How to lead a church youth group with teens that are not interesed?

Lydia C: How to lead a church youth group with teens that are not interesed?
I just have been appointed to lead a church youth group. Basically, every sunday i need to teach them a lesson. However, I don’t know how to get throug to them. They all are forced to come and all don’t really care for church whatsoever. Any suggestions on the approach I should take or what lessons I should teach first? They all grew up in the church and know the basics, they just don’t want anything to do with church and christianity anymore. all teens too.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Arrogant Bastard Ale
Wet t-shirt contests ought to up participation.

Answer by Nate
Start by telling them they’re all terrible people and are going to hell unless they listen. Its what mine tried

Answer by John
With teenagers, you have to find a way to make it seem relevant to them. If they don’t think it matters in their daily life, they won’t care.

And yes there are lots of trolls on this site. Don’t feed them. They may go away at some point, who knows?

Answer by Nikonf5
The phrase ‘Farting against thunder’ comes to mind.

Answer by morporc
Choose a Bible story and get them to all work together on turning it into a play, where they can all have roles. Many teens distrust religion, but they are almost all enthusiastic about self-expression.

Talk to them about whether they want to develop the play by conventional scripting, or if they would prefer a theatre workshop approach (where the roles are decided and then the principal characters improvise their part – of course there will need to be someone to lick it into shape at the end).

When I work with youth groups I find Genesis 19 is always a popular place to start.

Answer by ?
Forget it, it´s hopeless.

Unless…

I just thought of a way, but I will not tell you, because it might actually work. But that would constitute treason, since I actually do not approve of indoctrinating teens.

Answer by Rev. Doc Holidaygotsusupended
Think in terms of fishing- you have to figure out what bait will catch them Christian Rock band (live in the sanctuary)
Food – pizza and mountain do
Study- break down the scripture into modern language ( recommend a Bible called The Book)
Make a jeopardy game out of the lesson- have door prizes available-
cd’s
teen dvotionals
coupounbs for local pizza places
I am throwing these out there to get you to think!

Answer by crystalwilson74
I think it is important to find out why they are not interested…….. you can do a questionaire and tell them NOT to put a name on it when they turn it in………This way they are free to say what they feel and that will help you with your next step.

Good luck.

Answer by April P
Try to make it fun for you and them. Watch a portion of a movie and then have a discussion about how it relates to a teaching in the Bible. Have an open debate. Then even if they hate coming they may participate. Have snacks and try not to shove anything down their throat. They may or may not find their way to Jesus(particularly as teenagers) but at least you can give them some good memories of bonding by providing a good atmosphere in your class.

Answer by Don
Lydia, no one can help you there. If you are a believer God picked you as Ephesians 1:4 tells us and it is He who reveals Himself to us. It took me much frustration to learn this. But just as you had your time they will have their time, for the one’s that He wants He will chasten to get their attention, at least that is what He did to get my attention. God Bless you and maybe out of 100 teens your teaching will reach one, thats the one God wanted.

Answer by MAGNANAKAW
YOU HAVE TO JOIN THEM AND HAVE A REAL LIFE.
YOU ARE MISSING A LOT.

Answer by Jeff R
If they don’t want to go to church then religion or Christianity is something they are not interested. They have to be interested in the bible if you want anything to effectively get through to them. Try doing what they want to do for a couple weeks and approve of something they want that is appropriate for Sunday School. Even if it relates to other religions. Find something that you can relate to a Christian philosophy or that relates to God. Try exposing them to other Christian churches such as Unitarianism or expose them to the theory of universal salvation. Also, you could to physical recreation at the time of Sunday school because a strong body supports a strong mind and if it’s to crowded have them prepare a religious meal for cooking or try stretching and other classroom appropriate exercises.

Good luck