Youth ministry is not really ministry unless youth are doing the ministry!
In the summer, students often travel for service learning trips or teach Bible stories, lead songs with enthusiasm, and survive VBS fueled mostly by pizza and snacks. Yet they are rarely invited to share how those experiences shaped their faith. Martin Luther said the preacher should come from the congregation, and students have meaningful, insightful, and sometimes funny stories about where they see God at work. Since public speaking can feel intimidating, church leaders should help students prepare, practice, and feel supported. Below are 10 helpful steps and example sentences to guide students in preaching with confidence and authenticity.
1. Start with what and why: Begin your sermon by explaining what the service learning trip, Vacation Bible School (VBS), or another experience was and why you chose to participate. Be sure to share your feelings before the experience, such as excitement, nervousness, or curiosity. Example: “I decided to help with VBS because I wanted to share God’s love with younger children and grow in my own faith.”
2. Be prepared: Talk about how you prepared before serving. You might mention training, fundraising, planning lessons, practicing songs, or praying for the people one might encounter. Example: “Before VBS started, we attended VBS training, planned activities, and prayed together so we would be ready to welcome every child with kindness.”
3. Tell the story: Talk with your pastor about which Bible story might best connect to your experience of serving others. Often, a Bible verse or story is associated with the service-learning trip or VBS. If not, choose a Bible story that connects to your experience of serving others. Stories such as “The Good Samaritan” or “Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet” are strong examples because they focus on helping others. Briefly explain the story and why it inspired you before or during your experience. Example: “The story of the Good Samaritan reminded me that helping others with compassion is one way we live out our faith.”
4. Share the experience: Describe the activities you participated in during the service trip or VBS. You may have taught Bible stories, led games and music, helped with building projects, painted a room, listened to someone’s story, prepared meals, or worked with children and families. Sharing specific examples helps the congregation understand the importance of service and makes your message more personal. Example: “During VBS, I helped lead games and spent time talking and laughing with the children each day.”
5. Describe great and not-so-great moments: Share one or two moments that stood out to you. This could include a conversation with someone you helped, a challenge you overcame, or a joyful moment that brought you closer to God. Example: “One child was very shy at first, but by the end of the week, they were smiling and excited to participate, which showed me how important patience and kindness can be.”
6. Faith and daily life connection: This can be the tricky part, so explain how your service experience reminded you of the Bible story you already reflected on. Think about the story you shared above, and how it connects to ways you lead, care for, or befriend others. Example: “Just like how the Good Samaritan took time to care for someone in need, our group learned that small acts of love and attention can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
7. Share the God sightings: Reflect on the ways you experienced God during the trip or VBS. You may have seen God through teamwork, friendship, kindness, prayer, or the joy of the people you served. This section helps show that faith grows stronger when people serve others with open hearts. Example: “I saw God at work in the friendships we built, the children’s joy, and the teamwork that brought everyone together.”
8. Lessons you learned: Talk about what the experience taught you about faith, service, leadership, or compassion. Service experiences often help people become more patient, grateful, and understanding of others. Explain how the experience changed your perspective or strengthened your relationship with God. Example: “This experience taught me that serving others is not only about helping people, but also about growing closer to God through compassion and love.”
9. Encourage others: Invite the congregation to consider ways they can serve in their own lives. Remind them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help shape someone’s faith. Encourage listeners to support future service trips, VBS programs, or the church’s ministries. Example: “I encourage everyone to look for ways to serve, because even small acts of kindness can help someone feel loved and valued.”
10. Give a big Amen: End with gratitude and hope. Thank the congregation for supporting the ministry through prayers, donations, and encouragement. Finish with a Bible verse, prayer, or reminder that serving others is one of the ways we share Christ’s love with the world. Example: “Thank you for supporting our ministry, and I hope we all continue to share Christ’s love through the ways we care for others every day.”
Now, put it together:
- Put all the examples together to form a clear outline for your sermon.
- Add a few sentences to each point in your outline.
- Shape the story you want to share with others.
- Focus on the message God’s people need to hear.
When you are ready to preach: Know your message well; practice out loud. Connect with your audience, and trust God and be yourself.
Working Preacher has a free ebook for preparing youth to preach, any time of year.
