by Steven Young, Director of Youth Ministries
Even though teenagers have a lack of events to choose from now, what is most important for their lives right now is an authentic relationship with Jesus.
A relationship is always more compelling than an event. The power of an event fades, but a relationship lasts through the ups and downs of life.
As a church, our goal isn’t to invite teens to show up to an event, service, or trip; it’s to invite them into a relationship with other teens, Christ-reflecting adults and ultimately Jesus Himself. We are passionate about seeing teens walk with Jesus for a lifetime, well beyond their time in student ministry.
John 10:26-30 gives us a picture of what the process of walking with Jesus looks like: “But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
In this passage, Jesus says His sheep will believe Him (which is more like an active faith instead of intellectual acknowledgement). How does that active faith come about?
Listening to Jesus – Jesus makes it clear that His sheep listen to Him. We are inviting students to listen to the voice of God through prayer, scripture and looking for signs of His work.
Knowing Jesus – After we learn to listen to Jesus, He becomes familiar to us. We can discern His voice from others. We have an ongoing relationship with Him. We move from knowing about Him to actually knowing Him.
Following Jesus – Students who listen to Jesus and learn to know Him will naturally follow Him. Where He goes they will go because they will want to be with Him. And what is the result? As a teenager develops a habit of walking with Jesus, they will experience life and security.
If you have teenagers in your life (children, grandchildren, neighbors…) and want them to hold firm to their faith, then here are a few thoughts:
Don’t be satisfied with church attendance. We want teens attending church regularly, but a church attender isn’t necessarily a Christ-follower. Make sure you look for deeper spiritual markers (like prayers, Bible study, the fruits of the Spirit) as markers that they are walking with Jesus.
Model the kind of relationship with Jesus you want them to have. Show them what it looks like to have an intimate relationship with Jesus on a daily basis. They won’t believe it unless they see it lived out.
Initiate the conversation by asking them how they are seeing God at work in their everyday lives. They need reminders to look for God’s presence every single day, just like you and I do.
Daily Devotions for Student Ministry, One Verse, Sunday Messages
Daily devotions, taking 5-10 minutes of your time, are sent to youth 5 days a week, but hopefully have a much longer impact. E-mail Steven Young at syoung@rrumc.org to subscribe. “One Verse,” 2-3 minute videos speak to one Bible verse, discuss its impacts, and spurs spiritual growth. Also, I release short messages geared towards youth every Sunday which offer exciting lessons from God’s Word meant to strengthen, grow, and reach youth within the church. Both the “One Verse” and Sunday message videos can be found on the church website, on the RRUMC youth Facebook page, and on the church’s YouTube channel so don’t forget to like and subscribe to the youth Facebook and Instagram page via the youth page on the church website, www.rrumc.org! Also by subscribing you will get up-to-date information regarding upcoming events, newsletters, and pictures. Questions? Contact Steven at the e-mail above.