A youth pastor that I’m coaching was surprised last week when new students showed up at his Wednesday night event. But he shouldn’t have surprised.

What we’re finding is that as churches are reopening, new students are showing up. Maybe they were invited by a friend, maybe they have questions about God, or maybe they just want to get out of the house.

Whatever the reason, new students are showing up as churches are reopening.


Also, students who haven’t been around in a while are also showing up. They’ve been distracted or disengaged, or just busy with other things. But now they’re back. Maybe they’re hungry for community and connection. Maybe they have also questions about God, like “Where is God in all of this?”

For all sorts of reasons, students who haven’t been around in a while are also showing up.

What to expect…

Now, when you reopen, you need to expect to have students you’ve never met to show up. And also, there will be students who you haven’t seen in quite a while.

Because of that, you need to plan your messages accordingly. In any group of students, some will be skeptical about faith, some will be struggling with their faith, and others will be strong in their faith.

So, when you plan and prepare your message, and ultimately deliver it, you have to bend the application of it toward each of those types of students. You have to assume they’re in the room.

How to address different types of students

Watch the video to find out how to do that…

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Trevor Hamaker

Trevor Hamaker (DMin, McAfee School of Theology) is an author, adjunct professor, and youth ministry coach. He helps youth pastors see their potential, develop their skills, and reach their goals.

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