By Ruth Yong Wang Theen
When we look at the young people in our churches today, we see a generation full of energy, creativity, and questions.
Barna’s Open Generation Malaysia Report (2023), done in partnership with Alpha Malaysia and World Vision Malaysia, gives us a glimpse into what our youths are really thinking about Jesus, the Bible, and their place in the world. The findings are both hopeful and challenging, and they point us to how the Church can walk alongside our youths better.
Our youths know Jesus but often only partially
Barna found that Malaysian teens think highly of Jesus, describing Him as caring, trustworthy, and offering hope. Yet, many know only a partial gospel. For instance, only 56 percent of Malaysian Christian teens believe Jesus was crucified, and just 53 percent believe He rose from the dead. Even more striking, only 35 percent say they can have a personal relationship with Him.
This tells us our youth groups cannot assume teenagers automatically know the foundations of faith just because they attend church. We must:
• Create safe spaces where questions about faith are welcomed, not shamed.
• Teach the whole gospel story clearly, connecting it to their daily struggles.
• Pair youth with mentors who journey with them in faith, so that Jesus is more than just an idea, they encounter Him as Saviour and Friend.
Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NLT). Freedom comes when our youths encounter the full truth of who Christ is.
Questions to ponder:
• Do the young people in my church know the whole story of Jesus or only bits and pieces?
• How can I help create a safe space where teenagers feel free to ask questions about faith?
• Who are the mentors walking alongside our youth today?
Our youths are open to the Bible but struggle with engagement
The research shows Malaysian teens are open to the Bible, yet only 18 percent of Christian teens are “Bible engaged”, meaning they read it several times a week and see it as God’s Word. Most are “Bible open,” respectful of scripture but not deeply rooted in it. Many say they get distracted or do not understand what they read.
This is an opportunity for churches to:
• Equip teens with simple tools for reading and understanding scripture.
• Encourage family devotions where the Bible is read together, not just alone.
• Use digital platforms such as Bible apps, podcasts, and small group studies that connect with their tech-driven world.
The Bible is not meant to be a closed book, but a living Word that speaks into school stress, friendships, mental health, and questions of identity.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105, NLT). Our youths need the Word to light their way in an often confusing world.
Questions to ponder:
• Are we teaching our youths how to read the Bible, or just telling them to read it?
• How can families make God’s Word a shared practice at home?
• In what ways can technology help us bring the Bible closer to this generation?
Our youths want to make an impact but feel unsure
Malaysian teens care deeply about issues such as political corruption (48 percent), mental health (39 percent), and poverty (37 percent). They want to change the world, but fewer than one in four (22 percent) say they feel “very motivated” to take action. Among Christian teens, the percentage drops to just 16 percent who are justice motivated. Many believe their generation has little power to make an impact.
The Church can nurture this passion by:
• Helping teens connect justice with the heart of the Gospel, Jesus’ call to love the poor, seek justice, and walk humbly with God.
• Giving them real opportunities to serve in their schools, neighbourhoods, and church ministries.
• Reminding them of 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.”
When young people see their service tied to God’s mission, they will find courage to act boldly.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22, NIV). Faith is alive when it takes action.
Questions to ponder:
• Are we equipping our youths with both conviction and confidence to live out their faith?
• How can the Church turn their concerns such as mental health or corruption into mission opportunities?
• What practical platforms can we give our teens to serve and lead today, not just tomorrow?
Walking with the open generation
The Open Generation in Malaysia is spiritually open but also spiritually fragile. They admire Jesus, respect the Bible, and long to make a difference, yet many have gaps in their faith and doubts about their ability to impact the world.
As churches, parents, and leaders, our calling is not just to preach at them but to walk with them. We are learning to listen, guide, and empower. If we disciple them well, this open generation can become a grounded generation, rooted in Christ, anchored in Scripture, and released into the world as agents of His hope and justice.
To explore more of The Open Generation by Barna, click here.
