I want to challenge you to begin tackling this subject in your ministry. Our nation is hurting and it is obvious. First the coronavirus pandemic, next the shocking video of Ahmaud Arbery’s death in Georgia, and this past week we’ve witnessed a terrible abuse of power in the death of George Floyd. The officer has been charged with third degree murder and manslaughter and all the others officers involved have been fired the next day. [1][2] New autopsy reports ruled Floyd’s death as homicide. [3][4] Protests are happening, majority of them peaceful. During the evening, businesses (many of which are owned by minorities) are being broken into by opportunistic looters, mostly by those who do not associate with the main peaceful protest. In the words of a mentor of mine who is a retired African-American police lieutenant, “Why is this still happening?”.

It is a result of sin. Yes, racism and abusive police brutality are both a sin. Romans 3:23 states that we are all sinners, coming short of God’s glory. Because of our sin, we are unable to meet that standard of being completely holy. It is a result of who we are as humans through whom sin has entered (Romans 5:12). The Bible is extremely clear on this matter. We, as humans, are all created equal in the sight of the Lord according to Genesis 1:26-27. Salvation, through Jesus Christ, is for all people. John 3:16 states that God loves the entire world. Not a selected, particular, or elected individuals but the entire world, including all ethnicities. God does not show partiality or favoritism to any (Romans 2:11). Racism goes against the commands to the believer to be kind to one another as mentioned in Ephesians 4:32 and the command to love one another in John 13:34. According to Matthew 22:36-40, the first great commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love our neighbors. Racism and discrimination does not allow us to be in obedience to that command.

I’d like to challenge my friends who are leading various youth ministries throughout the world. I certainly have a lot to learn but I feel convicted to share this. We have a platform where we preach from. Our students are paying attention and they are watching. They are asking, “What is going on and how do we respond?” Even if they aren’t, we cannot be ignorant to what is happening and avoid having these discussions within the church. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said this, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This is the next generation we are helping parents train spiritually, as they grow in faith to ultimately give glory to God. Racism does not glorify the Lord, even if one harbors it within his or her heart. What can we, as leaders with a voice in the church, do to help and teach the next generation what the problem is and how we ought to respond.

1. Testimony

Before we teach, let’s watch our testimony. We’ve all heard the phrase “Walk the talk”. This includes what we think, what we say, what we do, and what we post. It is written “Be ye holy; for I am holy” in the passage found at 1 Peter 1:14-16. It helps to also be aware of what is happening. Ignorance is not an excuse to sin. Let’s ask ourselves, are we struggling with the sin of racism? Do we have an ounce of prejudice within our hearts? We may not display them in public, but sin in the heart is still against the glory of God. The Bible commands us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5-8). I know I have and it is a sin that I’ve repented of to the Lord. We need to be humble and truly allow conviction in our hearts, learn from it and grow. We must consistently remain faithful in praying for wisdom from the Lord. In addition, it’s a great idea to read several books, articles, and keep ourselves informed of racial issues and news. I heard a quote that says, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Reading helps us grow in knowledge. It is especially important to be self-aware prior to teaching or dealing with the topic of racism. With all that said, our testimony begins with our personal walk with the Lord. Let us continue to remain faithful in our faith and relationship with God. Christians are commanded to let our testimony shine, not for self-glory but so the Lord would be glorified (Matthew 5:16, I Peter 2:11-12).

2. Teach

Others are showing different ways to express themselves but we as Youth Pastors are commanded to teach according to the Bible. Not only that, it is also the most important action that we can take right now. We need to tackle the issue of racism head on. It is not just a social problem, it is sin. As mentioned above, the Bible is clear on it’s position dealing with racism. We must preach the whole counsel of the Lord. (Acts 20:27-28). Not only that, teach the history of discrimination seen in the early First Century found in the Bible (Examples can be found in the book of Acts or through several parables Jesus gives). Racism has been around ever throughout centuries leading to genocides, wars, murders, and persecution.

The problem of sin is the main issue and it must be dealt with. The Bible, written under the authority of God through the inspiration of various authors, is the greatest source (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The gospel must be preached continually as Jesus is the ultimate answer to the eradication of all forms of sin including racism. Ephesians 2:14 says “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us…” and the passage in it’s context is a great example of how the cross has ended discrimination towards one another. Romans 6:23 shares that while the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus himself. Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) and let us continue to preach that blessed hope for sinners to repent and turn to Christ.

3. Train

What is the difference between teaching and training? Teaching is educational while training is practical, more “hands-on”. We can train our students in various ways:

• Stop students from making racist remarks stereotype comments, then teach them why it is wrong. If we hear a student making a remark or a “joke”, we must converse with them in private and correct them. Majority of times, they aren’t even aware what they’ve said was wrong. I’m pretty sure we’re aware of what is a racist remark and “joke”. It must be stopped immediately. Don’t allow it whatsoever. During activities and camps, make it one of the rules in the handbook.
• Talk and listen to your students. Some of your students have faced oppression, discrimination, and racism. I know several of mine have because of the color of their skin. I talk to them about it and listen to them. They have shared with me what they’ve been through at schools or at churches. Yes, unfortunately they’ve experienced hate from those that proclaim to be “Christian” as well. Listen to their stories, just because they are a teenager doesn’t mean they aren’t going through difficulties. Let’s get rid of that pride as a youth pastor, we can learn a few things from our own students.
• Encourage fellowship between students. Haha, this is always a struggle. Just keep pushing and find ways to get them to become friends with one another. Proverbs 27:17 is a verse where we find the phrase “iron sharpenth iron”. The church itself is commanded to fellowship with one another (Hebrews 10:23-25) and we see that with the early church (Acts 2:41-42).
• Have discussions and open dialogues during weekly Sunday School and at youth camps. Let’s talk with our students and have a conversation. During these times, let’s listen to our students. Perhaps a student that has faced or experienced racism would be willing to share his or her experience. This may be an eye-opener to other students that are listening. If you’ve personally dealt with experiences of discrimination, you may want to share if you are comfortable. After these discussions, we are able to take that moment and teach why racism is a sin according to the Bible.
• Emphasize and have outreach. (Not related to race but important because…) The Bible commands Christians to go and share the gospel with the entire world (Matthew 28:19-20). This may include weekly community outreach and soulwinning. Inviting people in the neighborhood to church through door-to-door. Having an outreach event to a homeless shelter where the youth helps serve food. Have the youth deliver snacks and sing songs at a local nursing home. Visit a local police or fire department and show them appreciation. There are so many different ways to have outreach at your church. What is the point? It teaches students serving one another and it is also a time of humbling for those that may be dealing with pride and privilege based on race or economic class. We also find throughout Scripture, the importance of Christian service and outreach.
• Use social media on your personal account and the youth group account. Post quotes and Scripture every once in a while dealing with issues of racism and how we ought to love one another regardless of our differences.
• Commend students for standing up and doing the right thing. Let them know that you are proud of them. Praise them through a postcard, text, or on social media. Publicly praise them to let everyone know what the youth group is all about as well. They need encouragement as much as possible, especially if they are facing persecution themselves!
• (Contributed by a Reader) Help your students empathize with the oppressed. Many of our students may not even understand especially if they come from a middle class home/family. If you can help them empathize, you may be able to see more fruit. We’re commanded to love our neighbors. To love someone doesn’t mean just doing something, it also means you have to feel it within your heart.
• Pray and pray with your teens together. Pray for racism to end. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is a reminder for us to “Pray without ceasing.” The Lord will hear our prayers (Jeremiah 33:3, Mark 11:24, Philippians 4:6). You say it is impossible for it to end? Nope, I believe it is possible (Matthew 19:26). With God all things are possible. Never doubt the Lord. Pray with your teens together that the youth group will remain unified and loving towards one another. Put it in your prayer list for the teens.

4. Tenacity

We already know that preaching against sin isn’t easy. It definitely steps on people’s toes. However, this is our calling. We are called to preach the truth. You’re going to have people responding in a variety of different ways, some may even shock you. There may be pushback on this but let us be reminded that this is not only good for our students, but this is a command from the Lord. My friends, let me encourage you to stay firm and stand strong as you preach. Remain faithful in your personal walk with the Lord. Continue to lovingly train your teens as they mature as Christian believers. Never give up in the ultimate purpose behind all of this, which is to give all the glory and honor to God, that men and women would hear the truth from the Bible and ultimately be saved through the gospel. Jesus loves and died for all. 2 Timothy 4:2 encourages us to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Conclusion
I hope this was a challenge to you as you continue to lead your youth groups. Dr. King said “The time is always right to do the right thing”. If you have any advice or words you’d like to contribute, please comment below. I’d also like to hear from you. In your youth group, what are you experiencing right now? Have you had discussion and open dialogue? How has that been? Thank you and may the Lord continue to be glorified in all that we do, striving together (Philippians 1:27). 

Cited Sources
[1] CBS Article on Derek Chauvin being charged with third-degree murder.
[2] New York Times, firing of all 4 Minneapolis Officers
[3] Fox9 on Hennepin County’s Medical Examiner’s Autopsy Report
[4] Fox9: Independent Medical Autopsy report