The data on how to become a “Resilient Disciple” is quite clear. Important studies recently conducted by Barna Group and based on more than 25,000 interviews with young people, are giving us deeper insight into what today’s generation of college students is facing.

David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group, uncovered three key trends shaping the lives of young adults: absolute, unlimited access to information via the internet; profound disaffection toward institutions and traditions; and skepticism towards traditional sources and authority, including the Bible.

This complex cultural environment is one in which constant connectivity, feelings of disconnection, and distrust of established authority dominate the headspace of young people.

In a separate study, Kinnaman and friends discovered attributes of individuals who were wholistically devoted to following Jesus and less likely to abandon their faith. These individuals attend and engage with their local churches frequently, firmly trust in the authority of God’s Word, and have made a personal commitment to Jesus, admitting their sins and that Jesus was crucified and rose again.

Labeled “Resilient Disciples,” members of this group express an eager desire to transform the world because they are devoted to caring about what God cares about.

In my career, I have been deeply involved in helping individuals grow spiritually so they may live to their fullest potential, coached executives of billion-dollar corporations, and consulted with businesses and nonprofits to renew and shape company culture.

As a certified emotional intelligence coach, I have developed personal growth plans for hundreds of influencers. Now, as the president of Evangel University, I offer four essential actions to incorporate into a young person’s monthly routine.

Read Something Everyday

Reading is not merely an act of acquiring knowledge; it is a vital exercise for the mind that opens scopes of understanding and perception. Every person faces, at varying degrees, what ancient church leaders called logismoi — assaultive thoughts.

These are often persistent and negative thoughts that work to dominate the “front of mind” and de-energize the heart to keep it from doing good. Essentially, the church leaders’ advice to overcome these assaultive thoughts was to ignore them.

Since I was a young man in my 20s, I found spiritual strength in reading every morning. Whether going into business or full-time missionary service, reading widens perspective, sets the context, and allows you to focus on the future.

Reading helps overcome intrusive thoughts and keeps you focused on how to make a difference in your life. By reading you build mental resilience and instill a discipline that is essential for personal and professional growth.

Reflect and Write for Your Spiritual Growth

Growing in any dimension of your life requires the development of a habit to think and write down a few thoughts during quiet time. This practice connects the deeper parts of your relationship with God and others to your daily life.

When you give generously of your time, talent, and treasure, you are disciplining your own heart to honor God and stay humble before Him.

Writing provides a space to process experiences, learn from them, and plan future steps with greater clarity and intention. During my coaching sessions, I stress the importance of writing by hand instead of typing notes on a phone. It’s my personal belief that this process helps crystallize ideas and insights that might otherwise remain unclear and sterile.

When I went through the loss of my daughter, praying out loud was very difficult, but I could write out my prayers. Those prayers counted and mattered and helped keep faith resilient during such a dark part of my history.

While thinking and writing, I generally write down at least one verse of Scripture, not just the reference, which causes me to view the verse and interact with it. This practice helps me love and trust God’s Word even more, which is one of the fundamental tenets of a resilient disciple.

By integrating reflection and writing into your routine, you can frame and reframe situations being experienced, helping understand yourself in deeper ways and recognizing a commitment to God in your own handwriting.

Attend Church

Connecting to a local church is more than just a spiritual obligation — it is a vital component of personal well-being. To grow in your faith, you need to be inside the envelope of worship on weekends, hear a different perspective on scriptural passages, and help offer others a sense of belonging and purpose.

True community involves active engagement and visible presence; you can’t get that online. It helps if you are seen and involved, at least occasionally, particularly by older members of the congregation who need to see you and sometimes can offer wisdom and perspective. This intergenerational interaction enriches your soul and the community of faith.

Something rarely considered is the fact, in whatever rural or city context you find yourself, someone needs to honor and invite the presence of God into that physical, earthly space. God will be there, “where two or three are gathered,” in a way He chooses not to be otherwise.

As part of a local church, you will live your life with greater integrity and compassion.

Demonstrate Generosity and Compassion

Generosity is a cornerstone of one’s faith and dependence upon God. Yet it is a holistic movement of the heart that goes beyond financial contributions and includes giving time, talent, and treasure.

There are numerous ways that generosity is expressed from the heart, including volunteerism and sharing your personal giftedness or skill set for short periods of time. This holistic approach to generosity fosters a culture of compassion and service that can inspire and motivate others to give and serve.

While often emphasized, financial generosity should be viewed as part of a broader spectrum of giving. Monetary contributions and pledges support essential initiatives and causes, but your active involvement and personal commitment must complement them.

When you give generously of your time, talent, and treasure, you are disciplining your own heart to honor God and stay humble before Him.