Neither of us have very dramatic testimonies.
We never did drugs (although Doug smoked a straw in 5th grade pretending it was a cigarette).
We were never addicted to alcohol (Diet Coke is another topic).
We aren’t cat burglars (Matt would consider it if he was flexible enough).
We’ve never smuggled ferrets into the country.
We don’t have tattoos we… regret.
The only time we’ve been in trouble with the law is traffic violations.
While our past isn’t dramatic, we’ve both had our share of pain and tragedy, but not anything wild enough to give trigger one’s testimony envy.
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Help your students discover a love for scripture with the One Minute Bible for
students by Doug Fields.
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Many youth workers are similar to us and every once in a while we connect with a teenager who we simply can’t relate to the issue(s) they’re facing. We can relate to a lot, but also feel clueless about the particular issue they are facing. If you can relate, here are a few of our thoughts for when you feel like this:
DON’T COUNT YOURSELF OUT
Neither of us have dramatic testimonies, but we do have powerful stories of transformation and how Jesus made all things new. Every changed life is a powerful testimony. Struggling against and finding freedom against something like anger or pride is just as important as resisting the temptation to stab someone in prison. We are all on a journey to become more like Jesus, and we each have something to share. Be reminded that wisdom makes a deeper, longer lasting, impact than a flashy sin story. Stories may appease a voyeuristic crowd, but they don’t always penetrate hearts.
LOOK FOR THE CONNECTIONS
Take a deep look on the inside and see what you can learn from how God has moved in your life and heart. When you pause to reflect, you can gain a better understanding will leads to better ministry. Maybe you’ve never felt the urge to cut yourself with a blade, but have you ever felt so numb that you needed to feel something? Has your life ever been so out of control that you just needed to exert some kind of influence over anything? Not all cutters are the same, but there are common motives that drive this behavior that you might be able to relate to.
IGNORE THE “YES, BUT…”
As you minister to a teenager, you may be tempted to make a clarifying comment, that instead of helping with simply throw up a wall. For example, you might say something like, “Yes I have felt totally out of control, but I’d never taken it THAT far and cut myself with a blade.” You’re probably right, but that comment is worthless if you want to play a care and helping role. Your goal is to do something about your cluelessness, so after you’ve found your common connection (“I can relate to feeling out of control”), don’t discount it as irrelevant—it means you’re on your way to understanding.
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Help your students discover a love for scripture with the One Minute Bible for
students by Doug Fields.
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LEARN MORE
Do a little reading and learn more about the issue the teenager is facing. Learn from the experience of others so you can gather additional wisdom in your attempt to minister.
We’re not suggesting that every person is fully equipped to help any teenager with any problem. You may need help and the best way to help is to connect your student with someone else–that’s ok! Our encouragement is for you not to throw in the towel and give up simply because you can’t relate to their exact type of pain.