Ministry To Parents: Youth

  Parenting teens can be complicated . Things are constantly changing, and they often don’t know how to deal with it all. As a parent, you are constantly having to decide how to help and lead them as they grow and develop . This means, as a parent of a teenager, you need to grow and develop as well . You need to regularly spend time learning more about your teen and the phase they are in. You need to understand the nuisances of how they are developing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You need to have an understanding of the culture they are living in and the different influences that are shaping them. Too many times, I’ve had to come to the harsh reality that my strategy rarely works, and it has rarely yielded the results I wanted. I know I need help as a parent .  I need to find ways to grow and learn as a parent if I’m going to both maintain my sanity and help my kids grow into the man and woman I pray they will become. If you can relate at all, I would en...

We believe that when parents take the time to be intentional about the summer and invite their teenagers to help in the planning, they are able to create a season of  relational growth and meaningful memories.   Easy Fun Activities Check out any state parks nearby that you’ve never visited.  If there is somewhere close, it might be a nice afternoon or day trip. Go to a sporting event.  Your city or town may have a local sports team, so head to a ball game and cheer your heart out. Host a game night.  Who doesn’t like playing games with friends? Invite a few families over and let the competitive juices flow. Have your teen pick a recipe for dinner and cook it together.  One day, they are going to have to learn to feed themselves, so why not start the process now? Play some video games together.  Let them be the expert and teach you how to play their favorite video game. Just don’t beat them. That might not go well  ☺ . Go on an “Acts of Kindness” s...

  WHO IS GEN ALPHA Right now, you are busy raising Gen Alpha. Born between 2010 and 2024, their defining traits are still developing, but with the oldest kids turning 15 this year.  They are the first generation to be fully immersed in digital technology from birth, often learning to navigate smartphones, tablets, and Alexa before they can even speak in full sentences.  While every child is different, researchers and educators have begun to see some patterns. THEY ARE DIGITAL NATIVES Many of these kids began swiping a screen before they could walk. Gen Alpha is very comfortable with technology and can teach adults a thing or two about it. Due to their familiarity with technology, you can use it to make a spiritual impact in their lives. Utilize faith-based content like Bible apps, Christian YouTube channels, and interactive devotionals to connect with them through digital sources. THEY ARE CURIOUS This generation is often inquisitive and loves learning, especially through...

WHO IS GEN Z  Gen Z is the group of people born roughly between 1997–2012. They have grown up in the rise of smartphones, social media, and constant digital connection. They are deeply shaped by global events, especially the COVID-19 pandemic. Gen Z experiences high rates of anxiety, depression, and confusion about their identity. They feel a constant pressure to perform, and although they are extremely connected digitally, they are more isolated and lonelier than the generations before them. These teens and young adults are longing for authenticity, belonging, and purpose. They are spiritually curious but often skeptical of organizations and institutions. WHAT GEN Z NEEDS FROM YOU  Generally speaking, Gen Z needs a few things:  Gen Z needs real faith , not just religion. As parents, we need to show them a real and active faith that makes a difference in daily life. Share about how you are growing in your faith, how you are struggling, and how you are relying on God...