Building a Community Worth Following: Faithful Presence and Mission

Nov 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Whom You Will Serve

Every generation faces a pivotal moment where they must decide whom they will serve, just as Joshua challenged Israel to make a clear and intentional choice about their devotion. This call is not just a personal decision but a generational one, inviting families and communities to declare their allegiance to the Lord together. In a rapidly changing world, the question remains: will we choose faithfulness, or will we drift into comfort and complacency? The next generation is watching and longing for authenticity, and our choices today will shape the spiritual legacy we leave behind. [13:24]

Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a clear choice to serve the Lord rather than following the patterns or comforts of the world?

Day 2: Faithful Presence Over Performance

A community worth following is not built on flashy programs or perfection, but on the faithful presence of people who show up for one another in real, tangible ways. Being present means more than attending services; it means entering into each other’s lives—listening to doubts, comforting in grief, and walking alongside those who struggle. The ministry of presence is a powerful testimony, and both older and younger generations have unique gifts to offer as they share stories, energy, and encouragement. Faithful presence is a posture of availability, authenticity, and intentionality that bridges generations and builds true community. [20:02]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show up for this week—through listening, encouragement, or practical help—to demonstrate faithful presence?

Day 3: Grounded in Unchanging Truth

In a culture that constantly shifts and redefines truth, the church is called to stand firm on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Faithfulness demands clarity about who we serve and what we believe, resisting the temptation to adjust the truth to fit the times. The next generation is not running from truth but is hungry for real conversations and authentic answers. We must teach clearly, model grace, and engage culture with humility and Scripture, holding fast to conviction while wrapping it in love. [24:15]

John 17:17 (ESV)
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Reflection: What is one area where you feel pressure to compromise or soften biblical truth, and how can you respond with both conviction and grace?

Day 4: United in Shared Mission

A church worth following is unified in a shared mission, where every generation serves side by side, empowered and equipped to use their gifts for God’s glory. Joshua’s declaration, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” was not just personal but communal, inviting his whole household and community into a life of worship and service. When we serve together, empower others, and celebrate faithfulness, we create a sense of belonging and purpose that draws people in and sustains the church for generations to come. [32:33]

Psalm 145:4 (ESV)
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the shared mission of your church this week—whether by serving, encouraging, or empowering someone from a different generation?

Day 5: Passing Down Faith Through Authentic Relationships

The legacy of faith is passed down not just through teaching, but through authentic relationships where older generations walk with younger believers, sharing stories of God’s faithfulness and inviting them into the journey. The next generation is more open to faith when they have adults who consistently care about them, and the church is called to be intentional in building these bridges. By being available, authentic, and intentional, we help create a community where faith is lived out and handed down, ensuring that the story of God’s goodness continues from one generation to the next. [21:25]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Reflection: Who in the next generation can you reach out to this week to share a story of God’s faithfulness or offer encouragement in their walk with Christ?

Sermon Summary

This morning, the focus is on the calling and opportunity before us as a church family to build a community that is truly worth following—one that welcomes, disciples, and empowers the next generation. Contrary to the common narrative that young people are drifting away from faith, there is a deep hunger among Gen Z and younger generations for authenticity, truth, and belonging. They are asking real questions about God, purpose, and meaning, but often wonder if the church is a safe place for those questions. The challenge is not just whether the next generation will follow God, but whether we are creating a church community that is compelling, authentic, and rooted enough for them to want to join.

Drawing from Joshua 24, we see that every generation faces a crossroads—a moment to choose whom they will serve and what kind of legacy they will leave. Joshua’s call to Israel was not just a personal decision, but a generational declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In the same way, we are called to be a people marked by faithful presence, unchanging truth, and a unified mission. Faithful presence means showing up in each other’s lives, not just for church services, but in the everyday moments—listening, caring, and walking alongside one another. It’s about being available, authentic, and intentional, especially across generational lines.

A community worth following is also grounded in unchanging truth. In a world where truth is often seen as flexible, we are called to clarity and conviction, holding fast to the gospel and modeling grace as we engage with the questions and struggles of the next generation. This means not shying away from difficult conversations, but entering them with humility and love, trusting that God’s truth is both firm and compassionate.

Finally, we are called to unity in mission. The church is not a collection of isolated individuals or age groups, but a family serving side by side. When we serve together, empower one another, and celebrate faithfulness—both past and present—we create a legacy that draws others in. The church is always one generation away from extinction, but also one generation away from revival. The choice before us is clear: will we build a community worth following, so that the next generation doesn’t just attend, but truly belongs?

Key Takeaways

1. Faithful presence is more powerful than perfection. The next generation is not looking for a flawless church, but for people who will show up in their lives, listen to their doubts, and walk with them through struggles. Presence is a posture, not a program, and it’s the most powerful way to pass down faith across generations. [20:02]
2. Unchanging truth anchors us in a shifting world. While culture and methods change, the truth of the gospel remains constant. We must be clear about what we believe and why, teaching with conviction but always wrapping truth in love and grace, so that the next generation finds both clarity and compassion in our community. [24:37]
3. Generational unity is essential for a thriving church. Joshua’s declaration was not just personal, but communal—his whole household would serve the Lord. The church flourishes when all ages serve, learn, and lead together, breaking down barriers of age and preference to pursue a shared mission. [32:21]
4. Difficult conversations are opportunities for witness. Engaging with those who doubt or disagree—whether students, skeptics, or strangers—requires humility and courage. When we enter these conversations with love and a willingness to listen, we create space for God to work in unexpected ways, even if we never see the outcome ourselves. [29:38]
5. Legacy is built through intentional investment. The faithfulness of those who have gone before us lays the foundation for future generations. By empowering, equipping, and celebrating both young and old, we ensure that the church remains vibrant, relevant, and ready to welcome those who are searching for hope and belonging. [34:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:54] - Sam’s Testimony and Baptism
[08:38] - Reflections on Student Retreat
[09:09] - Introducing Joshua 24 and the Next Generation
[10:36] - Barna Research: Gen Z’s Spiritual Curiosity
[11:14] - The Joshua 24 Moment: A Generational Crossroads
[13:24] - Joshua’s Vision and Challenge
[14:33] - The Hunger for Authenticity and Belonging
[16:01] - Christianity Today: Gen Z Church Attendance
[18:20] - Faithful Presence: The Foundation of Community
[22:44] - Practical Ways to Be Present
[23:58] - Unchanging Truth in a Changing World
[27:29] - Engaging Culture and Difficult Conversations
[30:55] - Unity in Shared Mission
[34:42] - Celebrating Faithfulness and Legacy
[37:11] - The Choice Before Us: Building a Community Worth Following
[38:33] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Building a Community Worth Following

Bible Reading

Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Observation Questions

In Joshua 24:14-15, what choice does Joshua put before the people of Israel? What are the options he gives them?
According to the sermon, what are some of the real questions that Gen Z and younger generations are asking about faith and church? [10:53]
What does the pastor say is more important than having a “flawless” church when it comes to reaching the next generation? [18:47]
How does Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” go beyond just a personal decision? [31:54]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Joshua makes his declaration about serving the Lord not just for himself, but for his whole household? What does this say about the role of families and communities in faith? [31:54]
The sermon says that “faithful presence is more powerful than perfection.” Why might showing up in someone’s life matter more than having all the answers or doing everything right? [20:02]
The pastor talks about “unchanging truth” in a world where truth is often seen as flexible. What are some challenges and opportunities that come with holding to biblical truth in today’s culture? [24:37]
The sermon mentions that difficult conversations are opportunities for witness. Why is it important to engage with people who doubt or disagree, and what can happen when we do? [29:38]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to be “present” in each other’s lives, not just at church events. Who is one person (younger or older) you could intentionally show up for this week? What would that look like? [19:42]
The next generation is described as hungry for authenticity and belonging. How can you help make our church a safe place for honest questions and doubts? [10:53]
The pastor gave practical ways to be present: being available, authentic, and intentional. Which of these is hardest for you, and what is one step you could take to grow in that area? [22:44]
When was the last time you had a difficult conversation about faith with someone who disagreed or doubted? What did you learn from that experience, and how could you approach it differently next time? [29:38]
Joshua calls the people to “choose this day whom you will serve.” Are there any “idols” (comfort, fear of change, routines) in your life that keep you from fully serving God or investing in others? What would it look like to put those aside? [30:04]
The sermon says the church is “one generation away from extinction, but also one generation away from revival.” What is one way you can invest in the next generation—either by sharing your story, mentoring, or encouraging someone younger? [32:47]
Think about the legacy you want to leave in your family or church. What is one intentional investment you can make this month to help build a community worth following? [34:42]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray that God would help us be a church family marked by faithful presence, unchanging truth, and unity in mission—so that the next generation not only attends, but truly belongs.

Sermon Clips

“If you look around our culture, right, I think that there is a stigma, right? I think that there's a stigma that, you know, the next generation, right, the next generation, we like to think that, you know, hey, college students, students, kids, you know, they're walking away from the church, right? They're walking away from the church, the gospel. They care about other things rather than their relationship with Christ. And I'm here this morning to tell you, I think the total opposite, right? I think the total opposite. I think that the next generation is probably one of the hungriest generations there is for Christ, right?”

“Church, this morning, I want this message to be, more of a challenge, right? A challenge and to get you guys really thinking like, hey, is Summit building a community worth following? Are we building a community worth following?”

“And I believe that every generation, right, has a Joshua 24 moment, right? A moment where we must decide, will we build a community that helps the next generation know and follow Jesus? Or will we be so comfortable and so inward focused that we miss out on what God is doing right in front of us?”

“Joshua is saying, hey, if this movement, right? If this movement is going to continue, right? If this is going to continue, it starts with us choosing faithfulness again, right? And just like Israel, I believe that we, right? We are currently standing in a generational movement. There is a movement, right? That's happening among young people. Students and young adults are hungry for authenticity. They're hungry for truth. They're hungry for belonging, right? And the question is, will the church be ready to receive them?”

“What I'm about to talk about, like this should get us excited because to know that when we pass, right? When we pass, that we have the confidence that the next generation will take the church, and continue to move forward, right? That should get us excited and we should have confidence in that.”

“The world, as you guys know, it's changing quickly, right? It's changing very, very quickly. And the question is, or the question isn't just, will the next generation follow God? It's, will we as a church build the kind of community worth following? Will we build a community worth following?”

“A community worth following is rooted in faithful presence. Joshua calls Israel to be fully present in their worship and obedience. Not half-hearted, not distracted, right, the next generation, they don't need churches that are flashy or flawless. Right, I know that that's a stigma, let's kill it here. Right, the next generation doesn't need that. I think that's a misconception we have. The next generation, right, they need faithful presence.”

“The world, right, it's full of noise, it's full of distraction, it's full of performance. The church is calling, guys, it's to be present. Not perfect, present.”

“Presence means, like, we show up, right? We show up, not for church services, but we show up for one another's lives. Right, we show up for each other's lives. When a student doubts, right, we sit and we listen. When a widow, right, when a widow grieves, right, we bring a meal. Or, when a family struggles, we pray and we walk beside them. Right, we are present. The ministry of presence is the most powerful sermon we can preach.”

“Older generations in here this morning, I have not forgotten about you, I promise. You guys carry stories of God's faithfulness. Right, through the span of years. Right, you guys carry these stories of how God has worked in your life that the next generation, like, they desperately need to hear that. Think about that.”

“Younger generations in here today, right, you bring a passion, you bring an energy, right, that the older believers are encouraged by. Right? Guys, like, students, I can't tell you enough. Like, how many people in here have come to me and told me, like, hey, it's so cool that you have all of them sitting together, right? It's so cool to see them over there, like, listening, having fun, worshiping, doing all this stuff. Like, they are encouraged by you. Remember that. They are encouraged by you.”

“Faithful presence is not a program. It's a posture. Right? It's a posture. Faithful presence is how older generations, right, pass down faith by walking with young believers, not just talking at them. Right? You are walking with them.”

“Be available. Right? Be available. Show up in the lives of others. And don't underestimate your presence. Don't underestimate yourself.”

“Let people see real faith. Let people see real faith in your lives. It's not a polished performance. Right? Let people see real faith. Real faith in your life.”

“Be intentional in how you bridge generations. Be intentional on how you share meals. Be intentional on the stories that you share. Be intentional in praying together. Be intentional in praying together.”

“A community worth following is grounded in unchanging truth. So here Joshua, right? He reminds us that Israel, He reminds us that Israel cannot serve both God and the idols. Right? He reminds them of that. Hey, you can't do this. He reminds them of the culture around them. Right? And in the same way, if our churches, Right? a summit, is going to reach this generation, we need to be clear about who we serve and what we believe. Right? We need to be clear about that. So faithfulness demands clarity. Faithfulness demands clarity.”

“The temptation, I think, in every generation is to adjust to truth. Right? To fit the times. Right? I can't tell you how many times I've told these students that there are so many things out there, right, that are saying, hey, things that are not okay are okay. Right? In church, we have to be firm in saying, hey, those things are not okay. Right? We have to be firm in that.”

“For my older believers in here. Right? Your steadfast faith is an anchor in a shifting world. Right? Your steadfast faith is an anchor. Right? It cannot be moved. You've seen things, right, that the next generation has not seen. Right? Remember that. Your faith is an anchor.”

“Younger believers in here, my students, young adults, your questions, right, keep us honest. Your questions keep us honest and they keep us searching the scriptures. Right? We need both. We need conviction and we need curiosity. Right? We need conviction and curiosity.”

“The next generation, right, is not running from the truth. They are longing for real conversations about it.”

“Teach clearly. Right? Teach clearly. So, don't assume, right, don't assume people know why we believe what we believe. Right? Don't assume someone just knows all about church. Don't assume someone knows all about Jesus or the Bible. Don't assume people know why we believe and what we believe.”

“Model grace. Model grace in your lives. Trust must always come wrapped in love. Right? If the next generation is to trust us, it must come with love. Right? We must speak truth and we must speak grace and we must speak love. Right?”

“Don't run from difficult conversations. Right? I know that's an easy thing to do, but don't run from difficult conversations. Walk into them with humility and with scripture.”

“Joshua, right, told Israel to put away the idols. Right? And we must do the same. Right? For those, those idols, right, those idols might be comfort. Right? Being comfortable, being comfortable where you're at. We might not really think about these things because we might like the norm. Right? The normal, the daily, the day-to-day routine or the mindset. Right? The mindset of saying, hey, you know, well, we've always done it that way, so we're gonna keep it that way. Or fear of change. Right? That's a big one.”

“A community worth following is unified and shared mission. So Joshua ends with this declaration, what we just read. Not just a personal one, but I believe a generational one. Right? I believe that this is a generational declaration. He says, as for me and my family, we will worship the Lord, meaning his family, his influence, his community. Right? He's saying that, hey, we are all in this together. Right? We are all in this together. Older generations in here, all the way down to the youngest. Right? We are in this together. Right? We're in this together. That is what the church, that is what a church worth following looks like. Right? One not divided by age, one not divided by preference, but united in purpose. Right? That is what a church worth following looks like.”

“Serving the Lord isn't just something we do alone. Right? It's not something we do alone. It's something that we do as a body. Right? We do this as a body together.”

“The church is always one generation away from extinction. Right? But also one generation away from revival. Right? Think about that. When we give people purpose, right, they stay. When we give people purpose, they stay. When we give them ownership, they thrive.”

“We want to empower each other. We want to call out leadership potential in people. Right? Something I do with the students all the time is I sit down and I go to most of them, right, and I say, hey, you have a great voice. You would be great in our student worship band. Right? Or, you're really good with tech stuff. Like, I'm not. Right? You'd be good on our tech team. Right? Call out leadership potential in people. Then walk with them.”

“We want to celebrate faithfulness. Right? We want to recognize the legacy of older saints who have built the foundation. Right? And then invite the next generation to do the same thing.”

“So to conclude, Joshua, he reminds us that every generation, right, faces a choice. We in here today, we face a choice. Will we serve the Lord faithfully? Right? Or will we drift into comfort? Right? We face a choice today. So culture shifts, but Jesus Christ does not. Right? Culture shifts, Jesus Christ does not. Methods change. Right? But the mission does not change.”

“Let's build a community worth following. Right? One that is rooted in faithful presence. Right? We need to be a real people with sincere faith. Right? Let's be grounded in faith. Let's be grounded in unchanging truth. Right? We need to have bold conviction. Right? But also humble hearts. Bold conviction, humble hearts. And then third, let's be unified in shared mission. Right? Every generation serving side by side by side by side. And church, I think when we do that, the next generation won't just see a church that they can attend. They'll see a family that they want to join.”

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