Kids Need Gospel Clarity

One of the most important issues in the church is teaching Christian teens how to understand their faith and articulate it in a way that not only solidifies their beliefs but also helps them share the gospel with others. I would even dare say that it is the number one reason for Christian youth groups outside the Sunday morning congregation. To equip the next generation to keep running the race long after my generation is gone.

As I go out and share the gospel, I consistently run into teens from a particular megachurch on the west side of town that rhymes with “dope” who cannot tell me what the gospel is, how believing in Jesus makes them a Christian, or at the very least what He did over 2,000 years ago to make that happen. Many of their responses, if they are listening, are something like, ‘I’ve never heard anything like this before.’ It maybe that they have and weren’t paying attention, but still, it’s difficult for teens to catch it and put the pieces together all by themselves.

In the following video, Todd Friel of Wretched, critiques college students from Liberty University who answer the question, “Why are you a Christian?” Some of their responses are superficial while others are more in-depth, but as Todd points out, most miss the mark. Watch the video and see if you agree or disagree with his assessment.

Now, after watching, I can say that many of their answers, whether superficial or genuine, are what they are. That’s how they believe them to be. And I agree with Friel that I can’t judge whether they are or are not Christians. But, I simply want to ask, “Could they have articulated their answers better and been more prepared to answer everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15)?” Probably.

Simple Ways to Teach Teens How to Articulate Their Faith

Teaching Christian teens to clearly understand and articulate their faith is less about giving them scripts, and more about helping them own what they believe. If they don’t internalize it, they won’t be able to explain it naturally. Here are practical and effective approaches you can use to help in this area:

1. Start with understanding, not memorizing

Many teens grow up knowing Scripture and phrases (which is good, by the way) but not understanding what it means. They are taught in Sunday School or Children’s Ministry to memorize verses and parts of the Bible, but have no clue what these verses mean or how to apply them to their life. Breaking down core beliefs such as: God, sin, salvation, grace, Jesus, and what a genuine faith looks like will help them tremendously.

Having a framework of “What I believe, why I believe it, and why it matters” is a great start to get their minds thinking about it.

2. Teach the big story of the Bible

The individual classes in college taught me various skills and aptitudes like circuit theory, ProE, digital electronics, transistors, and fluid power were great individually, but never taught me how to put everything together to design and build something functional. We kind of do the same thing when we teach verses and individual books of the Bible without looking at it as a whole.

Having a good synopsis of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation is a great way to see the big picture and how creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration fit together, and how Jesus is in all of it. Answers in Genesis tracts like “The Seven C’s of History” and “The Purpose and Meaning of Life” help with that.

3. Help them build their personal testimony

Once they understand the grand scope of the Bible and know they are a Christian, help them to articulate their testimony in a way they can share it as part of a witnessing encounter. This includes three important aspects:

1. What was my life like before I received God’s grace of eternal life?
2. When did things change?
3. How is my life different now?

Honesty and authenticity should always take precedence over perfection when it comes to recalling details, as long as the message remains clear and understandably conveys the gospel.

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4. Practice explaining faith in a simple way

Many teens complicate things that don’t need to be complicated. The gospel shouldn’t be complicated either. Challenging teens to share the gospel in different ways, using different means, that are relateable is a great way to get them equipped to share the gospel. Some ideas are:

• Explain the gospel in 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes
• Explain the gospel using props like gospel tracts or a sketch on a dinner napkin
• Role-playing a scenario they would normally get into. Use current events or topics that may come up during the schoolday

5. Create chill practice spaces

Speaking of role-playing, it’s important to create a safe place to practice evangelism scenarios before battling unbelievers in the arena of ideas. Some ways you can accomplish this is through:

• Role-playing with critiquing afterwards
• Q&A nights where teens can ask questions and how to respond to difficult situations
• Have teens listen to you as you share the gospel with someone new to your church. Get them talking through a First Impressions ministry as they usher and greet
• Encourage teens to share their doubts, explore tough topics, find out how science and faith are compatible, and be honest about their own growth and struggles

6. Teach them how to be good listeners

In an age where information is coming at us at the speed of light, it’s easy to get distracted in evangelism conversations by the things going on around us. Places like the Creation booth at the Iowa State Fair or Pella Tulip Time Outreach are prime examples where I find it difficult to stay focused on what the person is telling me.

If it is difficult for me to do this, I cannot imagine a teenager having it any better. In fact, many teens today have the attention span of a flea. We need to teach them listening skills to stay focused on an evangelism encounter by not only listening to what the person said, but also how to respond in a way that engages their interest.

7. Lead by example

Many teens learn by what they see rather than what they are told. That’s if you can keep their attention.

• Share how you personally explain your faith
• Let them observe real conversations
• Be honest about your own growth and struggles

Teens need to know that even though our Savior is perfect in every way, Christianity is not. It is essential to understand that the church and its followers are made up of imperfect beings who strive for authenticity and growth. While the teachings of Christianity offer immense guidance and support, the application of these teachings can sometimes fall short, but it also provides an opportunity for open discussion and deeper understanding.