How do you help teenagers engage the world with the Gospel and their faith?

My 5 year old, Noah, after a prayer last Sunday at church for those who continue to be effected by the oil spill in the gulf, asked why God would let an oil spill happen.  I was hoping to engage such questions when he was like 9 or 10, but it looks like I need to be ready now.  Somehow his question reminded me of a chapter in the book Starting Right in Youth Ministry, where Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean writes, “Theology is rampant among teenagers.”  Whether we engage the conversation from a Christian perspective or not, young people are aware today of what is happening in the world and talking about it at school and among friends.  So are you ready to join the conversation and engage the Gospel in speaking to events in the world today?

There are lots of resources out there, and perhaps you have some you can add to the conversation, but below are two that provide weekly resources:

Faithlink: This weekly resource from the UMC is designed for adults but can be easily adapted for conversations with youth.

LinC: This weekly youth curriculum cost $8 per week and provides a lesson that examines the latest music, movies, news, and current events through a biblical lens.

Faith Lens: This free blog from the ELCA provides a weekly Bible study that engages youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.

Feel free to pass along other resources you use!

Peace and blessings,

Brian

PS  If you have a good answer for Noah about God and the oil spill, let me know.