In Judges 2:10 we read “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.” We see a pattern in the Old Testament that mirrors the dilemma the church faces today. When the next generation does not know the Lord, they become rebellious to the things of God. In the church this means dropping out or never joining to begin with. We then see congregations that are aging and wonder how long until the church must close its doors. Passing the faith to the next generation is vital to the present and future life of the church! The good news is that not only does the Lord command his people to pass their faith to the next generation, he provides us with everything we need to do this. So, how do we pass the faith to the next generation?
Larger parishes use programs to reach and teach younger generations. Yet smaller congregations often do not have the resources to sustain these types of programs. What scripture teaches us does not require programs though. Deuteronomy 6 instructs parents to teach their children about God so that the next generations will know him. Psalm 78 reminds God’s people that each generation must learn of the good things that God has done so that they will not forsake him. We are currently teaching a simple model in our diocese and across North American Anglicanism that enables churches to engage younger generations without the need for programs and extensive resources. Our model revolves around three words. Talk. Study. Pray. Talk refers to building a relationship with young people, getting to know them and investing time in their lives. Study refers to opening the Bible together to read it and discern how to apply it to our lives. Pray refers to praying together and helping a young person develop their own prayer life.
This model is simple enough that a church of any size can implement it. It is sustainable over time and can serve the needs of every generation. Engaging younger generations in this way will enable the next generation to fulfill the command found in Deuteronomy 6. Resources are readily available to help people engage. I am available to teach this model to churches and deaneries.
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