Youth Culture

The generation of youth in this millennial is professed to be in the know, on the go, and constantly in motion. They are attention-seekers with a constant desire for more: to have more, to get more, and to find more. This age group is surrounded by a constant stream of media, in almost any format imaginable, and they are bombarded with information, given little opportunity to decide for themselves what they really want. To top it off, teens want to fit in, and struggle to find their way through the mainstream into a flow that they can consider their lives.

As a youth leader, it would be imperative to utilize messages that can relate to teens, with fashion. I would introduce an influential short commercial, video, or media presentation that focused on the ideals and biblical perspective of what I wanted the focus of the lesson to be on. I would want to capture their attention quickly, and hope to maintain it. With technology resources available at every turn, it is imperative to keep energy and liveliness during a discussion to enable participation and interest.

I would want to incorporate the essentials of style, appearance, popularity, and use these topics that teens are faced with on an everyday basis and share with them how we can incorporate the love of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus, into this culture. I love the first chapter in The Christian Educator's Handbook on Teaching, when it discusses Jesus' teachings being relational, and yet he was not always looking to seek popularity. I believe that teaching teens is really the same. Students don't have to like their teacher, but when they respect their educator there is a relationship that can develop, grow, and spread; like the love and teaching of Jesus.

After my media presentation, I would want to share a passage or short devotional with the students. I would discuss the interpretation of these words, how they can be utilized on an everyday basis, and start the discussion amongst the group.

I believe it is essential for the teens to discuss their views amongst their peers, before turning the tables and asking outright questions of the group. This will allow them to feel confident in their ideas conveyed, and more open to share. This is a time spiritually where questions can become heightened and deep. Not only do I recognize this, but also that pivotal life choices are being presented to teens, and I want them to understand that they can turn to their knowledge of the bible and faith to help them answer questions, if they are not comfortable asking them of their parents or another adult.

In my teaching, I want teens to feel comfortable. I want to expose them to the light, love, and wealth of the Bible, Jesus' teachings, and the lives that we can live them. I want to engage them in biblical rooted discussions that show them, through integration, participation, and faith how they fit into this world, and how they can utilize their walk of faith in their everyday.

Teenagers have an amazing wealth of knowledge and ability to reach the masses with the telecommunication resources available to them. With the use of cell phones, i-pods, computers, internet, social networking sites, etc. more and more people can be influenced positively by the message of Jesus Christ. I can be a benefactor in this spread, with understanding and showing teens how to integrate the Bible into their lives, and share the impact with others.

Undoubtedly I want teens to understand that they have a friend in Jesus, and that they can spread his friendship through their peers, creating a cyclical of positive energy and faith.