By Jay Barbier
Youth Specialist, TBMB
Influence is, was and will always be one, of the greatest tools for a follower of Jesus.
Baptist Press recently published an article that shared the results of a survey conducted by Pew Research. The survey revealed that teenagers’ views of religion follow very closely to that of their parents. So, what does this mean? This actually brings me so much joy to see that influence really does make a difference. We can use this information as a motivator for believers to show how close relationships can make a difference.
Jay Barbier
Discipleship can and does make a difference. Research also shows that the younger generation is in desperate need of Jesus because close to half of those who participated in the survey believe that many religions may be true. If Pluralism is the common belief, it shows us that we have a lot of work to do.
This is not just a GenZ problem but an issue that has been passed down from the generation before. What could the reason be that half the parents who took this survey did not know Jesus as Savior? The answer could very well be a lack of discipleship and individual ownership of surrendering to Jesus.
Let’s put a positive slant on this information and start investing in parents to disciple their kids. To accomplish this, we must start by asking the hard questions and cut straight to the point by engaging in gospel conversations.
Another way to change the culture is to win the lost through mentoring and discipleship. People allow those who are close to them in relationships to influence their beliefs and ideals.
Anytime I review research or surveys, I know there could be some flaws, but culture is revealing to us what has been shown is more than likely very true. We must have an urgency in making disciples, and put a huge emphasis on investment through mentoring.
As followers of Jesus, we are in the people business and God has given us the great privilege to engage all generations with the message of Hope. This hope is found only in Jesus. Let’s do our best to engage in changing the culture through living out the great commission. B&R — Barbier is the youth specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
