Let No One Despise You: Emerging Christians in a Post-Christian Society

by Tony Beard

Paul wrote to Timothy instructing him to not be despised for his youth. But isn't that at least a little like what the church does to its youth today? Perhaps the church does not despise its youth, but isn't it at least a little dismissive of them? Instead of being integrated into the body of the church, youth are being entertained and occupied. What happens when they become young adults?

The church has not prepared the next generation of Christians for their emerging adulthood years. Millennials and Gen Zers should be stepping into greater leadership and service roles in the church but are instead walking away from it altogether. Those who remain have been ill-prepared to endure in a post-Christendom society.

There is a simple three-part message young adult Christians need to hear: Youth is no obstacle to Christ; the world is an enemy of God; and the best way to respond to this world is love. This message encourages young adults to commit to following Jesus now, prepares them for pushback they may face because of it, and instructs them on essential and practical ways to live in light of this hostility.

152 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Becky Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work in campus ministry and very much appreciate this book. It helps young adults understand the importance of committing to a local church as a place to grow and serve. I would recommend this book to high school students approaching graduation, college students, youth ministers, and anyone wanting to work with young adults. I highly recommend parents and student ministers read this with their students because it would provide excellent discuss opportunities in discipleship.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good primer on the Christian life for young people. The message that young people can be used by God, especially by loving others, is empowering and necessary. There is opposition in our world to the things of God, but God is calling people to Himself and working through them to accomplish His will. This would be a good, easy read for new students on a college campus (or those preparing to go to college).