Okay Church, What Now?
By Brad Harrub, Ph.D.
Monday I had the opportunity to teach a homeschool co-op on the value of human life. We discussed the recent shooting and how someone could do that to another human being. The Charlie Kirk assassination has awakened something in this younger generation. For years we have wondered if our young people were too distracted, too apathetic, or too addicted to their screens to care. But suddenly, I’m seeing teens and college students standing up with fire in their eyes. They’re asking, “What can I do? How do I help? How do I fight back?”
Church, are we listening?
We often complain about losing the next generation, but now God has handed us a window of opportunity. Young people are eager to engage, eager to serve, eager to make a difference. The question is: will the church water and fertilize that desire, or will we let it die on the vine?
Here are practical ways our youth can rise up right now—and how parents and leaders must come alongside them.
1. Stand Boldly for Truth on Social Media
Young people live online. That’s where ideas are shaped and souls are influenced. Instead of just scrolling, teach them to use their platforms to proclaim truth, share Scripture, and defend God’s design for marriage, life, and gender. The world is flooding social media with lies—our young people can be light in that darkness.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
2. Be Active in Apologetics
Equip them to answer the hard questions. Why should we believe in God? Can the Bible be trusted? Why is abortion wrong? Too many youth crumble because they don’t know the “why.” Give them resources. (I call this Warrior training). Put good books in their hands. Want to really make a difference? Teach them the art of debating. Help them form logical arguments. Encourage them to attend apologetics seminars.
“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
3. Serve Boldly in Their Communities
Encourage them to be known for good works. Mow a widow’s yard. Volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers. Deliver food to shut-ins. When the culture sees young people serving selflessly, it tears down stereotypes and points people back to Christ.
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
4. Speak Up at School
The classroom has become one of Satan’s favorite pulpits. Our children hear gender ideology, evolution, and moral relativism daily. Challenge them to respectfully ask questions, stand firm, and not be silent when God’s Word is mocked.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
5. Pray Publicly and Consistently
Challenge your young people to start prayer groups at school, ball practice, or online. Imagine the power of students gathering in prayer for their nation, their teachers, and their classmates. Prayer is not a backup plan—it’s a battle plan.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
6. Invest in Evangelism
Go on mission trips—both domestic and foreign. Give your teens tools to share the Gospel with their friends. Role-play conversations at home. Encourage them to invite friends to Bible study. Provide them with Bibles to hand out.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
7. Learn from Godly Mentors
Pair them with older Christians who have walked the walk. Timothy had Paul. Young people today need mentors who will challenge them, pray for them, and keep them accountable.
“The things that you have heard from me… commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
8. Create, Don’t Just Consume
Encourage youth to use their God-given creativity. Start a podcast. Write blog posts. Make videos that defend truth and inspire hope. The enemy is using creativity for evil; it’s time our young people used it for the Kingdom.
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23)
9. Take the Bible Seriously
This one may seem obvious, but it’s critical. Get them in the Word daily. Stop going over the same Bible accounts in Bible class (ie Daniel and the Lion’s Den) Challenge them to memorize Scripture. Without God’s Word, they are unarmed.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
10. Be Courageous,
Even If It Costs Young people must understand: standing for truth may bring ridicule, rejection, or worse. But Jesus promised blessing to those who endure persecution.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Parents and Leaders: Don’t Quench the Fire
When young people say, “I want to do something,” the worst response is, “Maybe later” or “Calm down.” Instead, water that seed. Give them opportunities. Celebrate their courage. Train them with Scripture. Guide their passion with wisdom.
If we smother their zeal, Satan will gladly redirect it toward the world. But if we nurture it, this could be the very generation God uses to turn our culture back toward Him.
Church, the question is not whether our young people want to rise up. The question is: will we equip them, encourage them, and unleash them for the Kingdom? The time is now.