Embracing the Vibrancy and Challenges of Youth
YOUTH – Hear Them Out and Speak into Their Lives
Wherever there is youth, there is undoubtedly vibrancy, fun, a range of emotions, confusion, and a quest for clarity.
There are hard questions, too. However, it is often for these very reasons that they are hushed, especially within the church setting. They are frequently told that “this” is not the place for their unconventional questions, doubts, or even fun.
Churches often find themselves in a tug-of-war between a youth feeling uncomfortable or irrelevant, and the need to build them into the future leaders they are meant to be without stifling their existing vibrancy and fun.
The Church’s Role in Clarifying Truth Amidst Information Overload
In catering to the youth of this generation, the church must bear in mind that this generation possesses information at their fingertips in unprecedented ways, which is why Preaching for Transformation is so essential. It’s not just about delivering a message, but about changing lives
There is no shortage of information; however, what is lacking is clarity regarding which of this information is true and which is not. This is where the church plays a crucial role.
Addressing Youth-Specific Needs Through Biblical Teaching
Working with youth, teens, and those in their twenties can be summed up as T.I.M.E. and A.C.C.E.P.T.A.N.C.E.
Allowing them to be active members and participants in our churches requires that we create opportunities for them to express themselves and teach them biblical truth relevant to their specific life stage. This process begins with Pastor’s Preparedness and Sermon Preparation, ensuring that the message is tailored to their needs and resonates deeply with them.
Often, churches focus more on giving generic biblical teaching, mostly aligned with the adult congregation, and miss out on addressing youth-specific needs and struggles. The church misses opportunities to teach biblical truth that could help them navigate through this unique phase of life.
Several organizations have conducted surveys from time to time to understand the questions and issues specific to the youth of this generation.
Understanding their questions allows churches to structure their youth programs in ways that effectively address these issues. A crucial part of this is knowing What is a ‘Good’ Sermon? and how it can impact youth
As pastors, this insight can help you prepare sermons and teaching material that provide not only answers for this specific life stage but also biblical, eternal, and life-giving answers.
Against this backdrop, here are some common questions asked by the youth of this generation that can help you as a pastor to prepare sermons addressing these concerns:
1. About God
- Is God real? Where does He come from? Who created Him?
- Is God good? If He is, then why does He allow so many evil and bad things to happen?
- Is God all-powerful? If He is, then why doesn’t He stop all the bad and evil things happening in our world today?
2. About Myself and My Purpose
- If I was created by God and didn’t just evolve, then why did He create me? Is there a specific purpose for my life? How can I know what that purpose is?
- Is God loving? If He is, then why doesn’t He accept us as we are? Why do we have to change ourselves when we become Christians?
- If I am struggling with depression or addiction, does it mean that I am not a Christian or am far away from God? Does God understand and know that I feel depressed?
3. About Family and Relationships
- Why do my parents always fight? I feel responsible every time they argue and think that they would be better off without me. I’m not sure how to handle this.
- Is it wrong to watch pornography? I’m not sinning physically, so why does everyone say it is wrong?
- Most friends my age have a boyfriend or girlfriend. I feel that I must too if I want to be part of their circle. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.
- I see many young adults in live-in relationships. I think this is better than the commitment of being married to one person. Isn’t it better to have the freedom to walk away, especially if you think that you’re not getting along anymore?
3. About Money
- I want to grow up and earn a lot of money. I often hear the church teaching that money is the root of all evil. How can that be true when we all know that we need money to live a decent standard of life today?
A recently conducted survey has revealed that “general curiosity about Jesus is high” among the current youth and that “their favorite thing about Jesus is that He offers forgiveness.” How wonderful and impactful it would be to tap into their curiosities and offer them biblical truth on their various questions while asking the Holy Spirit to work in them through the power of His Word!
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