The Death of Hope

Hope is draining away for many in America. One recent analysis found that that 44 percent of American 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported feeling that their lives are “not useful.” Almost half added, “I do not enjoy life.”

• We sense the death of hope in our political world, in our shrinking congregations, in a society where we can’t even agree on what is true anymore. Hopelessness is particularly prevalent among those who are young.
• Many have a sense that the future is bleak, perhaps even doomed. If there is no future, there is no hope. The results of this lack of hope include anxiety, depression, fear, conflict, anger, distrust, grief, and despair.

The death of hope has impacted the church — how we witness, how we speak, and how we care. In this hope-draining moment, churches on the pathway to renewal can be places of profound hope — a hope that is rooted in a sure future where the world is turned right-side-up, where there are no more tears, death, dying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (c.f., Rom. 5:1-5).

• But noting a Biblical reality is one thing; drawing people into that reality is quite another. How do we attract people (even those in the church) into a place where hope is the atmosphere? Here are a few ideas:

Five Wasy to Reignite Hope in our Churches

1. Listen Well

• Whether you agree with the person’s perspective or not, their loss of hope is real to them. Listen to their words and to their heart without judgment. Take in what they are telling you as something that is critical to them.

2. Take Fears Seriously

• Some people’s fears may seem unfounded or difficult to understand. Take the person’s fears seriously by seeking to learn more about it. Read a few articles, watch a documentary, etc.

3. Recognize impacts inside and outside the church

• The reality is that younger generations — both inside and outside the church — live without hope. We need to understand why the culture’s hopelessness is overcoming the church’s message of hope.

4. Take Responsibility

• If you can influence the factors that cause hopelessness in someone’s life, do so. Show them how the Christian faith not only speaks about hope but also produces living hope — in word and deed. Recognize that many non-Christian groups are battling hopelessness and seeking to create a better future. When possible, work with them.

5. Speak Gospel Hope into every place

• Like the song of years ago says, many people are “looking for love in all the wrong places.” The same is true of hope. Many are looking in all the wrong places. What are those wrong places, and how does the hope of the gospel speak hope into those places?

What people in your church and/or community need you to come alongside them and to hear their cries of hopelessness? How can you listen and then introduce them to the hope of the world?