A Narrative Ministry to a Teenage Bible Class

Abstract

Problem The Church is failing to communicate its doctrines to teenagers in a familiar, relevant, interesting, and understandable medium. Ministers and teachers are often using abstract language which is inadequate to gain the understanding and interest of all teenagers. Adolescents are forming negative attitudes to these attempts which lead them to discontinue their affiliation with the Church. Method Common factors that became evident in a theological survey are established. Further input is sought from religious educators and teachers of literature on the way in which narrative functions. Adolescent needs and problems are surveyed and the fitting role of narrative to meet these concerns is outlined. A ministry is designed to use the strengths of narrative in a way which is compatible with this theological foundation. The effectiveness of narrative is tested in relation to the regular Bible classes.