Training the Next Generation to Hope in God, Not Us

At last year’s WorshipGod conference, I gave a message on The Future of Worship, based on the opening verses to Psalm 78. I’m increasingly aware of is how important it is to pass on the right things from generation to the next, and this message was an attempt to address that topic.

Here’s a 3:45 video clip from that message where I’m focusing on Ps. 78:7: “so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” I talk about how important it is to make sure those who are following us are putting their hope in God and the gospel – not us, our musical preferences, our technology, or our efforts.

What are your children and those you’re mentoring learning from you about where their ultimate hope lies?

7 Responses to Training the Next Generation to Hope in God, Not Us

  1. Randy Mahoney July 9, 2010 at 3:10 PM #

    Mr. Kauflin, I have to say that was so good and so right on. I myself am a Junior at Indiana Wesleyan UNiversity and I’m a Christian Worship major with an emphasis in Media and I have to say that the main thing I have learned and noticed is your main idea: All these things are great, the music, the technologies, the books and everything else, but in the end God is our focus; He is the author of our worship and He is the reason we worship. When I pray and speak to people sometimes I call God the only constant thing in the chaos. Our world is chaotic, and sometimes doing ministry can be chaotic, and it is that chaos that can cause us to turn our eyes from the One whom we worship and praise so dearly. Thanks for your words and know that I echo your sentiment for maintaing a focus on God in our worship. Have a blessed day.

    –Randy Mahoney (Isa. 41:10)

    • Bob Kauflin July 9, 2010 at 3:19 PM #

      Thanks for your encouraging words, Randy.

  2. Warren Westfall July 9, 2010 at 4:40 PM #

    Mr. Kauflin,

    I see what you are saying, I am a part of our worship team and it all seems superficial to me. We sing meaningless words to the air half of the time. Somewhat like a mantra. Thank you for your words, they hit home. I must be more assertive in helping our leaders see just what you are talking about. The next generation is being deceived by our blank sheets of music. God bless

  3. Susana Hernandez July 9, 2010 at 10:00 PM #

    As a worship minister for around 30 years, I totally agree with you. So much of our worship time seems to be focused on getting people to focus on Jesus – my constant prayer has been, Lord, hide me in your presence as I worship you before your people, and take us together into the secret place. Over and over again, He has proven by His grace that He alone is faithful and fully trustworthy. We are just His privileged kids. The fact that the infinite God deigns to allow finite people to actually bring His manifest presence into this realm where we live should never cease to awe us.

  4. David, justopenthebook.com July 14, 2010 at 4:11 PM #

    Great message. Encouraging youth and new believers to focus on God alone, not the trappings, is so important. Unfortunately in our society, everybody wants to be entertained. But living by faith and showing how God works and provides is a great testimony.

    Some of the more practical ways to focus on God include encouraging Bible study and discussion of the Word; introducing new and growing Christians to people of faith like George Mueller; and publicizing steps of faith and answered prayers. I think sharing the story of someone in the church who trusted God and was delivered is more powerful than 1,000 songs.

  5. paul baloche September 8, 2010 at 7:09 PM #

    Wow…thank you Bob. Very timely for me as I’m trying to work myself out of a job, at church, for the tenth time.
    Really helpful. Anointed. thank you!!

    • Bob Kauflin September 8, 2010 at 11:25 PM #

      Paul, you have so much to pass on to the next generation, and have already been so faithful. Thousands have been affected both by your example and by the training materials you’ve produced. Thanks for yoru faithfulness for the Savior’s glory!

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