YOUTH

MINISTRY | YOUTH

Questioning the Faith

Three ways to help young people work through their doubts

By TERRY PARKMAN

“C hristian teens and young adults are more confused about their faith than ever — and they’re looking for answers.”

That statement at a recent event for NextGen leaders got my attention. As I reflected on this and talked with other ministers and young adults in attendance, it became apparent why so many are confused. It isn’t competing religious ideologies. Rather, as one person after another articulated, it is the disparity between the teaching of Scripture and the behavior of many church leaders.

One young woman confided that it was difficult to talk about her doubts in church. She said leaders dismissed her questions as spiritually immature and shamed her for expressing her feelings.

A lack of support in church may help explain why young people are increasingly turning to online communities that openly discuss doubt — and taking the first tentative steps toward deconstructing their faith. Talk of deconstruction is everywhere today, occupying digital spaces where many seek information about faith, church, and Christianity from people who refer to themselves as “exvangelicals.”

Deconstruction is a process of questioning and reevaluating beliefs. It often begins with a disorienting crisis — such as the moral failure of a trusted minister. Suddenly, a lifetime of questions and doubts come calling, and there are no easy answers.

Some who talk about deconstruction are ready to leave the faith. Others sincerely hope to work through their doubts and rediscover what it means to follow Christ.

It is important that we as church leaders respond with grace when someone approaches us with questions, regardless of which camp we think he or she is in. Such moments are opportunities to reconcile people to Christ and His Church.

Jesus did not condemn the spiritually conflicted

For many, the deconstruction movement is a chance to rationalize an abandonment of faith by picking and choosing the parts of Scripture and the Church with which they are most disillusioned.

man who pleaded, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). This is a model prayer for anyone who is struggling with doubt. Jesus wants to help us overcome unbelief.

Our faith questions can become catalysts for personal growth. When we prayerfully examine preconceived ideas in light of Scripture, the Holy Spirit can use our questions to bring us into greater alignment with Christ and His purpose for our lives.

Sometimes Christians need to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Consider those in various times and places who called out racism and oppression in the Church. The biblical prophets and Jesus himself made radical critiques of the religious leaders in their day, bringing correction to abusive religious practices.

Similarly, many of the reformers spent their lives working to get the Scriptures in the hands of common people so they could read and learn the Word for themselves. The reformers persisted despite intense opposition from corrupt religious leaders who desired to silence them.

Of course, for many young people today, the deconstruction movement is a chance to rationalize an abandonment of faith by picking and choosing the parts of Scripture and the Church with which they are most disillusioned. This leads to a lukewarm pseudo-theological/philosophical soup of belief some may laud as enlightenment. In reality, it is a watering down of biblical belief at best, or syncretism at worst.

A healthy questioning process seeks to discover God’s truth. An unhealthy approach assumes God’s Word is in error. Leaders of the next generation have the opportunity to speak to the doubts and fears of both seekers and skeptics as we engage young people in healthy spiritual conversations.

Young people don’t need us to dismiss them, shame them, or try to win a debate with them. They do need someone to listen to their questions and concerns and walk alongside to help them discover God’s answers.

Jude 22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt.” The Message puts it this way: “Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin” (verses 22–23).

If there is a deconstructing, there must be a reconstructing of faith according to the Word of God.

As people dismantle unhelpful elements of Church culture and religiosity, it’s vital that we help them reassemble their faith around the person, words and life of Jesus.

Here are three ways to help young people work through their doubts and rebuild their faith on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ: 1. Welcome the hard questions. I’m grateful the Bible invites us to ask questions and God is not afraid of our doubts. We don’t always need to offer immediate answers to people’s questions. This is a journey that requires a guide. That’s why the Holy Spirit is there. John 16:13 says, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” Our task is to help people connect with the ultimate Guide. 2. Remind doubters that people aren’t perfect, but the Word of God is. The deconstruction movement consists of imperfect people who feel hurt, angry, disappointed or disillusioned — often in response to encounters with other imperfect people. They need to hear that God’s truth will never let them down. Even in the midst of imperfect situations, the Bible is our unfailing source of help and hope.

Psalm 19:7–10 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The

commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” 3. Assure young people the Bible holds the answers to their most pressing questions. We won’t find answers to faith questions in deconstruction, but we will find them in Scripture. The Bible is the perfect tool for reconstructing faith, discovering God’s will, and finding sure footing in a world of uncertainties. Help those who are wrestling with doubts find themselves in the Word of God as they search for answers. Paul said, “All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, We won’t find rebuking, correcting and training in the answers to righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Whether people are searching, faith questions in deconstructing or rediscovering faith, deconstruction, they don’t have to become shipwrecked on an island of doubts. They can but we will find fall upon Jesus and allow His Holy them in Scripture. Spirit to lead them through the storm to a vibrant and rich life in Christ. As Charles Spurgeon said, “I thank God for every storm that wrecked me upon the Rock of Christ Jesus.”

TERRY PARKMAN

is the NextGen pastor at River Valley Church (AG) in Minneapolis.