Apathy Vs. Urgency: Why Teens Aren’t Sharing Their Faith and How to Change That

Apathy Vs. Urgency: Why Teens Aren’t Sharing Their Faith and How to Change That | BTYR • Ep 56

Ellen Hembree • November 5, 2024

Apathy Vs. Urgency: Why Teens Aren’t Sharing Their Faith and How to Change That | BTYR • Ep 56

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If you’re a youth leader,

you’ve likely seen the challenge of getting teenagers excited about evangelism. In this episode of the Beyond the Youth Room podcast, we’re diving into this common issue by exploring apathy versus urgency, identifying why teens aren’t sharing their faith, and discussing how we can help shift this mindset.

Youth leaders, parents, and mentors alike feel the tension when students don’t see the urgency in sharing the gospel. When we understand the gospel’s impact on everyday struggles, it sparks an urgency to share the good news—because Jesus doesn’t just save from the hell that lies ahead, but also offers hope in the middle of today’s struggles.

1. Set the Right Environment for Growth

We can’t force our students to share their faith, but we can create an environment where they are encouraged to step up. As Ryne, our fellow youth pastor, reminds us, setting the “temperature” for gospel urgency will allow students to rise to it. Even if only 10% of a youth group reaches the level of “disciple-maker,” it can make a noticeable difference. Just as Jesus looked on the crowds with compassion, we want our students to develop this same heart for the lost.

2. Address the Roots of Apathy

Youth today face unique barriers to sharing their faith. Our teens are often distracted by social media and busy lives, which crowds out their spiritual priorities. They might not actively choose to be apathetic, but they have so much else vying for their attention. If we help them identify and push back against these distractions, they can begin to focus more on their faith.

Another issue is that our digital age has affected how young people connect with others. While they may have many online “friends,” loneliness is still on the rise. Without deep, in-person relationships, they may find it harder to see the needs of others, much less feel the compassion to help meet those needs. On top of this, fear of rejection often silences them—especially in a culture that cancels and criticizes those who speak out. This fear can paralyze even the most compassionate students.

3. Shift Perspective to Create Gospel Urgency

At the heart of the issue, teenagers need to understand the gospel for themselves. Ryne and his team offer student missionary training that tackles three main components for motivating students to share the gospel: urgency, fluency (how to share), and strategy (how to start a gospel movement). This program has already trained over 1,300 students this year and helps youth see why sharing the gospel matters now.

When teens understand that Jesus’ message isn’t just for life after death but also offers hope for today, it reframes their urgency to share it. If we can help our students realize that the gospel can make a difference in their friends’ lives right now, sharing becomes more pressing.

4. Manage Expectations and Celebrate Small Wins

It’s natural for youth leaders to want all their students to be passionate about evangelism, but let’s be realistic. Not every teen in your ministry will become an outspoken evangelist overnight. At Ryne’s church, around 58% of students have shared the gospel with a friend. Even if only 10–20% of your group is actively sharing, you’re making progress.

5. Focus on Compassion and Eternal Perspective

Teenagers are often focused on the present, so helping them develop an eternal perspective is key. Talk with them about the value of making decisions today that impact their future and eternity. Compassion for others also needs to be part of the conversation. When students learn to view their friends with Christ-like compassion, it opens the door to a deeper commitment to sharing the gospel.

If you want support in fostering gospel urgency, consider joining our Youth Ministry Mastermind. In this online community, youth leaders from across the world—including South Africa, the Philippines, Singapore, Nigeria, and the UK—share insights, ideas, and experiences to encourage one another in youth ministry.

5 Practical Ways to Inspire Gospel Urgency in Youth Ministry

In youth ministry, inspiring a true sense of gospel urgency can be challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. By modeling and encouraging a heart for evangelism, we can empower young people to share their faith boldly and compassionately. Here’s a look at five effective strategies for creating gospel urgency in students:

1. Model Gospel Urgency

The first step to creating gospel urgency in students is modeling it yourself. When you show that sharing the gospel is a priority in your own life, students see it as attainable and meaningful. Just as Jesus came to earth, embodying His message to us, we too should live out our faith in a way that others can witness and imitate. Share stories of your own experiences in evangelism—both successes and challenges—to demonstrate that this journey is real and sometimes messy, but always purposeful. Research shows that students who see an adult share their faith are much more likely to try it themselves.

2. Celebrate Evangelism Successes

“Celebrate what you want to replicate.” When we highlight real stories of students who have shared the gospel, it motivates others to do the same. Acknowledging both the positive and the challenging aspects of evangelism makes it relatable and achievable. By creating a culture that celebrates boldness and courage in sharing the gospel, we send the message that this is what we value as a group.

3. Make Evangelism Relatable

Evangelism doesn’t have to be intimidating. Teach students that sharing the gospel can start with simple, everyday gestures—sharing their faith story, inviting friends to youth group, or offering to pray for someone. These small acts of faithfulness are accessible ways to start gospel conversations, making students more comfortable and confident in sharing their beliefs in authentic, relational ways.

4. Create Accountability

Accountability helps students keep gospel urgency at the forefront. Begin each small group meeting with a simple question: “Did you share the gospel with anyone this week?” Initially, this might be met with hesitation, but over time, it can lead to dynamic sharing sessions where students encourage each other and celebrate each other’s efforts. Accountability creates an environment where evangelism isn’t just talked about but becomes a shared experience.

5. Equip Students with Evangelism Tools

Evangelism takes courage, but it also takes skill. Make time to equip students with practical tools to confidently share their faith. Role-playing activities, discussion guides, and exploring different worldviews are great ways to help them feel prepared. Consider hosting a “AAA Café” or other creative exercises where students can practice having faith conversations in a safe, supportive setting.

Ultimately, nurturing gospel urgency in students is about fostering a ministry culture that values boldness, compassion, and intentionality in sharing faith. By modeling, celebrating, simplifying, and equipping, we can inspire students to share the gospel with the urgency it deserves.

Equipping Youth for Gospel Outreach: Inspiring Urgency in Evangelism

When it comes to inspiring gospel urgency in students, sometimes it takes creating opportunities to step out in faith—moments that might be intimidating at first but become a chance for growth. We’ve all been there, asking two brave students to come up and share. Though it's nerve-wracking, some kids are bold and willing to share. This not only builds their confidence but also opens up authentic conversations about faith.

In these moments, we guide students through real-life evangelism. We’ll simulate a scenario where a believer and a non-believer talk, helping our students learn how to answer challenging questions. It’s not just about having the right responses but understanding how a friend who isn’t a believer might react. This exercise lets students think deeply about the people they know and how to respond with compassion and clarity.

Beyond these exercises, resources are crucial. Student missionary training programs like those from Dare to Share offer a great start. Their digital curriculum is free, and platforms like Cutting Edge’s Student Missionary Training can guide students through structured lessons on sharing the gospel. This resource teaches gospel urgency, fluency, and strategy, helping students develop a heart for outreach and the practical skills to back it up.

There are many methods to choose from, such as Life in 6 Words or the 4-Part Gospel. Whichever approach you choose, it’s essential to teach a clear, understandable method. The Romans Road, 4 Spiritual Laws, or the One-Verse Method can all serve well—but the key is to pick one, teach it, and let the students make it their own.

For youth leaders, it’s important to remember: if students in our programs aren’t equipped to share the gospel, that reflects back on us. Every student should have a clear understanding of the gospel and be able to articulate it in under two minutes. Whether or not they share it often is ultimately up to them, but equipping them to share is up to us.

Lastly, remember the power of stories of impact. Real-life stories, whether of personal faith or others’ journeys, are incredibly inspiring. This, combined with practical training, accountability, and encouragement, can create a community of students passionate about spreading the good news.

If you’d like to learn more or dive deeper, join our online community. It’s a space to share resources, ask questions, and exchange ideas for equipping students to live out gospel urgency. We’d love to have you join and be a part of this movement toward inspiring the next generation in evangelism!

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5 Warning Signs Your Youth Ministry Needs a Revamp

By Ellen Hembree • July 8, 2025

Is Your Youth Ministry Stuck in a Rut? Five Warning Signs It's Time for a Revamp Are you a youth pastor or leader feeling uninspired, overwhelmed, or just going through the motions? You're not alone. A recent Barna Group study revealed that only 16% of Christian teens in the U.S. have a strong understanding of their life's purpose connected to their faith. This statistic, combined with many leaders' struggles, signals a clear need for re-evaluation in youth ministry. This post will explore five warning signs that your ministry might need a revamp and offer actionable steps to turn things around. Think of these as dashboard lights for your ministry – ignoring them won't make the problems go away! 1. Your Students Don't Know the "Why" Imagine walking into your youth group and asking the average student, "Why do you meet?" What would they say? Would they talk about fun and friends, or a deeper mission? If the "why" isn't clear, students often feel like they're just "meeting until they graduate... then meeting until they die, move, or graduate." As Michael Hyatt says, "People lose their way when they lose their why." Action Steps: Set a Bold Vision: Clearly define the purpose and mission of your youth ministry. What is God calling your specific group to do? Communicate Constantly: Use visual reminders, consistent messaging, and empower students by handing them the mission. Don't just invite them; challenge them to own it. Secret Shop Your Ministry: Consider having trusted (even non-believing) individuals or teens from outside your group "secret shop" your ministry to get honest feedback on clarity and impact. 2. You're Not Excited to Go to Youth Group (and You're Not Sure Why) We all have off nights or exhausting weeks. But if you find yourself regularly dreading youth group without a clear reason, it's a red flag. This isn't about faking enthusiasm, but recognizing a deeper issue. Ryne shared a recent experience where focusing on tasks instead of connecting with students drained his excitement. Action Steps: Evaluate Your Life Holistically: Burnout often stems from imbalances. Examine your physical, emotional, relational, and financial health. Is ministry becoming an idol? Talk to a Trusted Mentor: Share your feelings with someone who can offer perspective and ask insightful questions. Schedule Vision Retreats: Take time away, even if it's just a few hours, to get alone with God, re-evaluate your calling, and plan for the next season. Resources like retreathood.com can help connect you with free retreat spaces for ministry leaders. Reflect: When was the last time you walked into youth group with passion instead of pressure? Has it become more of a job than a calling? 3. Prayer is a Last Resort, Not Your First Oswald Chambers famously said, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work." If you're constantly rushing through tasks and prayer becomes an afterthought, your ministry might be running on fumes instead of divine power. Action Steps: Study Jesus' Prayer Life: He modeled consistent, intentional prayer, even amidst intense ministry. Pray for Students by Name: Implement a system to regularly pray for individual students and specific schools or areas within your community. Make Prayer a Part of Your Ministry: Dedicate time during programs for collective prayer and teach students how to pray. Linger with the Lord: Beyond daily rhythms, seek extended times of prayer and communion with God. 4. You're Just Copying What Works Elsewhere Are you reacting to popularity or listening for purpose? While borrowing methods isn't inherently bad, exclusively copying other successful ministries without discerning God's unique call for your context can lead to an inauthentic and less impactful ministry. Ryne shared the "cutting the ends off the roast" analogy – doing things simply because they've always been done that way, or because someone else does them, can stifle true innovation and purpose. Action Steps: Ask "Why" for Every Activity: Go through your weekly activities and programs and genuinely ask why you do each one. Are they serving your unique mission? Embrace Your Ministry's Uniqueness: What is God uniquely positioning your church and youth ministry to do? Are you reaching an overlooked group or addressing a specific need in your community? Utilize Spiritual Assessments: Tools like the "four-tier assessment" can help you measure spiritual growth in your students. This helps determine if what you're doing is actually working and aligning with your goals, rather than just copying a trend. 5. You've Lowered the Bar Just to Keep Them Coming This warning sign manifests in various ways, from avoiding discipline with disruptive students to shying away from deeper biblical truths to attract more people. Lowering the bar not only alienates serious students but also communicates a lack of vision for growth. Just as you wouldn't use "baby talk" with a child forever, you shouldn't "dumb down" biblical truth. Action Steps: Define and Uphold Your Standards: Clearly articulate the behavioral and spiritual expectations for your ministry. Prioritize Growth Over Popularity: Focus on discipleship and challenging students to grow in their faith, even if it means a smaller initial attendance. Address Issues Directly: Don't avoid difficult conversations or disciplinary actions, as this can lead to a loss of respect from other students. If any of these warning signs resonate with you, it's a sign to pause, pray, and re-evaluate. Remember, God has a unique purpose for your ministry, and by addressing these areas, you can lead a more vibrant, effective, and fulfilling youth ministry. Which of these warning signs hits closest to home for you, and what's one small step you can take this week to address it?

5 Youth Ministry Myths YOU Probably Believe

By Ellen Hembree • July 1, 2025

Five Youth Ministry Myths Busted: Unpacking Hidden Assumptions for Deeper Student Growth Check out the podcast here . For years, many of us in youth ministry have held onto certain "truths" that seemed foundational. But what if these deeply ingrained beliefs are actually hindering the spiritual growth, leadership, and impact of our students? In this post, inspired by a recent discussion with Ryne , we're diving into five common youth ministry myths that might be negatively impacting your work and revealing the liberating truths behind them. Myth 1: Students are the Church of Tomorrow This is a common refrain, but it's a limiting one. While students certainly will lead the church in the future, the more critical truth is that students are the church of today . This isn't just about giving them roles; it's about recognizing the Holy Spirit's immediate work in their lives. As Ryne highlighted, there's "no junior Holy Spirit." A seven-year-old who trusts Christ has the same Spirit living within them as any adult. Think of King Josiah, who began his reign at just eight years old and became one of Israel's most faithful kings. Or consider Jesus's instruction to "let the little children come to me, for such as the kingdom of heaven." If our primary goal is to make disciples, and we know that most people make a decision for Christ during their youth, then investing heavily in kids and student ministry isn't just a good idea—it's essential for the church's health now and in the future. We need to equip them to be the church today, not just someday. Myth 2: You Need a Large Youth Group to Make a Difference Many youth pastors feel the pressure to grow their numbers, believing that a larger group equates to greater impact. However, this is a pervasive myth. The reality is that God moves through the faithful, not necessarily the large groups . The average youth group size is often cited as around 12—a number with some interesting biblical parallels! Think of the impactful stories of D.L. Moody and Billy Graham, both of whom were led to the Lord by Sunday school teachers with only a handful of students. David Livingstone, the missionary, saw only one convert in his lifetime of faithful service, yet his groundwork laid the foundation for widespread Christianity across Sub-Saharan Africa. God's increase may not always be visible in your lifetime, but faithfulness in the small things often yields exponential, unseen results. Myth 3: Students Need More Theology Before Being Used This myth suggests that students need to accumulate a vast amount of biblical knowledge or attend countless classes before they can truly live out their faith or share the Gospel. The liberating truth is: If they know enough to believe, they know enough to share. Consider the woman at the well, who immediately went to tell her town about Jesus after their conversation, or Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, whose encounter in a chariot led to the spread of the Gospel in Ethiopia. Even the slave girl who told Naaman about Elijah—she had "bad theology" in the sense that it was God, not Elijah, who could heal him, yet her simple faith led to Naaman finding God. When students are encouraged to share their faith, even with incomplete knowledge, it often deepens their dependence on the Lord and prompts them to seek answers to questions they didn't even know they had. Students, especially those in public schools, are surrounded by thousands of peers daily—a mission field far larger than most adults encounter regularly. Leveraging this time for them to share their faith can lead to incredible growth and impact. Myth 4: Youth Ministry Success Equals Church Attendance After Graduation While we certainly desire for students to remain connected to the local church after they graduate, measuring youth ministry success solely by post-graduation attendance is a false metric. The true goal is lifelong transformation and a genuine commitment to living for Christ. Studies have even suggested that a significant portion of regular churchgoers may not have a true relationship with Christ. The church isn't successful when it's full; it's successful when it's faithful. Our aim isn't to create lifelong "consumers" of church services, but to equip students to be active, growing, and serving members of the local body of Christ. Are they serving? Are they growing spiritually? These are better indicators of lifelong transformation than mere retention. Myth 5: Students Don't Want Authority In an increasingly uncertain world, it's a myth that students inherently reject authority. In reality, they crave guidance . What they reject is hypocrisy. Post-COVID studies revealed a significant decline in trust in institutions like government and healthcare, but one group that maintained high trust among teens was "elders"—those older than them. Students are looking for authentic, relational authority figures who will speak truth to them, even if it's challenging or uncomfortable. They want to know what's true, and they will flock to those who are willing to share it with love and integrity. These five myths have perhaps been unknowingly shaping our approaches to youth ministry. By shifting our perspective and embracing these truths, we can better equip and empower our students for genuine spiritual growth and impactful lives for Christ, today. What myths have you believed that have been busted in your ministry journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!