A lot of times I get asked why I seem to have struck a chord with the younger generation. To be honest, I have no idea. But, after thinking of a few pastors/speakers who I listen to frequently I started looking for common variables. Below are a few I’ve noticed that I’ve also tried to model and incorporate when I speak from time to time. The biggest mistake by an adult is to think the younger generation “can’t handle” all of the truth or can’t comprehend it. It’s a joke that in school these teenagers are taking chemistry and calculus yet we in the Church make them stay in the kiddie pool in regards to the depth and knowledge of our Creator. God’s a beast, stop making excuses for Him. I’ve noticed the biggest thing my generation wants is just someone who tells it how it is. They just want someone who lays it all out there and has firm convictions about what they believe. My generation just wants authenticity.
10 Things You Have To Do If You Want The Next Generation To Listen…
1. Preach Jesus.
2. Don’t Take Yourself Seriously.
3. Speak Truthfully, Boldly, and Fervently.
4. Preach Jesus With Your Life.
5. Don’t Shy Away From “Taboo” Sins.
6. Be Transparent.
7. Lead In Repentance.
8. Show God is After Our Joy, Not Our Buzzkill.
9. Don’t Water Down Jesus’ Harsh Sayings.
10. Preach And Articulate Real, Biblical, Transforming Grace.
What Do You Think? What Would You Add/Subtract?
Agreed!! I would also say getting them to listen requires us to listen…to what they ARE saying – and to what they AREN’T saying. And I think it’s hard to listen when we aren’t asking questions. And when we ask questions, it has to be with no ‘end agenda’ on the horizon, except to keep the conversation moving forward….
amen darren! good point
It’s because you preach real life that the kids are living
Very insightful! Thanks for sharing! What do you mean by “taboo” sins?
By taboo, he most likely means sexual sins…
I love this, It is all true!
11. Stop focusing on politics.
12. Welcome ALL sinners, not just those who sin in the same way you do.
13. Welcome and address questions, concerns and doubts with the love of Christ.
elizabeth, so good! thanks for those!
hi
i would like to ask you to explain further no. 2 
)) because i’m actually a serious type of a person but i want to share the gospel effectively this time..
Thanks for the tips.. my biggest mission is to have my kids love Jesus as much as i do.. I have prayed about this alot..
Really cool post. Im a youth intern this summer and this definitely encourages me to focus on those things. I like the point you put before the 10 things, they are learning calculus yet we believe that they can’t understand deep truths about God. Thanks bro!
Jeff,
I am a volunteer Chaplain working with at-risk and incarcerated youth. I am a square old gray haired dude… I never try to be “hip”. I am just myself and open and honest with the boys that I work with. This new generation easily sees through someone trying to “fake-it” or trying to “be cool”. Honesty is so rare these days that they really appreciate it!!! We don’t have to apologize for our God, we just have to bring the Word and NEVER try to water it down!
Keep up the great work, my “rascals” in the Juvenile Detention Center love your video on Jesus>Religion!!!
God is GOOD… ALL the time!!!
Big Ed <
ed its so true!!! notice none of the numbers have anything to do with age. appreciate that. also appreciate your work. tell them hello for me and I’m super encouraged they liked the vid!
will do… they will think it is cool that you actually replied and care for them! If you get down to Texas sometime, I would love to take you in to see these kids that are locked up… it is so amazing to see God get a hold of them and change their lives!!! Do you have any DVDs with some of your other work? I have not seen anything else that you have done…
Thanks so much for this post Jeff ! I had just prayed that I would be able to reach out to the youth in my church and that I would do so in a way that glorifies God and as soon as I looked back at my computer, there your post was ! Hope God keeps using you in a million different ways
A shout-out from a Sri Lankan in Australia !
The younger generation is getting too smarter and being too logical we need to stop that nonsense! God is great!
Hi,
I am 16, turning 17 soon, and I can relate to most of this. I do have a question though: Could you explain number 5 please?
I think good ways to get my age group involved are
11. Tell personal stories
12. Incorporate music
13. Encourage youth leaders.
I attend a group called a “discipleship club” that meets two Sundays a month at a house of a local family. We have lunch, fellowship, worship, messages by adults and youth, then games. It is a great way to learn and I love giving messages there.
-Allie
Jeff keep preaching I’m a teen who is inspired by your works never thought I hear some good and on point spoken word poem. I’m a babe in Christ so wacthing you is preaching the gospel gives me hope for the youth because me begging serious about God I wanna learn the Bible obey my mother and be around poetics Ppl.
My bad Kent to say poetics lol.
Hey Jeff, I would like to see you and speak with u in person when u get to Hawaii. God bless.
I received a vision of you in Hawaii last night. This meeting is arranged by the Lord. It is His wish that we meet. He has shown me your true identity as His servant.
You have much association with many people and you also have some fame. It is time that you learn of all things which are shallow and all things which are deep that u may go deeper, and be strong in delivering the depth of the word of God. Without knowing this, you will be weakened thru association and be a people pleaser.
I wish to speak with you because it is the Lords will and by my words you will know who I am.
Have a safe journey, and approach God with humility in all things, and in weakness you will have strength.
Aloha, God bless, in the name of Yahweh.
Amen.
So good…and I totally agree with Elizabeth’s 12 and 13.
Only others that came to mind are:
Be humble and teachable.
If u want someone to listen, the most important thing is to have something worth listening to. What comes out of the mouth reflects the heart. If u have the truth in your heart, those who are sincerely seeking the truth will listen.
So the best way to help others receive the word of God, is to help yourself.
In the beginning was the word… And the word is God.
Jesus said, as u use what he teaches, it will be measured to you.
The kingdom is within you, look within. Just as a person digging a deep hole needs to see the shallow ground, so to go deeper we need to always see what is shallowest about ourselves. It always applies, even the deep apostle Paul said I am the chief of sinners. Why? Because he is always examining himself so that he may go deeper in his relationship with God.
So help yourself, and continue doing so, and then you will be able to give the living word of God to others, because He will be residing in your heart.
He is all that is needed. Certainly there are ways to increase the effectiveness of communication, but by becoming a bubbling spring, an oasis of the living water, those who are thirsty and sincere will listen.
Your brother and friend, Jason
Jason, the things of the Spirit are not received nor can be received by natural man. They may listen, but it takes the work of the Holy Spirit for a person to truly hear. I am seriously conceded about some of the things you have said and ask you to pray and study scripture over these matters. 1. It is not true hat we have special revelation (visions) from God. 2. He doesn’t reveal the ‘true identity’ of His servants to others thru any other means than by the fruit they bear and the love they have for theLord. Even then, there are false teachers and phony Christians – God alone knows the heart. 3. Telling someone that ‘the kingdom is within you’ is unbiblical and wrong. 4. Nowhere in scripture does God tell us to help ourselves. And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, 5. God’s will is revealed in scripture for us and through His sovereign rule and reign over all the earth and it’s inhabitants. It is wrong of you to declare that it is His will for you to meet another person. This is another form of personal revelation that is not biblical for us as post- New Testament Christians.
Please be careful Jason, I am truly concerned that your thinking displayed here in these comments is not biblical thinking.
The Lord is a person, and just as we receive a person into our house, so also we must receive the word of God into our heart.
The kingdom of God is a state of consciousness. As long as we serve mammon in our heart and mind, we are outside of the kingdom because we don’t recognize the true King, his subjects, and all that he has power over. He therefore gives us freedom to live outside the kingdom. When our consciousness changes from lust to love, the spiritual senses are awakened, and one perceives the kingdom even while having a physical material body. God is not limited, and the kingdom is a part of him. Jesus said, repent for the kingdom of godis at hand.
God is not limited, and thus he can do what he pleases. Post new testament Christian is a man made concept. The word was from the beginning and is today.
God is unlimited, whatever is contrary to that is wrong. While we cannot know Him completely, we can know Him by humility and love.
When I say help yourself, the context is help yourself to receive the word more fully. Jesus said as u use the word, it will be measured to you. So help yourself by applying His teaching, then you can help others. If you are already applying, apply more, and you can help others more.
Your friend, Jason.
14. Open your mind.
15. Keep your mind open to all the possiblities.
16. Try to look at all parts of life through a new perspective.
I find it easier to understand others when you open your mind to several perspectives and possibilities. Once you gain a new perspective on something you’ll start seeing the world, seeing life differently. People would see a “deformed” baby and call them ugly but when you see them you’ll say they’re beautiful. You’ll see nothing wrong with them. It’s funny how blind people can’t actually see yet in fact they see better than everyone else ion the world I’m going to stop here I could go on and on.
Good post! I remember very well being a young child, 5 or 6, & having so many questions about God & life in general. I remember asking questions and having “grown-ups” tell me that I would understand when I was “grown-up”. Now I know that they didn’t know the answers either. I am now a children’s pastor and have written curriculum for preschoolers to help them realize who they are in Jesus. I love seeing their confidence in knowing they are loved completely!! Love the heart you show in your craft Jeff–keep it coming!
I think this is so true! Our youth can handle the Gospel, we just haveto give it! Being real and transparent is one of the biggest ways to impact I think. Also, I would change the second point to say- to not take yourself TOO serious. It may come across that someone who jokes and cuts up all the time doesn’t care.
11. Preach with as much humility as possible.
For me, one of the biggest turn-offs is a prideful preacher; it’s so opposite of the Bible and Jesus!
Going off of what Darren said, earning the right to be heard is so important. The ministry of Young Life is so successful because of this–rather than trying to get lost kids to church, leaders go where kids are, and as a result, become a constant presence and build strong relationships. And from those relationships, leaders earn trust and respect and are able to share the Gospel. Love what you have to say, Jeff, especially #6. John 3:30 is one of my favorite verses about transparency.
Jeff,
this post is very useful not only for those of us who are trying to make this generation listen, but to whoever has been called to spread the word. I would also add praying for them constantly in this list of things.
Blessings!
Serve this dying generation. Just like king David he was a servant to all and became the greatest king of all! And just as Jesus did! He came from a please were there was no pain and Angeles served him. But came down here not to condemned the world but to serve the world with he’s unfeeling love and mercy. …Serve…
Hi Jeff.
If I could “add” anything, (since you asked) I would say to arm yourself with at least a basic understanding of some of the other ideas that today’s youth have heard. We live in an era where ideas about other beliefs are very free flowing, and easily accessible. The two biggest reactions that turn off the ears of young people, are 1) the lack of knowledge about these ideas and 2) the immediate “trashing” of these ideas as “evil” or “worthless”. While teaching about Christ, it is better to discuss Christianity on its own merits than the need to put down another belief because it’s not Christian, at the same time being able to hear other ideas without feeling threatened. Many younger people will not feel you have credibility unless you lend a listening ear and have some knowledge about the other ideas that they have heard, and are maybe even exploring. I suppose my addition would be more toward conversations with non-believers than believers.
This is a great list, but it is so important to welcome my (our?) generation into your home to see how you live your life as a repentant, loving, Christ centered church leader. We need to learn how to love spouses, kids, and manage our lives.
Praying for you man. I tell everyone I’m a Jeff Bethke hipster because I was putting your vid of How He Loves on blast before you got big. Walk in Christ my brother.
haha! love that last part. ps so true at the beginning. appreciate that. thats what i was referring to in regards to living the life of jesus. nothing witnesses more than someone seeing someone who loves their family, kids, spouse, etc because so little do that.
Amen! Thank you for your insight Jeff. Sharing God’s Word in Christ, when done in the power of the Holy Spirit CANNOT RETURN and IS NOT VOID. If we can set ourselves aside long enough to let God speak through us He knows what needs to be said to whom and when it is time to say it.
His Word has to BE us before we can share His word in US with others.
I think just as important as the “what” is the “how.” This is a great list, but if presented in a way that communicated condemnation, judgement, or a sense of self righteousness then “what” you say will not be heard. Humility, love, and grace are needed in the “how” we communicate.
I love what you have to say Jeff. I love that you say don’t water down the wonders of the gospel. The gospel is a massive and majestic diamond and is so much bigger than the 25/cent gum-ball machine fake diamond that we’ve been giving them.
I would just add a couple things to an already stellar list:
1. Don’t just tell them “WHAT,” tell them “WHY”
i.e. If we want kids to read their Bibles don’t just say “You should read your Bible’s” tell them why they should read their Bible’s. Tell them they should read their Bible’s because it allows them to get to know the most infinite and immense being in the universe. That it will point them to the full and forever pleasure of God, that it will equip them to kill the sin that has been killing them, and that it will do a thousand other things that there video games and cell phones and popularity will never be able to do.
2. Don’t just tell them, show them.
i.e. Young people aren’t going to be blown away if you merely say “God is big.” Or even if you say “God is really, really, really, ridiculously big.” But if you show them that God is big by pointing to the galaxies that he creates simply with the words he speaks, or the human brains that he formed, with all their complexities and capabilities, simply by forming it out of the dust, or how God can bring a human into this world by knitting him/her together in the womb of a woman, or how God sends snowfall on this world and crafts every single snow flake so that no single snow flake, since the beginning of snow fall history, has ever been repeated, then you won’t have to say “God is really big” because they will already (by God’s grace through the work of His Spirit) be thinking “Wow! God is big.”
Challenge them to get out of their seats… to step out of the comfortable lives… and to be the sacrificial love of Jesus to someone they don’t yet know — even if that means walking away from “the herd”.
If honesty requires upfront talk about ‘taboo sins,’ are American Christian ‘taboo topics’ still out of bounds? e.g. Christian pacifism [i.e. really believing what Jesus teaches about enemies]
Prof. Stanley Hauerwas, in The American Difference, writes:
“I hope, therefore, that my attempt to (re)describe war as an alternative to the sacrifice of the cross at once illumines why war is so morally compelling and why the church is an alternative to war.”
“War is a moral necessity for America…” it “is America’s central liturgical act…”
I fear that the American version of Christianity cannot provide a political challenge to what is done in the name of the American difference.”
See also http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Pacifism-Fruit-Narrow-ebook/dp/B005RIKH62/ref=la_B001KMODGY_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337400507&sr=1-4
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Interesting list. I have a few questions.
(1) I don’t understand #5 “Don’t Shy away from ‘Taboo’ Sins”. It might be that I don’t know what ‘Taboo’ Sins is. The way it’s phrased, it sounds like I should start doing ‘Taboo’ Sins which doesn’t sound right. Unless ‘Taboo’ sins aren’t real sins, just ones that people say are sins due to their ‘Taboo’ nature. Not sure.
(2) Also, how does #2 “Don’t take yourself seriously” jive with #9 “Don’t water down Jesus’ Harsh Sayings”. Speaking about the harshness in the Bible necessarily means that you appear to be taking things seriously (including “yourself”). I’m having trouble reconciling the two, trying to be more lighthearted, wanting to take God and Christ as a serious part of my life.
(3) Also, is it possible to not take yourself seriously (#2) and speak truthfully about Jesus’ Harsh Sayings (#9) while also not being a buzzkill (#8)? I suspect it has something to do with speaking from a place of love that is close to Christ. But this is still a major challenge in my life at the moment and I don’t know why. If God is after our joy, how does that fit with Him asking Jesus to die on the cross? There are times when we are called to do things that are not joyful. I just don’t know how it all fits.
Jeff you are such an encouragement! I’m almost 19, and I’m getting involved in my church more now than I ever have because I no longer feel ashamed to admit that I’m not perfect (not that I was fooling anyone before anway!) Your messages are truly inspiring and make me want to get closer to Jesus. He’s so amazing, and as obvious as it can be to most people, I could never grasp the fact that I don’t have to pretend with God. I don’t have to pretend to be anything other than I am, which is a sinner saved by grace. Ah, God is so good. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for putting yourself and your message out there for people. I know I’ve benefitted from how God has used you, and I hope He can continue to use you for even greater things! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and Alyssa!!
God bless.