The Church In The Next Generation

THE CHURCH IN THE NEXT GENERATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 78:5-7

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"

Supporting Texts: Joel 1:3, 2 Timothy 2:2, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Judges 2:10, Proverbs 22:6

INTRODUCTION:

Every generation is a new opportunity for the Church to continue the mission of Christ. The relevance and survival of the Church in the next generation depend on the spiritual foundation laid by today’s believers. God expects us to transfer the truth, values, and power of the gospel to those coming after us.

Sadly, history has shown that when one generation fails to pass on its faith, the next suffers spiritual decline. In Judges 2:10, a generation arose that knew not the Lord nor His works. This warns us of the danger of spiritual negligence. If the next generation is to walk in truth, we must be intentional today.

The Church must not only survive but thrive in the next generation. To do this, we must invest in discipleship, sound doctrine, youth engagement, spiritual legacy, and leadership transition. The Church is God’s agency on earth, and her success across generations requires a committed and forward-thinking body of believers.

1. TEACHING AND TRANSFERRING KINGDOM TRUTH

The future of the Church is determined by how well we teach today.

a) Biblical truth must be intentionally taught

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Teach them diligently to your children.

b) Faith must be transferred through personal example

2 Timothy 1:5 – The genuine faith in Timothy was first in his grandmother and mother.

c) Church leaders must mentor and disciple upcoming generations

2 Timothy 2:2 – Commit to faithful men who will teach others.

d) We must guard against false doctrines and diluted messages

Galatians 1:6-9 – Any other gospel is accursed.

Biblical Example: Moses and Joshua

Moses mentored Joshua, ensuring leadership continuity and obedience to God’s instructions (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

2. INVESTING IN YOUTH AND CHILDREN MINISTRY

The children and youth of today are the Church of tomorrow.

a) Children are God's heritage and must be raised in His way

Psalm 127:3 – Children are a heritage of the Lord.

b) We must raise young people who know God personally

Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.

c) Youth ministries must focus on both spiritual and character development

Daniel 1:4 – Youths who are wise, teachable, and God-fearing.

d) Christian education must be central in church growth strategy

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go...

Biblical Example: Samuel

Dedicated to God from childhood, Samuel grew to hear God’s voice and lead Israel faithfully (1 Samuel 3:1-21).

3. EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY AND RELEVANT METHODS

To reach the next generation, the Church must speak their language.

a) The message remains unchanged, but methods must evolve

1 Corinthians 9:22 – I became all things to all men...

b) The Church must use digital tools for evangelism and discipleship

Psalm 19:4 – Their line is gone out through all the earth...

c) Social media can be a powerful tool for gospel advancement

Mark 16:15 – Preach the gospel to every creature.

d) We must create content that is scripturally sound and culturally relevant

Colossians 4:5 – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul

Paul’s missionary journeys and use of letters (epistles) were the “technology” of his day, used effectively to edify and grow the Church.

4. RAISING NEXT-GENERATION LEADERS

The strength of tomorrow’s Church lies in the leaders we raise today.

a) Leadership transition must be intentional and Spirit-led

Numbers 27:18 – Appoint Joshua, a man with the Spirit.

b) Potential leaders must be nurtured in faith, character, and service

1 Timothy 3:1-13 – Qualities of church leaders.

c) Elders must mentor upcoming ministers with patience and wisdom

Titus 2:2-6 – Teach the younger men and women.

d) We must avoid leadership vacuum by preparing successors early

2 Kings 2:9 – Elisha followed Elijah until he received the mantle.

Biblical Example: Elijah and Elisha

Elijah raised Elisha who carried a double portion of his spirit and continued the prophetic ministry powerfully (2 Kings 2:9-15).

5. MAINTAINING THE POWER AND PRESENCE OF GOD

The Church without the Holy Spirit is powerless and ineffective.

a) We must prioritise the move of the Holy Spirit over programmes

Zechariah 4:6 – Not by might, nor by power...

b) Sound doctrine must be accompanied by demonstrations of power

1 Corinthians 2:4 – Not with enticing words but in demonstration...