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Christian Education and Millennial Teens — A Case For Beefing Up Your Teaching Ministry

By Carey B. Huffman

The second largest generation in American history is now making its way through our schools, youth groups, and classes. A generation full of contradictions, it is causing even the most seasoned youth ministry veterans to rethink their approach. Millennials are perhaps the most spiritually open group of young people ever in this country, and yet we will fail to reach most of them—including many of them who attend our churches. Something must change.

A Discipleship Deficit

Statistics vary, but presently the church is losing over half of its graduating seniors who enter the work force, and roughly three-fourths of those who attend secular colleges. Students are being challenged, given opportunities, and experiencing God like never before. Nonetheless, there is a lack of connection between beliefs and behavior. In spite of the activity, effort, and resources we are putting toward teens, ministry involvement is not becoming embedded in their priority structure.

What accounts for this shortfall may be more obvious than we have been willing to see. If you take seriously Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19,20 and how He demonstrated this, you will conclude that discipleship is not possible without solid, practical, consistent teaching. Youth ministers who provoke inspiration without providing instruction are, at best, promoting ineffective involvement—at worst, wasted idealism and reckless emotionalism.

A Cultural Confrontation

Some issues and concerns facing millennials require more attention than can be provided in services and events. These questions warrant coverage in an ongoing context of practical, systematic Bible study.

Who is God, and what does He say about himself? Young people need to learn to worship and respond to challenges—but more than that, they need to know God. The faith that inspires that relationship grows as students learn of God’s attributes and actions through His Word.

What is right? In this postmodern society, personal knowledge and experiences become the measure of truth. Values conveniently bend to match actions. God’s Word exposes the futility of human reasoning and reveals the One whose unchanging character and unfailing compassion are the proven basis of right and wrong.

What about tolerance? Teens today are passionately tolerant—that is, intolerant of those who oppose what is culturally acceptable. When people appear to be closed minded and judgmental, students tune them out. We must let the ever-relevant Word speak for itself so they can see God’s unending compassion for the sinner and imminent judgment on sin.

Isn’t there more than one way? In today’s society, it is becoming increasingly common to encounter young Christians who do not believe we should impose our beliefs on those who are equally sincere in other religious faiths. We must maintain salvation in Christ alone, based on His own claims from the Word. Students need biblical training that equips them to share absolutes in a morally and spiritually pluralistic society.

Will my future be fulfilling and secure? Time in the Word yields peace by revealing God’s plan in action and how it applies to lives today.

Who am I, and where do I belong? Getting students into God’s Word on a regular basis helps them develop their ultimate sense of identity and purpose.

WWJD? It’s time to get beyond speculation. In His Word, students will "See What Jesus Does," and who He is. The goal of discipleship is to be and do like Jesus, and that goal will be accomplished as we teach.

A Prime Opportunity

If our students are to remain on unshakable spiritual footing—rather than on the short end of a statistic in the years ahead—we must take advantage of every opportunity to instruct our students in the Word.

Why Sunday school? Why not? It’s still the second-largest context most groups have outside the main youth service, with 40-to-90 percent of the group participating weekly. Imagine what could happen if this ministry received more serious attention.

Why look for another time? Students are busy, but most are available on Sunday morning—why not use it for discipleship? In a high speed, low-reflection society, class time can furnish time to ponder tough issues.

Where is everybody? Since the midweek service is usually the largest regular gathering of students, regardless of commitment level, involvement in this event may not translate into participation in other ministries. However, those tied into Sunday school are more likely to be involved in other prominent ministry times.

What about cell groups? The same dynamics of focused personal attention apply to classes. Although not as casual, the broader setting is perfect for interactive presentation and group discussion. Cell group ministry and Sunday school shouldn’t be an either/or proposition.

Will they come? Don’t expect to throw together Saturday night specials and get students to attend Sunday morning. Do what it takes to make it worthwhile for everyone.

Students can be involved in every other ministry available; but if there is not a deeper connection to the fellowship on Sundays, they will almost certainly drop out soon after their youth group days are over.

Practical Experience and Positive Change

Millennials value diversity and thrive on change. Leaders now have more freedom than ever to make immediate, effective changes in programs and processes to find what works best. Sunday school helps alleviate the challenge of providing ministry that spans a wide range of ages and spiritual levels. Whatever you purpose to do, keep these practical directives in mind:

Get them involved. Experience creates a context for learning. Effective student discipleship not only includes ministry to youth but more important, with youth and by youth. Let students assist creatively in preparation, presentation, and follow-up. Maturity develops as focus turns from what they get from church to what they can contribute.

Make the connection. Students will pay little attention to a message unless you help them tie it specifically to people and situations in their lives.

Incorporate technology. It is the language of the culture in which students have grown up.

Take time for ministry. Signs will accompany ministry of the Word as we take time in class for Spirit-dependent ministry (not just prayer requests) that meets specific needs.

Challenge students. Current research indicates that high-expectation ministries are experiencing the greatest growth. Life will challenge students’ faith. It’s better if you as youth pastor will help them challenge it first.

Many youth ministries have been slack in providing the solid base of teaching necessary to combat the culture and disciple students for the long haul. We may not see the fallout while students are under our care, but the church overall has suffered. However, if we invest time in Christian education ministries, we will reap discipleship dividends among those who may well fulfill Christ’s Great Commission once and for all.

Carey B. Huffman is youth ministries consultant for the Sunday School Promotion and Training Department, Springfield, Missouri.