Every youth pastor wants to see their students on fire for Jesus. But what’s the best way to help them get there? Youth ministry tradition says a weekly game, 20-minute sermon, and the occasional special event can do the trick. But tradition is losing its impact on today’s teens who need and want more. Instead, let’s look at 6 things that happen when you switch gears and start to focus on relational evangelism.
1. Students Go Deeper
Sharing the Gospel involves risk. Risk taking helps teenagers learn deeper and faster. Your teenagers will master what they believe because they need to articulate it to their peers.
2. Worship Gets Richer
Sharing the Gospel and seeing students come to Christ supercharges the atmosphere like nothing else. Praise gets real.
3. Things Get Messy
Yes, your teens reaching out to the bad, broken and bullied at school can bring “those kids” into your youth group. Embrace it! It should create some Jesus-inspired awkward teaching moments.
4. Meetings Have a Mission
Instead of just a Holy huddle, your youth group meetings can be outwardly focused, filled with students sharing stories and be inspired for their mission outside of the four walls of the church building.
5. Prayer is Strengthened
Evangelism can be nerve-wracking, and nerve-wracking situations trigger prayer. Prayer triggers dependence on Jesus. And dependence accelerates spiritual growth.
6. You Become the Coach
Your students have 100 times more influence with their peers than you do. Allowing them to take the lead empowers them for the work God has created them to do.
Use Evangelism to Build an Impactful youth group
Take time to evaluate your ministry goals and programming. Do your programs align with the impact you’re praying for? If you want to see teens in your church passionately following Christ, evangelizing, and making disciples, then a focus on relational evangelism is the first place to start.
Learn more about building a Gospel Advancing Ministry through our weekly newsletter for youth pastors, and don’t miss the incredible, free opportunity to train your teens in relational evangelism at Dare 2 Share LIVE this November!
