Ep. 329 - Discipling the Next Generation

Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries, joins Ray, Mark, and Oscar to discuss discipling the next generation. Oscar shares that Gen Z is the least religious generation but not due to atheism; instead, they wrestle with faith, loneliness, and purpose. They are more inclined to listen to Jordan Peterson than Richard Dawkins, revealing a hunger for something greater than what the world offers. Unfortunately, many churches have responded poorly by focusing on superficial changes instead of addressing deeper needs, leading some young people to seek transcendent experiences in liturgical churches. True discipleship involves welcoming young people into genuine community and guiding them toward a sense of purpose and connection.

Jeff emphasized the importance of creating spaces where hard questions can be asked without judgment. Ministries like Summit and Living Waters equip Christians to address these questions with grace, focusing on connecting people to Christ as the ultimate truth. Christianity uniquely bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering answers to life’s deepest questions.

Discipleship today should mirror biblical discipleship, where Jesus lived and worked alongside His followers. It’s about inviting others into daily life, asking and answering questions, and modeling faith authentically. In a time when many pastors fall publicly, seeing faith lived out in a genuine way is transformative. Jeff encourages older Christians to step up as mentors, reminding us that discipleship doesn’t require advanced theological knowledge—just a willingness to guide others in their faith journey. For those seeking mentors, Jeff advises identifying areas of need and praying for God to connect you with people who can help. This approach builds a network of mentors and fosters intergenerational relationships within the church. Oscar highlights the importance of vulnerability, sharing how one of his mentors asked for forgiveness, profoundly shaping his faith. Discipleship involves displaying humility and continually pointing others to Christ.

Jeff shared about Summit Ministries’ impact, particularly through its two-week programs where students learn from top Christian experts across various fields. These experiences equip students to discern truth, identify and turn from bad ideas, and recognize that everything in life falls under the lordship of Jesus Christ. By fostering this understanding, Summit sets young people on a path toward spiritual freedom and a deeper connection with God.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro