Approaching the Throne of Grace With Confidence
Based on the August 25, 2024 message by Jeremy Smith
College life is a whirlwind of change. As I often tell my students, "The entire college world, the whole nature of young adulthood, is this movement into flux." One moment, you're planning to graduate; the next, you're considering dropping out to play soccer in Croatia. (Yes, that's a real story from one of our students!) This constant state of uncertainty can make it challenging to approach God with confidence. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that "68% of young adults raised in the church will no longer do so in their mid-twenties" (PEW Research, 2019). This isn't just a number; it represents real people, real faith journeys interrupted. As a college minister, this statistic keeps me up at night. It should concern all of us who care about the future of the church and the spiritual well-being of our young people.
Connecting with God: A Call to Action
At Atlas (the college ministry of Broadway Church of Christ), our mission is to help college-age students make friends, connect with God, and get prepared for their next adventure in life. But what does it really mean to connect with God? It's not just about attending church or going through the motions. The author of Hebrews gives us a powerful insight: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). This verse isn't just an invitation; it's a call to action. But how can we help young people develop this confidence?
Our extensive research and experience have led us to identify a pivotal concept: spiritual self-efficacy. This refers to an individual's belief in their capacity to effectively engage in spiritual practices. In essence, it is about cultivating confidence in one's faith journey. As research has shown, individuals who have the a greater confidence in their ability to do something are more likely to actually do that thing. This includes taking ownership of their spiritual life. If we want people to study the Bible more, we have to actually help develop the confidence in their ability to study the Bible. If we want people to study pray more, we have to actually help develop the confidence in their ability to pray, so on and so forth...
Building Confidence Through Modeling and Experience
So how do we as a Church cultivate this confidence? Two key approaches have proven effective:
1. Modeling: When we place young people in conversation with mature believers, they see faith in action. They learn by observing and interacting.
2. Creating Safe Spaces: We must provide opportunities for young people to practice their faith. This is why I'm so grateful for churches like Broadway that allow college students to participate in worship services. It's not about perfection; it's about growth. Remember, Jesus calls disciples, not perfect people. The Gospels are full of stories where the disciples failed spectacularly. But Jesus didn't give up on them. We shouldn't prioritize perfect worship services over a space for young people to practice their faith.
Life Application: Nurturing Young Disciples
As I wrap up, I encourage us to consider how we can put these principles into action:
1. Inviting young people into meaningful church roles.
2. Creating mentorship opportunities.
3. Encouraging questions and doubts as part of the growth process.
4. Providing resources for spiritual practices (Bible study guides, prayer journals, etc.).
5. Celebrating small steps of faith.
Remember, All of us, young and old, have been invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Not because we're perfect people, but because we're disciples of Jesus Christ. Let's work together to build a church where every generation can confidently approach God's throne today!