The Case For The Next Generation

We need to reach the next generation. I recently told a group of leaders that if we do not go all-in to do so, then everything else we dream of is simply wishful thinking. Let me give you a 50,000-foot view of what is happening and where things are going wrong.

For decades, increasing numbers of young people have walked away from Christianity. If nothing changes by 2050, Christianity will fall below 50% in America for the first time in the nation’s history. The decision to leave or accept Jesus is typically made between the ages of 16 and 29. At the current rate, 31% of the generation will leave the faith, and only 21% of unbelievers will come to it. We must change the trajectory.

There are many theories on why Christianity is declining, but here is the simplest one: at the core of the problem is a need for right action. We have the wrong focus and a significant inaction problem. Only 1% of American churches report having a dynamic outreach. Statistically, leadership development, discipleship, and evangelism are among pastors’ least prioritized activities. Most people leaving the faith—and most people joining it—are under 30, yet the fewest resources are focused on this age group. Lack of action, focus, and clear priorities have created an environment for Christianity’s decline.

But there is hope.

The power of Gospel remains just like it has for 2,000 years and I am witnessing it impact the next generation in America, Europe, East Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and South America.

To change the trajectory, we must work tirelessly to activate the Church as a missional movement once again and inspire young people to embrace the cause of evangelism. Here at Circuit Riders, we are fully committed to both.

For the Church: We’re collaborating on The Activated Church workshop series, training churches to reach the next generation. Our first workshop just concluded, training over 70 churches, and we’re already hearing incredible testimonies.

For young people: We launched a global evangelism initiative called First Fridays. College students commit to evangelism on campus on the first Friday of each month. This fall alone, 27 campuses in California launched First Friday outreaches. They are going so well students are opting in to share the gospel weekly.

A Gen Z awakening is beginning, and there is a renewed hunger in the Church to reach the next generation. Let’s keep praying and trusting God to expand the impact of these efforts and not be distracted by any report that the gospel is not the most relevant and compelling message for this generation.