When you prep your talk, think about three audiences in your youth group. It doesn’t matter if they’re all actually in the room or not—thinking about them will prepare you for when they are.
As you look to an application of your talk, consider these three people in the crowd:
The “So What?” Student
When you’re working on your talk, be sure to address the non-believing or seeking students in the audience. Share the Gospel with them. Invite them into a relationship with Christ, or at least back to hear more about the Jesus you spoke about tonight.
Invite them to process what they’ve heard and let them know you’d be happy to address any questions or concerns they might have as they think about whether what you’ve shared is relevant to their world.
The “So-So” Student
Don’t forget about the lukewarm or apathetic student in your group either. As you turn toward application, think of steps big and small they could take to get back on track. Gently nudge them toward Jesus and invite them to a closer relationship with Him.
The “Sold-Out” Student
In every youth group you’ve got students who are on the right path—compliment them for the way they’re following the teachings in the message you just gave. Ask them to celebrate what God is doing in that area. Challenge them to stay on the right path and continue their faithfulness to Christ.
Are we missing anyone else? Who else is out there in the group you should think about as a communicator?
