There is one question that must be answered to engage teenagers with their Christian faith: “So what?”

If you have a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with teenagers and young adults, I am writing to you. I have spent the last decade sharing the gospel with young people in an environment of spiritual formation. Not systematic theology. Not religious performance. Not scriptural memorization. Christian formation…teaching, motivating, and encouraging discipleship in the Way of Jesus Christ.

For me, the purpose of “youth group” in a ministry setting is based on seeking a transformational relationship with Jesus that leads to abundant salvation life and faith in God’s promises. Our youth fellowship ministry was never meant to replace church attendance and congregational life. It does not intend to fulfill the teaching of doctrines, denominational expectations, or theological education; we are blessed with ministers, confirmation classes, and Sunday school teachers for those lessons — and they are all necessary! But know is not enough. Jesus calls us to die to our old life and be born again from above…to know our Savior and follow him.

I believe the key to unlocking this faith relationship with Jesus Christ lies in answering one key question for our youth: “So what?” Read scripture, use illustrations, discuss, share, and teach…but unless there is a clear and accessible answer to, “so why does this matter to me?” you will fail.

In sharing our youth fellowship plans, I am hoping that others may be blessed by a program of spiritual formation in the image of Christ that will bear fruit in your youth ministry. Feel free to take, edit, and share! My only request is that you share this resource with others who share our passion for youth ministry and the spiritual development of young disciples of Jesus.

This series of lessons will cover seven lessons. We used this for our youth fellowship in the fall of 2025 and the focus is benefits of Christianity for youth…but it certainly applies to all Christians seeking a closer walk with the Lord.

FORMAT: Our youth fellowship meets on Wednesday evenings with dinner at 6:30 pm followed by a game/activity before retiring to our room upstairs for the lesson, discussion, sharing, and prayer. This is an overview of the material for the semester. In these lessons we don’t just offer Jesus as a solution to young people’s problems, but a Savior who offers grace, forgiveness of sin, and salvation from our brokenness and sin.

1. A Foundation for Identity

“Who am I?” In a world of shifting trends, peer pressures, and comparisons, Christianity offers a foundation of identity: You are a beloved child of God. It’s not dependent on looks, grades, athletic ability, or popularity. We desire an anchor of worth that doesn’t rise and fall with circumstances, or the opinions of others.

Galatians 2:20 2 Corinthians 5:17

2. A Moral Compass

Teens and young adults face many crossroads — career, relationships, morality, belonging. Christianity isn’t a scripted manual for living, but it does provide a moral compass and guiding principles for making choices and decisions: honesty, respect, forgiveness, responsibility, humility (righteousness vs being “good”). A clear ethical framework helps us navigate tough choices…with less confusion and regret.

1 Timothy 4:12 Galatians 5:22–23

3. A Community to Belong To

Many young people struggle with loneliness and the need to belong. Christianity places them in a community that crosses age, background, and cultural boundaries. Churches, youth groups, and Christian friendships can provide mentors, encouragement, accountability, and real support networks — things young people desperately need in an age of digital “connection”…but real isolation IRL.

Hebrews 10:24–25 John 13:34–35

4. A Source of Hope and Resilience

Life can be tough — academic failure, rejection, broken families, mental health struggles, and social pressures. Christianity gives a vision of hope: that suffering isn’t meaningless, that forgiveness is possible, and that brokenness can be healed. Believing in a God who creates good out of hardship fosters resilience. Young people with faith often find they can face challenges with greater courage.

John 16:33 James 1:2–4

5. A Call to Purpose

More than simple success, most of us want significance. Christianity gives us a mission beyond self — serving others, seeking justice, spreading love, making peace. This turns our efforts outward in constructive ways and helps us feel our life matters. Many of life’s most successful people began their work based on a faith that gave them a vision larger than themselves.

Philippians 2:1–4 Ephesians 2:10

6. A Healthy Alternative Lifestyle

Modern culture often pressures young people toward consumerism, instant gratification, self-image obsession (idolatry). Christianity challenges them to live differently according to the gospel’s upside-down priorities: to slow down, practice gratitude, value character over appearance, and invest in eternal things. It can be a healthy “resistance movement” against destructive cultural habits.

Romans 12:2 John 15:18–19

7. An Answer to Ultimate Questions

At some point, every young person asks: Why am I here? What’s the point? What happens after I die? Christianity offers coherent answers to life’s most profound questions. Even if they wrestle with doubts, faith provides a framework to explore these questions of ultimate truth meaningfully instead of ignoring them.

James 1:5–6 John 8:32

Christianity gives young people identity, direction, community, hope, purpose, resilience, and direction. It doesn’t remove life’s challenges, but it equips them to face those challenges with faith, strength, and love.

I hope this series of youth groups lessons is useful in your ministry! Please share your thoughts, questions, critiques, and any other feedback.

Peace and grace from God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.