Emowering Evangelism- by Bishop Chad Fickett

Summer 2024 ISSUE | 4 minute read

Effective Strategies for Student Outreach

Reaching out to lost students and guiding them toward a personal relationship with Christ should be the underlying mission of every student ministry in our churches. In a 2020 publication by One Hope, called the “Global Youth Culture Report," they listed several stats that should alarm us as a church and make us take notice, for example:

•       1 in 6 people on the earth right now are teenagers.

•       2 out of every 5 teens in the U.S. claim no religion

•       35% of teens in the U.S. reported having suicidal thoughts in the past 3 months.

So, as you can see, the harvest among students is great. Jesus' declaration to the disciples in Matthew 9:37, should echo in our hearts today, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

In youth work, it is easy to forget that many students in your community have little or no knowledge of who Christ is or that He died for them. As a church, we have a responsibility to reach out to those students who are lost and searching for hope. Here are a few strategies to effectively engage with and impact the lives of students who are far from Christ.

Build Authentic Relationships

One of the most crucial steps in reaching lost students is to establish authentic relationships with them. Take the time to genuinely get to know them, their interests, and their struggles. Go to their games and show up at their schools for the big days. Show them that you care and are genuinely interested in their well-being. Be present in their lives and create opportunities for open conversations about faith.

Communicate Effectively

When sharing the message of Christ with students, it is essential to communicate in a way that is relevant and relatable to their lives. Without effective communication, you are destined for frustration and failure. Use language and examples that they can understand and connect with. Consider utilizing pop culture references, personal testimonies, or stories that will relate with their experiences.

Show Love and Compassion

As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate His love and compassion to those around us. This principle holds true when reaching out to lost students. Show them kindness, understanding, and empathy. Be patient with them as they navigate their spiritual journey, and be willing to walk alongside them through their doubts and questions. We don’t have the power to save them, but God can.

Introduce Biblical Truths

While building relationships and showing love are essential, it is equally important to introduce students to biblical truths. Share the gospel message in a way that speaks to their individual needs and challenges. Use relevant Bible passages and provide answers to their pressing questions about faith, God, and life's purpose. Teach them how to read the Bible and how to pray; and answer questions they may have.

Pray

Prayer is the greatest thing you can do to reach lost students for Christ. Seek God's guidance and wisdom as you interact with them. Prayer changes things — even our students. When was the last time you prayed for students in your church during the main service? Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. Reach out to older leaders in the church and start a prayer group for these students, believing that God will transform their lives.

Reaching lost students for Christ requires us to be intentional. We can do that by building authentic relationships, communicating effectively, showing love and compassion, introducing biblical truths, and, most of all, by praying for them. I believe we can effectively engage with and impact the lives of students who are far from Christ. Let us embrace the harvest of lost students and be the laborers Christ needs, leading lost students toward a life-transforming encounter with Him.

Bishop Chad Fickett
Youth & Discipleship Director
Virginia Church of God State Office