The students involved in SLAM came from all walks of life with some in public school, some home schooled, and some in private Christian schools. Ministry with this age group requires a general understanding of their cultural, societal, and faith upbringing. Some of the students were pretty biblically savvy while others were less so.
One student in particular mentioned the challenge she faces when trying to share her faith with another. She said she is afraid of saying the wrong thing or not being able to answer a person if asked a question. She felt she would turn them away inadvertently so she just did not say anything. We discussed as a group the need to learn the word of God, to write it on their hearts so they could give an account when asked without feeling uncertain. We talked through being able to share what you know and offer to find answers if they did not.
So what did I learn about ministry by working with younger students during SLAM? It seems this fear is inherently human, the fear of failure. It can immobilize us unless we trust God to speak through us from his word.