Every youth worker has it – that list of youth group topics that you avoid at all costs. The ones that you know will elicit an unpredictable response, so it’s better to leave it alone.

Or is it?

Often times, these are the topics that get your youth thinking the deepest about their faith; asking questions and digging into what they believe. Sure, it can be a scary landscape. It can be unpredictable and frankly, quite risky.

But, it can also be the most eye-opening experience for you, as a leader, and for your youth as they not only uncover what they believe, but why they believe it. It gives them the opportunity to own their beliefs; and the chance to uncover their belief system.

So, are you convinced? Maybe a little bit?

But now you’re probably wondering, alright, I’m going to tackle a topic I’ve avoided for years. I’m on board. But… how do I do that?

How to talk about off-limit youth group topics

When it comes to discussing those off-limit youth group topics, arming yourself with the right tools and strategies can make a world of difference.

It can turn that negative comment from Zach into one that gets the rest of your group thinking, and digging into their faith. It can make sure that the conversation enlightens your youth so much that they don’t even have to check out that latest Instagram like flashing on their phone.

Engage students where they’re at right now

As youth leaders, we all have a vision of where we want our youth to be and how we want them to think about their faith. This is great, but, this isn’t where your students are… and they need to go on the journey to discover their future path themselves.

Give them the opportunity to explore, even if it does make you a little uncomfortable. It helps them build a toolkit for their faith.

Hold your lesson plan with a loose hand

You finally had a few extra hours (err… minutes) to plan for your youth group, and here comes Zach, once again, derailing the conversation and taking it down a rabbit hole you didn’t intend.

Much like an adult small group, the discussion goes where there’s interest. And where there’s interest, there’s value for your teens and what they want to uncover regarding their faith. This isn’t a bad thing.

Be ready to adapt

As your lesson plan may not go as planned, so might your conversation. It’s okay. As adults, we panic over the fact that we can’t control it – and it might be scarier for you than your teens. Having resources that support adaptability can make a world of difference; as it can help you direct the conversation no matter how many times you may have to change your gears along the way.

Listen and react

Giving your youth the opportunity to ask questions, dig into their faith, and come up with their roadmap for their faith empowers them. Listening and reacting to them also empowers them – and helps them stay engaged.

Sometimes, as a youth leader, it’s better to take a step back and let your students guide the conversation as they unpack and dig into what they believe.

Let them own their faith

Finally, and most importantly, give your youth the opportunity to own their faith.

But wait, what does this mean? It means that your youth know why they believe and what they believe – and it’s not because their [insert person in their life] told them to. They can articulate what this means to them, and prepares them for a lifelong future of faith.

Asking them to memorize verses in the Bible; or to give you a regurgitated mantra of faith doesn’t give them the tools they need to build their faith.

And, as youth leaders, that’s what’s important – isn’t it? Giving youth the opportunity to explore, uncover, and own what they believe – no matter how scary it might be for us leaders.

Interested in learning more about tackling youth group topics that you usually avoid? Check out our free on-demand webinarwith a veteran youth worker for his best tips.