Christ’s church can offer today’s youth something they desperately need: real connection.

When I walk through the basement of our church after Bible class, I often stop at the Confirmation Wall. It displays every confirmation class from St. John’s 78-year history. I have wonderful memories of the eight classes I’ve taught and confirmed here in New Ulm. But the wall also makes me a little sad. Too many of those smiling faces are no longer in church. I see some more often at Walmart than I do in worship.

I know I’m not alone. Every congregation eventually asks, “How do we keep our young people?” Pastors, teachers, parents, and grandparents all know someone who was confirmed with joy but gradually drifted away. We wonder what we could’ve done differently.

God has given every Christian—not only parents—the responsibility to shepherd youth. The psalmist declared that one generation tells the next “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4), and another noted “even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, till I declare the strength of your arm to the next generation, your power to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18).

How do we carry out that task? Ministry is built on relationships. Everyone wants to belong, but perhaps no one longs for belonging more than today’s youth. They are surrounded by digital connections yet often lack genuine personal relationships. Christ’s church can offer something they desperately need: real connection.

Connecting to the Prince of Peace

Young people first need a genuine connection to God’s Word. As they search for identity and wrestle with difficult questions, the church can be ready with compassionate, biblical answers.

Young people may ask, “Why should I trust the Bible?” “Why do Christians believe these books and not others?” “What does God say about sexuality?” “Why am I anxious or depressed?” We won’t answer every question perfectly, but we can point them to the one who is the Truth.

Most important, Scripture answers the biggest question of all: “Who am I?” Young people are constantly told to define themselves by popularity, achievements, appearance, or feelings. God’s Word gives them a better identity. They are baptized, redeemed, forgiven, and dearly loved children of God. Their worth is found not in what they accomplish but in what Christ has done for them. That identity gives purpose, security, and peace.

Connecting to the people in the pews

When youth have questions to ask, they need someone to ask. They need trusted relationships. They need adults who know their names, ask about their lives, listen carefully, and genuinely care about them.

This isn’t just the work of pastors and teachers. Grandparents, ushers, choir members, trustees, retirees, and every member of the congregation can help create a church family where generations know and love one another.

At one congregation I served, families received a tuition discount at our school if they completed the church’s membership class. Even longtime members had to attend to receive the discount. While the class reviewed doctrine, something else happened naturally. New families and longtime members formed friendships. Those relationships were valuable, as was the instruction.

Building relationships doesn’t require elaborate programs. It’s simply showing you care. Learn young people’s names. (Use the church directory, if you have to!) Ask about school, sports, work, or hobbies. Attend a game or concert. Invite a teenager for coffee, tacos, or ice cream—simply to get acquainted. Then follow up to build on that new connection.

That effort and that new connection won’t soon be forgotten. One of my members received a letter after her elderly mother entered heaven. A young woman wrote,

I have very vivid memories of seeing your mom at church every Sunday. She even crocheted a cross for me when I got confirmed. I still have it! And best of all: She wrote me letters when I went to college. I loved getting mail! Your mom was a gem! . . . She was truly one of the kindest and most thoughtful Christians I have ever known. . . . I cannot even begin to count the times when her card arrived at “just the right time” with “just the right words” to brighten my day. I was honored to know your mom and to be her friend.

That elderly woman probably never realized how much those simple notes meant to that young woman. Yet decades later, they remained unforgettable.

The old saying is still true: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Connecting to the purpose of the parish

Relationships deepen even more when young people are trusted with meaningful responsibility.

Every congregation wants young people to know they are welcome, but young people also want to know they are needed.

Invite them to greet worshipers, usher, operate the live stream, advance presentation slides, sing in the choir, play an instrument, help with children’s ministry, or serve on an appropriate committee. They may not do everything perfectly. They’re still learning. So are we. But responsibility creates ownership. Before long, they stop talking about “the church” and begin talking about “my church.”

Every congregation wants young people to know they are welcome, but young people also want to know they are needed.

Serving also creates natural mentoring opportunities. Working alongside older Christians allows conversations, encouragement, and examples of faithful living that rarely happen in a classroom. Young people discover that they are valuable members of Christ’s body today—not someday after they become adults.

Perhaps the church has overlooked a remarkable resource. Many congregations search for volunteers while gifted young Christians sit waiting to be asked.

A place to call home

Our prayer is not simply that more young people remain on membership rolls. Our prayer is that they continue hearing the voice of their Good Shepherd, receiving his gifts, growing in faith, and serving alongside fellow believers throughout their lives.

The challenges facing today’s youth are real, but so are the opportunities before Christ’s church. The gospel has not lost its power. God’s Word still accomplishes the purpose for which he sends it. As we faithfully proclaim Christ crucified and risen, administer the sacraments, and intentionally build relationships across generations, God blesses those efforts according to his gracious will.

By God’s grace, the people of the next generation won’t simply attend church.

They’ll know they are home.

Author: Rob Guenther
Volume 113, Number 10
Issue: October 2026