I love teen camps. I especially love preaching at teen camps. This summer, I had the privilege of preaching in 5 different camps and, in my opinion, it was an epic summer of ministry.  Here is what I have observed:

1. Teens are searching and hurting and the reasons vary greatly.  Families are falling apart and each week I talked and prayed with teens who are from broken homes and who are part of broken families.  Internet porn is a problem for so many, and most of them never intended for it to be so.  It was just curiosity about the “facts of life.”  Or just a random discovery. Or a legitimate search that ended badly.  Many teens are discouraged and depressed but don’t know why.  Many have never had a job and have never really had to work.  Combine that with a continual bombardment of negativity (everything from CRT to transgenderism to distracted parents to cynical pastors) and our teens are left feeling uncertain and uneasy about both the present and the future.  They need our prayers. They need clear and simple and specific teaching and preaching.  They need our patience. 

2. Teens are willing to listen to and respond to preaching. More than once this summer I preached 45-50 minutes.  Over and over again teens listened respectfully and I watched as many took notes and examined references. They accept preaching that applies the Bible to real life. They are willing to consider what the Bible says and how it applies to their lives.  This is true whether it is regarding broken families, modesty, sexuality, video games, friends, alcohol, or another number of other issues.  We must never stop depending on the truth of the Bible.  Preach it. Teach it. Talk about it.  Apply it!  God’s Word always works.

3. Teens are willing to respond to preaching – genuine truth presented clearly and with love.  This is something I have long enjoyed.  Teens will not only listen, but will respond to preaching when given the chance.  They are longing to “taste and see that the Lord is gracious.”  They are longing to hear God’s voice and to sense His presence.  They want to think and be challenged to consider.   I have seen hundreds of teens respond to preaching this summer.  Many have met with counselors who loved them, prayed with them, and helped them to practically apply God’s Word to their life.  Many have knelt and wept tears of repentance. Others have knelt and dedicated themselves to live for God.  I have seen teens kneel with their peers and pray for each other.  I have witnessed many coming to faith in Christ as well!  Preach to them and encourage them to respond.  They will!

4. Teens are wanting authentic Christianity.  They want to know if I am real. They want to know what my family is like. They want to know if I will listen to their questions and answer them honestly and kindly.  They want to know if following Christ is worth it.  They want to live for something bigger than themselves. They want someone to show them Christ!  Remember when the Apostle Paul said that Timothy knew “his doctrine and his manner of life?”  I believe our doctrine is essential, but I also believe that our manner of life is as well.  Teens respond to doctrine that is backed up by our manner of life.  So be real as you work with teens. Live Christianity and let them see you doing so in real time.  They will know!  And it will make a difference in their lives. 

5. God is on the move among this generation.   I am happy to report to you that God is working in this generation. They aren’t like mine. They have more video games than they can play. They have more humor than they care to handle.  They are dealing with porn – thanks to the internet.  They have parents who are often casual Christians.  And the list can go on and on.  However, they want God.  They want truth. They want to think and understand. They are not just wanting that which is right — they want that which is better. And God is meeting with them and leading them and working in their hearts and lives to give them something better than the world is offering them. And genuine Christianity is just that isn’t it?  It is better!  Serving Jesus Christ is far better than serving sin.  Walking in purity and saving sex for the one whom I will marry and with who I shall grow old is far better than Hollywood’s version of relationships.  Living for something bigger than “me” is far better.  Knowing truth is far better than living the lies of our culture.  Learning to work and to invest time in something valuable is far better than the complacent laziness that surrounds us!  

I am thankful for the privilege to preach to so many teens.  It is one of the great honors of my life.  My friend and mentor, Dr. Jim Schettler, posted on Facebook this week about his summer of ministry to teens as well.  He commented on the food (it “has sure improved”), gave a shout-out to all the counselors who served at great sacrifice, and ended his post by saying “REVIVAL IS COMING!!! Never have I preached to young people who are as hungry for God, honest about themselves and humble to respond.”  I agree.  Let’s pray together for that revival to come!

Thanks for reading.

Your sincere friend,

Dave Young