I really resonate with Kevin DeYoung’s honest assessment of his heart as he seeks to reach out to others:
There have been times as a pastor where I’ve been discouraged by the slowness of growth in my congregation. I’ve thought, “Why is that church over there so successful? Why did they go from 150 to 1500 in three years?” I’ve even been borderline snippy at times, “Lord, if I get to heaven and find out there was some secret musical style or movie clip or new program I was supposed to use in order to be successful, I’m going to feel pretty bummed.” But in my saner moments I’ve come to see two things: One, it’s more my sin that wants success than my sanctification. And two, the secret is that there is no secret.
He is in the middle of a series on reaching younger people. Here are the five suggestions he offers:
Grab Them With Passion
Win Them With Love
Hold Them With Holiness
Challenge Them With Truth
Amaze Them With God