Teenagers....
Teenagers are some of the most passionate, energetic, and positive people that I know. There are a lot of misconceptions out there in regards to this generation... Let me dispel just two of the myths...
Myth: Teenagers are lazy!
Truth: Teenagers are NOT lazy. There are more things going on in the life of the average teenager than you could imagine. Going to school 7 hours a day, being involved in at least 1 (usually a couple or more) extracurricular activities, working a part time job, dealing with homework (not a big fan of homework personally - never have been - now it's just for different reasons), etc., etc., Teenagers are a lot of things - but as a whole (always an exception) they are not lazy.
Myth: Teenagers are the church of tomorrow...
Truth: Teenagers are the church of today! Trust me when I say that this is more than a cliche. The reason this statement is made so often is because most churches won't (I didn't say can't - truth is most don't want them) attract teenagers. Please hear my heart, teenagers are not ashamed of God - they are ashamed of the church. I think I make this statement at least twice a day to someone on the phone, email, etc. Teenagers are turned off when things aren't done with excellence. Until excellence becomes a priority in our student ministries and in our churches - teenagers (and adults for that matter) will remain disengaged.
We must be willing to engage this generation with the gospel. Help them understand the reality of Jesus Christ and His great love for them. Challenge them to become people of excellence. Encourage them to ask questions even when you are not sure of the answer. Motivate them to live out their faith on a daily basis. Is it hard work? Of course. Can it be done? Absolutely. God has been good to us here at Crosspointe. Some of my hero's are the teenagers here that are making a difference for the Kingdom. The same can be true where you are.
Myth: Teenagers are lazy!
Truth: Teenagers are NOT lazy. There are more things going on in the life of the average teenager than you could imagine. Going to school 7 hours a day, being involved in at least 1 (usually a couple or more) extracurricular activities, working a part time job, dealing with homework (not a big fan of homework personally - never have been - now it's just for different reasons), etc., etc., Teenagers are a lot of things - but as a whole (always an exception) they are not lazy.
Myth: Teenagers are the church of tomorrow...
Truth: Teenagers are the church of today! Trust me when I say that this is more than a cliche. The reason this statement is made so often is because most churches won't (I didn't say can't - truth is most don't want them) attract teenagers. Please hear my heart, teenagers are not ashamed of God - they are ashamed of the church. I think I make this statement at least twice a day to someone on the phone, email, etc. Teenagers are turned off when things aren't done with excellence. Until excellence becomes a priority in our student ministries and in our churches - teenagers (and adults for that matter) will remain disengaged.
We must be willing to engage this generation with the gospel. Help them understand the reality of Jesus Christ and His great love for them. Challenge them to become people of excellence. Encourage them to ask questions even when you are not sure of the answer. Motivate them to live out their faith on a daily basis. Is it hard work? Of course. Can it be done? Absolutely. God has been good to us here at Crosspointe. Some of my hero's are the teenagers here that are making a difference for the Kingdom. The same can be true where you are.
posted by J.R. at
1:38 PM
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