Ministering the gospel to young people exposes us to the highs and lows of their dynamic, emerging lives—whether in the seemingly insignificant dramas of their dating relationships or the deeply significant dramas of their relationship with the Lord.

As young people ask big questions about themselves and the world around them, there is a unique openness to the gospel and opportunity for conversion and deepened faith. But this welcoming open door to faith is sadly also used by some young people to walk out and away from the church. As I minister to college students, this dynamic is the source of great joy and great sorrow.

Whether you’re a parent, pastor, or ministry worker, Mike McGarry offers us wise and encouraging words for the sorrowful seasons of ministry when more young people seem to be walking away from the faith. He calls us to a hope-filled grief that trusts in the Lord, doesn’t give up, and plays the long game. As he reminds us, “God is at work in a thousand ways you cannot see.”

As our culture makes belief more difficult for young people, the church must face head-on the challenges of deconversion and “deconstruction.” For a helpful starting point, check out TGC’s newest book, Before You Lose Your Faith (free to next week’s virtual and in-person TGC21 participants).