READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l During this Sunday’s NextGen Sharing, we heard from three youths – Julien Sim (BeTween member), Ruth See (serves in both YM: Youth Ministry and CM: Children’s Ministry) and Jonah Heng (BeTween leader and member of the YM Worship team).
The discussion, facilitated by Lianna Seah (Chairperson of BeTween Ministry), was anchored on Psalm 78: 4-6, where we are reminded that faith is meant to be passed from one generation to the next. As God’s people share His faithfulness and disciple those coming after them, they too will one day tell their children about Him. The discussion explored the realities of growing in faith today, the joy of serving the next generation and how the wider church can journey alongside them.
Challenges young people face
Julien shared that one of the greatest challenges is simply making time for God. With school, hobbies and countless distractions competing for attention, it is easy for other things to become more important than God. He reflected on a Youth Camp session where he realised how easily even something as innocent as his favourite music artist had become an idol, reminding him how subtly our hearts can replace God with other priorities.
Ruth spoke about balancing school, co-curricular activities and ministry. Setting aside intentional time with God remains a discipline she continues to grow in. She also highlighted the pressures young people face in school, where differing values and beliefs can make it difficult to stand firm in their faith.
Jonah shared that building trust with young people often takes patience and perseverance. He recalled how some youths initially resisted his leadership, calling out that the “no-phone-rule” he enforced at BeTween was no different from school. Nonetheless, he learnt that faithfulness in simply “showing up” week after week allows relationships to grow over time, creating opportunities for God to work.
What keeps them committed
For Julien, BeTween provides a community where he experiences God’s love and is surrounded by friends who encourage him to keep Christ at the centre of his life.
Ruth shared that Youth Ministry is a community of like-minded believers journeying through similar life stages. Serving in Children’s Ministry has also stretched and deepened her own faith. Simple conversations with the children, their childlike trust in God, and even profound questions such as, “Why did you accept Christ?” have challenged her to reflect more deeply on her own faith journey. She also admitted that there are times she feels inadequate or unprepared, but serving has taught her to depend on God’s strength rather than her own abilities.
Jonah described witnessing lives transformed as one of the greatest joys of serving. One particularly meaningful moment came when a youth he had struggled to connect with eventually prayed over him during Youth Camp. It reminded him that ministry is not about immediate results but about faithfully walking with young people over time. He quipped, “I don’t need to be successful, I just need to be faithful”. Jonah also shared how his own small group leader created a safe space for him to ask difficult questions as a teenager, shaping his faith in lasting ways.
Their hopes for the church
Julien hopes more children and youths will experience God’s love through BeTween and Youth Ministry, learn to put God first rather than idols – whether they are music artists or just the drive to be perfect. All of us are under a lot of pressure, and we need a community that helps us thrive rather than merely strive.
Ruth encouraged the church to continue building genuine relationships with children, recognizing that AI and games can never replace authentic human connection. She shared that her personal challenge is in time-management – balancing (God’s) work and rest. There have been many instances that she felt inadequate and unprepared to help the children learn. The good news is that God works through willing hearts, and ministry transforms both those who are served and those who serve. The Holy Spirit really works behind the scenes and we – if called to serve; simply need to avail ourselves.
Jonah ended with three heartfelt appeals to the congregation.
1. Nudge your children to attend Youth Ministry and service, if they have lapsed
2. Don’t let AI become your child’s best friend – AI does a great job at providing information and head knowledge but we need adults who share biblical truth and life testimonies; before that information becomes deeply held beliefs.
3. Step forward to support the next generation – Two BeTween groups are fully led by 21-year-olds and they are carrying multiple responsibilities. We need more adults to join them in discipling the next generation.
Final reflections
The facilitator closed by reminding the congregation that throughout Scripture, God’s people have a tendency to forget His goodness and turn to other idols. This is why discipling the next generation is so important—not simply by teaching them, but by giving them our time.
Quoting the saying, “Love is spelled T-I-M-E,” she encouraged the church to intentionally build relationships with children and youths. Like Ruth and Jonah shared, trust and connection take time. Showing up consistently, being patient, asking about what excites them, listening well, and simply being present all go a long way.
She also encouraged the congregation to be authentic. We do not need to have all the answers; we can seek them together. By sharing our own stories and pointing young people to God’s faithfulness, we create safe spaces where they can wrestle with questions of life and faith.
Recognising the many pressures facing today’s children and youths—academic, social, family and online — the church may not be able to solve every problem, but it can offer listening ears, encouragement and a community that points them to Christ.
She concluded by inviting the congregation to pray for the next generation, support those already serving, and consider stepping forward to serve if God is prompting them. Echoing Ephesians 4:11–13, she reminded everyone that God has given each person different gifts to build up His church. As she aptly put it, “It’s time to invest”—not only our tithes and offerings, but also our time and talents in the next generation.
(Notes by Anna Ooi)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
No reflection questions for this weekend’s services.
