In Episode 5 of The GenSend Podcast, Jon Chasteen joins Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor in an enriching discussion on how to spark a deep-rooted love for the local church among the next generation. They explore the critical role of the local church in believers’ lives, emphasizing its significance not just as a community but as a family bonded through Christ. The conversation covers the impactful experiences of GenSend students in Boston, shedding light on how such mission opportunities cultivate a lasting dedication to church planting and evangelism. They also address the challenge of navigating church hurt and the importance of integrating young believers into the fabric of church ministry, ensuring they see themselves as active members of the church today, not just in the future.

Also, in this episode:

• Insights into the low church attendance in Boston and the transformative power of GenSend missions.
• Strategies for churches to attract, include, and disciple the next generation, even with limited resources.
• The importance of empowering young believers to serve and lead within the local church to foster a sense of ownership and belonging.
• Encouragement for listeners dealing with church hurt, offering a biblical perspective on reconciliation and community.

Helpful Resources:

• Connect with Jon: jon@nextgenboston.com
• GenSend Summer Program
• Don’t Forget, There’s a Lot Right With the Church, Too article by Shane Pruitt

Shareable Quotes:

“I’m adopted; God’s my father, but also, I’ve got brothers and sisters in Christ. So, we like to talk about this in Boston. The church isn’t just like a family; the church is a family. So, when I think about the local church and its importance, I would encourage it to not first think building—think family. This is something that is a part of the gospel.” – Jon Chasteen

“You can’t be a solid Christian and not be a part of a local church. That’s not a thing.” – Paul Worcester

“The way you break down barriers of distrust is you out-love and you out-serve their distrust of you with no strings attached.” – Jon Chasteen

“15-year-olds are creating their own brands on social media. 16-year-olds are operating motor vehicles. 17-year-olds are in the workforce. 18-year-olds are serving in the military, holding weapons, protecting our freedoms. College students are starting businesses and nonprofits and living on mission and serving in church plants and all those kinds of things. Meaning this: if they can do those things, they can be the church right now. They can serve now. Will they mess up? Yes. Will they make a mess of things? Probably. Are they going to run late? Most definitely. You know what I mean? All those things, but that’s part of the discipleship process.” – Shane Pruitt