Wendy wrote: Hey, Nicole. I’ve been trying to instill Christian values in my kids and get them to enjoy church, but it seems like the older they get the more they pull away. What can I do to make it relevant and interesting for them?
Wendy, trust me, you’re not alone! This is a very common problem that many, if not most, Christian parents face as their kids enter the teen years. I have a little checklist that might help you figure this out:
Making Christianity Relevant for your Teens:
5. Be approachable. Are you simply handing down a list of rules and regulations, or are you eager to flesh out the issues and face the temptations that your teens are struggling with on a regular basis?
4. Give your teens some credit. Be ready with advice on any subject, but be very slow to give it. Wait and watch as you allow your teens the space to make decisions and come to the right conclusions on their own. If they choose for themselves, they’ll take ownership in those decisions and make a stronger commitment to them.
3. Ask questions. Find out what confuses your teens about the Christian faith, the Bible, or your denomination. Find answers to questions, and avoid statements like, “It’s a matter of faith.” They want answers and see statements like that as cop outs or brush offs.
2. Take a hard look at your church. is it a place that embraces teenagers and allows them to flourish in their giftings? Or is it a place that puts them in a corner and hopes they come to their senses or stay quiet? Or somewhere in between? Teenagers are the next generation of adults and church leaders. They must be motivated, appreciated, loved, and even enjoyed. There’s nothing like the vibrancy of youth–even Jesus taught that.
1. “Do as I do.” Are you modeling a life that not only talks big about your faith but actually lives it out? Do you portray following Christ as exciting and joyous, or is it an afterthought? Live your life in fellowship with Christ, model a walk of faith, and uphold the values you expect your teens to ascribe to.
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