Resources

Having hard conversations is never easy, but it’s worth the effort. Especially in today's culture it can be hard to engage well in difficult conversations in youth ministry. Here are six suggestions to help you to start talking about more difficult issues in your youth ministry.

Many teens spend time interacting with friends over the internet, and that can lead to feeling nervous our unsure about face to face interactions. In the same way, they may not feel like youth ministry is a place where they can be honest and share their thoughts and feelings. This activity helps you to practice having healthy discussions about their lives and feelings within the Christian community that can offer both Law and Gospel with a sense of warmth, challenge, and grace.

Rather than attempting to become an expert on the general trends of the culture around us, as parents our role is to become experts merely in the cultural impact in our own homes.

I have learned during my short time in ministry that if you are open and vulnerable, people will feel comfortable with you and want to share.

All teens struggle with feeling hurt or sad at times, but some teens go through especially traumatic situations such as their parents divorcing, a death in the family, physical abuse, substance abuse, serious illnesses, or a variety of other difficult circumstances. You will be able to help the hurting teen best if you are also helping his or her family.