Something that Makes Students Sit Up and Pay Attention

Toward the middle of our weekly Zoom with students, I made the statement, "I need your help with something." After those words came out of my mouth, the students leaned in and paid attention. 

It was so dramatic that one of my leaders texted me afterward and asked if I noticed it. I had noticed it. But let me take a minute to reflect on it. 

Most students want to be needed. They want to be seen as helpful and useful for the Kingdom. We often just overlook them or give them menial tasks, but they long to fill an important role. 

One of the most overused verses in youth ministry is 1 Timothy 4:12. But that doesn't mean it's not important. Paul was telling Timothy to "not let anyone look down on you because you are young." We often tell people how important young people are but then look down on them by seeking to entertain them until we need mulch spread around the building. 

I believe in the value of young people for the Kingdom of God. God wants to use them to do great things. He does it time and time again in the Scriptures. Jeremiah, David, Mary, Timothy, and others are all examples of how God has placed young people in important roles throughout history. 

I have a friend in Cuba whose middle school students have planted a church. They are not afraid to share their faith with others. He has empowered and equipped them to do the work of the ministry. 

When we say to young people, "I need your help with something," they are hearing that they are valuable to God and His Kingdom. They long to hear that because they ARE valuable. They have so much to offer. It's time we are reminded of that. 

I know I'm going to seek ways to invite them in to what God is doing more and more. 

What about you? How have you seen young people be used by God?