Do You See These Warning Signs?

Unfortunately there are times I see one of my students and I just
get this sinking feeling. I look at him/her, observe their behavior
and I get a deep sense that they are in spiritual trouble.

Many times it will be my wife who will mention a concern about one of
the kids. I will watch over time and see the concern she shared and
most often she is right.

I confess it bothers me when I see this. I feel a burden for the
students in the ministry. Often it keeps me awake at night. Watching
a teen begin to drift in a negative direction is like seeing a loved
one drive down a road that has a big “Bridge Out” sign hanging over
it. I am saddened at the thought of the soon to be wreck.

Over the years I have learned there are some tell tale signs that a
Christian teen is slipping and having struggles in their Christian
life. I will spend several articles identifying some of these
warning signs. Certainly my list is not exhaustive or absolute, but
has been a good guide for me.

One sign that a teen is drifting and headed into spiritual
turbulence is when he/she has a negative shift in their peer group.

I think it is safe to say that when a young person abandons a group
of stable (as far as teenagers go) and committed Christian friends
for a group whom appear far less focused on the Lord, then there is
trouble on the horizon. Though this may not appear to be rocket
science, it is an often overlooked warning sign that a teenager is
headed to rough waters in their commitment to the Lord.

As a side note, this is why it is so important that youth leaders
supervise and participate with the teens in activities because it
is during those times that the subtle shifts in a struggling kid
may be observed.

The leaders who stand around in the back of the
room or choose a different room altogether are missing a major
imperative of youth work; building relationships and keeping a feel
on the pulse of the group and individual students.

I think there are many reasons why youth group ministry kids may
drift towards a negative peer group. One reason is because he/she
may feel alienation from their former group.

I wish I could say that Christian students always show love towards
one another but it is not true. Just like adults, teens in the church
can be ugly to one another a push people out of their group.More often,
I think kids drift to negative peer groups when they get
wrapped up in sin.

It is a basic principle of spiritual formation; if a student begins
living in rebellion to the Lord then the lives of those who are
walking with Christ is going to be a conviction to him/her. At that
point, the teen is left to both repent and get right with God or to
separate from those living for Christ.

If you see one of your youth members headed in the direction of a
negative peer group, then I suggest you go after them. Youth Group
Ministry is not a spectator sport.

Go out of your way to get that student. Point out the change you see
in him/her. Remind him that you are always there if they need
something. Tell her how much potential she has and that God can
really use her.

They may not want to hear from you but that does not change your
responsibility.

Sometimes teenagers need an adult in their lives who will care
enough to grab them and say, “I think you are going to wrong way.”

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