Axis.org uses a phrase to describe its target audience. They are an organization focused on sharing information about the culture with “Caring Adults.” When we are well-informed, we can communicate more effectively with the teenagers in our lives. That is what teenagers need. They need “caring adults” in their lives. They need men and women who are willing to work at understanding them and then willing to speak into their lives. These adults don’t need a seminary or Bible college degree. While it doesn’t hurt, it is not a prerequisite for working with teenagers in the church. Student ministry workers simply need to care about students and be willing to work on themselves.
Ultimately, students want leaders and adults in their lives to be REAL. Let me outline four words that may help you as you seek to better prepare yourself for working with teenagers. These four words mark characteristics that will help:
• Religious — Religious may not be the best word, but it does help us understand. Students are looking for someone in their lives who believes in something beyond themselves. Students need adults who understand the tenets of their faith and can clearly communicate them. That means that we need to learn and grow in our faith. We need to study the Word. Spend time with other believers. We need to be committed to our local church. Students will seek out people like this. If we don’t stand as truth-bearers and invest in students, they will find others who express care but don’t necessarily carry the truth.
• Emotionally Stable — If we are going to be valuable to students, we need to be emotionally stable. We need to be a safe place for our students. That can only happen if we take the time to invest in our well-being. Our students don’t need leaders and adults who fly off the handle at the smallest thing. They need men and women who are solid and stable. That doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect. We are simply sinners saved by grace.
• Authentic — This is perhaps one of the most important things that this generation is seeking. Young men and women want people in their lives who are real. They don’t want us to put on masks around them. Now, that doesn’t mean we should share everything in our heads with the teenagers in our lives. It does mean that we live by what we believe. We don’t just talk about our faith. We live it out.
• Loving — The Bible is pretty clear. We are to love our neighbor. If we want to have an impact on the kingdom, it means that we must love and care for the young people in our lives. That isn’t always easy. Students can be pretty unlovable at times. They may even push us away when they feel threatened. We have to look past that and love unconditionally.
Students are looking for REAL adults, men and women who genuinely care about them. If you are looking to have an impact on students, then perhaps this little word can help you as you seek to make yourself more available. Does it encompass everything that you need to be to help students? No, but it is a great start. Let’s aim at being REAL.
What would you add to this list? What else does it take to be impactful in a student’s life? Join the conversation at facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
