How to Discuss the 'S' Word with Students

Written by Kyle Watkins

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The room full of students stared at me with an obvious sense of confusion. So, I asked the question again, "What does repentance mean?" Their continued lack of response indicated either a complete loss of interest 30 seconds into my message or an utter state of shock in being asked to reply to a question for which they simply did not have an answer.

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This scene is becoming a common one in student ministry. It is not so much a matter of students not knowing the heart or true definition of repentance, as it is a disregard on the part of student leaders to talk about sin. Some simply fail to discuss sin at all because of the possible negative feeling that comes from the conversation. The opposite extreme is to talk about sin in such a light-hearted manner that students do not even recognize the dangers of temptation. We often times attempt to keep every topic, every message free from danger, and subsequently lack depth as a result. Either we do not want to burden students or we do not want to open the floor to honest and valuable interaction.

We, as student leaders, need to stop fearing the discussion and begin leading more effectively! Sin can and should be talked about, but there are several important factors that should dictate how we approach the topic of sin.

Personal Repentance
Ministers and student leaders must make personal repentance a priority. In Psalm 51, David prays a fervent prayer to God about his sins of adultery, murder and deception only after being confronted by Nathan (2 Samuel 12). Many times we avoid discussions on sin because we, ourselves, have unrepentant sin in our lives. Each of us has dealt with a discussion at some point with a teenager about a specific struggle that they have, when the talk begins to hit a little too close to home! We should deal with our own sin first which will, in turn, free us to speak more candidly about the topic with our students.

Be Honest
Be open about your struggles in discussion with students. No one, students included, enjoys hearing about sin from someone who gives the impression that they, themselves, struggle with nothing. Make it clear to your students that you are a sinner saved by grace, just as they are. You do not have to glorify the sin, denigrate yourself or have an outright Sob-fest each Wednesday night to get the point across. Simply stress the fact that you are a sinner. Explain some of your struggles to the students, being cautious and wise about the amount of personal disclosure. It may help them to connect with you and it may help you to refrain from falling back into the sin being discussed.

Take It Serious
Finally, take the topic seriously. Student leaders cannot fall into the trap of thinking that students are only there to have fun. Teenagers can have fun anywhere, doing anything, with almost anybody! They have come to church or are hanging out with you because you know some truth that could ultimately change their life. Embrace that responsibility, and take the topic seriously. In the long run, it will help them to see the seriousness of their sinful nature and it will help you gain their respect in teaching all truth.

Student ministry is one the most exciting and rewarding activities in the world! We get the opportunity to speak the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God to young people who are maturing to become men and women who will soon have a great impact on the world. We cannot share with them only part of the story. We must be honest, loving and bold in our teaching. And we must not hide from the topic of sin.

Kyle Watkins is the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church of Benton, KY. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, in the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth. He has been married to his wonderful wife Becky for three years.