Category Archives: Teens (Youth)

Bible teachers who want to leave a lasting impact on their teen students must focus on and structure for that which young people need and want:

Focusing on and structuring for relationship when teaching teenagers only makes sense.

In addition to age level characteristics, in which we see the importance of peer and other social connections for teenagers, God places a premium on relationship.

1. We have a relational God who has gone so far as to send His only Son to die for us so we can be brought into a relationship with Him (Jn. 3:16; 14:6). This God puts as much emphasis on grace as He does truth (Jn. 1:14, 17). — “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22-23)

Why, then, when teaching teens, would we focus on all the rules and regulations (the do’s and don’ts) in the Bible more than on a relationship with the Lord based on grace?

2. The greatest commandments, according to Jesus, are to love God and love people (Matt. 22:37-39). All other commandments are sub-points of these (Matt. 22:40).

Why, then, when teaching young people, would we spend so much time on the sub-points without even mentioning their connection to loving God and/or people?

3. God designed the Church for Body life … community, fellowship — relationships. Seating, methods, how we treat students, etc., all go in to whether we Block or Promote Community.

Why, then, when teaching teenagers, would we not structure so relationships can become more of a reality?

Go to the article, The Focus of Youth Ministry, for the kinds of relationships that need to be nurtured. Programs, activities, teaching techniques, and the like should be seen as tools to foster relationships, not as the essence of the ministering to them.

If Bible teachers and other youth workers hope to make a real impact in teenagers’ lives, they need to give teens what they need such as:

We’ll start with their need for renewal.

Why Young People Need Renewal

Today’s teenagers live in a stress-filled world that can deplete them. Not only are they pulled in many directions due to peer pressure or left to feel helpless because of bullying and other issues common to this age level, but they also feel the effects of all the world’s crises. Television and the Internet bring instant access to many woeful and worrisome events. People don’t have to personally experience acts of terrorism, school violence, or natural disasters to feel the drain of it all.

Resource: Crisis Strikes Worksheet Download

How Bible Teachers Can Help Teens Find Renewal

The best way Bible teachers and youth workers can help teens find renewal is to point them to the Source of Renewal … where they can go to regain that sense of hope, purpose, peace, and perspective that enables them to get up again and keep going.

Young people becoming weary isn’t new to today’s world so we can find Scripture like Isaiah 40:30 — “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.”

The answer for teachers of teens is not to drive home all that is wrong in the world. Teens do have eyes and ears.

Nor is the solution to focus on how teenagers are falling short in following God’s ways. They undoubtedly sense it.

Rather, Bible teachers should focus on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 continues,

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The word “hope” in this verse suggests waiting for the Lord, anticipating, expecting or looking for Him to work things out if not in this world, in the next. But, that word also brings with it the idea of binding together like a rope wherein comes strength.

What is it about the Lord that will cause teens to look to and wrap their lives up in Him in that way? Help teens focus on that kind of God, and you will give them what they want and need — renewal.

Do your youth Bible class teachers know what today’s teens really need?

If they don’t, how will they structure lessons and relate with students in ways that impact their lives?

What Do Today’s Teens Need?

Teens do need an adequate view of the Bible.  A series of posts on the MinTools.com Blog looks at young people’s perception of the Bible today based on a Barna study.

Teens do need to value the church so they stay after graduation.  Another post on the MinTools.com site looks at a different Barna study about young people dropping out of church.

What Teenagers Need the Most

We could keep the list going but what teens really need today is relationship, first with God and then with others in the Body.  Everything else we could list would be mute if not encased in relationship.

Without a relationship with God, through Jesus, the Bible will only seem like a book of rules and stories.

Without a relationship with others in the Body, the church will seem empty and like a waste of time.

Implications for Training Teachers in the Youth Age Division

Remember the high premium God puts on loving relationships. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:37-40)

In light of what teens need most, and what God values most, make sure teacher training includes specific help in this area of relationships.

1. Train your teachers on how to help students develop a relationship with God.
2. Train your teachers on how to build relationships with their students.
3. Train your teachers on how to foster a relational environment among students.
4. Train your teachers on how to encourage relationships between their students and the church at large.

Of course, Bible teachers of teen classes also need training in a variety of other areas as well. For more, go to: Youth / Teens Age Level Teacher Training Resources