10 Ways Teenagers Can Leave a Lasting Impact on the World

“Go after God-do whatever it takes. Don't give the excuse, ‘I'm just or teenager’ or ‘I'll do that later’. No, God wants you NOW.” - Rachel Joy Scott, martyred April 20,1999 during the Columbine High School shooting.

So you want to change the world, do you? I’d like to share with you some practical insights on how you can start making an impact for the Kingdom.

Before we go any further, there are some things you need to be aware of: the life of a “world-changer” also denotes a life of sacrifice, a life of discipline and a life that is fully in-sync with the heart of Christ. This lifestyle isn’t for the weak-hearted Christian. It is for those who are willing to leave behind the comfortable “American dream” and follow God’s plan (whether or not it includes a relatively comfortable experience!). 


Ponder this: any teenager who is filled with and submitted to the Spirit and power of God can do absolutely anything God leads him/her to do...no matter how big the task!

Christ has called you to something far greater than the average teenage life. He has called you to be like Him...and this only comes by dying to self (see Galatians 2:20). Maybe you do have a passion but you aren’t sure where to start? Perhaps you have tons of ideas but you have no clue how to put a plan of action together? I would like to give you a few practical tools to start you off in the right direction!

The Game Plan

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6-7)

God has given you your personality, spiritual gift and talents for the purpose of your calling. Whether you naturally “dream big” or cautiously analyze everything you do, it’s time to take action and impact the world. Here are 10 things I want you to consider:

1. Share the gospel wherever possible. Perhaps you don’t know how or where to start? Check out these practical suggestions by Living Waters Ministry!
2. Start a prayer group! Invite a group over to your house, share prayer requests and world-changing ideas, and then spend time in prayer.
3. Host a BBQ picnic for your neighborhood.
4. Help serve food in a homeless soup kitchen and collect for food pantries.
5. Put together care packages to give to the homeless (include a gospel tract in the package!).
6. Adopt-a-kid: spend time with a young kid who needs encouragement from a big brother/sister figure.
7. Visit a nursing home and put on a concert or play bingo.
8. Write a soldier.
9. Summer project: volunteer at a camp or go on a short term missions trip.
10. Invest your money in a ministry project.

Changing the world begins with being a good steward of the small things in life. You can be and live out the change the world needs! Ready? You’re Set. Go!