Reaching The Next Generation

Bienhome Muivah *

MBC Church on December 25 2014 :: Pix - Daniel Chabungbam / Premanda Yumnam

As a church/parents/community, we need to evaluate what we are doing about, going after the next generation. What will be the future of the next generation? It is a mandate from Heaven, the Lord. It is a directive and it is the part of the great commission. To mobilize and focusing our resources in going after the next generation (Mt. 28; Mk. 16).

I believe there will be powerful stirring in our hearts. God said "go to all the world". As a church/community/family/individual (as a whole) we need to mobilize and motivate. World refers to every people group. The word 'World' goes across the spectrum of all mankind. It is imperative that, we, as the Body of Christ raise awareness and focus our resources and our efforts to go after the next generation, why? Statistics are telling us that the next generation is being lost.

George Barner and other organizations have given us the statistics that in this particular generation there are 4% of them that are Christians compared to 50% with those who are 40 years of age and older. When we hear that type of statistics, what it tells us is this, probably one of the largest unreached people group in this generation.

We need to realize that we got greater job and responsibilities to begin, to strategies how we can go after the next generation to make disciples (Mt. 28) to train, to equip children and teenagers, to mobilize across the spectrum of our church what we call the church at large. We need to strategically go after this next generation.

The next generation I believe can accomplish more than all generations before putting them together. There are something in their DNA, they are going to ignite the church/community, they are going to be the light, salt of the church. They are going to be the Body of Christ. We only need to turn them in the right direction. They are going to be a great witness never before have ever witnessed. This generation is different from the generations before. The older generation had just one TV station, limited opportunities but world is much smaller.

They can instantly be in contact across the whole world. They know what is happening around the world. The world is so small to them. Their frame of thinking is so different. Things are faster paced to them and they are looking for a cause that is worth living for. They will go after with all their might. We need to direct and point them to the right cause i.e. the Kingdom of God.

This generation is relational. They are looking for people to get connected with. They want to be HEARD, they want to be in the KNOW. We, as Christians should or get to go after this generation. It is a mandate from Heaven. That is why it is so important, (it's a directive from commander in chief).

Jesus said, "Go ye to all the world". It's a part of the vision of the Church Body. We need to position ourselves. We need to invest our resources in order to be in a position to go after this next generation. We need to attract them in various ways. Every child is special, and each child born into this world has the potential for godliness and greatness. Behold, children are a gift of the Lord (Psalm 127:3).

Raising children is not an easy and simple task. It is a work in which parents are meant to be God's servant, His fellow workers. Let us be a parent/parents, living a godly life by setting good role model to our children.

Many parents failed to realize the truth or forget or never ever seriously imagine the purpose and role of being exemplary godly parents.

As elders/parents, we must be what we want our children to be. Our lives must provide clear evidence to our children. What are the spiritual legacy are you leaving for your children's children?

As parents and grandparents, it is so important what you do for your children because the same patterns and standards you set will be passed down to your grand children. Therefore, it is vital that you set Godly pattern in your Home

Set godly patterns in your home for the benefit of future generations, how do you want your children to treat your grandchildren? You are setting a pattern for them by how you treat your own children (Prov.13:22)
o Take an interest in your children's activities
o Pray for your children

A spiritual legacy goes on and on.

We parents, as ambassadors for Christ must teach our children to fear and love the Lord from the very early age by admonishing and disciplining them by the vivid examples of our own lives. The book of Proverb tells us to discipline our children while they young enough to learn. If you don't you are helping them to destroy themselves (Prov.19:18). So, let us not hesitate to discipline our children while young in order to save this special and Beautiful generation.

Whoever spares the rod, hate his son. If you don't punish your son, you don't love him. If you do love him, you will correct him (Prov. 13:24).

After correcting/spanking, we should talk to them to make sure he knows what he did was wrong and never to commit the same mistake. In this case, parents need to have themselves well versed with the word of God. Every act/advice should be scripture-based and any deviation from the word of God would be a total fiasco.

The period when our children are young and innocent is very brief. Someday, they will be a grown-up persons, either good or bad hold their future. Like a baby bird that leave its nest and fly away into the world of their own.

Therefore, it is mandatory to teach, instill and inculcate godly values into their young minds, while they can be shaped, and molded, liken to a wet mud into any desired form.

We shape tomorrow's future by what we teach our children today!

Blessed Sunday!