6 Reasons I Love Speaking to Young People

This weekend, Lord willing, Leah and I will both be teaching classes for the annual Inspiration youth rally in Dexter, Missouri. This rally annually has over 400 in attendance and has been held for about 30 years now. We are excited to go to learn and be encouraged by the keynote speaker, Joe Wells.

I am also excited about teaching a class. Since I was a youth minister for almost 9 years, I still have a passion for teaching young people. Many leave youth ministry and that passion leaves them, but I still have it! I love talking to young people from time-to-time and being encouraged by them. While it isn’t easy, it is a great work.

Here are some reasons I still love addressing young people.

1. They can be Shaped. While the Gospel can change anyone of any age, young people are more willing, usually, to mold their lives after the pattern of Jesus Christ. We often say they have “tender hearts,” and that often comes across when you see one touched by the message of the Gospel.

2. It is a Challenge. While teaching anyone is difficult, reaching and connecting with young people is a special challenge. They live in a world where everything has to be more exciting than the last thing they saw. Our goal is to show them that the Bible is more than exciting; it is life-changing!

3. They Remember. I am amazed at how often I am around young people I honestly don’t know, but who remember that you taught a class or led singing at a youth rally 3 or 4 years ago! They know your name and want to speak to you. You become almost like a mini-celebrity.

4. They Want to be Taught. Yes, it’s true. Just as we often tell parents that children want boundaries, it is also true that–while they won’t admit it–young people want to learn. Why do you think they spend so much time reading online? Some is for fun, but it’s also because they thirst for more information about their favorite show, band, team, or something else. They also thirst for knowledge from God’s Word. (It’s another article for another time, but that’s also why lessons for young people should be more than a series of jokes!)

5. They Can (Will?) Teach Someone You Don’t Know. Paul told Timothy to share what he had learned with others, who would teach others also. Those young people you deliver that devo to have the opportunity to teach that lesson to a friend at school the  next week that you may never meet. I think most adults would be shocked to know how many of our teenagers are taking notes, or write down what they remember later.

6. They Want a Model. While we should never think we are the standard, young people will look to those who teach and try to see if we live what we teach. Many–again, while not admitting it–want to do what you do someday. They want to teach that class or lead singing. They want to be a youth minister or a preacher. Give them all you’ve got, so they can see how exciting this is!

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What would you add to the list? Why do you love teaching young people?