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.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.