The Gospel is probably the only thing on Earth that doesn’t follow this pattern of thought as ultimately it is God who is involved. But biblically, is there a tested method that we can follow for engaging young people?
Engagement and compromise: how should we reach out to younger people?
When it comes to youth, we’re often guilty of constantly trying to find new methods to engage. We view young people as almost a different species with different needs. We can’t gloss over that many are finding their way in life and are in a unique place where they are facing new circumstances - but does the core message of the Gospel need to be delivered any differently to engage with young people, and what are the costs?
I often think about the methods of John the Baptist and the early Church and wonder whether they had the right idea. In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit comes on the disciples, Peter delivers an outdoor message to a large crowd in Jerusalem. We are told that 3000 repented, believed and were baptised. Nowadays, if we see someone in our local high street declaring a similar message, they probably receive a negative reaction from non-believers and even some believers who don’t believe in their methods.
It is clear that culture has changed since then. The men Peter was preaching to were devout Jews, so they were clearly religious. Today, many hearing a preacher’s message on the high street are not religious in the slightest, so they are likely to be less receptive. This can lead to reluctance to share the Gospel, or, even worse, compromise on the Gospel’s true message.
So, just like in this compromise - where message is lost, or even forfeited due to perceived lack of response - are we in danger of taming things down or making them ‘too worldly’ just to appeal to younger people? Are we not realising the dangers of doing this on their young minds and hearts? The method - it seems - is not easy, as we are trying to bridge a gap of culture whilst trying to retain the core message, keeping things ‘inspired’ and ‘interesting’ to contend with all the other messages that these youngsters are taking in daily.
Culture and message: we can be potent without taming things down
With young people, there is no doubt that we need to engage them in a way that they can understand. In the Bible Paul talks of becoming a Jew, becoming one as under the law and even becoming weak, stating: ‘I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.’ (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV) He goes on to say ‘I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings’ (1 Corinthians 9:23 ESV).To me this shows Paul’s willingness to meet people culturally where they were with the Gospel message.
Engage young people and their interests, but ensure that it all ties back to the true Gospel
Paul demonstrates this approach with the Greeks at the Areopagus. He mentions the works of the Greek poets of that day, engaging those present and showing understanding of the Greek culture. His message however does not change; he uses his knowledge of Greek philosophy to inform the Areopagus about Jesus. An interesting point to take note of is the reaction of the Greeks to the Gospel. We are told that some mocked, others said ‘Will we hear you again on this’, and some joined Paul and believed (Acts 17:32, 34). These verses showcase the three reactions that the Gospel is likely to produce: You will either be dismissed, create intrigue or bring someone to the faith.
So how can this relate to the current day? It can be very hard to relate to a different generation as experiences whilst growing up and common interests are likely to be very different. This is often the first problem. In order to fix this gap, we concentrate too much on culture rather than the message. Young people like rap music? Then we try to strike up a conversation with them on their favourite rapper hoping that will be the way in. Whilst that could work, it could also fuel a conversation on just culture in the need to be relevant, and neglect the second part of Paul’s example: the message. If we do use popular culture as the way in, we have to find a way to tie the message in, and the message must be just as hard hitting and life changing as it always is when the Holy Spirit is present.
So we need to strike a healthy balance. Engage young people and their interests, but ensure that it all ties back to the true Gospel. Whether that’s through music, technology, popular culture or any other conversation starter, the focus should not just be the interest, but the message and truth of the Gospel in relation to their lives.
