Population growth highlights many things. One of them is spiritual opportunity. If the harvest was plentiful in Jesus time (
If Jesus recognized a lack of kingdom laborers then, we can assume the need has grown.
So, where will we find those ready to join the movement? How can we keep up with population growth, cultural demands and our evangelistic mandate? Where will we find an army of missional, focused and passionate laborers?
Although God can use people of all ages, it will be difficult to create a movement among people who are further along in their journeys, settled into their routines and comfortable in their lives.
However, there is a pool from which we can draw. Hidden in local churches, campus clubs and small groups all over the world is an army of willing, able and energetic young people waiting to be engaged, empowered and released to change the world. Students are not looking to be babysat, and we are not doing them any favors when we simply entertain them; but as workers motivated by the Great Commission, we must intentionally focus the influence we have with young people on engaging them to join in what God is doing.
We can’t afford for them to be spectators, they have to be participants. They can’t be passive; they have to be deliberate about developing their gifts and using them to benefit the King and His kingdom.
We know the heart engagement we seek only can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. There is no formula that will work every time and no practice that proves perfect; however, there are a few things we can focus on that will increase our chances. In order to see inspired, equipped and motivated young people, we:
Can help them keep first things first. Many young people have a heart for the lost and hurting but ignore their personal relationship with Christ. They are not taking time to develop their own root systems; therefore, when trouble or persecution comes, they “quickly fall away” (
Our students may want to be used by God to right injustices, love the unlovely, boldly speak truth, and live counter to culture, but if they aren’t working from and through a personal and growing relationship with Jesus, they will not be effective. If they neglect their Source (abiding in Christ through His Word, worship and prayer), their flames will die. They may have an impact for a short time, but they will not survive the long journey that lies ahead.
As leaders, we must teach them that God will build them in private to use them in public. We must help them understand their individual relationships with Christ is the foundation for their service for Him.
Can’t stop at the what; we must convince them of the why. Years ago while serving in a church in Colorado, a young lady approached and said, “I am never going to bring a friend here. All you want is a bigger group.”
My favorite phrase had become, “Bring your friends,” and she thought it was for selfish purposes. The next week, my approach changed. Instead of saying, “Bring your friends,” I mentioned an upcoming outreach event and I shared about how many people were going to come to faith. “Many who are hopeless will discover hope. Many who are looking for purpose will understand God crafted them for a relationship with Him.”
At the time of the event, the young lady who had said she never would bring a friend was the first one in the door—followed by three unchurched friends. Why? Because she had seen the reason behind the request.
Young people will reject a rule, but they will embrace a cause. When recruiting kingdom laborers, we cannot simply tell those under our care that they should give, serve, pray and share. Those all sound like work…work that has no reward. If we begin by starting at the end and convince them of the why along with the what, they will jump on board and join the team.
Can help them remove their excuses. Young people want to make a difference, but they are intimidated. They don’t feel they know enough. Insecurity says they don’t have the right personality or lack confidence and courage. Their excuses are paralyzing.
By speaking encouraging words to them, you enable them to overpower their timidity and overcome their excuses.
We have, at our disposal an army just waiting for a cause worth dying for. If they are engaged and empowered, they will get in the game.
Because of technological and travel advancements, this generation has the ability to impact the world with the gospel in amazing ways. As we set our sights on recruiting, training, equipping, motivating, challenging and releasing them to take God’s message to their neighborhoods, towns and ultimately the world, we will see the harvest become reality.
Sean Dunn is a speaker, author and the founder of Groundwire (Groundwire.net), an organization that exists to broadcast hope to anyone who may be struggling or in crisis. Operating 24 hours a day, hundreds of volunteers man Groundwire’s chat platform, which is available to anyone at anytime for help, encouragement or affirmation. Sean and his four children live outside of Denver, Colorado.
