Why Young? Why a Reformer? Part 1

The Scriptural foundation for a ministry to young adults is plentiful. When called by God, Jeremiah responded that he was a child (Jeremiah 1:6). The term child speaks of inexperience and youth.[1]  And yet, on these grounds Jeremiah accepted the call of God. Likewise, King Solomon humbly recognized that he was “a little child” when appointed king of Israel (1 Kings 3:7). The Bible Knowledge Commentary estimates that Solomon was 20 years old when he took the throne.[2] The grace and responsibility that was on Solomon as a young man may be why he made the thesis of the book of Proverbs to “give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth” (Proverbs 1:4). Turning to the New Testament, there continues to be adequate motivation for ministry to those in the younger generation. Jesus’ presence in the temple at twelve years of age shows his desire to learn God’s Law and that his wisdom was on equal footing with the Jewish teachers. Multiple exhortations throughout the epistles are directed specifically at youth and young adults. Paul told Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). 1 Timothy 4:12 reveals that the young can rise in the things of Lord not being hindered by their age. In this same context of the exhortations to the young man Timothy, Paul expects him to study to show himself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It is the opinion of the author that many churches have underestimated the young by merely attempting to entertain them instead of doctrinally instructing them. In contrast, the Young Reformers anticipates that there is a generation of young Christians who are intense and theologically curious. Many of them have not been raised in a Christian culture, therefore, they are longing for substance opposed to the diet of “pop-Christianity.” All of this translates into an extraordinary opportunity for this ministry to help young adults secure a firm foundation in their walk with the Lord, thus, preparing them for the challenges that await them throughout college, career, and the responsibilities of starting a family.

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[1] J.A. Thompson, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament – The Book of Jeremiah, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 147.

[2] John Walvoord and Roy Zuck, ed., The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, (Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications, 1985), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 494.