CCCOWE Letter
SEP 2025
Dear CCCOWE Family, Peace be with you all!
The challenge of young people leaving the church is a common pain point across Chinese congregations and one of the most frequent topics I was asked about in ministry around the world.
Last year, CCC Hong Kong published the Chinese translation of the book Growing Young, which reminds us that young people are not a “problem to be solved,” but disciples entrusted to us by God, partners to walk with, and co-laborers in His mission.
Recently, two conversations on the Missional Discipleship podcast about discipling today’s young people have been especially eye-opening for me, and even helpful in how I relate to my two sons who are entering their teenage years. One was an interview with Kevin Lee, the founder of Youthology in China , and the other with Pastor Fifi from Heart of God Church in Singapore.
I’d love to share 10 reflections I’ve been learning about ministering to the younger generation.
1. Focus on the Gospel and God’s Mission
To truly engage young people, the church must rediscover her God-given mission. Our ministries shouldn’t exist merely to “keep young people around,” but to embody the Gospel authentically. When the church lives with a purpose bigger than itself—centered on God and His mission—she offers young people a compelling reason to belong and participate.
2. Seek to Understand Their Context
Young people long to be understood. They face a unique set of challenges—economic pressure, competitive anxiety, and identity confusion—that differ significantly from those of previous generations. We must approach them with empathy, listening carefully, and responding with the perspective and hope the Gospel offers.
3. Acknowledge Our Limits and Learn From Them
The first step in pastoring young people is admitting we don’t have all the answers. Youth culture evolves rapidly. We need their help to understand their language and world. This means not only learning from them but inviting them to contribute ideas, shape decisions, and serve as true partners in ministry.
4. Genuinely Desire to be with Them
Young people aren’t looking for roles—they’re seeking relationships. They want to be seen and known as whole persons, not just statistics or ministry targets. Programs alone won’t build trust. Unless leaders genuinely enjoy walking with them, trust will be hard to build. Listening more than speaking is the beginning of true connection.
5. Encourage Them Through Specific Affirmation
Every moment of correction requires five to ten times more encouragement and affirmation. Only through careful observation and life-on-life discipleship can we offer genuine and specific praise. And when correction is necessary, it must come in the context of deep trust and love.
6. Invite Them into Our Lives and Ministries
Rather than designing flashy programs, we should open our lives to them. Young people yearn for mentors—not just teachers on a platform, but real people who are willing to walk alongside them, with vulnerability and authenticity. According to their interests and capacity, seek ways to invite them into the community and ministry, where they can encounter the power of the Gospel.
7. Discipleship in Everyday Life
8. Model How to Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
9. Empower to Innovate
10. Contextualized Strategies
There’s no one-size-fits-all model for youth ministry. Every church must begin with its unique context, culture, and theological convictions to discern her path. We must continue to reflect theologically and boldly explore new forms of discipleship that meet the real needs of our youth and local communities.
Let’s continue this journey together—not just to reach the next generation, but to walk alongside them as fellow disciples of Christ.
Sincerely,
Rev. David Doong,
General Secretary of CCCOWE
Sept, 2025