How Churches Can Reach Young Men

Q: What do today’s young men want?

McCartney: Young men today have a tremendous burden to make a difference in their world, but culture tells them that Christ is irrelevant and “uncool.” The world is seducing young people out of the churches. Soon, we’ll look around our sanctuaries and there will be nobody there under age 30, and we’ll wonder what happened.

Q: That’s a painful prediction. What causes you to say that?

A: Young men today have been bombarded by the culture’s messages their entire lives. It’s gotten into their brains and under their skin. Many of them have rejected the idea of a single, objective truth. The only thing they trust is their own experience. Self-fulfillment is their main goal in life, and they “know” that any path to happiness is as good as any other.

Q: Some people have said that this generation of young people is actually more spiritual than other generations. Do you see signs of that?

A: I think there are signs that young people feel a void, and many of them recognize it isn’t going to get filled by pop culture and other influences. The problem is there is a big difference between some vague spiritual awareness and knowing Christ crucified. Focus on the Family has released statistics that only 4 percent of those born between 1977 and 1994 are Christians. Clearly, there is a void. The challenge: What are young people going to fill it with?

Q: What can churches do to speak to young men?

A: Speak to young men in their own language—don’t talk down to them, but take them and their concerns seriously.

Q: Many churches have solid youth groups. How do they keep kids in church after high school?

A: Josh McDowell shared with our staff recently that 41 percent of churchgoing kids say they have no role model they respect. Another 20-22 percent say they “maybe” have a role model. Josh says this is likely higher than any previous generation. Part of the answer has to be that young people will be drawn to stay in church because they see role models there who can feed them truth, in contrast to what they get from peers. Building up strong role models in the church can make a difference.

Q: At Promise Keepers, you’ve specialized in reaching men. What are you doing to reach young men?

A: We’re holding our first-ever event for young men and mentors—December 15, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It’s called PASSAGE and will feature speakers like Josh McDowell and Miles McPherson, and great music by Jars of Clay and other bands.

Q: Who should come?

A: We’re targeting young men, ages 13-17. Also, we want their dads, mentors, or youth pastors to come with them. The key to PASSAGE is that we’ll involve churches, youth groups, and parents in the event and follow-up. In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus showed how a tiny seed could grow into a mighty tree. Together, we can help boys become powerful, committed warriors for Jesus Christ.

Bill McCartney is the former head football coach of the University of Colorado and is Founder and President of Promise Keepers (www.promisekeepers.org). For information on PASSAGE, call 1-800-888-7595 or visit www.passage2001.com.

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