Today, we're pleased to share with you an audio essay written and read by John Nielsen,

entitled Seven Tips for Teaching Theology to Teens.

John Nielsen's book is Knowing God's Truth, an Introduction to Systematic Theology.

Seven Tips for Teaching Theology to Teens, written and read by John Nielsen.

If you're a pastor, youth leader, ministry volunteer, or simply a Christian parent of a Christian teenager, you've probably struggled with the best approach

in talking with young people about theology. We are called to pass on the simple good news of the

gospel as of first importance, 1 Corinthians 15 1 to 4, as well as the rich and solid doctrines of the

Christian faith, Hebrews 512.

But what does that look like practically?

How can we begin helping teenagers think theologically, both formally and informally?

Here are seven quick tips that I've found helpful in years of youth ministry and now as my oldest child

approaches teenage years. Number one, seek clarity without dumbing it down. Think for a moment

about the complex subjects that high school students are covering in their classes.

They are learning about trigonometry and calculus and math class and about the horrors of

the transatlantic slave trade in world history class.

They're studying Shakespeare and memorizing scientific formulas.

And of course, they are being bombarded by heavy and complex

issues through television and social media. Teens can handle serious, rigorous, theological thought.

Yes, this will involve some stretching and training of mental muscles that may not have been used before.

So the call is to clarity as we teach and talk theology without oversimplification

and a dumbing down of the deep truths of God's Word.

Number two, seek to convince teens of the practical implications of theological beliefs and convictions.

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