One of the first articles I ever wrote for the Tate Record was published back in June 2023. The topic? Holding the rope for the next generation.
Two years later, I find myself more passionate than ever about that calling.
I believe with all my heart that God has wired us for relationship, especially across generations.
That article wasn’t just a piece on youth ministry; it was a call to action. And today, I want to revisit it with fresh eyes and boldness as we look toward what God is doing next. Because I still believe this: The best is yet to come.
Children may only be a percentage of the culture, but they’re 100% of the future.
Let this sink in: “Barring a move of God and radical youth discipleship, we have reached the point of statistical and irreversible decline in the church. Which means, if we don’t seek God in radically different ways and disciple young people differently, all you and I will do with our time is manage the decline of the American church.” David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group
In other words, the church that has a future will be the church that invests in someone else’s future.
Why the Rope Still Matters
Adolescence isn’t easy. It’s full of storms, identity battles, stress, questions, and conflict. And the enemy is targeting this generation with everything he’s got, confusion about their identity, isolation from relationships, pressure to perform, and a distorted view of purpose.
But God is still calling people, young and old, to step up and hold the rope.
The quote that shaped the original article is one I still cling to: “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” William Carey
Holding the rope means partnership. It means showing up. It means believing in this generation even when they don’t believe in themselves.
A Rope in Scripture
Rope-holding isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a pattern in Scripture: Joshua 2 – Rahab lowers the spies to safety from the walls of Jericho. 1 Samuel 19 – Michal lowers David out of a window to escape Saul’s wrath. Jeremiah 38 – Jeremiah is pulled from a cistern by friends who refused to let him die alone.
In each story, rope-holding led to salvation, safety, and healing. And it still does today.
HOW DO WE HOLD THE ROPE?
One | Pray Like It Matters
Not just dinner-time prayers. I’m talking stand-in-the-gap, heaven-shaking prayer.
Instead of criticizing teens, let’s start calling out their names in prayer. Instead of labeling them, let’s learn their stories.
If we want to reach them, we have to first see them and that starts in prayer.
Two | Carry Your Corner
In Mark 2, four friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus and tore open a roof to get him there. That’s what love looks like. That’s what bold belief does.
Presence changes perspective. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is show up for someone.
Three | Don't Let Go
“The Ephraimite archers turned back on the day of battle…” (Psalm 78:9)
They gave up when it got hard. May that never be said of us. Jesus never let go of us, even when it meant a cross. We must be the church that refuses to let go of the next generation.
If your reading this today. This is our moment. This is our generation to disciple. This is our rope to hold.
Let’s not grow weary. Let’s not get distracted. Let’s not let go.
The best is yet to come.
JOSH HOUSE is a regular contributor to the Tate Record. His columns can also be found at taterecord.com after they publish in your Tate Record newspaper each week.
