Teens Still Like a Good Story

Teenagers still like a good story.  During my youth ministry day I could always get the kids to focus when I told them a good story. It also helped when there was some humor involved.  A recent study of members of Generation Z, today’s current children and teens, seems to indicate they are not different.  The study was done by U.S.-based AdReaction explored their attitudes toward advertising formats.  Fifty-six (56%) of those polled said an ad must tell a good story.  That was the number three response to humor (72%) and good music (58%).  Surprisingly, have a celebrity involved in the ad was not all that important (26%).

How does this apply to the church and our message, you might ask?  To start with we have a great story to tell.  It is story of God’s love expressed in Jesus Christ and message of love and grace he lived.  During this season of Easter it is a story of hope and eternal life.  It is a message we must live out every day.  We live in a world where people long for hope.  When we live confidently and expectantly in the midst of turmoil and change, we are being Easter people.  When we look at death itself as nothing to fear, we are Resurrection People.  When are directing that message at teens and young adults we probably need to make sure we include some wholesome humor and good music as well. 

I believe is also means telling our personal stories of how Jesus has impacted our lives.  We all have faith stories to tell and in the right format those narratives need to be related.  Within our circle of family and friends there can be numerous opportunities, but what about relating to those we do not know?  I sincerely believe we can share that story with them as well.  The story must first be told through our actions.  When we are open and express love and concern for them.   That might mean listening to their story, and in the process they might ask to hear ours.