Teens and The Experience - What Does it Mean for Youth Groups?

Take a minute and watch almost any teen, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Whether it's at the skate park, on the screen, or with friends, it's all about the "moment." If this moment cut it, it's time to move on the next one-and quick! It's like they can't even sit still for more than a few seconds (unless they're staring at some video game or movie).

School is boring, but it does have a few redeemable qualities. For example, most schools give students a few minutes between each class; prime time for something interesting to happen. Then there's lunch, and hanging out before and after school. These are the only opportunities that make school bearable… sometimes.

Nathan from Ellijay, GA said, "Teens see everything in the world as something to experience, something to try, and as such, they are enthralled and fascinated by it." Rachel from Beamsville, Ontario also commented, "I think this because teens get bored easily and they always want something new." And Ashley from Campbellford, Ontario really hit it on the head when she said, "I think that the greatest thing teens live for is 'the experience' of life. Not every teen is a believer in Christ, but most are trying to live for the moment."

There may always be exceptions to the rule, but if we're trying to reach the majority of teenagers, we need to do it in a way that will appeal to them. What about your youth group meetings? Are they boring, or do they give teens some of the action they're looking for while still feeding them the spiritual Truth they crave?

Here are just a few things you can do to spice up the time with your youth group:

• Mix it up.Get out of the routine! If every aspect of your meetings happens like clockwork each week, it's time to switch it up. Throw them a curve ball-skip the game and take them outside for worship and teaching under the stars. Or surprise them with a special event, just to bless them and get to know everyone more. Make each week unique and they'll never know what's coming next.
• Use media.Teens love staring at a screen. Anyone wil tell you that it's a proven fact. You can use this in your lessons to keep them engaged, and you'll be amazed at how well it works. Show a few movie clips that go along with what you're talking about, or, instead of the next game out of that "Youth Group Games" book, start a video game tournament that goes from week to week. We know teens love media, so why not carefully use this to draw them deeper into a passionate relationship with God?
• Give them opportunities for fun.Give your teens room for fun-don't worry, they definitely know how to do it on their own. Find an old pool table or foosball table and take a trip to the thrift shop for some random decorations. Open up the youth room early and keep it open late, and do what you can to get them coming early and staying late (free food works great!). And of course, don't forget about a few rules, which are important and even necessary to protect the atmosphere of your group. Let youth group be more than a meeting and create an atmosphere where healthy relationships thrive.

Now, the question is: Are you talking their language? Better than that, are you living it? In youth group, do you give them an experience or a "learning opportunity"? With the teens in your own home, do you fill their life with requirements they have to meet "or else," or do you give them something they'll want more of-fun experiences with the family?

Teens live for the experience. They beg for it. Churches, youth groups, and even families should be the ones who give them the excitement they're looking for while not backing down from the uncompromised message of hope and freedom they share. This is what it means to be relevant in today's culture-exposing teens to the Truth of God through a medium they understand: the experience.

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© 2004 Teen Mania Ministries