Bringing the Good News of Jesus to Students
Bringing the Good News of Jesus to Youth
(notes fr.
Youth developmental facts
• can process concepts, not just facts• can be introspective, analyze own thoughts
• can think ahead, think hypotheticals
• self-conscious, self-centered, self-reliant
• can be disillusioned, dishonest, deceptive
• focus on present more than future
• lacks a moral compass (ie, undeveloped value system)
• media-savvy, can spot the inauthentic
• influenced by negative experiences/perceptions
Generalities:
• spiritual, but not seeking answers in church• very (very!) relational – both bec of their stage-of-life, and the no. of broken families – many cyber-friendships, chats
• very inclusive, tolerant, countering the fragmentation around them
• truth is filtered thru experience
• receptive to stories
Implications for Evangelism
• start with a relationship before talking about spiritual things (impersonal methods have limited success…)• “Christian teens sharing with lost teens will be the most effective method.” (p. 151)
• focus on Jesus’ inclusive call to all peoples
• realize that it’s hard for teens to accept Jesus’ exclusive call
• spiritual experiences more important than facts – want to see it lived out…
• most are biblically illiterate – share biblical stories, esp. the Story… and testimonies
• the Story: “God in human flesh, miracles galore, jealousy, intrigue among His followers, an innocent death by execution, an inexplicable resurrection, and ordinary converts who follow Him in life and death.” (p. 152, quoting Tim McLauglin)
Helpful Do’s re youth evangelism
• build a base of loving acts over time (pre-evangelism)• build relational bridges
• become a safe person for them to talk to
• accept them; be approachable
• create safe environments for them to ask questions, explore Christ
• use understandable words
• share your spiritual journey
• train them to share faith with others
• communicate the full gospel, incl. cost of following Christ
• illustrate aspects of gospel with personal experiences
• answer questions honestly – “I don’t know” is an answer
• assist them to Christ, but let them make it in their timing
• follow up on spiritual conversations/conversions
• look for teachable moments
• make sure they know they must make a decision re Jesus
• find outlets for them to respond to Christ
• connect new converts to a group asap
Helpful Don’ts re youth evangelism
• don’t be harsh and judgmental• don’t push and cram the gospel
• don’t give simplistic answers to complex questions
• don’t neglect the cost of following Christ, the cross-carrying and daily dying
• don’t live an inauthentic life
• don’t baptise without parental approval
Group setting tips:
• make Christian homes a fun gathering place• provide exploratory groups
• “adopt” a neighborhood teen
• invite them to church, if church is receptive
