Despite this, younger generations are increasingly identifying as non-religious. These days, younger people are less likely to be raised in Christian households or have regular exposure to Christian teachings. The British Social Attitudes survey in 2019 showed that 52% of the population identified as having no religion, with young adults (ages 18-24) being the most likely to fall into this category.
In an increasingly secular society, young people following Jesus and worshipping in our churches are precious and vital partners in the Great Commission. They are no longer seen but not heard; they are an essential part of our fellowship, and many desire to share the good news they believe with their friends at school.
During Jesus’ ministry, we see him sending out the 72 disciples on a mission. These early disciples included a mix of teenagers, young adults, and perhaps some older individuals.
The young people involved in Jesus’ mission were not just passive listeners; they were actively sharing the Kingdom in the places they visited. This is a powerful picture of the church on the move, with people of different ages working together, all experiencing God and sharing his love with others. It shows that young people are not just capable but also powerful agents for change in the mission of the church.
At London City Mission, we have a vision to bring the gospel to every school in London. This initiative has been an incredible way to engage churches across the region and involve as many schools as possible in this life-changing endeavour — meaning people of every age are involved in God’s mission across this city.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this mission is the active participation of teenagers themselves.
Our volunteers come from all age groups, including teenagers. At one of our LCM-supported events in East London, it was inspiring to see seniors greeting people at the doors and retired ladies cooking in the kitchen while young people — teenagers from the church — engaged with the children attending the event.
This collaboration across generations to present the gospel was indeed heartening.
One young person who attended the event expressed a desire to start a Christian union in their predominantly Muslim school. Despite the challenges, this teenager gathered Christian friends together, supporting and encouraging them to share their faith.
We had the privilege of working with a young man named Caleb, who is passionate about football and equally keen to share his faith.
He told us one day: “I play football, and I train five days a week to play football, but nobody is training me to share my faith.”
It's a challenge to us as a church to ask how we engage our 15-year-olds. How do we help them and empower them to share their faith with their peers? How can we support young people and encourage their desire to serve God? Visit LCM’s Children, Youth, and Schools to learn more!
It's crucial that we model the importance of sharing our faith within our own families. My family has been reaching out to an elderly couple in our street.
After one of them passed away, we continued to support the widow. We share our experiences with our children, pray for our neighbour, and discuss our conversations. I think this practice helps our kids understand the importance of being salt and light in our community.
It’s not a difficult step to implement. Why not ask your kids to pray for someone they know to know the immense love and grace found in Jesus?
In a church setting, it would be a shame if we didn’t encourage our children and young people to enter the harvest field.
Jesus intertwined mission and discipleship, teaching his disciples and then sending them out to share the good news.
We should encourage our young people to activate their faith into action. It is possible!
When I was young, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ was at the heart of my discipleship. Despite my fears and the scepticism of my peers, I kept sharing my faith, which eventually led them to see the difference in me and join youth events at church.
Churches, youth groups, and children’s groups can play a vital role in discipling and encouraging young people to take small steps to share their faith and be a positive influence in their schools, colleges, and communities.
I’m grateful for my church leaders and youth leaders who took a chance on me. Though I wasn't the perfect disciple and had much to learn, I was given opportunities to lead, speak out, and engage in mission.
This hands-on experience was crucial for my growth and development. I often wonder if I would have remained in church without those opportunities, as I wasn’t content to merely sit in a pew.
Engaging young people and challenging them to share the gospel is vital for their spiritual growth and maturity. It involves risk, as we hope they perform well. But it’s essential to place faith in our youth and help them develop.
When young people serve, their faith becomes active and vibrant. They delve into scripture, pray more faithfully, and engage more deeply with their faith.
We must take more risks with our young people like Caleb, walk with them, and encourage them to share the gospel.
Let’s mobilise our youth, empowering them to be active participants in God’s mission. As they serve, they will grow, and their faith will come alive.
Together, we can create a dynamic and intergenerational church that reflects the love and power of the Kingdom.
If you are interested in partnering with London City Mission to reach young people in our schools and the broader community with the gospel, please visit lcm.org.uk/youth and register your interest. We’d love to hear from you!
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
