I have a secret. I love watching bodycam videos. There is nothing like the craziness you will see at traffic stops. Other than being entertained, there are two big takeaways that I have gleaned. One, police officers are some of the most patient people on the planet. I know not every police officer is patient, but by and large, the videos show them to be a different breed. Two, people think they know more than they actually do. So many people think that because they have watched a couple of YouTube videos or followed a TikTok lawyer explain something, they are now experts in the law. “That’s illegal. I know my law.”
The truth is, police officers and other law enforcement officers deal with the law every day. In this overly litigious society, they have to be extremely aware of what is legal and what is illegal. The window for error is very small on their behalf. However, you will still hear someone on these videos say things like, “I’m not driving. I’m traveling. I don’t have to have a driver’s license or have my car registered in the state I live in.” Ignorance doesn’t excuse consequences. That is the case with the law of the land and the truth of God’s Word.
What does this have to do with our students and student ministry? While there are many valuable resources online and on social media, we must help our students as they look for what is true about God, His Son, His Spirit, and His Book. Too many times, our students bounce around the internet for answers or just simply live with what they have been taught by pastors and family members. It is important that we help our students begin a lifestyle of digging into the Word so they know where to find the truth. They need to move beyond “Faith Powered by Google.” How do we help them embrace the source of truth for believers? Here are some things to start with:
• Get them reading the Word. Some students are ready to pick up their Bibles and to dig in, but that isn’t the case for all. Part of our job is to help motivate them in that process. Here is where you can get creative. Ultimately, we want them to read or listen to God’s Word. One, throw down a short challenge with a prize at the end. Two, highlight what you’re enjoying in and learning from your own reading time. Three, plan times when the whole group is reading the same thing, and send out daily reminders. We live in a time when we have access to God’s Word in previously unimagined ways. Help your students get in the Word.
• Have them memorize Scripture. Reading is one thing, but memorizing takes it to a whole other level. While programs like AWANA have some drawbacks, they do help children, students, and churches recognize the importance of memorizing Bible passages. Before my students at a previous church could go on our big trip, I would require them to memorize different passages of Scripture. When we etch God’s Word on our hearts, it will show up when needed. However, if we don’t have anything stored in our memory banks, there is nothing to draw from. Memorization is an important practice, no matter your age. So, if you are asking your students to memorize, be ready to do the work yourself.
• Emphasize the Word in your meetings. Here is where being Bible-Centric in our teaching is so important. If we are constantly going to outside sources for help and knowledge, our students will embrace that as the way things are done. Our students need Bible literacy for a lasting faith. As the student ministry worker, we have to facilitate that. Even if we aren’t always the ones teaching, that is the environment we should cultivate within our student ministry. The Bible is our guide for faith and practice.
We want to hear our students say, “I know my Bible!” And mean it. They don’t need to live off a diet of social media influencers and internet preachers. They don’t even need to live off a diet of just the teaching that comes from your church. They need to dive into the Word and know it for themselves. That can help in one of the important ways. When they are faced with trouble and difficulty in life, they can know God’s thoughts on the issues and understand the truth of the situation.
How do you help your students dive into the Word and know the truth for themselves? It is one of our most important tasks. Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
