In a church located in a northwestern city in China, numerous young faces are often seen among the congregation. Even after small-group discussions, they remain engaged in conversation. At a time when many churches struggle to attract younger generations, this church continues to thrive with youthful vitality. The key lies in Pastor Shan's "Four BE Method."
As a post-90s pastor, Pastor Shan has served in pastoral ministry for nearly a decade. Rejecting the traditional "sheep-drawing" model and passive waiting, he urges the church to actively "go among the young people."
Step One: Be There—Reaching Out to Young People
Pastor Shan noted that the waning attraction of traditional churches is closely tied to shifts in the social environment. "In the past, when there were no cell phones and limited entertainment options, simply distributing flyers could draw people in. But that approach no longer works today," he said.
He emphasized that churches must now take the initiative—"not to make them come, but to go to them."
Pastor Shan and his team set aside dedicated time each week to engage with young people. "Having a fixed schedule, such as every Friday, serves as a reminder to set aside work and be present with them," he explained, adding, "Of course, it's not limited to just one day; every day presents an opportunity."
Step Two: Be a Friend—First, Become a Friend
Many preachers are eager to share the gospel with young people, but Pastor Shan cautions that such eagerness can sometimes have the opposite effect. "If they're frightened away, how can we lead them to faith?" he asked.
He observed that today's younger generation differs greatly from previous ones, as they tend to resist authority and are more driven by emotion. "Postmodern culture emphasizes how things feel, rather than what's absolutely right or wrong. Young people are often influenced more by their peers, not by questions of truth or morality, but by asking, 'What do my friends like?'"
That is why Pastor Shan's guiding principle is simple: "First, become their friend. If you're not their friend, it's hard to influence them." He encourages building relationships through shared interests. "Sharing the gospel should be intentional, but it's also a lifestyle. Enjoy it yourself, and build meaningful friendships with the younger generation."
Referring to the biblical story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, he added, "Before talking about faith, talk about life, family, studies, and struggles. People need to know that you truly care about them."
Step Three: Be a Witness
After building a friendship, Pastor Shan emphasizes the importance of letting young people know that you are a special kind of friend—a Christian.
He shared that once the relationship reaches a certain level of familiarity, he naturally shares his faith with the other person, and most respond with respect. "At first, they may see me as someone who plays basketball, has a cheerful personality, and enjoys cooking," he said. "Later, they'll add another label, 'Christian.'"
"'Christian' is just one of many labels they give me," Pastor Shan explained. "But as our relationship deepens, they begin to notice my character and realize that someone who follows Jesus is different. And this difference isn't just exemplified through my life; it's reflected in countless testimonies within the church community."
He believes that when young people encounter these "clouds of witnesses," they are moved to think and explore. "They begin to wonder, 'Why is this person different?' Eventually, they'll discover that special label—'Christian.'"
Step Four: Be Brave—Extend the Invitation Courageously
When someone shows interest in the Christian faith, Pastor Shan encourages believers to "courageously invite them to come and learn about our faith."
He stresses that such invitations should not be result-oriented but relationship-oriented, an opportunity to deepen understanding and friendship. "Whether a person ultimately believes is in God's hands," he said.
Pastor Shan acknowledges that walking alongside young people is a long journey, especially in an era where trust has been deeply eroded. It takes time to accompany and build relationships. "The process is not easy, but my confidence comes from knowing that God desires to win people's hearts."
For young believers, he highlights the importance of discipleship and fellowship, offering them opportunities to explore and serve. "Because they're young, their space for trial and error is greater," he explained. He also encourages them to consider the possibility of full-time ministry: "We challenge them to see whether God may be calling them to full-time service, and we provide opportunities for them to try."
Pastor Shan's "Four BE Methods" are more than a set of strategies—they represent a shift in mindset: from expecting young people to adapt to the church to the church actively adapting to them, from focusing solely on teaching truth to emphasizing relationships and life, and from seeking quick results to trusting in God's sovereignty and timing.
(The name mentioned in this article is a pseudonym for safety reasons.)
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
