How To Stimulate Faith In Teenagers
How To Stimulate Faith In Teenagers
Teenagers present a special challenge in a Christian home. The teen years are a time of many changes and much uncertainty. Raising a teenager is not easy and raising a Christian teenager is even more difficult. Adolescents face many obstacles in their route to leading a strong Christian lifestyle. Everyday, they are subject to extreme peer pressure and a materialistic society which sometimes looks down upon faith of any kind. Six out of ten teens involved in a church will probably not continue their spiritual commitment into early adulthood, according to a study by the Barna Group. The American study, conducted from 2001 to 2006, shows that despite previously high levels of religious practice, many individuals in their twenties lose interest in religious activities and often carry that indifference into middle age. Some experts observe that following confirmation, there is little to keep teenagers returning to mass and growing in faith after that. Nonetheless, young people are generally receptive to matters of faith because of a certain willingness to explore their personality, try new things and establish an identity. How do you strengthen a teenager's bond with Jesus? Here are five ways to reach that goal.
Family
The greatest influence on a youngster's faith occurs when families participate in devotions together, when parents talk about their faith to their children and all members participate in service projects. Accordingly, the message for parents is simple: your teenagers will make better choices if they have a strong religious base at home; they will talk with you more frequently about religion and be more likely to attend a religious college if you make faith the focus of your life. Make faith a part of regular discussions. Ask how God is working in their school and personal lives. Tell them how you see God working around you. The more you discuss faith the more natural it will become. Parents must try very hard to encourage their teens in their faith. Allow and welcome your adolescents questions. The greatest way to encourage your teens during these times is to let them know you have questions as well. This will prove how you have worked through your feelings of doubt. After hearing their questions, help them find the answers. Don't just tell them. Your teens do not want to be told what to believe. With your help, let them find the answers. This process will make all of you mature in faith.
Church Attendance
Forcing teenagers to go to church is not a good idea, because they will associate church with authority, not with love, which is what church really is. Emphasize the presence of Jesus at Mass. Young people need to understand that the first and most compelling reason we attend Mass is because Jesus is present in the Eucharist. We cannot find this anywhere else; it is a reality that is unequaled. Something holy and special is happening, and even young children seem to have an awareness of the sacred in a place of worship. To ignite their interest, discuss the Mass readings and the homily. Try to set aside a special time with your teens to review Sunday's readings in advance. This will create a more meaningful understanding when they hear it again during the Mass. Be sure to express your interest in their views. In addition, talk about the priest's homily. Did they understand the points the priest was making? Ask them: "What's the one thing from Mass that our family should carry with us throughout the week?"
Christian Education
In examining factors that promote faith growth and maturity, Christian education is a vital factor. We must recognize that the task belongs to all of us. Bible school teachers, elders, preachers, and parents must work together to ensure success. Teenagers can get a good Christian education through teachers who have mature faith and who know educational theories and methods. They can also receive it from a pastor who is committed to education, devotes time to Christian education and knows educational theory and practice. At youth Sunday school classes, dedicated leaders use various resources to help teens understand and practice a Christian lifestyle. When children are trained at home, brought to Bible classes faithfully, and given an example in Christian living and worship, amazing results will follow.
Online Communities
Technology is the language teenagers understand and enjoy, where they form communities, where they connect. Here are three websites among a huge selection of online communities dedicated to Christian youth.
DisciplesNow.com is a web-based ministry for youth focused on the traditions, life, and mission of the Catholic faith community. As an informational resource, Disciples Now provides opportunities to learn, to discuss, and to celebrate the challenges of discipleship in the context of daily life.
PlanetWisdom.com-http://www.planetwisdom.com
The site provides a safe and challenging environment for Christian teens. It includes chats, discussion boards, Bible studies, movie reviews, free e-mail and web site and polls.
Anointed Youth-http://anointedyouth.org
It is designed for young people who wish to learn more about Jesus Christ. It includes a bulletin board and a newsletter.
Get Mentors
Studies show that parents have the biggest influence in their children's lives. But other adults can also play a significant role in their development. Indeed, perhaps the best way to help children mature is to provide them with "many advisors". Write down the names of at least three Christian adults who you see as having a positive relationship with your teenager. Then ask your teen to write down three Christian adults she respects and would like to have play a bigger role in her life. If your teenager does not like the idea of being "set up" with mentors, let her suggest other adults with the agreement that you have the right to refuse anyone who doesn't seem fit for the job. Stay in touch with your teen's mentors. These people should be permanent parts of birthdays, major events such as graduations, recitals and holidays. Developing these relationships in your teen's life might seem like an unusual step to take, but the guidance that healthy Christian adults can provide in the life of your child is worth every minute of effort. They will help your teenager's faith to grow, especially if a leader walks what he preaches. Mentors and teenagers will talk, pray, read the Bible and good Christian books. A mentor's relationship skills, spiritual example, and character make the biggest positive impact in a teenager's life. Singamajigs - The Toys That Are On Every Person's Must-Get List This Year Animal Soft Toys Hansa Soft Toys Bonucci said childhood is leaving Juve fans would be surprised if Diego Camping Activities With Or Without The Kids French Bulldog Puppies - A Gift For Your Child Gift Ideas For Teenage Boys How to Take Good Care of your Wooden Toys How to Win Battle against Teenage Obesity and Natural Weight Loss Tips Football star Kyle Eckel helps with fundraiser for local child with rare illness How to Plan Kids Birthday Parties Brain Snacks for Teens on the Go! 50 Smart Ideas to Turbo-Charge Your Life Wii or Playstation 3? Which is The Best For Your Kids