“Teaching Theology to Teenagers” – VFY Plans Think-Tank at BBC

I had a unique opportunity the other day to sit in on a discussion about “beliefs” during a small group meeting with a group of late-twenty-something young adults. This was a church-based small group where all of the participants of singles in one way or another were regular church attendees.

 

The topic of discussion turned to “faith”, so since I’ve been thinking about my think-tank this summer at BBC’s Teen Leadership Conference in a couple of weeks, I asked this group of young adults 3 basic questions about their theology. 

1. How do you know there is only one way to heaven?
2. How do you know that the Bible is truth?
3. How do you know that Jesus Christ is God?

I wish you could have heard their answers. All of the group members had grown up in Sunday School and Youth Group. Most of them were from solid Christian families – and all of them, as young adults, had made the conscious decision on their own to stay in church and to participate in this particular group. But, I need to tell you: they each struggled with even basic theological questions. 

 

These questions were basically the ones cult members or people from other religions would ask. This is basic stuff - salvation by “grace through faith”, inspiration of Scripture, and the deity of Christ. But, they struggled to answer them. The group members knew a lot of Bible facts, and they could review all of the familiar Bible stories. But, they struggled with theology. I’m positive they each believed in salvation through Jesus Christ alone, the inerrancy of the Bible, and that Jesus Christ is God. However, they basically didn’t know how to back up those things from Scripture.

 

Our discussion in the small group that day again made me realize that as youth workers we MUST be intentional about teaching theology to our students. We’re working with a generation that wants to know what they believe – and, I’m convinced they want to learn deeper, theological truth.

 

I’m also convinced that during their young adult years, whether they go to a Christian college, a major university, or go into the military or the work force – it’s at this time of their lives that they’ll be confronted about what they believe.

  

That’s why we’re inviting all youth pastors to join us at Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA on July 19 – 23 or on July 26-30 for a conversation-oriented think-tank on the subject of “teaching theology to teenagers.” Bring your thoughts and ideas and join us during the 2 weeks of BBC’s Teen Leadership Conference. I know other youth pastors will appreciate hearing what you are doing. So, bring your lessons and come ready to talk with peers about what they’re doing.

 

I’m convinced that this discussion may prove to be one of the most important subjects we’ve ever talked through! Join us. Call BBC at 570.586.2400 to register.

 

For more information about TLC: www.bbc.edu//tlc2010