Post-election Youth Conversations
Remember that the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 starts out with a great truth, “Our Father, which art in Heaven…” Not Washington, Silicon Valley, or New York City. God is in control through all of our decisions.
We are all consumed with Election 2020 in America. But what is next? I’m writing this before the final election results because I believe these principles apply whether you “won or lost“.
It is no secret that the youth vote showed up the last 4 years in our elections. A 3.5% increase in the general election is the great increase in voter turnout of any generational set in history. This is significant because it means they will have a say in all of the elections and the issues moving forward. Which is why there is even more of an emphasis upon reaching the NXT Gen with the gospel!
As a youth leader, you must be comfortable with the Election and the political conversations from a variety of views. Do not simply rely on your upbringing and personal ethic. Be educated on the viewpoints of each party. Study the platforms and the issues in government. That way you will be able to lead young people from a holistic perspective and not from a narrow one.
If you are a youth leader, here are four conversations to have with young people:
1. There is more to life than an election
I’m pretty sure most of us agree with this. And it must be said that as a democratic society we all win in a free country, even if your party did not win the Election.
But looking at the frenzy around our elections in America, it may not seem like it.
Helping students see there is more to their life than politics and government will help them focus on the day-to-day.
It can be consuming when all of culture stops for six months and focuses on this, but, a healthy balanced perspective can broaden their thinking and help young people to look at the bigger picture.
Questions:
What are the outcomes from an election? Are there other things that you are concerned about? Have you talked to your parents about the election? What is next and how do we talk about that?
2. Process the Election (and every issue) with a diverse group of people - age, race, economic, geographic, and politically diverse groups
There is a university of learning in relationships. One of the things I have tried to do with young people is to get them processing their thoughts and feelings with a broad spectrum of people.
Why is this important? Primarily because there is so much we can learn from each other.
There is a university of learning in relationships. It is not enough to spend all of our time with peers.
It is not enough to spend all of our time with older or younger circles. We need a variety of perspectives from our relationships.
I have found it refreshing to hear from my international friends personally, and, to read their support and comments on social media. The global conversation is very enlightening and offers a different perspective than we are used to.
Questions:
How much time are you spending with peers? How much time are you spending with diverse groups (age, race, economic, geographic, and political)? Who are the diverse group of people in your life?
3. Listen
Every youth leader must learn to listen to their students. When young people talk it helps them release anxiety, stress, confusion, and fear. Spoken words are the best way to clear the mind and the heart and it refreshes the entire nervous system.
Youth ministry must be a place to express yourself and your views.
Young people are opinionated and will process their beliefs through talking. When they use their words they are formulating their ethic out loud! Let them feel safe to have dangerous conversations about all kinds of topics - politics, sexuality, the future, or theology.
It is then, when they are talking, that you can guide them to a biblical worldview and help them think Christian.
I have also learned that when I listen to young people, often, they are answering their own questions as they process and talk! They really are perceptive and savvy. When I listen to them I will encourage them and use their own words to show they are doing well on their way to answers.
Questions:
Ask them to repeat something they said by saying, “That was good, what did you say? Could you say that again?” I loved what you said about that. Would you expound on that?
4. Value every person and their views
Sometimes you can feel like you are compromising if you give someone time and energy in a conversation and listen to their views. Maybe you want to get your point across, correct them, and make a statement right after they are finished talking.
Refuse to think or to act this way.
I learned a valuable lesson many years ago that I would never win an argument and lose a friendship. I believe we can win both the argument and the relationship with conviction to our beliefs and respect of people. It’s not about one or the other.
Questions:
What can I agree on? Is there something someone said in a conversation that is common ground to both of us that we can spend more time on? I am intrigued by what you said, where did you learn that from? I’ve never thought of that perspective, can you explain that again?
Finally
Remember that the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 starts out with a great truth, “Our Father, which art in Heaven…” Not Washington, Silicon Valley, or New York City. God is in control through all of our decisions.
All of these conversations must be done with respect and honor. And ultimately with submission. Romans 13 is very clear about this.
Make it a point as a youth leader to have an understanding of the times and to know what to do. The more you are able to discuss the issues the more able you will be to engage all of your students in this conversation.