“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28).
A lot of times when we hear this scripture, we apply it on a more personal level, such as the trials and tribulations of life. However, I would like to apply this scripture to the public issues of our day and its impact on youth ministries across our nation. Nevertheless, we know the times we are in as a nation are critical and very sensitive when it comes to the issues of life, and the cares of various different culture groups and economic classes in our nation. This scripture can be applied to the times and seasons we are in as a nation. As youth workers in the Christian sector, we can trust that God has given us wisdom in Jesus that surpasses the wisdom of the world.
Using God’s Wisdom in Cultural Conversations
Scripture shares with us that God’s word “is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12). Therefore, we have access to the wisdom of God pertaining to the issues of this world and the cares of life. Youth workers across the world, let alone our nation, can tap into God’s wisdom “thinking” regarding foreign policies, cultural division, and hardships. These issues can be addressed through the love of God and by those whose mind has been renewed by Christ Jesus. Youth Workers can proceed with caution but become spiritually confident that the Lord is with them as they seek to address and engage in these issues with teenagers. God is with youth workers as we develop and cultivate hot topic discussions on God’s word versus the issues of this world. Youth workers are carriers of this power, and the wisdom lies in Christ; which is freely given to us, (James 1:5).
Furthermore, in order for youth workers to embrace multicultural youth ministry during sensitive times, they must all embrace the same love and same Jesus over the issues that get thrown into society’s conversation. Youth workers must trust in the conversation in God’s word more than the correspondences on CNN and FOX news. Teenagers know when something is up; they can feel it. The Bible shares that we are Spirit beings, (1 Corinthians 2:13), and if so, could we not engage this intellectual rhetoric on a more spiritual level (Christ-centered approach)?
Youth workers must trust in the conversation in God’s Word more than the correspondences on CNN.
Click To Tweet
Youth workers all over, I encourage you to go back to when you first walked into a youth group or youth ministry. Imagine the needs you had as a teenager. Your needs were not being discussed all over the news. You had a whole different set of emotional priorities and needs. Could it be that our teenagers are left in the dark because of the darkness of this world? Youth workers must stand with conviction, embracing the wisdom of Christ across all colors, across all sectors and denominational backgrounds.
Let’s not allow the limited mindset of man limit the unlimited Lordship of Jesus Christ, and how He is in our youth ministries.
Moreover, I know that many of us might have our own views in today’s times and political debates. However, according to Matthew 6:33, it brings us together to embrace the kingdom’s thinking on these issues more than our own. This is what brings us together; God’s word and the hope of glory, Jesus Christ. The desire to see the kingdom come into the lives of our students should reign priority over our political views as youth workers. We have to learn to relieve our pressure with the love of God. I am not encouraging our youth ministries to be a debate club, or a local news station where all issues are discussed. However, I am encouraging youth workers to engage cautiously, and proceed confidently with God’s wisdom in the issues that are sensitive in society; knowing that God is with us and we have access to His wisdom.
Hope
Lastly, in order to embrace multicultural youth ministry during sensitive times, we must focus on the hope of glory more than the voices of commentators. The news is meant to inform, but not impart. Could it be that God desires to utilize youth workers to impart the kingdom’s agenda regarding these issues of society? Or could youth workers all over stir up the love of Jesus in the hearts of teenagers, that breaks down barriers and strongholds? Could God be glorified in and through every teenager in our sphere of influence? Can we agree to that? If so, let’s pray for others, let’s listen to others, and let’s remind everyone who is a Christian that the Bible has something to say too. Let’s bring the Bible out and let the kingdom in.
Listen, my awesome team and I are hosting our annual “Big Jesus Weekend” student conference (April 14th – 16th). I would love to see you there. This year’s theme is “Jesus For America.” You can find out more information here at mybigweekend.org
Chandler S. Bailey is a light of hope to the youth, building bridges that fill the gaps found in ministry. Youth Pastor for @THERDCIEPIC | @THERDCI | Founder record label @WEAREKME
The post Embracing Multicultural Youth Ministry During Sensitive Times appeared first on Youth Specialties.