Tackling Tough Topics
Recently, in my article “Common Pitfalls To Avoid In Young Adult Ministry”, I touched on the idea that so many leaders are fearful and avoid necessary conversations. The stakes are really high when we do this. If we avoid topics that are uncomfortable for some, controversial for others, or flat out challenging to approach – the next generation is going to, and rightfully so, avoid us. Instead, if we are willing to rise up to the occasion, I find that every time we do, young adults are willing and ready to rise up as well.
I will also say here that not every trending hashtag needs your contribution on social media. In addition, some topics are better approached in a dialogue of a conversation rather than a sweeping statement or stance in a sermon.
Why do many leaders avoid these conversations and topics? Why should we prioritize them? How can we do this? I hope to cover each of these questions and begin by sharing three ways to tackle tough topics:
· Tether your teaching to truth.
Jesus is our model. He addressed even the most untouchable of topics. It’s said about Jesus that he taught as one with authority (see Matthew 7:29). It might be awkward, but you don’t have to be afraid. You don’t have to do it alone either — Jesus taught as one with authority in biblical truth.
Anchor to the Word of God. Stick with the scriptures over your own thoughts, ideas, and experiences. You don’t have to come up with the ideas, we are simply called to preach what God already wrote in the bible. The beautiful thing about staying true to the word is it’s not your opinion, your stories, or your experiences – this is the very word of God.
Prophetic messages weren’t always popular or well received, and that didn’t mean they weren’t important or true. Understand the stakes: if you don’t talk about it— Netflix will. We have the incredible opportunity to not simply skim through, but to actually lean into tough topics and face them head on! This is part of stewardship as a leader: being faithful to the word of God.
Biblical literacy is at an all-time low and that makes this cultural moment for pastors and Christian leaders a crucial one. According to Barna Group’s most up-to-date statistic on those born in years 1999-2015 (who make up Generation Z) only 4% of them have a biblical worldview. We live in a day and age where it’s more common that culturally someone could quote all of the lyrics to all 10 top 10 songs than they would know the 10 commandments.
I really believe this validates the calling of those who sense God’s hand on their life to preach and proclaim the gospel. Especially those who are working with youth, college students, and young adults. Not everyone in America has heard of the name of Jesus and not everyone knows what the Bible says.
Practical:
o Study the Bible above all else! Know the truth.
o Do your due diligence on all sides of thought before writing messages.
o Robby Gallaty has a resource on text driven preaching that has benefitted me greatly! His emphasis is on preaching the meaning from what scripture says, not taking this out of context and adding in meaning.
o Read old, dead guys (what I mean by this is authors who are no longer living like C.S. Lewis, Eugene Peterson, Dallas Willard, etc.)
o Have conversations with people who believe differently than you. This helps you be more informed!
o Become an avid reader!
· Theology is timeless. Trends are transient.
I love what A.W. Tozer said in regard to theology: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Similarly, Dr. Charles Stanley speaks truth when he says: “The most important thing in the world is your personal relationships with Jesus!” Not only does theology helps us tackle tough topics, but also to know God, become more self-aware, understand life, and interact with people around us.
Trends on the other hand are transient. Look at fashion, technology, media, social media, entertainment. They are always changing. People go to great lengths spending a lot of time, energy, effort, and money to try to stay current with trends. For those who teach what is trending, my only question for you is what happens when the trends change? What do you teach then?
Isaiah 40:8 says it perfectly: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." This shows us that truth is timeless and trustworthy. The word of God never returns void, there’s no shortage of subject to teach, and you’ll never go wrong sharing scripture!
Foundationally, every person who wants to follow Christ, lead themselves, and potentially lead others well, should be able to answer at minimum the following questions:
1. What do you believe?
2. Why do you believe what you believe?
I’m reminded of what Jesus taught there was a wise and a foolish builder. One used a foundation of sand, the other used a foundation of rock. Sand is a lot like trends – its seasonal and shifting. Tossed about by every wind and wave. The rock on the other hand is a lot like theology – safe, sturdy, steady, and secure.
Before we teach or lead others, it is imperative that we learn first, and lead ourselves first. Things like prayer, quiet times, reading and memorizing scripture, listening to worship music, journaling are vital for a vibrant spiritual life and walk with Jesus. And then, we teach things not because they are trendy, but because Jesus taught us truth. Christ’s teachings are true and trustworthy.
I remember asking Levi Lusko about this one time during a conversation and I’ll never forget his response: “The word of God doesn’t need to be updated, it just needs to be communicated!” Pastor Levi, by the way I believe is a great example of someone who shares timeless and resilient truths in a tasteful and relevant way.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
· Talk about them often.
One of the interesting things about the gospel is it is consistent and repeated. What I mean is we have four eyewitness accounts. Each of these are congruent. They all point to Christ as the savior who suffered for our sins.
The myth is that if we talk about it once – we’re good now. We don’t need to exhaust these subjects either, but we do need to regularly visit them! We need to be reminded. Just like the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
People are at different places on their discipleship journey. Some are first time visitors checking things out, others are new believers, still others have been in church every Sunday as far back as they can remember. This is why it’s critical to revisit life topics.
Tough Topics:
o Mental Health
o Race
o Gender
o Money
o Politics
o Purity, Relationships, & Sex
o Work/Calling
o Adulting
o AND MORE!
I often hear young people share how college taught them how to function as an adult and their church never did! And this is why so many are leaving the faith.
All in all, scripture teaches about everything we could possibly walk through in life. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to share the transformative message of Jesus. Are we making the most of this opportunity? When we make the most of this opportunity – the reward is eternal! When we miss this opportunity – the cost is high. It takes discipline, getting uncomfortable, facing the messy – often confronting it first in our own lives and this makes such a difference in the lives of the next generation!
So begin today with a personal inventory of tough topics in your own life!