Transforming the Future: A Call to Youthful Faith

When we consider the word “youth”, especially in the context of organizing a youth conference or even more broadly, when we think about young people in general, certain common assumptions tend to arise, whether we are in India, America, or elsewhere. But before we jump into deep theology, let me start with something simple, yet powerful—something that might help us take our first step together on this journey.

Let’s name them honestly:

1.“We, the adults, have the answers.”

Often, we see ourselves the older generation as the resource-givers or knowledge-holders. We tend to believe that the youth must receive from us: our experiences, our values, and our accumulated wisdom. This perspective positions youth as recipients who must “collect” what we, the providers, offer.

2. “Youth need to be changed.”

Churches, schools, families often launch programs aimed at “fixing” young people—as if they’re unfinished, broken, or lacking. (Another common belief is that youth, more than any other age group, need empowerment and transformation. Because of this, churches, schools, and families actively create and promote various programs aimed at reshaping their values, habits, and character in order to raise up a “better generation.”)

3. “What we have, you don’t.”

We assume that because we’ve lived longer, we hold what young people lack—discipline, faith, direction.

Let’s be honest—these ideas may come from love and care, but they unintentionally create a gap between generations. They turn guidance into a one-way street. They silence the voices of youth before they’ve even begun to speak.

And yet, in today’s world, we’ve seen something remarkable.

When Emma González, a high school student, survived the Parkland shooting, she didn’t wait for adults to fix things—she stood up, spoke out, and led a movement.

When Joshua Williams, at just nine years old, saw hunger in his community, he didn’t say, “Someone older will handle it.” He founded a foundation and changed lives.

So,
If wisdom always comes with age, then why do we see so many so-called “wise” leaders making violent, and destructive decisions without compassion or reflection?

Here’s the truth:
Wisdom is not about age. Wisdom is about love. It’s about courage. It’s about listening to the Spirit of God within you.

And youth—you carry that wisdom. Not just potential. 

In Luke 2:46–47, we find young Jesus, just twelve years old, in the temple:

“They found him sitting among the teachers, listening, asking questions. And all were amazed at his understanding and answers.”

Jesus didn’t wait until he was older to engage. He didn’t sit in silence or pretend he had nothing to offer. He listened. He questioned. He spoke. He contributed.

That is eternal faith.

A faith that:

• Listens deeply to the pain of the world
• Asks bold questions that challenge injustice
• Offers insights grounded in love and hope
• Participates fully in worship, in learning, and in life

And so

Will your faith move you to walk alongside your hurting friends?

• Will your faith lead you to speak when others remain silent?
• Will your faith become flesh—in your hands, your voice, your life?

Because eternal faith is not static.
It doesn’t just belong to the past or wait in the future.
It lives in you. Right now.

We need a church where elders are humble enough to learn, and youth are brave enough to lead. famous writer Arundhati Roy shares a beautiful quotation that is Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”

We need a community where experience meets energy, and tradition meets transformation.

Let’s be that church.
Let’s build that community.
Let’s live that eternal faith.

Together.