‘Addiction Economy’ is a bad gamble for young men. Here’s their way out

“But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance… But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.”

2 Timothy 3:10, 14 NLT

Paul didn’t mentor Timothy from a distance. Timothy saw how Paul lived, not just what he taught: his faith, his patience and his endurance through hard times. That openness built trust, and trust is what kept Timothy faithful. 

Recently, Fox News published an op-ed by our executive minister, Russ Ewell. It’s called “‘Addiction Economy’ is a bad gamble for young men. Here’s their way out.” The op-ed calls for adults to build the same kind of relationship that Paul built with Timothy: authentic, transparent and close enough that young people can see our lives up close.

That work is happening here at the BACC. Russ wrote from what our church is already doing: building authentic relationships with Gen Z, giving young people a voice, and practicing formation of the young men in our fellowship. What many of us have come to see as a normal Sunday is what a national outlet decided was worth sharing.

Fox News is one of the most-watched news networks and most-visited news websites in the country, reaching millions of readers every day. Fox’s editors decided that our church from the Bay Area had something worth putting in front of a national audience on one of the most urgent issues facing young men today.

Here are three reasons why this piece is important for us to read:

1. We need to see our church through other people’s eyes. A national outlet chose to publish this. That shows how BACC’s work with the next generation is worthy to highlight to people outside the church.
2. We need to know what young people are facing. The numbers on gambling, pornography and isolation describe the young people in our neighborhoods, jobs, and church services. For those of us who are parents, they describe the challenges our kids are facing.
3. We need to know how to help: The op-ed doesn’t stop at the problem. It names what adults can do. We can each make a tangible difference in someone’s life.

Make sure to read the full article today!