Ep. 270 - How to Guide and Inspire Young People

The Living Waters Podcast

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start this conversation by talking about 1 Timothy 3, which points out that mankind are lovers of themselves rather than God. All generations have sins, and today’s social media makes this more apparent. Oscar is intentional about discipling young people, noting that our culture today pales in comparison to the Greco-Roman culture that the early church faced, where Christianity still boomed. Today, there’s a lack of respect for authority and discipline, with too much pride to be governed by others. So, how do we reach young people?
Past generations didn’t have today’s technology, and now there is constant exposure to disrespectful behavior. Many kids are on iPads in restaurants, and parents often don’t realize the harmful content coming from the internet and how it impacts their children. Parents must guard and love their children proactively. The local church holds significant value. Invest in the kids in your church and other young people. Lowering the bar can prevent kids from becoming sober-minded adults. It’s important to speak the truth to the younger generations about the gospel.
We need to turn to God, the Maker, for solutions to our problems. Discipleship happens through living life together. We are always discipling our kids, intentionally or not. To disciple a child, invite them along and talk to them. The guys shared experiences of adults who truly listened to them as kids, making them feel important. Listening is key to reaching young people effectively. Invest in the younger generation by listening to them and speaking life into them. Encourage and build one another up, seeing young people as brothers and sisters in Christ.
There should be a multi-generational approach to ministry. A common fault in ministering to young people is watering down the gospel. Many churches are consumeristic, resembling auditoriums. We shouldn’t strive to be hip and cool; this can drive young people away. Instead, young people should feel a sense of transcendence and humility.
To the young people: Get to know God through His Word. Learn, sing to the Lord, study apologetics, and be bold in sharing the gospel. Read more books while you have the opportunity. Remember that God is always with you. To the older generations, the key to reaching youth is through youth. Harness their energy and equip them to share the gospel. Older generations should not despise youth but see them as examples of walking with the Lord. Young people should seek advice and listen to wise counsel, balancing youthful zeal with mature wisdom.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Chapters

1. Homeschooling, Education, and Playing Hooky (00:00:00)

2. Reaching the Hearts of Young People (00:12:54)

3. Ministering to the Next Generation (00:27:29)

4. Impacting Youth Through Transcendence (00:40:08)

5. Guidance for Youth in Faith (00:47:08)

6. Apologetics Resources and Podcast Promotion (00:50:49)