After examining the looming spiritual crisis of Millennials, it can seem next to impossible to do anything about it.

The reality of such facts about the loss of Christian influence in American society may cause you to feel dejected.

Which inevitably leads the church to retreat and give up on this troubled generation. But don’t let this trouble you. Let it inspire you.

For far too long, the older generations of Christians have taken their faith for granted.

From America’s inception to its most formidable years, Christianity has been readily accessible and accepted as the primary position on moral and cultural issues. Making the need to spread Christianity seem less of a priority.

As time passed, Christians became more complacent and apathetic to the gospel’s advancement.

And now, in our current climate, Christians are not only the minority but are seen as outcasts and are feeling the effects of cancel culture at every turn.

Nevertheless, there is still hope. We can’t allow the scarcity of Christianity among Millennials to trigger a sense of defeat. We must pray fervently and believe there is still hope for Millennials to come to Christ and live their lives with purpose and meaning.

So, let me give you some good news. Despite the moral decline, Millennials still have an overwhelmingly high level of interest in spiritual matters.

In her grounded and thought-provoking book Is Believing in God Irrational?, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing writes, “In a ‘postmodern’ society, spirituality is generally seen as a positive thing. People may not be signing up for organized religion in huge numbers, but many do believe in a valuable spiritual dimension to life.”

You will be pleasantly surprised how many young people would be open to discussing Christianity and learning answers to their objections and doubts.

Take that as a good sign as you seek to apply these three biblical steps to bridge the spiritual gap with Millennials.

Biblical Step #1: Offer guidance and hope to Millennials who feel lost

Much of the younger years of Millennials were filled with sporting events and developing their talents in everything else but their walk with God.

Christians are given a mandate by Jesus to “make disciples” (Mark 16:25a), and oh, how we have failed in fulfilling the Great Commission with the Millennial generation.

So, as you befriend Millennials, make sure to engage them in conversation around these important matters with clarity: (1) absolute truth, (2) objective morality, (3) gospel meaning, (4) true identity, and (5) dependability on God’s Word.

Absolute Truth

The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), affirmed that causes and effects (in reality) are known by and through first principles. First principles are self-evident truths. That is, they are metaphysical or fundamental truths that are assumed to be true.

With a bit of wit, Aristotle brilliantly demonstrates the undeniable reality of truth, “If you say that it is and it is, or you say that it isn’t and it isn’t, that’s true. If you say that it isn’t and it is, or you say that it is and it isn’t, that’s false.”

And yet, as mentioned earlier, Millennials have fallen for the lie that truth is a matter of opinion, not fact. Thus, they reject the nature of truth as absolute.

To point out the absurdity of such a belief, simply ask, “Is it true that truth is a matter of opinion?”

Notice the contradiction the Millennial will walk into if they say, “Yes” or “No.”

For Millennials to deny the truth, they must affirm it.

The point is, start by politely challenging the relativistic thinking of Millennials and get them to recognize the truth about truth.

Hopefully, the door is open for you to discuss the truth claims of Christianity.

Objective Morality

Another area that Millennials desperately need to flush out is their beliefs about morality.

When you look across the different generations, you will notice that Millennials and Gen Z rate statistically higher in believing that morals are relative.

So, as you engage Millennials about truth and morality, you must approach these conversations creatively by touching on their search for meaning and purpose.

It’s noteworthy to mention that Millennials are often more charitable than their counterparts and anxiously looking to participate in a cause making a difference in the world.

You can show them passages like Romans 2:14-16, where the apostle Paul speaks of an objective and universal law that is binding on all human beings made in the image of God.

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Without compromise, Millennials need to see Christians stand up and defend objective truths about morality and clarify the value and reward for obeying God’s commands. While, at the same time, talking openly about the consequences of not living morally before God.

Gospel Meaning

One thing is for sure. Millennials prefer a modern twist on Christianity that allows for a broader version of salvation that is syncretistic.

However, that is not the gospel.

Jesus made it clear that He is the only way to God (John 14:6), and without Him, no one can be saved (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Don’t be afraid to counter the false gospel presented by Millennials and make it clear what the Bible actually teaches.

It is Jesus who became our payment for the penalty of sin on the cross (1 Peter 2:24-25), rose again (Matthew 28), and offers salvation to anyone willing to receive Him as Savior by faith (see John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9).

True Identity

It is an indisputable fact that Millennials are in an identity crisis.

They will take a plethora of personality tests, seek out identity in external things, and even venture into New Age Spirituality to try and find their unique self.

But what Millennials need is Jesus.
They need someone like you to teach them that they are:

• Image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7).

• A new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).

• Uniquely gifted by God (1 Corinthians 12:4; Hebrews 2:4; Ephesians 4:7).

Amidst all the chaos over gender confusion, pronouns, and sexual orientation—we must empathize with Millennials and be proactive in having gospel conversations that point them back to their identity in Christ.

Dependability on God’s Word

I will tell you the most effective and fruitful way to teach Millennials the Bible is to offer a small group Bible study in your home.

It doesn’t need to be fancy.

Just be intentional and take risks recruiting a few young people and offer an authentic approach to engaging Scripture with them.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul lists the benefits and blessings that come from being grounded in the Word of God. He writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may
be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

As physical exercise is beneficial for your body, so too is the Word of God profitable for Christians as they are trained on forming proper behavioral habits so that they are qualified and able to live out their faith every day.

Biblical Step #2: Model for Millennials a life of humility and the need for biblical community

The Millennial generation is tired of seeing hypocrisy running rampant among pastors who are supposed to be leading their churches as commanded in the Bible.

We need to stop relying on the machine of Evangelicalism to be the catalyst to reach Millennials with the gospel. Nor do Millennials need another big building or celebrity pastor to try and bring them to Christ.

What Millennials need is to see more Christians living out the words written by Paul, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, ESV).

Millennials need someone willing to open their heart and home, and display what it looks like to submit to God in all humility.

Millennials flock to people who are unpretentious, genuine, and level-headed. They need to see things as they are—no smoke and mirrors.

Invest in Biblical Community

Many Millennials struggling in their newfound faith didn’t come from wholesome Christian backgrounds.

So, as we seek to teach Millennials the basics of the Christian faith, we need to help them build a community of trusted Christian friends who will offer much-needed support as they grow in their faith.

At Summit Ministries, we firmly believe that strong faith comes by teaching God’s truth and building lasting relationships.

Every year, students attend our summer programs looking for a safe place to be themselves and connect with Christians who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and willing to challenge their way of living and thinking.

Just taking the opportunity to open your life and inviting them into your community can do wonders for a Millennial who is on the fringe.

Biblical Step #3: Teach Millennials how to go from a ‘fearful faith’ to living a ‘fearless faith’

Meghan, who attends a very eclectic church in downtown Chicago, told me that her faith-sharing experiences have mostly been a waste of time.

Surprised by this, I asked if she wouldn’t mind elaborating.

She thought for a moment and, with a bit of sass, replied, “Because, if I’m being honest, I think telling people about my faith casts a negative light. Either people think I’m proselytizing or judging them. I don’t like that uncomfortable feeling, so now I choose not to speak up.”

The truth is, Millennials are very reluctant to share their faith in public. Some think it’s offensive to tell others about Jesus, while others, like Meghan, get uncomfortable and shut down.

A great number of things can be said about how to share one’s faith. But in my years working with Millennials, I have come to rely on these three pieces of advice when helping Millennials share their faith.

The first piece of advice I share with Millennials is to give their fear over to God. Psalm 56:3-4 reads, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (NLT)

It’s far better to trust in God than to stand in fear of people. Left to themselves, all Millennials can produce is fearfulness. But left in the hands of God, they will exude fearlessness!

The second piece of advice I give Millennials is to learn not to get so easily offended when people disagree with them. Millennials tend to be insecure about their beliefs and would rather avoid conflict. But to grow in their faith and win over their peers, they got to get over getting their feelings hurt. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

The third piece of advice encourages Millennials to remain respectful and winsome when sharing their faith.

Millennials have witnessed too many of their parents and friends avoid talking about religion altogether or jump into conversations with an attitude that turned people off to Christianity. Therefore, teach Millennials how to conduct themselves in an open exchange of ideas that is Christ-like. Paul writes, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

As you and I reflect on the spiritual bleakness plaguing this generation, I pray that more men and women like you will bridge the spiritual gap that will bring more young people to experience the pleasure and eternal joy of Jesus Christ!