Culture Shifters: How Teenagers Can Transform the World

Have you ever looked at the world around you and thought, What is going on? It can feel like the values we hold dear—truth, love, and grace—are crumbling. Confusion, division, and moral chaos seem to be taking their place. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, even helpless. But let me encourage you with something incredible: God has always done His best work through unexpected people, including teenagers.

Yes, teenagers. Those kids with unpolished ideas and boundless energy. History and Scripture are full of stories proving that God can use young people to do amazing things. And the truth is, He still does. But they need someone to guide them, believe in them, and help them step into that role.

My Early Start

I was a junior in high school when the youth pastor at our small church left.  Parents tried stepping up and filling in the teaching and ministry needs, but there was a lack of consistency and familiarity, and things just weren’t the same.  So, I volunteered. 

At that point, my pastor had already been pouring into me a little, teaching me how to use a biblical concordance and some of the basics of effective Bible reading. So when I offered to help however I could, he accepted and allowed. All I truly did was prepare and lead some Bible studies, but I wanted to do something.

A few years later, at 19 years old I became a children’s ministry director at a local church, then an ordained youth pastor, and then a family pastor, and now a senior pastor and church planter.  My pastor’s investment in me led me to invest in other students.  My pastor’s investment into me lead me to being called into full-time vocational ministry.

Over the years I’ve had the honor of pouring into thousands of students lives.  I’ve worked for small churches and large churches.  I’ve coached youth and school sports.  I’ve been a foster parent.  I’ve worked for a public school.  The reality is that there is an overwhelming flood of world-changing potential, if only we had enough true disciples of Jesus willing to invest into their lives.  If only we had enough people with a true biblical worldview, they’d see that there is a massive army waiting to be trained and sent into the harvest.

God’s Track Record with Teenagers

It’s easy to overlook teenagers, isn’t it? They’re still figuring out who they are, testing boundaries, and making sense of life. But that’s not how God sees them. He doesn’t measure their value by their age or experience. Instead, He looks at their hearts and their willingness to trust Him. Time and again, God has worked powerfully through young people who dared to say, “Yes, Lord.”

Take David, for example. He wasn’t a warrior when he faced Goliath. He was a shepherd boy, barely old enough to be in the army. The entire Israelite army, including King Saul, was paralyzed with fear. But David stepped forward with nothing but a sling, five smooth stones, and unshakable faith in God’s power. He didn’t let his youth or lack of experience stop him. He knew the battle belonged to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). God used David to defeat the giant, reminding the entire nation that true strength comes from Him.

Think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Most scholars believe she was a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with the news that she would bear the Messiah. Imagine the weight of that responsibility. She wasn’t wealthy, influential, or even married yet. But Mary didn’t respond with excuses or hesitation. Her words were simple and full of faith: “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). That moment changed history, and it came through the trust and obedience of a teenage girl.

And then there’s Josiah. He became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. By the time he was a teenager, he was leading one of the most significant spiritual revivals in Israel’s history. When Josiah discovered the Book of the Law that had been neglected for generations, he didn’t ignore it or pass it off as someone else’s problem. He took action. He tore down idols, called the people to repentance, and restored true worship of God (2 Kings 22–23). Josiah’s story shows the power of a young person fully committed to God’s truth.

We can’t forget Timothy, either. Paul entrusted this young man with the leadership of the church in Ephesus, a task many seasoned adults might have shied away from. Paul encouraged Timothy with these powerful words: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s life is proof that God equips the called, no matter their age, to do extraordinary work for His kingdom.

These stories teach us something important: God doesn’t wait for perfection, a polished résumé, or decades of life experience. He uses anyone—young or old—who is willing to trust Him completely. Age has never been a limitation for God. In fact, it’s often the faith and courage of the young that inspire others to believe and act.

When we stop underestimating teenagers and start seeing them as God does, we begin to realize the incredible potential they hold. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they can be culture shifters today. All it takes is a willing heart and faith in a big God who does extraordinary things.

Teenagers Today: A Generation Ready to Lead

Teenagers today live in a world where their potential influence is greater than ever before. With social media, smartphones, and the internet, they have a platform to share their voices far and wide. A single post, video, or message can reach millions in an instant. This level of connection is unprecedented, opening doors to opportunities we couldn’t have imagined a generation ago.

Consider how teenagers are already making a significant impact. Some have used social media to advocate for important causes, raising awareness about issues like mental health, environmental conservation, and human rights. Others have created thriving businesses through entrepreneurship, turning hobbies into full-fledged careers. For example, teens are launching brands, starting YouTube channels, creating apps, and even writing bestselling books—all before graduating high school.

Today, there are more teenage millionaires than at any other point in history. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given teens the tools to monetize their creativity and connect with global audiences. Whether it’s through innovative product ideas, engaging entertainment, or inspiring educational content, teenagers are shaping industries and influencing culture.

One example is Alina Morse, who founded Zolli Candy at just nine years old. She turned her idea for healthy, sugar-free lollipops into a multi-million-dollar business. Or take Moziah Bridges, who started making bow ties at 12 years old and now runs Mo’s Bows, a successful fashion company. Stories like these show what’s possible when teens are empowered to dream big and pursue their goals.

But here’s the thing: influence can go two ways. Our culture is already hard at work shaping teenagers, and not always in the best direction. Social media, entertainment, and peer pressure often lead them toward confusion, insecurity, and values that contradict God’s truth. If we don’t intentionally pour into their lives, guiding and discipling them, the world will happily step in and fill the void.

Teenagers aren’t just the future of the church; they’re an essential part of the church right now. They bring energy, creativity, and passion to everything they do. But they need adults who will step up and invest in them. They need people who will help them navigate the noise of culture, root their identity in Christ, and discover how to use their gifts for His glory.

Let’s not underestimate what God can do through this generation. They have the tools, the reach, and the potential to make an enormous difference. The question is, will we step in to guide and disciple them, or will we let the world do it for us?

When we take the time to invest in teenagers, we’re not just influencing their lives—we’re shaping the future. We’re raising up young leaders who can share the gospel with boldness, bring hope to a broken world, and use their unique gifts to glorify God. It’s an investment that pays eternal dividends, and it starts with believing in their potential.

Challenge yourself to see teenagers as God sees them, through a biblical worldview, as they really are: a generation poised to change the world. Imagine what could happen if their energy and creativity were channeled into the mission of Christ. Let’s step up, disciple them, and unleash their potential for God’s kingdom.

How to Disciple Teenagers

If you’re wondering where to begin, here are some simple ways to start.

1. Build Relationships
Teenagers don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Spend time with them. Listen to them. Show up for them.

I was hired at a public middle school to oversee the in-school suspension program for students who were causing disciplinary issues in the school.  Of course, I had students do some punitive work, but while they were in my classroom all day, I would chat with them, ask them questions, and try to get them to open up a bit.  Often times I’d have students share with me things that were going on at home that helped me to understand why they were acting out the way they were. 

There was one particular student that was born female but had begun identifying as male in 5th grade.  They were always causing issues for teachers and staff, and were always arguing with other students.  After many visits to the ISS room with me, one day things changed.  This student was being teased by some of the students in our small, rural school.  She came to sit beside me to escape these kids.

While doing their work we began chatting.  They opened up and commented that sometimes at home they question whether they really have started transitioning to another gender.  She sometimes put on dresses and makeup at home, but her mom would not allow her to do any of that in public because she had already gone too far communicating with the school that this student must no longer be referred to as a female, but as male. 

There was this student that was confused, trying to navigate school, life, and family, tormented wondering if she’d made the right decision to identify as a male.  They released all of this confusing, frustrated energy in negative ways, but no one knew why.  I wouldn’t have either if I hadn’t spent the school year building a relationship with her, building trust, and being willing to listen without judgement.

If we want to truly invest in future generations, it begins with positive relationship building.  Not fussing at them while trying to change the negative behaviors.  Not constant sarcastic comments about their choices.  True, listening relationships are built on respect and trust.

2. Teach the Truth

Teenagers today are bombarded with conflicting messages everywhere they turn. Social media, entertainment, peers, and even educational systems present ideas that often clash with God’s Word. They’re constantly being told to “live their truth” or “follow their heart,” but these messages can lead to confusion, instability, and a worldview that drifts further from God’s design.

This is why teenagers need the solid foundation of Scripture. God’s Word isn’t just a helpful guide or a moral compass—it is the truth. Jesus prayed for His followers, saying, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Bible provides clarity and stability in a world full of chaos. It answers the deepest questions about identity, purpose, morality, and eternity.

When we teach teenagers Scripture, we’re equipping them with the tools to discern right from wrong and to navigate the noise of culture with confidence. We’re helping them anchor their identity in Christ instead of in fleeting trends or unstable emotions. The Bible not only tells them what is true but also helps them understand why it’s true, giving them a firm foundation to stand on when their beliefs are challenged.

Teaching Scripture also empowers them to think critically and engage with the world around them. When teenagers know what the Bible says and understand its relevance, they can respond to the big issues of life with wisdom, love, and courage. They begin to see how God’s truth applies to every part of their lives, from relationships and decision-making to social justice and leadership.

But teaching the truth isn’t just about giving information. It’s about walking alongside them as they wrestle with questions, doubts, and challenges. They need adults who are willing to dig into the hard questions with them, to point them back to God’s Word, and to show them how to live it out in real life.

Teaching the truth is more than a task—it’s a calling. When we invest in teenagers by grounding them in Scripture, we’re not just shaping their understanding of the world; we’re equipping them to be lights in the darkness. In a culture that often distorts or rejects truth, these young men and women can stand firm, boldly reflecting God’s love and wisdom to those around them.

Let’s take this call seriously. Open the Bible with a teenager. Help them see that God’s Word isn’t just ancient text; it’s alive and active, speaking directly to the issues they face today (Hebrews 4:12). By teaching them truth, we prepare them to live as followers of Christ in a world desperate for His hope and clarity.

3. Live Your Faith Honestly

Teenagers have a remarkable ability to spot inauthenticity. They don’t need or expect the adults in their lives to be perfect, but they do need to see faith lived out in a way that is real, consistent, and honest. When what we say and how we live don’t align, they notice—and it can undermine the very message we’re trying to share.

Living your faith authentically doesn’t mean pretending to have it all together. It means being honest about your walk with God—your struggles, your victories, and your need for His grace every day. Paul modeled this kind of transparency when he wrote, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Our imperfections don’t disqualify us; they highlight God’s strength and faithfulness.

When teenagers see adults who are willing to admit their mistakes, seek forgiveness, and rely on God, it gives them a clearer picture of what a relationship with Him looks like. They learn that following Jesus isn’t about achieving perfection but about trusting Him, even in the messiness of life.

Authentic faith is also marked by consistency. James 1:22 challenges us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Teenagers need to see that our faith influences our choices, our relationships, and the way we handle difficulties. Whether it’s how we speak to others, how we react to stress, or how we serve those in need, our actions should reflect the truth of the gospel.

Look at the example of Timothy. Paul not only instructed him but also lived as a mentor, showing him what faith in action looked like. Timothy’s sincere faith was rooted in the example set by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, women who modeled genuine devotion to God (2 Timothy 1:5). This legacy of authentic faith had a profound impact on Timothy’s own walk with Christ.

To live authentically before teenagers also means involving them in your faith journey. Share your prayers with them. Show them how you seek God’s guidance in decisions. Let them see how you lean on Scripture when life gets hard. This kind of openness breaks down walls and builds trust, creating opportunities to point them toward Christ.

Remember, teenagers aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for real faith. When they see you wrestling with doubts, confessing sin, and clinging to God’s promises, they learn that faith is not about performing but about persevering. They see that God’s grace is sufficient, even in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Living your faith honestly isn’t just for their benefit; it also deepens your own relationship with God. As you commit to modeling authenticity, you’ll find yourself growing in humility, dependence on Christ, and joy in His presence. And in the process, you’ll inspire teenagers to pursue a faith that’s just as real, vibrant, and life-changing.
4. Equip Them to Lead

Teenagers don’t want to be spectators in life. They want to get involved, make an impact, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. They’re eager to make a difference, but they often don’t know how or where to start. That’s where we come in. Equipping teenagers to lead means recognizing their potential, encouraging their gifts, and giving them opportunities to step up and serve.

God has always called His people to serve and lead, regardless of age. Paul told Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or years of experience—it’s about setting an example and using your gifts to glorify God and bless others.

Equipping teenagers to lead starts with seeing them the way God does. He has uniquely gifted each one with talents, abilities, and passions that can be used for His kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Those “good works” aren’t reserved for adults—they’re for teenagers too.

Here are a few ways to equip teenagers to lead:

A.      Identify Their Gifts and Passions
Take the time to observe and talk with teenagers about their interests and abilities. Are they good at organizing, speaking, or creating? Do they have a heart for serving others or a knack for encouraging their peers? Help them recognize these gifts as God-given and encourage them to use them in meaningful ways.

B.      Provide Opportunities to Serve
Leadership grows through practice. Find ways for teenagers to get involved in church, school, or the community. Let them lead a small group, organize an event, or serve in outreach projects. They may not do everything perfectly—and that’s okay. Leadership is learned through experience and sometimes through failure.

C.      Mentor and Guide Them
Teenagers need guidance as they step into leadership. Walk alongside them, offering support, encouragement, and correction when needed. Show them how to lead with humility and depend on God. Just as Jesus trained His disciples by example, teaching, and sending them out, we can mentor teenagers to grow as leaders (Matthew 28:19-20).

D.      Encourage Them to Dream Big
Teenagers often have bold ideas and fresh perspectives. Encourage them to dream big for God’s kingdom. Help them see how their efforts, no matter how small, can make a lasting impact. Remind them of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

E.       Pray with and for Them
Leadership can be daunting, especially for young people. Commit to praying for the teenagers you’re mentoring. Ask God to give them wisdom, courage, and a servant’s heart. Pray for their spiritual growth and protection as they step into leadership roles.

When we equip teenagers to lead, we’re not just giving them tasks to do; we’re helping them see themselves as active participants in God’s mission. We’re training them to serve others, influence their peers, and live out their faith in tangible ways.

Leadership isn’t reserved for adulthood—it’s a calling for all believers, including teenagers. When we empower them to lead, we give them a chance to see how God can work through them, even at a young age. And when they experience the joy of serving and the difference they can make, they’re more likely to continue leading for Christ as they grow.

Imagine a church or community where teenagers are fully engaged, using their gifts to build up the body of Christ and reach the lost. That’s the kind of leadership we should be equipping them for. Let’s not let their energy, creativity, and passion go untapped. Let’s invite them to step into the roles God has already prepared for them and watch as He works through their lives in powerful ways.

5. Pray for Them
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. Pray for their hearts, their protection, and their courage to stand firm. Let them know you’re praying for them—it matters more than you realize.

The Bigger Picture

If we ignore the opportunity to disciple teenagers, we risk losing them to the world. But if we pour into their lives, we’ll see them become the ones who stand firm in faith, bring light to darkness, and lead others to Christ.

Imagine a generation of teens boldly sharing the gospel, standing against cultural lies, and growing into adults who raise families rooted in truth. That’s how we change the world—one young disciple at a time.

A Simple Challenge

Think of one teenager you know. Ask God to show you how to invest in their life. Start with a small step—take them out for coffee, cheer them on at a game, or just ask how they’re doing. Then, show up consistently.

Culture shifts when we take the time to invest in the next generation. Let’s not miss the chance to partner with God in this incredible work.