Summary

This training video features Aaron and Jordan discussing seven essential principles for effective preaching in youth ministry. The conversation focuses on moving beyond creating an emotional experience to developing a comprehensive approach to discipleship through preaching. The speakers emphasize the importance of using scripture as an anchor, telling stories, and ultimately pointing students to Jesus. They provide practical advice for youth pastors and leaders who want to improve their communication and spiritual impact. The goal is to help youth leaders develop a more intentional and transformative approach to preaching.

Main Points

Preaching as Discipleship

Preaching should be viewed as a long-term discipleship process, not just a weekly emotional experience. Leaders should think about the entire year's spiritual journey, ensuring a balanced approach to teaching. The focus is on faithfully teaching scripture over time, recognizing that students may not remember specific sermons but will be shaped by consistent, thoughtful teaching. This approach moves beyond trying to create dramatic emotional responses to providing substantive spiritual growth.

Scripture as the Anchor

Use scripture as the primary foundation of your message, avoiding the temptation to preach around personal ideas or cultural trends. Aim to teach students how to read and understand the Bible themselves, rather than creating messages that sound impressive but lack biblical depth. Stay focused on a specific passage, illustrating and explaining it thoroughly. The goal is to help students become biblically literate and understand God's word for themselves.

Storytelling and Practical Application

Incorporate personal stories and practical illustrations that help students connect with the message emotionally and intellectually. Humans are naturally drawn to stories, and they can be powerful tools for communicating spiritual truths. Be vulnerable, share personal struggles, and show how the message applies to real life. Use stories to re-engage students and make the message more memorable and impactful.

Preach Jesus, Not Moralism

Ensure that Jesus is the hero of every message, even when preaching from the Old Testament. Avoid reducing messages to mere moral lessons or behavior modification. The gospel should be central, with every message pointing to Christ's death and resurrection. If Jesus doesn't need to be part of the message, it needs to be rethought. The ultimate goal is to lift up Jesus so people see Him more clearly and love Him more deeply.

Action Items

• Develop a yearly preaching plan that provides a balanced spiritual diet

• Practice storytelling and incorporate personal, vulnerable illustrations

• Ensure every message points to Jesus and the gospel

• Create intentional response times after messages

• Be yourself and develop your unique preaching voice