How to Reach GEN Now in 3 Steps
By Scott Burks
The NOW Generation is searching for something real. They don't need more noise, more entertainment, or more opinions. They need Jesus. While every teenager is different, the mission remains the same. If we want to reach the NOW Generation, we must intentionally live out the Great Commission one relationship at a time.
1. Love Them Intentionally
Before teenagers care what you know, they need to know that you genuinely care about them. Learn their names. Listen to their stories. Celebrate their victories. Walk with them through their struggles. Show up consistently. Jesus loved people personally, and He calls us to do the same. Authentic relationships open the door for life-changing conversations about Christ.
Key Scriptures:
John 13:34–35 — "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another..."
1 John 4:19 — "We love because He first loved us."
Mark 12:30–31 — Love God completely and love your neighbor as yourself.
Ask yourself:Who can I intentionally love this week?
2. Lead Them to Jesus
Our goal is not simply to create better students or nicer teenagers—it is to help them become devoted followers of Jesus. Share the Gospel clearly. Open the Bible together. Pray with them. Answer their questions. Invite them to trust Christ and teach them what it means to follow Him every day. The greatest gift you can give the NOW Generation is not your opinion; it is the truth of God's Word.
Key Scriptures:
John 14:6 — "I am the way, and the truth, and the life..."
Romans 10:14–15 — People cannot believe unless they hear the Good News.
Matthew 28:19–20 — "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."
Remember: Following Jesus is the goal—not simply attending church or youth group.
3. Disciple Them to Make Disciples
The mission doesn't end when someone places their faith in Christ. Jesus commanded us to make disciples. Walk alongside young believers. Teach them how to read the Bible, pray, obey God's Word, share their faith, and serve others. Then challenge them to invest in someone else. Healthy disciples make more disciples, and that is how the Gospel continues to transform families, communities, and nations.
Key Scriptures:
2 Timothy 2:2 — "What you have heard from me... entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also."
Luke 9:23 — "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
Ephesians 4:11–13 — God equips His people for the work of ministry.
The future of the Church is strengthened every time one follower of Jesus intentionally disciples another.
Start Today
You don't have to reach every teenager. You simply need to faithfully reach the ones God has placed in your life. Love them intentionally. Lead them to Jesus. Disciple them to make disciples.
That's how Jesus changed the world.
That's how we will reach the NOW Generation.
