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The statistics for Christian young adults who lose their faith in high school or early twenties are alarming. How should church leaders respond in order to turn this tide? In this episode, John Bailey is joined by Evan Wilkerson who shares how his journey back to faith inspires his work to answer the burning questions of young people about God and the Bible. Honest conversation that address young adults’ questions is the first step in helping them build a faith that lasts.
Key Points from the Podcast
• The teen years are a tumultuous time where many people are sorting out their own identity and what they actually believe about the world. If the church doesn’t honestly engage with their questions, teens and young adults will find their answers in the world.
• The issue of discipleship is spread across generations, but a lack of discipleship is especially damaging among young people. How do we capitalize on this time with teens?
• There’s a perception of apologetics that it comes from people who are argumentative or arrogant, but apologetics is a vital part of good, biblical theology.
• The church has a unique opportunity to provide answers to young people in youth groups, but leaders need to be intentional about addressing hot-button issues and opening the floor for teens to ask questions.
• Gently and lovingly challenging young people’s faith prepares them for when the secular world will try to tear down their faith.
• Many young people mistrust church because of past failures with church leadership or community. How can leaders build trustworthy communities while not necessarily holding Christians to an impossible standard of perfection?
Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast
Jude 1:3, Luke 22:47-53
About Evan Wilkerson
Evan Wilkerson is the son of Gary Wilkerson, President of World Challenge. In 2013, Evan felt the Lord’s call to be a minister and evangelist, preaching and teaching the Word of God. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Colorado Christian University and currently works at World Challenge as Director of NextGen Ministries where he lives out his passion to bring sound doctrine and apologetics to the next generation. Evan and his wife, Carmen, have two children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
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About John Bailey
Pastor John Bailey serves as the Chief Operating Officer at World Challenge. John came to know Christ in jail after some difficult struggles as a young man, and God has done a powerful work of transformation since! Spending 13 years in Next Gen ministry, he excelled in discipleship and helping young leaders discover giftings to serve God. John was called next to serve as a missionary and pastor in Western Europe. John and his family then returned to plant the Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, the church is a thriving body of believers excelling in outreach and missions. John has now brought his giftings and vision to World Challenge, accelerating the spread of the gospel in America and around the World.