Sermons for Youth Groups

Sermons for youth groups vary from those aimed at adults. For starters, youth are not afraid to question. They are fresh, inquisitive and want the facts. As adults we sometimes fall into the habit of church without ever thinking to ask, "What would Jesus do--really?" Teenagers and young adults don't want watered-down sermons or yesterday's traditions. They want action and momentum. Above all, they want authenticity and can see through insincerity in a heartbeat.

Question Everything

Allow youth to ask questions. So often we get uptight when people question our theology, as though it might drastically change our worlds. Questions are just questions. Allow room in your sermons for these so your students can grow. You will build credibility with them as you patiently answer them without getting bent out of shape.

Clanging Cymbals

In your sermons, remember that Jesus said all the laws of the prophets hung on the following: Love God, love others--period. In 1 Corinthians 13:1 Paul reminds us that although a man or woman may speak with the tongues of angels, if they don't have love they are no more than clanging cymbals. Preach without judgment and arrogance or you will lose a generation that truly knows what it means to love others as themselves.

What Would Jesus Do?

Remember that you are being watched and that your audience is a tough crowd. Sermons are more than words. If you ignore those in the margins, or turn your nose up at the guest with not one but two nose rings you risk alienating the very ones you are trying to reach. Jesus was called a blasphemer and a drunkard because he was intentional about associating with those the church of his day looked down upon.

God's Not Mad

Know what your goal is when you are preaching to youth. If you try to coerce or manipulate with tired old sermons that focus on escapism then you may as well resign now. Escaping hell is not a reason to embrace Christianity. Fear tactics should not be used in your sermons. Instead, encourage your youth with sermons that preach the Gospel, which literally means "good news." The good news is that Jesus loves youth. When they can embrace that revelation they will have the freedom to live out their destinies out of love, not fear.

Love Thy Neighbor

Refrain from criticizing other churches, denominations or methods. No one denomination has the market cornered on the voice of God. He is able to work through the unconventional, the radical, the old and the new. Since none of us will have all the answers until we pass from this life into the next, it is best not to preach as though we, and only we, do.