Before You Go: A Letter to the Class of 2025

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

You’ve worked hard to reach this moment, and I hope you’ll take time to reflect on all the good that God has done in your life to bring you here.

For many of you, college is next. But not all of you. Some of you may be heading into the workforce, the military, trade school, a gap year, or something else. This article primarily focuses on the college experience, but the principles here apply no matter what your “next” looks like.

For example, when I graduated high school (about 4.7 million years ago), I didn’t go straight to college—I enlisted in the Army. I didn’t prioritize education until years later. So wherever you’re headed, I hope this message will bless you and help you follow Jesus well in the season ahead.

Here are six things I want every graduate to know as you take your next step.

1. Join a Church Immediately

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is to plug into a local church—right away. By that I mean, go on your very first Sunday.

The rhythms you set in the first few weeks of this next season will shape your faith for years to come. I’ve talked with many people who meant to find a church but didn’t make it a priority, and before they knew it, the semester was over and they hadn’t been to church once.

You need Christian community, especially during these formative years. You’ll wrestle with questions and face challenges—that’s normal. But there’s a world of difference between struggling in isolation and struggling with the support of Christian friends. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us not to give up meeting together, because when we do, our faith often falters.

Here’s how to find a church:

•Don’t shop forever. Visit one or two churches that are easy to get to, and commit.

•Pick one that teaches the Bible clearly. Look for a church that believes in the authority of Scripture and helps you apply it to your life.

•Find a place where it’s hard to hide. Whether it’s big or small, choose a church where people notice if you’re not there.

•Make sure you can serve. Avoid consumer Christianity. The church isn’t just a service you attend—it’s a mission you join.

Pro tip: start looking now. Research churches near your school or new city. Check out their websites. Email a pastor or staff member to let them know you’re coming. It builds accountability and gives you a friendly face to look for on your first Sunday.

2. Read Your Bible Daily

The Bible is God’s Word—true, trustworthy, and indispensable for your spiritual growth. If you don’t build a habit of reading it, your faith will remain weak and immature.

Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Daily Bible reading isn’t just a discipline—it’s a lifeline.

If you need help getting started, here’s a guide I wrote on how to read your Bible that might be helpful.

3. Seek God in Prayer

Prayer is how we express our hearts to God, bring Him our needs, listen for His voice, and surrender our lives to His will.

Make prayer a daily habit. You don’t need to pray for an hour—but you do need to pray. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that when we pray, God gives peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out this article I wrote on learning to pray.

4. Prioritize Your Character 

College (or whatever is next) will shape your direction in life—and your character will be a huge part of that. For many of you, this will be the first time you’re making moral and spiritual choices without direct input from your parents or other trusted adults.

That’s a good thing—it’s part of growing up. But it also means you need to be intentional. Make decisions now that reflect who you want to become.

•Be honest: Don’t cheat. Don’t plagiarize. Do your own work.

•Pursue sexually integrity: Follow God’s design for sex. Avoid pornography.

•Be Christlike: Don’t gossip. Don’t stir up drama. Be a peacemaker.

•Be wise with money: Live within your means. Don’t pile up credit card debt.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your character matters. Protect it.

5. Choose Your Friends Wisely

Your friends will shape the direction and quality of your life. The Bible is clear: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

When your parents drive away after move-in day, your first few friendships may come quickly. Be friendly—but also be wise. Surround yourself with people who will help you follow Jesus, not pull you away from Him.

This also applies to who you date. That person may influence your life more than anyone else. So don’t just date anyone who shows interest—look for someone who’s following Jesus with sincerity and maturity.

6. Don’t Take a Vacation from Your Faith

Some people drift. They don’t plan to stop following Jesus, but they never build spiritual habits—so their faith quietly fades. Months later, they wonder why God feels distant.

Others make a conscious decision: “Now that I’m out of the house, I’m going to take a break from church, Bible reading, and all that faith stuff. I’m not abandoning my faith—I just want to have fun.”

Please hear me: don’t do this.

Sin may seem fun in the moment, but it leads to regret. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” So many students come out of this season with wounds and baggage that could have been avoided.

Instead, choose to follow Jesus with your whole heart, even when it’s hard. Decide now that you’re not going to take a vacation from your faith—you’re going to grow.

Final Thought

Wherever you’re going next, I want you to know: your church family is proud of you. We’re cheering you on. And more than anything, we want you to keep walking with Jesus.

So go to church. Read your Bible. Pray. Pursue character. Choose friends wisely. And don’t take a vacation from your faith.

We love you—and we believe God has great things ahead for you.

Pastor Chris