Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram Daily Podcast

Dealing with Doubts - The Church and the Deconstruction Movement, Part 2

Apr 23, 2025

John Dickerson, a prize-winning journalist and lead pastor, dives deep into the deconstruction trend among young people who question their beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, where empathy triumphs over judgment. The conversation tackles both intellectual and emotional challenges, advocating for understanding the historical context of Christianity. Dickerson highlights the necessity of strong relationships and supportive communities to nurture faith, offering practical strategies for parents and leaders to engage today's youth effectively.

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ANECDOTE

Amelia's Journey to Faith

Amelia, a 13-year-old doubter, found renewed faith through the book Jesus Skeptic and Lee Strobel's work.
She now leads a group of high school girls passionate about Jesus in public school settings.

ADVICE

Comprehensive Youth Faith Support

Provide curriculum addressing intellectual, cultural, and social challenges from middle school to age 29.
Pair high school graduates with career mentors and connect students with campus Christian ministries.

ADVICE

Encourage Diverse Relationships

Encourage youth to engage with diverse people, including those outside the Christian community.
Foster authentic relationships to overcome stereotypes and cultivate love over judgment.

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What would you say to a young person who has embraced the current worldview or had a bad church experience and now doesn’t believe in Jesus anymore? Chip will unpack this growing problem through the conclusion of his conversation with author and pastor John Dickerson. The two will encourage anxious parents and offer practical guidance to come alongside today's youth with uncompromising truth and radical love.

Main Points The Deconstruction Trend:

Many young people, even from strong Christian backgrounds, are questioning their beliefs.
This trend is occurring at increasingly younger ages.

Creating a Safe Space:

Parents and leaders must provide a non-judgmental environment for open dialogue.
Listening and asking questions are vital to understanding the root causes of doubt.
Empathy and understanding are more effective than immediate answers.

Addressing Intellectual and Emotional Issues:

Both intellectual and emotional challenges need to be addressed.
Providing historical and philosophical context is essential.
Acknowledging the negative aspects of Christian history while highlighting the positive impact of Christianity.

The Importance of Relationships:

Strong, supportive relationships are crucial for maintaining faith.
Young people need close friends who share their values.
Building relationships with those outside the Christian community is important.

Practical Strategies:

Encourage open conversations and probing questions.
Pray for God to bring supportive relationships.
Model authentic faith.
Address hypocracy in the church.
Be willing to apologize for personal failures in modeling faith.
Mentoring is important.
Partnering with good college ministries is important.

The Power of Modeling:

A vibrant faith modeled by parents has a strong influence.
Admitting past failures and seeking forgiveness can open doors.

Conclusion:

Persistent prayer and support are essential for those struggling with doubts.
God can use these challenges to strengthen faith.
Parents and church leaders must actively engage in the lives of young people.

Broadcast Resource

Additional Resource Mentions

Why I Believe & Jesus Skeptic Book Bundle

About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About John Dickerson

John Dickerson is a prize-winning research journalist, a seminary-trained pastor, and a frequent commentator in national news outlets such as USA Today. Dickerson is the author of Hope of Nations, Jesus Skeptic and serves as the lead pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church in the Indianapolis metro area.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Esta