Theological Discussions with Teenagers.

[LossForWords]

I am going to post this here, and if anybody feels like it should be moved else where, feel free...

Our youth pastor just left our church, and our teens are devastated, of course. Our youth pastor was really amazing, he is leaving to take charge of a new start church as the senior pastor. For the past few weeks, Wednesday nights have been alot of discussion. For example...the youth group discussed free will and the saying "everything happens for a reason" in light of the Virginia Tech massacre. The teens really enjoyed discussing theological issues impacting their lives today. They would like to continue this...however, I am not a youth pastor. I was not called to be a youth pastor...I don't feel like I can teach these kids all that they need to know. I'm the NYI President, which means I have to take the lead during the absense of a youth pastor. I'm comfortable leading the group, but I am not comfortable with coming up with discussion topics.

So...does any one have any suggestions as to what theological issues we can discuss as a youth group while the church looks for a new youth pastor? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks y'all!

[OopsMartin]

you might find some good material here:

[LossForWords]

I glanced over it, it looks like a good site. Thanks!

[OopsMartin]

I glanced over it, it looks like a good site. Thanks!

You are welcome. I've used one of their other studies, not for the youth. Solid, conservatives, devoted people.

[None]

Any Suggestions?

Pray.

[LossForWords]

Any Suggestions?

Pray.

LOL! Amen!

[EricH]

Somebody once told me that if you want to get any question a pastor asks you right, then answer "Read the Bible and Pray"

[FighterforJC]

I am going to post this here, and if anybody feels like it should be moved else where, feel free...

Our youth pastor just left our church, and our teens are devastated, of course. Our youth pastor was really amazing, he is leaving to take charge of a new start church as the senior pastor. For the past few weeks, Wednesday nights have been alot of discussion. For example...the youth group discussed free will and the saying "everything happens for a reason" in light of the Virginia Tech massacre. The teens really enjoyed discussing theological issues impacting their lives today. They would like to continue this...however, I am not a youth pastor. I was not called to be a youth pastor...I don't feel like I can teach these kids all that they need to know. I'm the NYI President, which means I have to take the lead during the absense of a youth pastor. I'm comfortable leading the group, but I am not comfortable with coming up with discussion topics.

So...does any one have any suggestions as to what theological issues we can discuss as a youth group while the church looks for a new youth pastor? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks y'all!

Well, I haven't been a teenager for over a decade, but I think this is a good suggestion. While teenagers are certainly a unique bunch with special needs, I believe that you should approach them just like any other age group. Sin is sin and it affects all ages, there is no need to treat teenagers differently because number one, instead of focusing on Christ, they will focus on themselves and how "different" they are from the rest of society, and that somewhat makes them an exception to the rules. Number two, they need to mature and become responsible, and the best way to do that is to treat them like adults. To treat teenagers like teenagers is to essentially tell them that they have different responsibilities from the rest of society. There is nothing new under the sun, they are not facing different types of temptations from adults. Really, there aren't that many types of temptations. It usually involves sex, relationships or substance abuse. There is absolutely nothing unique to being a teenager other than the physical changes one goes through. Treat them like adults, let them rise to YOUR level, don't go down to theirs. Definitely don't even try to be hip to gain their acceptance. Be who you are and don't apologize for your age. There is no need to prove to them that you are just like them. As Christians, our common bond is Christ, not our age or the type of music we listen to.

[Guest Radiata]

Lets see, Im 19 and just out of the high school ministry which it sounds like you're teaching. But here's a few. Hope you are able to answer them though

Why do we need a God anyway?

Why do we suffer?

What is the end result?

Why can't a Perfect Being explain itself to us in a way which we can understand without having to get stuck in a quagmire of symbolism that anyone, any where can interpret to their fancies and needs, by any means they see fit?

How can we tell that what you say is the exact truth when so many other thousands of religious cults, dead or alive, have claimed to the same, always using the exact same method of faith and their own, personal, theological documents?

Why something as precarious and corruptible as faith for something apparently so important as the fate of our souls?

Why does God feel the need to test us? Can't He tell faith when He sees it?

Why is God so contradictory and apparently bi-polar? Is that perfection?

Why is it that our bodies and our senses are given less credit than our spirits, or even our minds?

Why are emotions usually affiliated with vices, when arguably faith itself is a form of strong emotional connection as well?

What is faith really, anyway?

Why such harsh punishment as eternal, endless and hopeless hellfire for temporary sins and mistakes?

Why is it that everything related to the divine is yet described in such a material manner, even though it's supposed to deal with spiritual trancendence?

But the best one is why would a loving God send a good person to hell for eternity just they didn't believe in the sacrifice of Jesus? I went in on this for a while and figured it out. Here's a bunch of material that can help you.

A Mormon going by the name of atmuh said this which involved his own doctrine teachings.

in Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 it says that the dead are conscious of nothing at all. It says the dead are unconscious, in a sleeplike state. He wont be punished at all.

This was my response to it

This is always a controversial topic when it comes to Christianity. Why would a loving God send a good man to Hell for an eternity? Answer: God is loving, but He is also just. I conducted some sort of survey as to why Heaven is for believers(wicked and good alike) and Hell is for nonbelievers(wicked and good alike). Sorry Atmuh, I'm going to have to disagree with you here. The verses in question say:

1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him. 2 All share a common destiny

Edited May 30, 2007 by Radiata

[LossForWords]

I think many people error in that they underestimate the abilities of teens to comprehend Biblical concepts. I think people teach way too shallow, bore them, and lose them. I would teach them the same way I teach adults. Start a Bible Study in Romans. Begin at verse 1:1. You can teach Romans 1 for untold hours and not even begin to run out of steam.

So many teens today get "life application" sermons. I personally hate life application sermons. Teach me the Word, I will apply it to my own life. Do not underestimate their ability to learn and to handle deep concepts.

I think you're exactly right. Whilst sitting in on teen discussion for about a year now, I realize that teenagers in today's society are not as shallow as we expect them to be. They have deep thoughts and questions that they want to explore. However, they do need a moderator who is mature in their faith and who will be able to teach them the Bible. I'm still learning the Bible, as I said before, I was not called to be a youth pastor. I did not study in the ministry, and I've only really began studying the Bible in the past two years or so. I don't know how indept I can go with these kids. Some one else suggested something that I had not thought of before. Ask them what they want to discuss, questions they have, etc...and then I will choose from that list and know what to study and what to be prepared for each Wednesday night. If nothing else, at least I'll learn more!