As ministry leaders, we do what we do because we want to give kids and teenagers hope.
But, what does it mean to give hope?
Maybe hope feels different to different people because people are different.
You know, as ministry leaders, the key to the hope we have is the Gospel.
We understand that the Gospel translated means “good news.”
But, as we prepare to share with kids and teenagers this Easter season, we need to wrestle with these questions, “How does the Good News connect to their situation? How does it matter to them?”
To say it another way . . .
why is the Gospel good news?
Paul shares . . .
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the Gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-32 NIV
If you want the Good News to sound like good news, you need to understand why it’s good news for everyone.
One way to better understand people is to understand five world views that influence how people see the world. These world views also help us answer five questions.
What is the problem they see in the world?
How does this person feel?
Who is Jesus to this person?
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
How does this give hope?
Let’s unpack the five world views:
1. Separation & Reunion
What is the problem?
The problem is isolation and abandonment. There is this feeling that you are separated.
How does this person feel?
Someone with this world view feels like an orphan and experiences longing for more.
Who is Jesus to this person?
Jesus is the One who leads you home. In Jesus we find ultimate belonging and He will never leave us or forsake us. There is so much safety in the person of Jesus.
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
When Jesus died the veil was torn illustrating that we are no longer separated from the Creator. We can have ultimate belonging and closeness to God.
How does this give hope?
Because you know that God prepared for us in advance to be adopted into the family of God through the person of Jesus.
2. Conflict & Vindication
What is the problem?
Oppression. Someone with this world view sees the abuse of power in the world and how oppressive systems have persisted.
How does this person feel?
Someone with this world view feels angry and is ready for a revolution. They feel like a warrior who wants to bring about change.
Who is Jesus to this person?
Jesus is the Messiah and Liberator. Jesus understood oppression and came to make things right.
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
Jesus came from the inconsequential town of Nazareth to topple the system and defeat the oppressor.
How does this give hope?
There is a new Kingdom and a new Earth. In the new Kingdom the last will go first and the first will go last. We know this is good news because Jesus often talked about the good news and the new Kingdom at the same time.
3. Emptiness and Fulfillment
What is the problem?
There is a personal sense of insignificance. People with this world view wonder if they have value.
How does this person feel?
Someone with this world view feels like an outcast and aches to be somebody in order to be accepted.
Who is Jesus to this person?
Jesus is the example and model. Jesus is God who became human to show us that humans have value.
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
The Holy Spirit has come to fill the void, empower us, and make us complete.
How does this give hope?
You have been made complete. Jesus came to give us life and life to the full. God who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.
4. Condemnation & Forgiveness
What is the problem?
The problem is sin.
How does this person feel?
Someone with this world view feels guilty and like a fugitive.
Who is Jesus to this person?
Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer who paid the price for us. There is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
Jesus paid the debt.
How does this give hope?
You have been forgiven and His mercies are new every morning.
5. Suffering & Endurance
What is the problem?
The problem is meaninglessness and life itself. Someone with this world view sees not just their own suffering, but suffering in the world and it doesn’t make sense. There is no justification for this amount of pain.
How does this person feel?
Someone with this world view feels like a victim and feels overwhelmed.
Who is Jesus to this person?
Jesus is the suffering servant. Jesus saw people’s pain and named it. Jesus carried His own cross and experienced the fullness of pain and suffering. Because of that, we never have to feel alone in it.
Why is the Gospel “good news”?
Abiding love in action. The only thing that feels like good news in presence and God is with us.
How does this give hope?
God fully understands pain. God is the God of all comfort, because He has experienced it.
You have experienced hope. As you sit with the next generation of kids and teenagers it’s important to understand how to help them experience hope in a way that is real. If you want to learn more about how to have better conversations with kids this Easter season so they experience hope, check out the Kid’s Ministry Volunteer’s Guide to Easter.
