The world is not like it used to be when I grew up! I know, I sound like an old man but it’s true… both statements 🙂 I’m not as young as I once was and the world has changed. Within that change actually comes a wonderful opportunity for the church, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. I grew up with the white noise of skepticism and deconstruction buzzing in the air throughout the world around me. Tear it down, reduce it to nothing! I could hear echoes of the world screaming “there is no truth” to which it seemed the church’s quick response was to simply yell back “yes there is” like two kids arguing on a playground.
Today is different. Instead of deconstruction, new narratives are rising from the ashes of postmodernity. Stories are once more being shared that give meaning to life. There is an openness to truth through a story that this generation is longing to not only hear but to engage with. I’ve been given the privilege at South America Mission to help mobilize this next generation to discern God’s calling on their life and equip them to flourish in whatever role or place He is leading them.
Here are five key observations I’ve gathered from years in pastoral ministry, cross-cultural service, and now mobilizing with SAM. These principles help us to invite young people into lives of faithful and fruitful mission.
1.Start by joining them on the journey, before pointing out the destination.
Too often, we jump straight to the “call” or the mission field as the end goal. The next generation needs someone to come alongside them first, listening to their questions, doubts, and dreams without rushing to an answer. By walking patiently with them through their own spiritual exploration, we build trust and show that God’s leading is personal and discipleship oriented, not a quick sales pitch. In my time mobilizing with SAM, I’ve seen young people open up far more when they feel accompanied rather than directed, allowing the destination (whether short-term trips, long-term service, or everyday faithfulness) to emerge naturally from a shared journey.
2. Start with authenticity, before trying to sell an idea.
This generation has grown up spotting polished presentations and performative faith from a mile away. They’re drawn to real people who are honest about their struggles, failures, and ongoing growth in Christ. Before ever mentioning a mission role, trip, or support-raising need, start by sharing your own story, the highs, lows, and how God has sustained you through it all. Authenticity invites them into genuine conversation, creating space for them to see missions not as a product to buy into, but as a lived, imperfect adventure with Jesus at the center.
3. Start by inviting them into the community, before promoting the adventure.
Adventures sound exciting, but for many in the next generation, the appeal of missions lies first in belonging. Being part of a supportive, diverse family that reflects the body of Christ across cultures is what they often long for. Rather than leading with thrilling stories of travel or impact, begin by welcoming them into real relationships, with staff and missionaries who really care for them and will be there when they need them most. Certainly, some still thrive as lone rangers, but they’re rarer now. Most young people are asking: ‘What group will I belong to? Who will I share life with?’ Once they experience that sense of belonging and mutual care, the ‘adventure’ of joining God’s work in Latin America (or wherever He calls) feels like a natural extension of the community they’ve already found, not a standalone thrill.
4. Start by weaving their story and skills into God’s mission, before offering a job description.
Generic role descriptions or “we need people for this country or city” often fail to spark the fire of calling. Young people want to see how their unique wiring, passions, past experiences, and even their struggles fit into God’s redemptive story for the nations. I’ve often heard the question, how can God use me and my skills for His glory? Take time to listen deeply, then help them dream about how God might use their creativity, tech savvy, or relational gifts in missionary service, church partnerships, or supporting the work in South America. When they see themselves as a valuable thread in the tapestry of God’s mission, the invitation to step in feels personal and purposeful, not like filling a slot.
5. Start by capturing their imagination, before flooding them with data.
Facts, stats, budgets, and logistics are important, but they can quickly drown out the wonder that draws hearts toward the nations. Start by telling stories of transformed lives, glimpses of what faithful presence looks like amid cultural beauty and brokenness, or the joy of seeing the gospel take root in unexpected ways. Once their imagination is stirred and they can envision themselves in the story, the practical details (training, fundraising, timelines) land as helpful next steps rather than barriers. This approach honors how God often invites us first through beauty, mystery, and narrative before the spreadsheets.
These aren’t just strategies, they’re invitations to join what God is already doing in this generation. If you’re a parent, pastor, or young person reading this, let’s start with relationship, authenticity, and wonder. At South America Mission, we’re seeing lives changed as we walk this way. What’s one step you could take today to engage the next generation in faithful, fruitful mission?
Joel Woodard serves as the Mobilization Director of South America Mission. He and his wife, Amy, served as missionaries in Slovenia for seven years before returning to the US where Joel pastored a church in Oregon for 15 years. Joel started working for SAM in August of 2025 when they and their four children moved to South Carolina.
