Intentional Calling the Younger Generations
We are now in the midst of the summer season, a vibrant time of celebration as churches throughout the country are reaching out to the younger generations. We have two primary generations of focus, Generation Z comprised of young people born between 1997 and 2012 ranging from ages 13 to 26 years of age; and Generation Alpha born after 2013 who comprise children in kindergarten to upcoming sixth graders of this approaching school year. According to some experts, the most impressionable years are between 12 to 24 years of age. It is extremely important during these impressionable years to share Christ with young people. A study completed by Barna reports children ages 5-13 have a 32% probability of accepting Christ, youth ages 14-18 have only have a 14% probability of doing so, and unbelieving adults over the age of 19 only a 6% probability of becoming Christians. The first call is always the call to salvation and it is imperative that all Christians understand the immediacy of importance to reach the younger generations. The second call is the call to spiritual growth and discipleship which is important especially for the Gen Z generation who have accepted Christ. It is essential for those in this age group to be engaged in connecting with peers as their influence may provide a strong persuasion to consider dialing-in on their spiritual growth. The practice of the spiritual disciplines in this age group is important including meeting to study the word, memorize and share Scripture, worship through praise, and also engage in community outreach to serve others. The third call is the call to vocational ministry. Dr. Howard Culbertson, a professor at the Southern Nazarene University shared, “Many people serving as career cross-cultural missionaries have testified that they first felt God calling them to missionary service during than 4-14 age period.”
Looking back on history of those called at a young age, there are many names that come to mind. In the 1700’s, there is George Whitefield, who undoubtably felt the call to preach as a young man and was ordained while pursuing his Bachelor’s degree. In the 1800’s, the prince of preachers Charles Spurgeon was called to preach as teenager. Spurgeon at age 15 came to faith in January, he was baptized in April, and within a year of accepting Christ began preaching. In the 1900’s, Billy Graham accepted Christ at age 16, after graduating high school he attended a school that he felt was rules and coursework were too legalistic and was nearly expelled, he transferred to Florida Bible Institute, and in 1937 started preaching. Adrian Rogers served at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee for thirty-three years. He felt called to preach at a young age and entered ministry at 19 years of age. H.B. Charles was baptized at the age of six, and preached his first message at the tender age of eleven years old under the watchful eyes of his father and other pastoral leaders in the congregation at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church located in Los Angeles, California. His father passed away, and H.B., at the age of seventeen proceeded his father as the pastor of the church. These stories may seem dramatic, however, these men felt a sense of God calling at a young age. It is not inconceivable, that young men today now in the 21st century would also feel the call of God upon their lives.
We want to implore ministry leaders and especially pastors to take note of young people in your midst who are seeking God. Jesus selected young men to follow him as his disciples. It is noted in the context of first century Jewish tradition, a child began his religious training at age 5 and would continue until 12-13 years of age. A young man who considered rabbi training would begin at 13-15 years of age, and at age 30 when he could have disciples of his own. Jesus used ordinary men, Andrew was considered to be a little older than Jesus, and Peter was married, however, John was considered to the youngest, most likely a teenager. Based upon statistics and the few examples of life stories shared, it is essential to intentionally reach young people.
In conclusion, there are many young people who need to hear the gospel message, and maybe the voice that may make a difference in a life and death decision with eternal impact is from the young person in your church. The facts bear truth that proactive ministry in the younger generations is imperative and it requires active hands-on approach by pastors to recognize the impact of Christ on young lives and how their impressions will affect future generations.
