How We Can Encourage the Youth at GFC

The youth conference “Transformed” has just taken place, where all the sermons were centered on the theme “To Live Is Christ". The fact that so many young people attended and participated in the conference shows that the youth have a genuine, vivid interest in God’s Word and in a personal relationship with the Lord. But for us as a church, it’s important to note several key takeaways from this event so that we can be more effective in reaching the younger generation. Let’s reflect on how we, as members of the church, can better reach young people.

I. Notice the Young People

We must acknowledge a simple reality: by default, we tend to pay attention to those similar to ourselves. If we are married with small children, before and after services we naturally find ourselves fellowshipping with other families who also have little ones. There is nothing wrong with that, but as a result, most of our attention goes to those who are already stable and well-rooted. The youth, being not yet as grounded as others, need special attention and care.

Scripture teaches that pastors are to care for all people in the church and for all generations, including the young (1 Peter 5:1–5; Titus 2:1–7). We especially see this in the relationship between the apostle Paul and the young minister Timothy, a representative of the younger generation in the church:

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12

We can draw a simple conclusion: in the life of the church, we must pay attention to young people—and even more, support and develop their ministry!

II. Trust the Young People

The recent conference showed that the youth are capable of organizing and carrying out excellent events. There are many gifted and capable young people who simply need to be entrusted with ministry and responsibility at the right time. This is something not only the elders but every church member should consider. Often, cultural habits can work against involving and trusting the young. A good biblical example is how God arranged history so that the young Samuel was entrusted with much under Eli’s guidance. Samuel was young, but from his youth he was drawn into ministry. At the level of home groups and various ministries, we all need to learn to involve the youth in serving. The key is— learn to trust the young!

III. Care for the Young People

At this stage of life, young people have many questions. During the conference’s Q&A session, a large number of questions were submitted. The youth face many areas where they need guidance and biblical understanding about what to do and how to live. Pastors cannot answer all these questions—they simply don’t have enough time or capacity. But how wonderful it would be if the older generation (even those who no longer or not yet have young people in their families) would pay attention, take time to talk, have meaningful conversations, understand their needs, pray together with them, and answer their question.

“When your son asks you in time to come, saying… then you shall say to your son…”
— Deuteronomy 6:20–21

IV. Pray for the Young People

“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
— Ephesians 6:18

What can we pray for when it comes to the youth? What challenges is the younger generation facing today? Some of the difficulties and struggles they deal with include: individualism (growing isolation and self-focus), rejection of authority (our culture normalizes the rejection of all forms of authority, and that influences the church’s youth), a life of pleasure rather than service (self-centeredness has become natural), theory over practice (they often know more than their parents, yet apply less), lack of commitment to the church (seeing church as just one area of life rather than the center around which everything else revolves), postmodernism (rejection of absolutes—“everyone is right”), and temptations such as laziness, pornography, selfishness, gossip, addictions (social media, alcohol, light drugs, gaming), materialism, and apathy.

If we understand that young people face all this daily, then as the Church, we must stand “in the breach” for our youth!

V. Show Hospitality to the Young People

One of the most effective ways to show attention, care, love, and influence toward the youth is to invite them into your home for fellowship. Believe me—hungry young people will never turn down an invitation to a good meal! How wonderful it would be to see the older generation open their homes, invite young people for Sunday lunch, feed them, listen to their hearts, answer their questions, and pray for them. A simple act of kindness and care can open many doors—for the Gospel and for meaningful influence in their lives.

Dear Church, let us not neglect this ministry. May God give you strength, zeal, and desire to reach the young generation

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
2 Timothy 2:22 

Viktor Timonin and Tanya Maksimenko 

The ceremony will take place in the main GFC building and everyone is welcome to attend. The wedding reception is by invitation only.