Preaching to youth is a huge responsibility and an incredible honor. You get to help shape and lead the next generation. It is a critical job, which means many things must be considered when preaching to teenagers. Many pastors miss the mark when preaching to youth, so here are five dos and don’ts to consider when preparing for your next sermon to your church’s youth:
1. On Mentioning Pop Culture When Preaching to Youth:
Don’t Bemoan the Evils of Pop Culture
One common mistake many preachers make when talking to students is they talk about the evils of pop culture. Social media is wicked and distracting; these musical artists are far from Godly, etc. The problem is, though, that these comments create barriers between adults and teens. Once you talk about how terrible the pop culture of their time is, you lose them. While there may be things that need to be said about movies, music, social media, video games, and other pop culture elements, be mindful of how you’re expressing those things. Don’t draw a line, but build a bridge.
Additionally, don’t quote pop culture more than you use Scripture. It’s a tool, but not the meat!
Do Use Pop Culture to Connect
In your messages, use pop culture as a connection tool. If there is a funny viral video or something that can help you with your overall message, use it.
Whenever there are references from their generation that can made to better drive a point home to teenagers, it’s important to use them. Be careful not to try too hard with this, though. You don’t have to prove you’re cool. Use pop culture as a connector, not as a means of proving yourself.
2. On Sharing Stories in Youth Sermons:
Don’t Be the Hero
This generation is looking for authenticity more than anything else. Don’t make yourself the hero in every story. Share your stories, but be careful not to share stories that are irrelevant to their lives or hard for them to understand.
For example, don’t share a story about how stressful it is to pay bills when money is tight. Instead, share something from your life that can apply to their own.
Also, avoid using overused stories. Keep it fresh, and bring your unique perspective to the table.
Do Tell Lots of Stories!
You can use a story as a hook in so many opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to connect them to the message. Share real stories from your own life. Personal stories will help the teens connect to you and ensure the authenticity of your message.
Share something that you got wrong and resist the temptation to talk about all you’ve gotten right. Your students will connect so much more with your weaknesses than your successes.
Remember, even Jesus taught using parables. Stories are some of the most relatable tools we have in our toolbox. Use them. Share them. A good story that enhances your point is always a win!
3. On the Delivery When Preaching to Youth:
Don’t Talk Down to Youth
Don’t be condemning or patronizing. You will lose teenagers quickly if you talk down to them. Treat them with respect. Realize that negativity is not a beneficial tool for any communicator, but it is especially damaging with students. You want them to be able to connect with the Bible and not be turned off by it.
Keep this verse in mind as the heart of God for young people: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Timothy 4:12, NLT). Be mindful of this verse – don’t talk down to the youth of your church. Instead, remember that they are called to be an example to all believers.
Do Speak With Conviction
Speak passionately. Show your church youth how much you believe in what you’re saying. Your energy and conviction will communicate more than words ever could. Teens don’t need another lecture or talk – they’re desperately looking for the real thing!
Church youth need someone to speak to them with conviction and passion. They will quickly be able to discern whether you are being authentic or just feeding them something that sounds good.
4. On Using Prayer to Prepare for Your Youth Sermon:
Don’t Underestimate Prayer
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Resist the urge to do everything, from talent to abilities. It’s so easy for us to lean into our natural ability to preach or communicate. Don’t do that. Realize your need for God in the process.
When you do things in your strength, you lack the real power needed for life change. You can’t bring change in your strength. Partnered with God’s presence, lasting change can happen in the lives of your students.
Do Pray – and Pray Often!
You cannot afford to prepare a message for students without prayer. Where your wisdom or knowledge lacks, the wisdom and heart of God can fill in the void. That doesn’t happen without prayer. Pray before and after you prepare. Cover the message in unashamed, focused time with God. While your teens may never know how much prayer you put into it, they will feel the prayer you put into it.
5. On Confronting Your Insecurities:
Don’t Be Someone Else
Don’t give in to comparison or competition. The person who is preaching to youth down the street isn’t you. Don’t try to be like that person. It can be so easy to try to mimic another great, well-loved preacher but resist that urge. You will never be like those other preachers.
Galatians 6:4 says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others” (NLT). Sink yourself into who you are. Don’t think too highly of yourself or compare yourself to others.
Do Be Yourself!
Be yourself! Recognize that God called you to these students at this exact moment in time. They don’t need you to be anyone but yourself. Be secure and confident in the person that God made you to be. Don’t allow insecurity to plague your preaching and leadership, but model for them what it means to be secure in who you are in God. This is one of the most vital developments in a student’s life, and you can help them discover their value in God. You can only do this by modeling it and being yourself.
Raising the Next Generation
It is my prayer that you will be able to preach to youth and see them learn and grow in God. Our world needs more students who can have genuine, vibrant relationships with Jesus. While preaching is not everything in youth ministry, it is a crucial part of raising this generation. As you preach to youth, remember these five dos and don’ts and put them into practice. As a result, you will be a more effective communicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions pastors might ask:
1. What are the best ways to encourage youth to participate actively in sermons?
Encourage participation by asking thought-provoking questions, incorporating interactive elements, or inviting students to share their thoughts or testimonies. Create a safe space for them to engage by emphasizing that their voices matter. Use multimedia tools like videos or polls to make your message more dynamic and relatable.
2. How can youth pastors address difficult or sensitive topics in their sermons?
When addressing sensitive topics, approach them with compassion and biblical grounding. Acknowledge the complexity of the issue and provide practical, faith-based guidance. Avoid oversimplifying or being overly judgmental. Encourage open dialogue and remind students that their questions and struggles are valid.
3. How can youth pastors build trust with their audience outside of preaching?
Building trust with youth goes beyond the pulpit. Spend time with students in casual settings, like group activities or one-on-one conversations. Show genuine interest in their lives, listen to their concerns, and celebrate their achievements. Trust is built through consistency, respect, and a willingness to invest in relationships.
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