Remember The Good News pt4

I have spent the last three articles sharing why it is critical that sharing the Good news of Jesus Christ is foundational to a youth ministry and why the Bible must be the heart and core of all teaching and some applications for that in the weekly youth ministry. In this last article on this topic, let’s briefly see two more applications in your weekly youth ministry.

Application #3: Remind the students of the authority of God’s Word.

There’s not a huge amount to be said here, but let me offer a practical technique. Before I begin a devotion or teaching, I simply remind the teens that we are about to read from God’s Word. I remind them that this book is no ordinary book. It’s God’s Word. And because it’s God’s Word, it becomes our final authority in all matters of faith and behavior.

I give this quick little thought almost every week because I want my teens, over the course of time, to recognize and begin to love the authority of the Word of God. And remember a key to teaching teenagers. For most kids, if it is not relevant, it is not real. Don’t miss that. Most young people want something relevant so they have to see that God’s word is just that, relevant to their lives.

Application #4: Provide opportunities for teens to respond.

If the Good News of Jesus Christ is foundational, then an effective youth ministry must provide opportunities for teens to respond to God’s Word. I’m not suggesting that you have an alter call every week. But I am suggesting that as you teach, you finish by providing opportunities for your teens to respond.

There are many excellent and effective ways to accomplish this. In my ministry, when we finish a devotional, I encourage the teens who feel that God is dealing with them in some area to seek out a youth leader. I will normally name a few of the leaders so that I am sure they will make themselves available. As the meeting ends, those leaders are at a place in the room where they are easy to approach and pray with if necessary. Sometimes teens will use that opportunity to make a first time commitment to Christ, others may have issues or struggles in their lives they need help and prayer with. Whatever the case may be, I encourage you to provide opportunities for kids to respond to God’s Word.

Let’s wrap this up. An effective youth ministry must be built on the foundation of the Good News of Jesus Christ and have the Bible at the heart and core of all teaching. This is where and how an effective youth ministry begins.

Many teenagers are lost and need Jesus Christ—not a new youth room. All kids need the instruction of the Word of God—not a five minute quickie devotion before pizza. What is foundational in your youth ministry?

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