77 talks for bored again teenagers: christianity for teens in a book

77 talks for Bored-again Teenagers

Timeless truths for today's youths - Presenting Christianity to the next generation

INTRODUCTION

What a task! It's not easy to compile a series of talks that are going to be equally relevant to big kids and young adults. You are looking at an age group ranging from those just getting to grips with secondary education, right through to 'been-there-done-that' university undergraduates. But this shouldn't be an impossible task, as the Christian message is basically a simple one. It's just up to us to communicate that fact!

With teenage attention spans decreasing as fast as new channels appear on satellite TV, it's not just a case of presenting the gospel as it stands and hoping they 'get it'. In this post-modern age you have to hit them in bite-sized chunks to make an impact and make tentative steps into their world, rather than screaming through a loud hailer over the generation gap. 'Make it interesting, make it exciting, make it interactive' is the cry, 'it's the only way you're going to grab their attention'. This series of talks is a first step along that rocky road and I can just pray that we can receive a similar response to Paul, when he encountered the Athenians, "You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears and we want to know what they mean" (Acts 17:20).

Not all the talks in this book are going to 'hit the spot' for your particular youth group, but if we can make an impact with some of them then we could make a difference in the lives of a sadly neglected but crucial segment of our population, the teenager, the adult of tomorrow. It has been the intention with this book to provide solid foundational teaching on key topics, from the influence of the media to the Last Supper. There is a particularly thorough presentation of the Gospel, in the 'Green' section lasting 8 weeks, though briefer versions, covering 1 and 2 weeks are also included, for those without the patience. Other topics include morality, self-worth, the Bible, the Internet, Harry Potter, the Trinity, Evolution, the Crucifixion, the Big Bang, the deadly sins and Euthanasia.

The book is divided into seven sections, arranged (for no particular reason) as colours of the rainbow. These sections represent seven checkpoints on our spiritual journey:

SIMPLY RED section - 'stir it up' - for groups who are reluctant, cynical and 'didn't realize there was going to be a boring old talk'. Our objective here is to intrigue and provoke them and open up the possibility of a life beyond what they can see, hear and feel.

TANGY ORANGE section - 'questions' - for groups who like a challenge and are reasonably open-minded, but, nevertheless may only be prepared to give you one chance to impress. Our objective here is to introduce a spiritual element to life, with a gentle introduction to the Christian message.

MELLOW YELLOW section - 'answers' - for groups who are taking the bait and are willing to listen patiently, though it will still be possible to lose them if you are not relevant enough. Our objective here is to begin to answer key questions from a Christian perspective.

PASTURES GREEN section - 'the gospel' - for groups ready to hear the Christian gospel in a culturally relevant and sensitive way. Our objective is to provide a clear and systematic introduction to the Gospel, sufficient for them to respond with an informed decision for Christ.

MOODY BLUE section - 'assurances' - for groups largely made up of new Christians. Our objective is to provide them with a series of assurances and faith-builders to enable them to grow steadily.

INKY INDIGO section - 'blueprints' - for groups of new Christians who are largely established in their faith. Our objective is to give them a series of guidelines to help them cope with the pressures of being Christians in a hostile world.

PARMA VIOLET section - 'solid food' - for groups of new Christians ready to move on in their faith and feed their minds. Our objective is to provide solid bible teaching in key areas to help them to develop eager questioning minds

Imagine you have been invited to a posh buffet. The selection of food is extensive, catering for all possible tastes and moods. The buffet is ongoing, with food continually topped-up and people come and go as they please, nibbling or pigging out, depending on their appetite. This book perhaps should be viewed in the same way. Although you could gorge yourself, by working systematically through the book, taking your youth group through all 77 talks, this would not be a good idea, as this means they won't be exposed to the gospel for at least 8 months!

Instead I suggest you decide from day one where your group is currently 'at' and start at the corresponding section of this book, depending on the degree of 'spiritual' hunger. From there you can move at your own rate, selecting talks relevant to the interests and capabilities of your group. Some will have to be fed on a 'light diet', others may want something to chew on. There's plenty here to suit all tastes!

Every talk includes sufficient material for you to create talks lasting from 15 minutes to an hour. I have also provided extra information, such as graphics, links and background reading, at the book website (www.77talksforteens.com) for you to download if necessary. The website also contains a discussion forum, so that you can share your successes (and failures!) and help each other to be more effective in communicating with teenagers. So dive in and enjoy. My prayer is that you will be as blessed by these talks as I was in writing them.

77 talks for Bored-Again Teenagers is available from Monarch Books for £8.99.
ISBN 1 85424 555 4