Time to Get Creative! Share the Gospel (Orange Zone)

Imagine traveling to a place where you did not speak the language spoken there. What would you do to communicate so that you could be understood correctly? How would you connect with people? What strategies would you use to learn? You would not be able to simply speak your known language and expect people to understand you. This scenario would require you to
get creative!
Sharing the Gospel can be like cross-cultural travel into someone else’s life. Young people who are curious about Jesus, but do not know Him yet may not be able to fully understand the miraculous work on the cross in the language that Christians are used to. Youth leaders must be creative in communicating the Gospel in a way that young people can connect to and understand.
orange zone - creatively share the gospel
The orange zone of Full Spectrum Youth Ministry is representative of proclaiming the Gospel to those who are curious about following Jesus. Orange is in the middle of the color spectrum and this color symbolizes creativity. To inspire some creativity, let’s look at some ways Jesus communicated with others.

Jesus Listened to the Father by Prioritizing Time with Him


First Jesus listened to the Father so that he would know what to say and how to say it (John 12:49). He could then speak with authority and people recognized it! (Mark 1:22).

Jesus Found Relatable Stories for the People He was Speaking to

Jesus explained Kingdom truths with parables (Matthew 13:34). Parables and object lessons communicated abstract concepts in terms that could be understood and applied. He never expected people to understand the Kingdom of God without a parable.

Jesus Was Wise About His Timing

Jesus modeled Kingdom truths by engaging in relationships. His instructions to the 72 as he sent them out prioritized peace, friendship, and healing before sharing that “the Kingdom was near them” (Luke 10:5-9). He also sometimes made blunt proclamations that had immediate responses: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:18-22). His timing in different scenarios came
from listening to the Father.

How Youth Leaders Can Be More Creative

What does this look like for modern-day youth leaders?

  1. Prioritize your personal relationship with Christ and spend time praying. Ask for wisdom in the time, setting, and words that you should use. Our Father knows the hearts of everyone and he may prompt you to share the Gospel in a new and particular way.
  2. Search for stories, parables, and object lessons that illustrate the Gospel in an understandable way. A simple look into creation can really inspire creativity. Need ideas? Visit my Outdoor Leadership Blog.
  3. Spend time loving people so that they can experience Christ’s love in some way (Red Zone). Then, when they hear the Gospel, they will be able to understand that they are being drawn by the true Jesus in a personal way. Study this further in The Personality of Jesus.

Orange zone ministry is sharing the Gospel with those who are curious. Mid-week services and church events are an excellent platform, however, there are countless other methods and environments that can also be effective. Abide in Him and you will be prompted and led to bear much fruit!

Reflection

  1. Spend some time thinking about the language you use when talking about who Jesus is. What words do you use frequently? Are these words “church” words?
  2. What are some ways you can say the same thing but in terms that might be more understandable to someone not exposed to the church?
  3. List some analogies that you could use to help explain who Jesus is (Scripture and nature are a really good team!).
  4. How did you develop an understanding of the Gospel? What strategies can you adapt from your own experience?

You Might Also Like:

  1. 5 Ways to Show Up for Non-Christian Young People (Red Zone)
  2. Discipleship: Think BIG, Focus small (Green Zone)
  3. Good News: You are Loved. Jesus & the Gospel Proves It.
  4. 15 Ways to Help Students Find Peace they are Longing for through the Gospel…
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Categories: Evangelism, Full Spectrum Youth Ministry, Gospel, LEADERSHIP, Orange Zone (proclaiming the Gospel), Spiritual Leadership, Youth Ministry