not too young
Recent research has revealed what teenagers truly desire from the adults in their lives. The Search Institute study found that teens want parents and other older influencers to do the following: 1. Look at us. 2. Spend time talking with us. 3. Listen. 4. Be dependable. 5. Show appreciation for what we do. 6. Relax. 7. Show that you’re interested. 8. Laugh with us (and at yourself). 9. Ask us to help you. 10. Challenge us.
not being a “kidult”
In 2005, two teenagers started TheRebelution.com website to encourage fellow young people to exceed low expectations and to do “hard things.” Citing 1 Timothy 4:12, one of its founders said, “As young people we are called to be exemplary in all areas of life. [But] our generation is falling incredibly short of that calling. Instead of serving as the launching pad of life, the teen years are seen as a vacation from responsibility.”
youth ministry 101
If you read some recent books on youth ministry, it’s hard not to get the sense that this part of church ministry is experiencing some major struggles. And nearly everyone has an opinion about how youth ministry should be improved. Parents, youth workers, and young people themselves have expectations and demands that don’t always overlap. So, what should we do?
generational investment
Standing quietly in the back, I am moved by the sight. Arms reach upward, voices carry throughout the room, and a tireless energy reverberates to the sound of the drum. Passionate and full of promise, they are far more than a group of teenagers. They are sons and daughters of God—the generation now, not next.
all the time in the world
Do you remember me?” A pause. Vacant eyes. My mother was speaking to Betty, a fellow churchgoer from years past, who now lived at a local nursing home. My mom tried again. “Do you remember my husband? He’s right here.” Betty responded with an excited “Yes,” followed by a look of confusion. As the two women talked, Betty’s mind faded…
all ages, all stages
We need all ages to help make our faith grow. So say Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark. They came to this conclusion as they worked on the College Transition Project—a 6 year research project focused on the spiritual thriving or diving of secondary school students as they moved on to college.
The good doctors have recently released Sticky…
clouded vision
Seven years ago, she stayed after Bible study to talk about her struggles as a mom. With a child nearing preadolescence, she was torn between making decisions that would make her daughter feel different than her peers and wanting the young girl to “fit in” to avoid the social ostracism of her own teen years. Today her daughter “fits in”…
