Riley is 18 and embracing his faith. “I wish to regularly commit life decisions to Christ and pray that his will will be done, [despite] what I might have to go through,” he says. “I ultimately long for his return and for peace about the concept of eternity.” 

Geoff is 17 and was raised Anglican but is rejecting the Christianity he was raised with. “I cannot reconcile the miracles of the Bible with the laws of nature, despite agreeing with the moral guidance that the Bible provides.” 

Two young men with similar tales, but very different outcomes. Why? New research seeks to understand this. 

More than 430 young people participated in a survey exploring what influences a person’s faith story. Led by former Youthworks College principal the Rev Dr Graham Stanton and Dr Rowan Lewis, this study addressed gaps in current research literature, identifying five key findings that influence faith in young people – which influence how we serve and minister. 

1. Everyone’s faith has a narrative

Simply asking about a young person’s beliefs or Bible habits doesn’t fully show their relationship to faith. Instead, when asked open-ended questions, people shared the experiences and relationships they associate with spirituality. 

The research identified eight distinctive journeys of faith young people may be on. Our challenge is to remember there’s more going on in a young person’s life than what they’re presenting right now. Constructive discipleship works to understand the significance of this present moment in light of where they’ve come from and where they might be headed. 

2. The relational ecosystem

Young people are deeply connected with the people and groups around them, and their choices and spiritual responses are deeply influenced by this. One way we can help our youth is by building rich ecosystems of spiritual support. Supportive relationships shape faith, so help young people connect and build a network of rich relationships.

3. Be ABOUT relationships

The research team has come up with an acronym to help us to remember the kind of relationships older Christians need to foster with young people. They need to offer Acceptance, build Belonging, promote Ownership, foster Understanding and be anchored in Trust (ABOUT). Our youth need to know that those investing in their lives “get them” and have their best interests at heart. The research reminds us how important these things are to young people. While there is more to discipleship than good relationships, without them it’s rare to be effective. 

4. Discipling must be grounded in relational strength

The same action was described as helpful by one young person but received as unhelpful by another. The most significant factor was the strength of the relationship between the young person and the discipler. If you have positive relationships with youth, you can confidently use a wider range of discipling actions with them and walk alongside them. Discipleship is most effective when built on strong relationships. 

5. Empower our youth to engage the resources around them

Experiences and relationships are also resources, and helping young people reflect on their story can reframe their perspective, allowing them to join the dots between their faith and various circumstances, events, people and places that have been part of their lives. 

Listening is key. If we want to help young people express their faith stories, we need to ask better questions and listen well to how they answer.