The Gospel of Mark | Chapter 16 | Guest Speakers Rory Dudley & Shawna Phipps

This sermon features a heartfelt and insightful presentation by two speakers, Rory and Shauna, focused on the importance of mentoring and ministering to children and youth through church ministries like Royal Rangers and Girls Ministries. They address the common generational complaint "kids these days," reframing it as an opportunity for faith-based growth, understanding, and connection rather than criticism. Drawing on historical perspectives, biblical teachings, and personal experiences, they emphasize that children are blessings and central to God’s plan. The speakers highlight the challenges modern youth face—digital pressures, mental health issues, and safety concerns—which differ significantly from previous generations. Despite these challenges, God’s unchanging plan offers hope and purpose for every child.

Central to the message is the biblical mandate to mentor and disciple younger generations through relational, generational mentoring modeled in Scripture. They discuss notable biblical examples such as Jethro mentoring Moses, Morayi mentoring Esther, Lois and Eunice mentoring Timothy, and Jesus embracing and blessing children. The call to action is clear: churches and individuals must move beyond criticism to active engagement—loving, teaching, equipping, and empowering youth to become lifelong servant leaders. The speakers stress the importance of investing in spiritual formation, building relationships, and fostering generational bonds through mentoring that brings faith alive and sustains the church’s future. They conclude with a prayer and a passionate encouragement for everyone to find their role in this vital mission.

 Highlights  

🙌 At least 10 kids baptized in the Holy Spirit at recent Royal Rangers Pow Wow, illustrating ministry impact.  

🤔 “Kids these days” phrase reframed as an opportunity for growth and understanding, not just complaint.  

💡 Modern youth face unique challenges: digital world, social media, mental health crises, identity struggles, and safety concerns.  

📖 Jeremiah 29:11 used to remind that God has a unique, hopeful plan for every child, regardless of the era.  

✝️ Jesus’ love for children highlighted through Mark 10:13-16, encouraging us to treasure and protect them.  

🔗 Generational mentoring emphasized as foundational, supported by Titus 2:3-5 and Psalms 145:4.  

🌱 The purpose of mentoring: bring youth into relationship with God, Scripture, and trusted mentors for spiritual growth and leadership.

 Key Insights  

🤔 The phrase "kids these days" has been a long-standing generational refrain, dating back to Aristotle and other ancient thinkers. This reveals that generational tension is nothing new but a natural part of societal evolution. Instead of dismissing youth, this tension presents an opportunity for elders to demonstrate humility, patience, and guidance. It challenges older generations to reflect on their perceptions and engage constructively with young people rather than alienate them.  

📱 Modern children face unprecedented pressures from technology, social media, and a rapidly changing world. These factors contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, which previous generations did not encounter at the same scale. Understanding these unique struggles is crucial for ministries aiming to support youth effectively, requiring updated approaches that integrate compassion, awareness, and relevant teaching.  

📖 The unchanging nature of God contrasts with the rapidly shifting world. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures that God’s plan for children and youth is filled with hope and purpose, regardless of external circumstances. This biblical assurance grounds ministries in divine certainty amidst cultural uncertainty, emphasizing faith as a stabilizing force for young people navigating a complex environment.  

✝️ Jesus’ explicit welcome and blessing of children in the Gospels challenge the church to view children not as burdens or distractions but as central to God’s kingdom. The rebuke of the disciples for hindering children underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion in ministry. This passage mandates active protection, teaching, and loving of children, reinforcing their spiritual value and dignity.  

🔗 Generational mentorship is biblically rooted and essential for effective discipleship. The examples of Jethro and Moses, Morayi and Esther, and Lois and Eunice with Timothy show intentional, relational passing on of faith, wisdom, and leadership. This model supports sustainable ministry by equipping younger generations through personal investment and example, fostering spiritual maturity and continuity.  

🌱 Mentoring serves multiple purposes: relationship with God, deep engagement with Scripture, leadership development, and building community bonds. These interconnected goals highlight that discipleship is holistic, addressing spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. When done well, mentoring produces empowered youth ready to serve and lead, ensuring the church’s vitality and mission longevity.  

❤️ Everyone has a role in mentoring and ministry regardless of age or perceived knowledge. The speakers encourage participation from parents, spiritual leaders, grandparents, and church members, emphasizing that God equips those who step forward. This inclusive call challenges common excuses and invites the entire community into the shared responsibility of nurturing the next generation in faith.

These sermons offer a rich exploration of generational dynamics within church ministry, providing both theological grounding and practical wisdom. The reframing of "kids these days" is particularly insightful, shifting from a complaint to a divine opportunity for growth. This reframing encourages older generations to embrace their critical role with grace, recognizing that cultural shifts are inevitable but also manageable through faith and intentional discipleship.

The guest speakers’ acknowledgment of modern challenges—technology, mental health, and safety—demonstrates realism and compassion. They resist idealizing the past or the present, instead offering hope rooted in Scripture and community. This balanced approach is vital for ministry leaders who must navigate these realities without despair but with proactive strategies.

Biblical mentorship examples underscore the power of relational ministry. The Jethro-Moses story, for example, illustrates the necessity of shared leadership and delegation, which is applicable not only in ministry but in all areas of life. Similarly, the stories of Esther, Timothy, and Mary reinforce the importance of spiritual affirmation and guidance, especially in moments of vulnerability and calling.

The emphasis on mentoring as a collective responsibility breaks down silos, inviting all ages and roles to contribute. This communal approach aligns with the biblical vision of the church as the body of Christ, where diverse members work together for the spiritual health of the whole.

This is a powerful reminder that children and youth are central to God’s kingdom and that the church’s role is to evangelize, equip, empower, and mentor them with intentionality and love. It challenges generational stereotypes, addresses modern challenges, and offers a biblical framework for sustainable discipleship. The call to action is clear: every believer has a part to play in nurturing the next generation, ensuring the future of the church and the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.