Ask a Teenager!

[Dedicated Mind]

what is going to be your major, soldout?

[kingdomapostle]

Soldout--
I am to preach during a youth service. What do you think its important for ministers to remember when preaching to a group of young people? I've preached to crowds large and small...but young people are BY FAR the most intimidating. They see STRAIGHT through you.

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

what is going to be your major, soldout?

I'm entering as a Journalism major, although that may change. Taking Political Science courses along the way to open my mind a bit and provide opportunities outside of the Journalism field.

[coadie]

Originally Posted by soldoutochrist

The first thing that I emphasize is staying involved with a local youth group or having friends who are strong in their walk. I strayed some, as most people do, but when I really plugged in to a group of fellow Christians - both at school and off campus - I had people my age who would keep me accountable.

Another thing that my parents emphasized is that I'd never be in trouble for asking a question or telling them something - whether it was theological or something else. Having an open relationship made it easier for me to approach them when I was confused or felt guilty about something.

Lastly, I highly recommend family Bible studies. I'll admit, sometimes I huffed and puffed, but when we all sat around the Bible and really dove in, it helped us grow as a family and individually in our walks with Christ.

If I study this from a non church viewpoint, the youth group will not join you and become gators. The youth that find a college youth group and continue with new friends are more likely to be still in church after graduation than those that don't join another youth group.

The other factor that came up recently when several evangelical denominations asked why UPC had higher college student retention, we saw very high retention in youth that had been bible quizzers.

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

Soldout--
I am to preach during a youth service. What do you think its important for ministers to remember when preaching to a group of young people? I've preached to crowds large and small...but young people are BY FAR the most intimidating. They see STRAIGHT through you.

Kingdomapostle,

I'm not the typical UPC young person, so my answer might not be the typical opinion. I've just never responded well to preachers jumping on pews, running around screaming, and doing acrobatics on stage to hold a youth group's attention.

As you said, most youth are pretty good at figuring out what a speaker's about and decide near the beginning of the sermon whether they're actually going to listen to the sermon or text their friends throughout.

All of the sermons that have really stuck with me over the years have done so because the speakers were real. They were open about their experiences, their challenges, their doubt, etc. Once I could see that the person in front of me dealt with the same things that I did, it made everything relatable.

That said, I think that topical sermons often appear to young people the most because it's most applicable. The one thing that I'd advise is not falling back on preaching about standards or anything that just seems 'easy.' Challenge the kids that you're talking to to really start caring about their future and the futures of those around them. Remind them of their destiny.

Just give them something on Sunday night that they'll be able to apply to their lives the next day.

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by coadie

If I study this from a non church viewpoint, the youth group will not join you and become gators. The youth that find a college youth group and continue with new friends are more likely to be still in church after graduation than those that don't join another youth group.

The other factor that came up recently when several evangelical denominations asked why UPC had higher college student retention, we saw very high retention in youth that had been bible quizzers.

Not quite sure what you mean...maybe because I'm running on a few hours of sleep, but I'm a little confused. Lol, bear with me.

[kingdomapostle]

Originally Posted by soldoutochrist

Kingdomapostle,

I'm not the typical UPC young person, so my answer might not be the typical opinion. I've just never responded well to preachers jumping on pews, running around screaming, and doing acrobatics on stage to hold a youth group's attention.

As you said, most youth are pretty good at figuring out what a speaker's about and decide near the beginning of the sermon whether they're actually going to listen to the sermon or text their friends throughout.

All of the sermons that have really stuck with me over the years have done so because the speakers were real. They were open about their experiences, their challenges, their doubt, etc. Once I could see that the person in front of me dealt with the same things that I did, it made everything relatable.

That said, I think that topical sermons often appear to young people the most because it's most applicable. The one thing that I'd advise is not falling back on preaching about standards or anything that just seems 'easy.' Challenge the kids that you're talking to to really start caring about their future and the futures of those around them. Remind them of their destiny.

Just give them something on Sunday night that they'll be able to apply to their lives the next day.

Great advice and perhaps others can take heed as well.
I'm not the typical UPC anything, because I'm not UPC.
I've been preaching since 14, so I know that I can agree with what you've shared. THANK YOU!

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by kingdomapostle

Great advice and perhaps others can take heed as well.
I'm not the typical UPC anything, because I'm not UPC.
I've been preaching since 14, so I know that I can agree with what you've shared. THANK YOU!

No problem.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by tstew

Has having such incredibly handsome and brilliant uncles been, in your estimation, a hindrance or a help to this point?

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by soldoutochrist

I love Deluge. Just saw them last month - incredible band. Let me know what you think!

I listened to deluge yesterday. some of their songs are rock and some are worship. i like there worship songs since I've been listening to misty edwards alot. I like there rock songs too but not for church. I think there is a fine line between christian rock and worship. deluge is on both sides imo. good stuff though. thanks for recommending.