Ask a Teenager!

[Hoovie]

Kewl. This could be a great thread!

Question #1

Like everyone else, I want my kids to be well-balanced spiritually and socially. What helped you most during those early and mid teen years to keep your perspectives right?

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Kewl. This could be a great thread!

Question #1

Like everyone else, I want my kids to be well-balanced spiritually and socially. What helped you most during those early and mid teen years to keep your perspectives right?

The first thing that I emphasize is staying involved with a local youth group or having friends who are strong in their walk. I strayed some, as most people do, but when I really plugged in to a group of fellow Christians - both at school and off campus - I had people my age who would keep me accountable.

Another thing that my parents emphasized is that I'd never be in trouble for asking a question or telling them something - whether it was theological or something else. Having an open relationship made it easier for me to approach them when I was confused or felt guilty about something.

Lastly, I highly recommend family Bible studies. I'll admit, sometimes I huffed and puffed, but when we all sat around the Bible and really dove in, it helped us grow as a family and individually in our walks with Christ.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by soldoutochrist

Lastly, I highly recommend family Bible studies. I'll admit, sometimes I huffed and puffed, but when we all sat around the Bible and really dove in, it helped us grow as a family and individually in our walks with Christ.

Awesome!

[coadie]

Originally Posted by soldoutochrist

The first thing that I emphasize is staying involved with a local youth group or having friends who are strong in their walk. I strayed some, as most people do, but when I really plugged in to a group of fellow Christians - both at school and off campus - I had people my age who would keep me accountable.

Another thing that my parents emphasized is that I'd never be in trouble for asking a question or telling them something - whether it was theological or something else. Having an open relationship made it easier for me to approach them when I was confused or felt guilty about something.

Lastly, I highly recommend family Bible studies. I'll admit, sometimes I huffed and puffed, but when we all sat around the Bible and really dove in, it helped us grow as a family and individually in our walks with Christ.

If I study this from a non church viewpoint, the youth group will not join you and become gators. The youth that find a college youth group and continue with new friends are more likely to be still in church after graduation than those that don't join another youth group.

The other factor that came up recently when several evangelical denominations asked why UPC had higher college student retention, we saw very high retention in youth that had been bible quizzers.

[soldoutochrist]

Originally Posted by coadie

If I study this from a non church viewpoint, the youth group will not join you and become gators. The youth that find a college youth group and continue with new friends are more likely to be still in church after graduation than those that don't join another youth group.

The other factor that came up recently when several evangelical denominations asked why UPC had higher college student retention, we saw very high retention in youth that had been bible quizzers.

Not quite sure what you mean...maybe because I'm running on a few hours of sleep, but I'm a little confused. Lol, bear with me.