Leaders of Tomorrow

I started my journey as a pastor focusing on youth and music. Every church that I have been a part of that experienced growth had one thing in common—a vibrant, active Junior High and High School ministry. In my experience, churches that do not have something for every age group struggle to bring in new families. The lack of young people in a church was a sign that it would soon die. It was not a matter of if but of when. Just when it seems for many churches that all is lost in reaching young people for Christ, there is an encouraging change with the Gen Z generation (Gen Z ages vary but is generally those from ages 15 – 19).

“New research from The State of the Church Initiative, reveals a pivotal moment for the American church: spiritual openness is rising—especially among Gen Z—yet discipleship depth continues to decline. Younger men are driving a surprising surge in church attendance…” (Barna.org – Apr 7, 2025)

There is an open window of opportunity to disciple young men to be our church leaders for tomorrow. There are challenges that each generation faces, yet it is important to remember it is God who brings about spiritual growth, we are called to simply be faithful. The question is, “how are we going to make the best use of the time we’ve been given?” Ephesians 5:15–16 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” We are called to make disciples of all nations, including our own. It takes a village, or in this case, a church. We must pray for our youth, be willing to mentor, and make youth ministry a priority in our thinking and in our investments of both time and money. Let us faithfully make the most of the season of opportunity God has given us, for we do not know when it may end.

Pastor Phil Newby