Surviving Chaos

Recently, I was listening to a podcast where the guest was asked why young people 16-30, specifically men, are moving away from low church Christianity, nondenominational churches and moving towards high church Christianity. And his response was interesting.

• They are looking for something real. They want to walk into any church with a similar name and know what they are going to get. They want to know that there will be depth when the bible is opened. They want to see consistence within their beliefs.

• They value the history of Christianity. Most churches don’t emphasize the journey Christians have travelled over the years. We know scripture. We know about the early church. But we know very little about the history between the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and today. Those stories of faith, perseverance, and sacrifice are being lost to future generations of believers.

• They value the reverence high churches have for God, the church, and the Word. Many churches have become a place for fellowship and love, a place where you are accepted and appreciated for how you see yourself and not how God is trying to change you to look more like His Son, Jesus. This push has feminized the church; emphasizing comfort over transformation, acceptance without challenge. Most men want to be torn down so they can improve, built better than we once were. They are competitive by nature. Comfort never feeds the competitive spirit.

• They are being sought by leaders. Many priests and pastors of these High Church churches are intentionally seeking after young men. They are mentoring them and discipling them. These leaders aren’t standoffish or distant from these young men. Instead, they are approachable and have the mentality of seeking after young men for the purpose of intentional mentorship. Much of that mentorship is done through real life, everyday experiences. Just knowing that a leader is willing to invest in the life of a man will make him a follower long term. It allows these young men to see how a godly man interacts with the world.

Are we missing something? Could it really be that simple?

If we want young men to join and activate themselves our churches, it won’t be through some bible study or program. These may have worked generations ago, but now, the method must change.

As leaders in the church, we need to:

Protect the pulpit and classroom. The bible should be the primary tool spoken from the pulpit, not opinion and not restrained. The word is powerful. The word changes people. It shouldn’t be held back. Instead, it should be allowed to cut deep into the hearts of its listeners.

Disciple by leading a life well lead. Seek out young men who are hungry and wanting to learn. Keep your eyes open and then intentionally invite them to join you in your life. Take them to coffee. Invite them over to your home. Let them see you interact with their family. Let them see how you, as a man of God interacts with the world. Mentors have a responsibility to seek our mentees. It’s a two-way street. Everyone needs a mentor.

Stand boldly and firmly in our faith. The enemy wants to destroy everything God treasures. And too often we see the church stay silent. We can’t be silent any more. We need to address the lies the culture is pushing as truth. Truth is not relative. Truth belongs to God’s alone. No longer can we say that men are women, that right is wrong, that babies are not alive until their first breath. Selfishness has infiltrated our churches. When will we humble ourselves and repent for our failure to be strong and courageous in the presence of evil? We are called to speak truth and rebut the enemy’s lies. Now is the time to step up, defend the family, and ask God for forgiveness.

So, where are the Christian Men?

They are still here. They haven’t disappeared. They are waiting; waiting to be called, challenged, and shown something authentic.

They desire a faith that is deep, a church that is reverent, and a purpose that is worth giving their lives to. They’re looking for truth that cuts, leadership that invests, and a faith that is not comfortable, but costs something.

And when the Word of God is preached boldly, men will respond; because they are looking for truth that will not compromise.

The next generation of Christian men will not be built through better programs, but through truth, conviction, and intentional investment.

So, the real question is not where the men are.

The question is are we willing to become the kind of church and the kind of men worth following?