Summary

In this sermon, John Knox reflects on the importance and evolution of campus ministry since 1962, particularly highlighting the 10th and Broad Church of Christ's 63-year commitment to Midwestern University students. The speaker, who teaches college-age students at Sunset International Bible Institute, shares insights about Generation Z students and their spiritual curiosity despite growing up in a vastly different world than previous generations. He notes that despite rising rates of depression and anxiety among young people, this is actually an exciting time for campus ministry because today's students are more spiritually curious and open to intergenerational mentorship than ever before.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to discuss the importance of reaching the next generation, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want us to learn. Help us to see the opportunities before us to be light in the darkness for young people who are searching for meaning and truth. Guide our conversation and show us how we can better serve as mentors and disciples to those who need Your love. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

Who was one person who significantly influenced your faith journey when you were a young adult or college student?

Key Verses

• Matthew 9:35-38
• Matthew 5:14-16

Questions

1. · John mentioned that the world has changed dramatically since 1962. How have you seen the spiritual landscape change during your lifetime?
2. · What was your reaction to hearing that depression among teens has increased 150% and anxiety among college students has increased 134% in recent years?
3. · John described today's college students as 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.' What do you think this means in our current context?
4. · How might our church better serve as a light to college students who are searching for meaning and purpose?
5. · John mentioned that Gen Z students are more open to intergenerational relationships than previous generations. What opportunities does this present for our church?
6. · What specific gifts, experiences, or wisdom do you have that might be valuable to share with a younger generation?
7. · The students mentioned they weren't just looking for community but for 'mentorship and discipleship into a way of life that stands apart.' What does this tell us about what young people are truly seeking?
8. · John asked, 'What is our spiritual condition?' How would you assess your own spiritual readiness to mentor or disciple others?

Life Application

This week, commit to one specific action that will help you connect with the next generation. This might be praying daily for the campus ministry at Midwestern, introducing yourself to a college student at church, volunteering to help with a campus ministry event, or inviting a young adult to coffee or a meal. Consider how you can be intentional about sharing your faith journey and listening to theirs. Remember that they're not just looking for community but for authentic mentorship and discipleship that demonstrates a different way of living in our complex world.

Key Takeaways

• Despite decades of declining Christian identification in America, today's Generation Z shows increased spiritual curiosity and openness to faith conversations.
• Modern college students face unprecedented challenges including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and family instability, making campus ministry more crucial than ever.
• Today's young adults aren't just seeking community but specifically desire mentorship and discipleship from trustworthy adults who can guide them through competing worldviews.
• Generation Z students are uniquely open to intergenerational relationships, creating significant opportunities for meaningful connections across age groups.
• Campus ministry represents a significant mission field that doesn't require leaving our local community - the harvest is plentiful right at our doorstep.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for opening our eyes to the opportunities before us to reach the next generation. We recognize that You have placed us in this time and place to be light in the darkness for young people who are searching for truth and meaning. Help us to examine our own spiritual condition and to be authentic mentors who can be trusted. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones to connect with students who need Your love. May we be faithful workers in Your harvest field, bringing hope to those who feel harassed and helpless. Use us to make a difference in the lives of young people, just as others made a difference in our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.