The kingdom of God belongs to such!

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

There’s something happening among our young people that we can no longer ignore. They are hurting. In countries all around the world, young adults — especially those between 18 and 29 — are reporting some of the lowest levels of happiness, meaning, mental health, and connection we’ve seen in modern times. The years that were once expected to be full of joy, energy, and discovery are now often marked by anxiety, loneliness, and confusion.

We’ve always believed that youth is a time of strength and promise, but now many young people are feeling directionless, uncertain of who they are or why they matter. They’re more connected through screens than any generation before, but many are deeply lonely. They’re surrounded by endless information, yet starving for wisdom. This is not just a mental health issue — it’s a spiritual crisis.

And this is where the Church is needed most.

We are the people who know where true joy is found — not in achievements, not in social media affirmation, but in the presence of the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). We have the message that their identity is not found in the shifting values of culture, but in being children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), called and chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

We know what it means to find peace that surpasses understanding — peace that guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Young people need to know that they are not alone in their battles. That they can cast their cares on the Lord, “because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Many of them are asking, “What is my purpose? Why am I here?” And we can tell them with confidence: “You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). They are not accidents. They are part of God’s plan.

But they need more than answers — they need people. They need to be seen. Heard. Welcomed. They need older believers who will walk with them, not just lecture them. People who will open their homes, pray with them, listen to their struggles, and share their own. As Paul told Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12). And yet it was the Church’s responsibility to raise Timothy up — to teach, to train, to encourage.

The early Church devoted themselves to fellowship, to breaking bread together, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). That kind of community changed the world. And it’s what our young people long for now — real relationships, deep belonging, and shared purpose.

So I ask you, as your brother or sister in Christ — will you take this seriously? Will you be the one who notices the young person on the edge and says, “Come sit with me”? Will you be someone who listens without judgement, prays without hesitation, and gives without expecting anything in return? Because this generation is not beyond hope. In fact, they’re full of potential — they just need someone to believe in them, to guide them, to point them to Jesus.

The Church is still God’s chosen vessel for healing, hope, and restoration. Let us rise to that calling. Let us love well, serve faithfully, and shepherd tenderly. For in doing so, we not only help them flourish — we also honour the One who said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18:16).

Let’s be the Church they need.

Amen.

Kay Alli