by Gregory Alan Tidwell<\/p>\n
The coffee shop was packed for a Tuesday night-young people with laptops open, headphones in, and half-finished lattes going cold. Over by the window, three young men sat hunched around a tattered book, voices low but intense. If you walked past, you might think it was a college group cramming for a philosophy exam. But listen closer.<\/p>\n
“It’s like Lewis says here,” one of the guys said, frowning thoughtfully as he flipped a page of Mere Christianity. “‘A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.'” He looked up, searching for the right words. “How can people say right and wrong don’t exist? Look around.”<\/p>\n
The guy across from him nodded, tugging a leather-bound Bible from his backpack. It was worn-edges cracked, pages creased like they’d been worked over a hundred times. He thumbed to I Corinthians and read out loud: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong<\/em>.” That line landed heavily as if it meant something more than the usual Instagram quote of the day. Outside the window, headlights passed in steady streams.<\/p>\n This scene occurs more frequently-young guys with rolled-up sleeves talking not about video games or politics but about purpose, order, and what it means to live with meaning. It’s not cool. It’s not trending. But that’s the thing-they don’t seem to care. There’s quiet defiance in the way they search, in how unembarrassed they are to talk about God in a place where most people are more comfortable debating oat milk versus almond.<\/p>\n “Everyone’s talking about freedom,” the third one said, leaning back in his chair. “But nobody’s telling us what to do with it. You know? It’s like we’re just…drifting.”<\/p>\n There it was-the thing resounding in other corners of life. A frustration with the noise. The promises that didn’t deliver. The culture that shouted endlessly about individuality but left a lot of young men feeling small and adrift. Some of them were giving up. But others? They were leaning into something solid, something old, like they’d stumbled onto an anchor in a storm.<\/p>\n It’s happening everywhere-quietly, steadily. And if the church is watching, it might realize these young men aren’t just running to politics or culture wars. They’re searching for something deeper, older, truer.<\/p>\n And it might just be the church’s moment to step up.<\/p>\n An unexpected trend has emerged in a cultural moment often marked by rapid social change and progressive ideologies: increasing numbers of young men are gravitating toward conservatism. This shift extends beyond politics, encompassing social and religious dimensions as well. It reflects a search for stability, meaning, and identity in a fragmented and uncertain world. This trend is particularly significant for Christians, offering opportunities and challenges as congregations seek to minister to this growing demographic.<\/p>\n One of the primary drivers behind the conservative shift among young men is a pervasive sense of disillusionment. Many young men perceive contemporary culture as hostile to their identity and aspirations. The rise of social movements such as radical feminism, transgenderism, and identity politics has sidelined traditional views of masculinity and meritocracy. Feeling alienated or vilified, young men respond by embracing frameworks that celebrate strength, responsibility, and purpose-qualities associated with conservatism.<\/p>\n This provides Christians with an opportunity to speak to a deeper need. The Bible’s teachings on identity offer young men something far more enduring than cultural narratives. Scripture calls men to live lives of purpose and integrity, rooted in Christ. Rather than reacting defensively to cultural trends, the church can offer a counter-narrative where true masculinity is defined by servant leadership, humility, and sacrificial love-the example of Christ Himself (Ephesians 5:25; I Corinthians 16:13-14).<\/p>\n At the heart of conservatism’s appeal is a desire for stability. Traditional values-especially regarding family and community-have gained renewed traction amid shifting social norms. Many young men are weary of the instability of modern life’s fluid definitions of roles and relationships. The nuclear family represents a foundational institution providing order, security, and clarity for them.<\/p>\n This resonates deeply with biblical teachings. Christians have long championed God’s design for the family, teaching the roles of husbands, wives, and children as outlined in passages like Ephesians 5:22-33 and Colossians 3:18-21. The church’s unwavering emphasis on strong marriages, active fatherhood, and godly homes positions it to speak effectively into the lives of these young men, providing a blueprint for a stable and flourishing family life.<\/p>\n Conservatism’s rise is also a reaction to the secularization of society. Many young men see the erosion of traditional religious values as contributing to moral and cultural decline. They are drawn to institutions that uphold clear moral standards, reject relativism, and provide a sense of absolute truth.<\/p>\n The churches of Christ, with their commitment to biblical authority, are uniquely positioned to meet this hunger for truth and structure. Preaching that unapologetically proclaims the Bible as the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17) resonates with young men seeking clarity in a confusing world. Churches can cultivate a bold, counter-cultural identity that calls believers to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind<\/em>” (Romans 12:2).<\/p>\n A recurring theme in the conservative movement is the desire for strong leadership. Figures like Jordan Peterson have gained popularity by addressing young men’s need for responsibility, discipline, and direction-qualities often absent from modern discourse. Young men are drawn to leaders who challenge them to rise above passivity and embrace lives of significance.<\/p>\n Churches of Christ have a distict opportunity to raise up such leaders. Congregations must actively equip young men to lead in their homes, churches, and communities. Programs focusing on spiritual growth, leadership training, and evangelism can channel this desire for purpose into a Christ-centered mission. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy-“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong<\/em>” (I Corinthians 16:13)-remains as relevant today as ever.<\/p>\n The rising tide of conservatism among young men reflects a deeper longing for meaning, identity, and stability-a longing that only Christ can ultimately fulfill. For Christians, this trend is both a challenge and an opportunity. Christians can effectively reach and disciple this generation by offering clear teaching, authentic community, and a Christ-centered vision of manhood and purpose.<\/p>\n The task is not to mirror cultural conservatism but to proclaim a gospel that transforms hearts and minds. Young men must hear that their identity is not found in political movements or cultural trends but in Christ alone. Paul reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come<\/em>” (II Corinthians 5:17).<\/p>\n In a world searching for answers, Christians can offer what young men seek: a return to tradition and a life-changing relationship with the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Gregory Alan Tidwell The coffee shop was packed for a Tuesday night-young people with laptops open, headphones in, and half-finished lattes going cold. Over by the window, three young men sat hunched around a tattered book, voices low but intense. If you walked past, you might think it was a college group cramming for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[941,354,309],"class_list":["post-82153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-purpose","tag-responsibility","tag-youth"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":27520,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/why-is-there-mention-of-the-young-man-who-fled-naked-in-mark\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":0},"title":"Why is there mention of the young man who fled naked in Mark?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"May 24, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: In Mark 14:51-52, it reads, \"And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:\u00a0 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.\" What could be the purpose of these two\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":39212,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/training-young-men-to-preach\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":1},"title":"Training Young Men to Preach","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 31, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jefferson David Tant Each generation passes and another follows. This has been going on\u00a0 -well, ever since Adam and Eve started the cycle. Included in this cycle are those who preach the gospel. Paul mentioned five functions that were assigned to men in the body of Christ - apostles,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":89747,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/can-a-woman-greet-people-at-the-door\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":2},"title":"Can a woman greet people at the door?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I have a question. Can women serve as door greeters alongside men? And should young men be participating in overseeing the nursery? For years, our door greeting has been done only by men, and I think it's odd to change that. We have a young man who participates in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14211,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/how-can-i-help-break-an-impasse-between-two-young-people\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":3},"title":"How can I help break an impasse between two young people?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 18, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I\u00a0would, please,\u00a0like\u00a0to\u00a0know your\u00a0thoughts about a particular courting problem with which I am involved. The problem\u00a0is concerning two young friends of mine, a young lady and a young man. They're both serious disciples of Jesus, as are their respective families. They and their\u00a0respective families each\u00a0attend a different congregation.\u00a0Up to the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":66770,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/does-a-leaders-appearance-matter-anymore\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":4},"title":"Does a Leader’s Appearance Matter Anymore?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"by Max Dawson Daniel was a prophet of God who was among the first captives taken by Nebuchadnezzar from Jerusalem to Babylon in 605 BC. He, along with some other Hebrew captives, were highly spoken of (Daniel 1:4). They are described as \"...young men in whom there was no blemish,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19103,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-is-the-difference-between-courtship-and-dating\/","url_meta":{"origin":82153,"position":5},"title":"What is the difference between courtship and dating?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"June 10, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: What is the difference between courtship and dating? I don't see any difference. Answer: Dating in American culture is when a boy and a girl see each other regularly and go out on outings together, one-on-one. The purpose is to get to know each other and to decide if\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82153"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82153\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Disillusionment and a Search for Meaning<\/h2>\n
Stability in Traditional Structures<\/h2>\n
A Reaction to Secularism<\/h2>\n
Community in an Age of Isolation<\/h2>\nModern life, for all its connectivity, has left many young men feeling profoundly isolated. Social media, while offering platforms for self-expression, often exacerbates loneliness and alienation. In contrast, conservatism often fosters a sense of belonging through shared values and traditions.
\nThe churches of Christ offer something even more compelling: a genuine Christian community. The early church modeled a fellowship that transcended social barriers, where believers “had all things in common” and “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship<\/em>” (Acts 2:42-47). Churches can create spaces where young men find friendship, mentorship, accountability, and a sense of purpose within the body of Christ.\nThe Role of Leadership and Purpose<\/h2>\n
An Opportunity to Build the Kingdom<\/h2>\n