If you are reading this page you obviously are convinced that it is vital that we communicate Biblical truth to today’s students.  I believe it is a sin to bore God’s Word.  Not only do we need to communicate well it is also imperative that we get our students into God’s Word.

In John 8:31-32 Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  Do you ever feel that God has given you the gift of teaching, but he hasn’t given your students the gift of listening?  

I understand some of the obstacles of speaking to students. 

1) They just don’t care.

2) They’ve heard it all before.

3) They think it’s just for adults.

4) They have a short attention span.

5) They would rather make fun of you than listen to you.

We can jump over the hurdles because we have the power of God.  In Eph 1:19-20 the Bible says, that the same power that was used to raise Christ from the dead is given to us who believe.  That’s something that I can get excited about!  Through that power we can communicate God’s Word effectively.  God has also given us the gift of Creativity.  Genesis 1:1 says, “God created the heaven and the earth.”  Gen 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him…” In other words, God is creative and since we are created in his own image (God’s) we can be creative as well.  In order for Creativity to be successful in communication it must be hinged upon God’s Word.  (Heb. 4:12, Is. 55:11)  

Here are a few tips to tap into God’s power and also be creative.

Plan Ahead – We’ve all heard it said, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Plan out your schedule of what you are going to speak on at least 3 months in advance.  Keep a few file folders near your desk labeled with your upcoming series or messages.  Anytime you come across anything that may be useful for your message, file it. 

Write It Down – Whenever you hear a quote, illustration, or message that you want to remember write it down.  A short pencil is better than the longest memory. 

Use Stories and Illustrations - When I listen to a powerful speaker, I often ask myself, "Why is everyone hanging on his every word?" Many qualities and techniques set apart top speakers, but one stands out to me – their consistent use of quality illustrations. Top-notch illustrations can clarify a difficult point, convince a truth, and motivate to action.  Just think of all the vivid illustrations Jesus used. The absurd: a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle. The vivid: Pharisees compared to whitewashed tombs. The emotional: a gracious, loving father throws a party for his wretched son who had foolishly spent his inheritance. Jesus could have simply stated the bottom line of each truth: "It’s hard for the wealthy to enter the kingdom." "Don’t be a hypocrite." "God loves sinners." Instead, he made wild comparisons and told unforgettable stories that delighted (or enraged!) His listeners and drove truth into their hearts. Many times Jesus pulled illustrations from the world of the people He ministered to. The more you understand the world of your students, the better you can illustrate truth from that world. Frankly ask your youth occasionally, "What types of illustrations do I use that you like best, like least?"

Use Humor – Ken Davis says, "I believe that nothing softens hard hearts, breaks down walls of cynicism and opens doors for crystal-clear communication like effectively used humor." (How to Speak to Youth, p. 135)  The most important thing here is being yourself!  Don’t try to use humor that you aren’t comfortable with.  Technology is one of the greatest tools we have available today.  Use it for your advantage in using humor with students.  Use a funny picture to drive home a point.  Show a short funny video clip to illustrate.  In today’s world of technology you can be funny without even being funny yourself.

Teach with Passion – I have a quote on my desk that says, “If you want to know the temperature of the youth ministry, put a thermometer in the leader’s mouth.”  That refers to us.  If your not passionate your students won’t be passionate.  Start a fire in your own heart and watch that fire spread in your student’s hearts as well.  John Wesley said, “Set yourself on fire and people will come to watch you burn.”  In reality you can only do this once, but it’s a good thought.  Just Kidding!

Use Captivating Introductions – When it’s the top of the hour and you are flipping through the channels at home what is it that keeps your attention on a certain channel besides E.S.P.N.?  A captivating introduction, something that holds your attention.  The same goes for your message.  The first 25 words out of your mouth are the most important words in your message.  Try a movie clip, illustration, story, wild statistic, drama, etc.

Land the message well with challenging conclusions – Have you ever run out of time before you get to the last point or conclusion?  I have!  As a matter of fact one time I prayed my last point and closing illustration.  (I think the students saw through it!)  Too often, teachers hurriedly wrap up the lesson when they realize their time is out. "And may God help us to apply these truths to our lives." But if you fail to give your students something specific to do with the lesson, they may leave with merely a fog of ideas in their mind. Remember, our goal is not to simply keep their attention (hearers of the Word), but to produce life change (doers of the Word).

Use lots of application – There is a big debate as to how much interpretation we should give as opposed to application when it comes to presenting God’s Word.  I believe both are very important.  Rick Warren says, “If you study the gospels, Jesus spent thirty percent of his time explaining the interpretation and seventy percent of his time in application.”  I like to drive home each point.  I call it, “Homework”!  Let your students leave your room with something to do or an action to take!

Don’t be the Hero all of the time – I rarely ever tell success stories about myself.  The majority of students can’t relate.  Very few of them make the winning shot, catch the incredible pass, or date the hottest girl in school.  On the other hand they can relate to the time that I woke up late for Sunday School, had bed marks on my face, and forgot to zip my fly.  I knew I felt a draft.

Be Real and Honest - It’s okay to admit weakness and failure. Your transparency helps students identify with you. But if you’re still living inconsistently with the truth you are teaching, let students know you are incensed with your own failure, are hot on the trail of a solution, and would appreciate their keeping you accountable to improve.

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