Empathy and Engagement: Nurturing Our Young Generation

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound importance of reaching and empathizing with the younger generation within our church community. We began by celebrating the incredible generosity shown during the Super Bowl of Caring, which resulted in a significant donation to the Ram Pantry, ensuring that college students will be fed. This act of kindness exemplifies the spirit of community and support that we aim to foster.

Our focus then shifted to the "Growing Young" initiative, which emphasizes the need to connect with young people by understanding their unique challenges and aspirations. We discussed two key strategies: empathizing with today's youth and prioritizing young people and their families. Empathy, as demonstrated by Jesus in the story of the woman caught in adultery, involves sitting with others in their moments of despair and joy, offering presence rather than solutions. This approach is crucial as young people navigate their identity, belonging, and purpose in a world that often feels overwhelming.

We also highlighted the importance of prioritizing young people within the church. This doesn't mean sidelining older generations but rather integrating young people as active participants in the church's life. By giving them responsibilities and partnering with them, we acknowledge that they are not just the future of the church but an integral part of its present. Supporting families in their faith journey is also vital, as parents play a crucial role in their children's spiritual development.

The sermon concluded with a personal story illustrating the power of empathy and prioritization. When we invest in young people, they, in turn, invest in the church, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. As we move forward, let us embrace the challenge of stepping towards our young people, understanding their world, and making sacrifices to ensure they feel valued and included.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy as a Transformative Tool: Empathy involves more than just understanding; it requires us to sit with others in their moments of joy and despair, much like Jesus did with the woman caught in adultery. This presence can be more impactful than words, as it shows young people that they are not alone in their struggles. [50:56]

2. The Power of Presence: In times of personal highs and lows, the presence of others often leaves a more lasting impact than their words. By being present, we show young people that they are valued and supported, which can be a source of strength and encouragement. [54:29]

3. Understanding the Extended Adolescence: Today's young people face an extended period of adolescence, asking fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and purpose for much longer than previous generations. This requires us to be patient and supportive as they navigate these complex issues. [58:04]

4. Prioritizing Young People in the Church: Young people are not just the future of the church; they are an essential part of its present. By giving them responsibilities and partnering with them, we empower them to be active participants in the church's life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. [01:07:03]

5. A Two-Way Street of Sacrifice: Reaching young people requires humility and a willingness to make sacrifices. This is a two-way street, where both older and younger generations must be willing to give up certain preferences for the greater good of the community. [01:13:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction and Gratitude
- [02:30] - Super Bowl of Caring Success
- [04:15] - Growing Young Assessment
- [06:00] - Book Announcement
- [07:30] - Opening Prayer
- [09:00] - Empathizing with Young People
- [11:45] - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman
- [14:30] - The Power of Presence
- [17:00] - Understanding Adolescence Today
- [19:30] - Prioritizing Young People
- [22:00] - Partnering with Young People
- [24:30] - Supporting Families
- [27:00] - A Two-Way Street of Sacrifice
- [30:00] - Closing Story and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 8:1-11 (The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery)
- Romans 12:15 (Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep)
- Philippians 2:3-4 (Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit)

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Observation Questions:

1. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, how does Jesus demonstrate empathy towards her? What actions does He take that show His understanding and compassion? [50:56]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three big questions young people are asking today? How do these questions relate to their search for identity, belonging, and purpose? [58:04]

3. What were some of the specific desires and needs expressed by the young people in the congregation regarding their involvement in the church? [01:02:17]

4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "sitting on the curb" with young people? What does this metaphor suggest about the role of presence in supporting them? [54:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the example of Jesus with the woman caught in adultery illustrate the power of presence over words? What might this teach us about how to support young people in their struggles? [50:56]

2. The sermon mentions that adolescence now extends into the late twenties. How might this extended period of searching for identity and purpose impact the way the church engages with young people? [58:04]

3. What does it mean to prioritize young people in the church without sidelining older generations? How can the church balance these priorities effectively? [01:04:26]

4. The sermon discusses a "two-way street of sacrifice" between generations. What are some practical ways both older and younger generations can demonstrate humility and sacrifice for each other? [01:13:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when someone showed empathy to you during a difficult moment. How did their presence impact you, and how can you offer similar support to a young person in your life? [54:29]

2. Consider the three big questions young people are asking: Who am I? Where do I fit? What difference do I make? How can you help a young person explore these questions in a meaningful way? [58:04]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of giving young people responsibilities in the church. What is one way you can involve a young person in a church activity or ministry this month? [01:07:03]

4. How can you create a welcoming and inclusive environment for young people in your church community? What specific actions can you take to ensure they feel valued and included? [01:02:17]

5. Reflect on the concept of a "two-way street of sacrifice." What is one preference or comfort you are willing to give up to better connect with and support the younger generation in your church? [01:13:00]

6. Think about a young person you know who might be struggling with their identity or purpose. How can you intentionally "sit on the curb" with them this week, offering your presence and support? [54:29]

7. How can you partner with families in your church to support the spiritual development of their children? What is one practical step you can take to build stronger connections with these families? [01:07:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Empathy as a Transformative Presence
Empathy is not just about understanding others; it is about being present with them in their moments of joy and despair. This presence, as demonstrated by Jesus with the woman caught in adultery, can be more impactful than words. It shows young people that they are not alone in their struggles and that someone is willing to sit with them, offering support and understanding. In a world where young people often feel overwhelmed by their challenges, the church can be a place of refuge and strength through empathetic presence. [50:56]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." (Romans 12:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a young person in your life who may be struggling. How can you offer them your presence and empathy this week, without trying to fix their problems?


Day 2: The Power of Presence
In times of personal highs and lows, the presence of others often leaves a more lasting impact than their words. By being present, we show young people that they are valued and supported, which can be a source of strength and encouragement. This presence is a powerful tool in building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community. It is through our presence that we can truly connect with young people and help them feel seen and heard. [54:29]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when someone's presence made a difference in your life. How can you be that presence for someone else today?


Day 3: Understanding the Extended Adolescence
Today's young people face an extended period of adolescence, asking fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and purpose for much longer than previous generations. This requires us to be patient and supportive as they navigate these complex issues. The church can play a crucial role in providing a safe space for young people to explore these questions and find their place in the world. By understanding the unique challenges they face, we can better support them in their journey. [58:04]

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Consider the young people in your community. How can you support them in their search for identity, belonging, and purpose?


Day 4: Prioritizing Young People in the Church
Young people are not just the future of the church; they are an essential part of its present. By giving them responsibilities and partnering with them, we empower them to be active participants in the church's life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. This integration is crucial for creating a vibrant and inclusive community where all generations can learn from and support one another. [01:07:03]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively involve young people in your church community, giving them opportunities to lead and contribute?


Day 5: A Two-Way Street of Sacrifice
Reaching young people requires humility and a willingness to make sacrifices. This is a two-way street, where both older and younger generations must be willing to give up certain preferences for the greater good of the community. By embracing this mutual sacrifice, we can create a church environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all ages, fostering unity and growth. [01:13:00]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one preference or comfort you can sacrifice to better connect with and support the younger generation in your church?

Quotes



"Growing young puts empathy like this. It's sitting on the curb of a young person's life, celebrating their dreams and grieving over their despairs. Romans puts it like this. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep." [00:54:29] (21 seconds)


"Rather, having somebody just to sit there. Sit on the curb with you as you explore these questions. As you ask the questions to yourself, who am I? Where do I fit? What difference do I make? They're not going to answer the questions for you. But having somebody there, knowing that they are in your corner, can make all the difference." [01:00:11] (23 seconds)


"When we partner with our young people, and I use the word partner intentionally because if we're going to ask our young people to do something, we have to be willing to do it with them. When we partner with our young people, they become powerful co-participants in the life of the body. Rather than just junior participants. They are not somebody. They are not the kids that are the church of tomorrow." [01:07:03] (31 seconds)


"When we prioritize young people, it has been shown that they in turn will prioritize the church. When we pour out empathy on our young people, they in turn empathize the church. Rather than dig in our heels, and get ready for the impact that the teenagers are going to bring to the church. Oh goodness, they're on their way. Everybody brace for impact." [01:09:02] (30 seconds)


"Philippians tells us, do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider, excuse me, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others. Then begs the question, this is a hard question to wrestle with." [01:10:39] (21 seconds)


"What are we willing to give up in order to reach young people today? What are we willing to give up to reach young people today? How humble are we willing to view ourselves whenever it comes to reaching young people? Are we willing to say that my preference may not take precedence whenever it comes to reaching others?" [01:11:46] (30 seconds)


"Growing Young tells us a story of a church, and I don't remember exactly where it is right now, but it was a Spanish-speaking church. Their entire church was in Spanish, and they decided, well, we feel that an organization, in order to reach young people today, we need to introduce English into our service." [01:12:40] (25 seconds)


"You can't expect them to give something up and always get what you want. You can't expect one group to humble themselves without in turn humbling ourselves towards that group. So what is everybody willing to give up to reach everybody?" [01:13:00] (15 seconds)


"When we choose to humble ourselves for the sake of others, incredible things take place. When we prioritize each other over ourselves and we have empathy towards one another to understand why it is you think what you think, amazing things take place in our lives." [01:13:56] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?