Experts Unveil Strategy To Keep Young People In Church
Youth ministry experts emphasize the crucial role of intergenerational relationships in maintaining young people’s connection to the Church amidst a growing trend of religious disaffiliation in the United States. At a recent event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, highlighted concerns over the detachment of today’s youth from truth and purpose, advocating for the reintroduction of truth through relational contexts like intergenerational mentoring.
Stonestreet’s message spotlighted the strategic efforts of One Hundred Years, including initiatives like the Youth Leader Collective and the Pray for Me Campaign. These programs have successfully fostered cross-generational bonds within congregations, with the Pray for Me Campaign alone facilitating over 160,000 relationships across churches nationwide by pairing students with adult “prayer champions” from various age groups.
Tony Souder, founder of One Hundred Years, underscored the evolving church experience for young people, noting the disparity in support and connection they often face compared to adults. Souder emphasized prayer as a catalyst for nurturing intergenerational connections, vital for the flourishing of faith among youth.
The event featured musical performances by Austin Cain and Franni Cash Cain of We the Kingdom, who shared personal stories of how the Pray for Me Campaign had positively impacted their lives and those of the youth they ministered to.
In conclusion, Joe Novenson, former senior pastor of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, urged attendees to embrace their responsibility in fostering deep intergenerational relationships within the Church, viewing it not merely as a commendable endeavor but as an essential aspect of their calling.