Walking Boldly for Jesus: A Practical Guide for Students & the Church
Pastor Tyler Renteria
As believers, our calling is to follow Jesus fully, even when the world around us seems louder than God’s voice. Last Sunday, we got to hear from four seniors from View share their testimonies and encourage our community. Together, we can boldly follow Jesus and strengthen the generations along the way. Watch the full video above!
1. Why Boldness Matters for Students
Boldness isn’t about arrogance—it’s about living openly for Jesus with integrity and courage.
Clarity in identity: Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we are God’s workmanship, created for good works. Understanding who we are compels us to act in alignment with Christ.
Breaking cycles of fear: Romans 8:15 states, "…for you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption." God’s Spirit enables fearless living.
Impacting peers: When students walk boldly, classmates notice. Authenticity often opens doors for conversations about faith, compassion, and truth.
Overcoming cultural expectations: Instead of conforming to what feels normal, students can choose what is godly. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform but to be transformed.
Living boldly means making Jesus visible in everyday decisions—from social media posts to classroom conversations.
2. Common Pressures Students Face
Students face varied challenges that test their convictions:
Peer expectations: Pressure to fit in often leads to compromising moral standards or hiding faith.
Academic stress: High expectations can increase anxiety, temptations, and the need for unhealthy coping.
Family dynamics: Students may lack support or understanding at home about their faith journey.
Self-image and identity: The struggle for acceptance can lead to comparison, insecurity, and inward questioning.
These pressures can seem overwhelming—but they also create opportunities to lean into God’s strength.
3. Four Practical Faith Habits for Students
Students can cultivate habits that root them deeply in Christ and help them navigate struggles.
A. Daily Scripture & Reflection
Read through relatable books like James, Philippians or Proverbs.
Ask questions like: What does this tell me about God? How am I challenged?
Write a key verse and a prayer each day to reinforce conviction.
B. Schedule a Weekly Check-In
Designate a trusted friend, mentor, or small group to discuss wins and struggles.
Talk openly about peer pressure, anxiety, or identity issues.
Pray for one another before ending the time together.
C. Practice “Pause & Pray” Moments
Before a major test, team sport, or social event, breathe and say, “God, help me represent you.”
It creates mindfulness and reliance on Him, not performance.
D. Memorize Identity-Focused Verses
“I am God’s … workmanship.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
Add verses to phone lock screens or journal entries. Let them shape your internal narrative.
These habits build bedrock stability during shifting seasons.
4. Walking Boldly in Real-Life Scenarios
Here are examples of how students can respond in everyday contexts:
Scenario 1: Lunch Table Inclusion
Situation: A new student sits alone. Everyone ignores them.
Bold Move: Walk over, introduce yourself, invite them to join your group.
Why it matters: Reflects Jesus’ heart for inclusion. Romans 15:7 says, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you."
Scenario 2: Pressure to Compromise
Situation: Friends push for cheating or skipping school.
Bold Move: Stand firm, say: “I choose differently. I’ll study/pray on it.”
Why it matters: Integrity honors God and builds trust over time.
Scenario 3: Social Media
Situation: You see content or trends that clash with your values.
Bold Move: Choose not to engage, share something positive, or post about encouragement.
Why it matters: Digital influence is widespread; sharing truth can change culture within your circle.
Scenario 4: Anxiety or Failure
Situation: A test grade or trial shakes your confidence.
Bold Move: Read Philippians 4:6–7—pray, replace anxiety with thankfulness.
Why it matters: You're partnering with Jesus, not relying on your own efforts.
When boldness becomes habitual, students feel empowered—even when external approval is uncertain.
5. Overcoming Gender & Age-Related Struggles
Students grow up quickly—but age and gender bring unique challenges.
Gender identity pressures: Mixed messages from media can blur God’s design. Ephesians 5:1 prompts us to emulate God’s love and purity.
Age-based dismissal: Adults may dismiss student questions. Yet Scripture (1 Corinthians 1:27) says God uses the youth to shame the wise.
Dating and relationships: God’s purpose for love begins with friendship. Encourage intentionality and purity in dating.
Access to resources: Encourage church and schools to offer leadership opportunities, letting students apply their gifts even early.
Students have powerful influence. Their youth is not a limitation—it’s an invitation to trust God’s timing and plan.
6. How the Church Can Equip Students to Follow Jesus Boldly
Churches play a vital role in shaping young leaders. Here are game-changing strategies:
A. Intentional Relationships
Churches should pair students with similarly-aged leaders for ongoing friendship and accountability.
Regular one-on-ones create space for vulnerability and prayer.
B. Student-Led Services
Give students the mic—ask them to share testimonies, lead worship, or pray.
Ownership empowers them and inspires peers.
C. Real Talk Environments
Host events that address anxiety, sexuality, failure, and identity from a Biblical lens.
Encouraging honesty builds trust and connection.
D. Resource Accessibility
Provide simple devotionals, Scripture reading guides, and God-centered apps.
Keep materials low-cost or free, and digitally accessible.
E. Community Service Projects
Design initiatives that allow students to serve with purpose.
When they own projects—from planning to reflection—they see their faith in action.
When the church invests deeply, students don’t just consume faith—they carry it forward.
7. Equipping Volunteers & Leaders
For churches to reach students effectively, adult leaders must be trained and supported.
First: Provide training in youth pastoral care, trauma-informed listening, and boundary-setting.
Second: Pair experienced mentors with younger leaders to model relational leadership.
Third: Encourage learners to bring their whole life—questions, passions, doubts—to leadership.
Fourth: Offer ongoing reflection opportunities through debrief meetings and feedback.
Volunteer discipleship isn’t just facilitating a session—it’s sharing life's ups and downs with students and inviting them to do the same.
8. Biblical Support for Bold Student Discipleship
Scripture affirms the importance of investing in youth:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV):
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children… talk about them when you sit at home… when you walk along the road…"
Faith is formed in everyday talk, not only Sunday speeches.1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV):
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example…"
Age doesn’t limit spiritual leadership—action does.Psalm 71:17–18 (NIV):
"Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds."
God works in young lives today and expects us to tell others.Matthew 18:5–6 (NIV):
"…whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me… if anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better… to have a large millstone."
We must guard their faith with intentional care and support.
These verses direct both students and the church toward bold, intergenerational discipleship.
9. Creating a Sustainable Student Discipleship Culture
To ensure long-lasting impact, churches and students can commit to:
Setting clear expectations: Define what bold living looks like—honesty, invitation, service, courage.
Planning rhythms: Weekly small groups, monthly events, quarterly retreats, annual leadership summits.
Measuring growth: Encourage personal journaling, leadership logs, mentorship reports.
Celebrating milestones: Baptisms, first-time speakers, testimonies, certificates, or simple group shout-outs.
Iterating regularly: Ask what’s working, what’s not. Use surveys, conversations, and youth-led reviews.
Discipleship isn’t fixed—it’s responsive and adaptive to student needs and culture.
10. Your Next Steps: For Students & Church Teams
A. For Students
Start a bold challenge: Pick one habit—Scripture reading, prayer pauses, Sunday invitation—and begin daily.
Find a faith partner: Invite a friend or mentor to journey with you transparently this semester.
Plan one bold act per month: Invite someone to church, start a devotional group, volunteer in your community.
B. For Church Staff & Volunteers
Launch a leadership training night: Teach storytelling, group facilitation, spiritual counsel basics.
Host an all-student event: Use themes like “Faith in Action,” “Authentic Relationships,” or “Fearless Identity.”
Create mentoring teams: Pair students with leaders. Meet monthly, pray, encourage, and dream together.
A Word of Encouragement
To every student reading this: God is already with you. He knows your struggles, your gifts, and your dreams. Everything you build through habits, community, and bold steps matters in His Kingdom.
To every church leader and volunteer: Your time, presence, sacrifice, and encouragement leave a lifelong imprint. You’re shaping faith that lasts beyond Sunday mornings.
Let’s build a generation that chooses Jesus over popularity, impact over comfort, truth over trends, and love over approval.