settings.
Pleasant words are like honeycomb,
Sweet to the taste and healing to the body.
The Children's Bible
by Henry A. Sherman and Charles Foster Kent.
Bible Hub
Being Generous and Loving ►
Children's Bible
He who returns evil for good,
From his house evil shall not depart.
It is an honor for a man to avoid strife;
Only a fool is quarrelsome.
Charcoal for embers, and wood for fire,
And a quarrelsome man to kindle strife!
Strive not with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water;
Therefore leave off strife before quarrelling begins.
Better a dry crust with quietness
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
A just man regards the life of his beast,
But the heart of the wicked is cruel.
He who oppresses the poor reviles his Maker,
But he who has pity on the needy honors him.
He who listens not to the cry of the poor,
He also shall call and not be answered.
He who pities the poor, lends to the Lord
And he will repay him for his good deed.
If your enemy hungers, give him food;
If he thirsts, give him water to drink;
For you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the Lord will reward you.
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love overlooks faults.
Better a meal of herbs where love is,
Than a fatted ox with hate.
Let not love and truth leave you,
Bind them about your neck;
So you will enjoy favor and a good reputation
In the sight of God and man.
What God Likes and Dislikes ►
Children's Bible
The eyes of the Lord are all-seeing,
Keeping watch on both wicked and good.
A man thinks all that he does is right,
But the Lord tests the motive.
A man plans the way in his mind,
But the Lord directs his steps.
The Lord detests a false balance,
But a just balance is his delight.
To do what is just and right
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
The conduct of the wicked is hateful to him,
But he loves the man eager to do right.
The Lord detests the evil-minded,
But is well pleased with him who lives uprightly.
The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful to the Lord,
But the prayer of the upright is a delight to him!
The Lord holds aloof from the wicked,
But hears the prayer of the upright.
Lying lips are hateful to the Lord,
But they who act honestly are his delight.
There are six things that the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are detestable to him:
Haughty eyes and a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A mind that plans wicked schemes,
Feet that make haste to do evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And he who sows strife between brothers.
The Children's Bible
by Henry A. Sherman and Charles Foster Kent.
For riches fly away,
Like an eagle that flies toward heaven.
Better is little with reverence for the Lord
Than great treasure and trouble as well.
Two things I ask of thee, O God,
Deny me them not ere I die:
Put far from me deceit and lying,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Provide me with the food that I need,
That I may not be filled to the full and deny thee,
And say, "Who is the Lord?"
Or else be poor and steal,
And disgrace the name of my God.
What It Means to Be Modest ►
Children's Bible
Do not boast what you will do to-morrow,
For you know not what a day may bring forth.
Do you see a man wise in his own opinion?
There is more hope for a fool than for him!
Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
But with the modest is wisdom.
It is not good to eat much honey;
But to seek the glory of others is glorious.
Let another man praise you, not your own mouth;
Some other, and not your own lips.

Bible Hub
Things That Are Better Than Riches ►
Children's Bible
Better is a poor man who lives uprightly
Than one who is dishonest, though he be rich.
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great abundance with injustice.
Better is a modest spirit with the humble,
Than to divide spoil with the proud.
A good name is better than great riches,
More highly valued than silver and gold.
He who trusts in riches shall fail,
But the upright flourish like a green leaf.
Toil not that you may become rich;
Cease through your own understanding.
Should you set your eyes upon it, it is gone!