THEPARENTLINK June 2012 for PARENTS of TEENS
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THEPARENTLINK June 2012 FOR PARENTS OF TEENS IGNITE LACKLUSTER FAITH THE VIEW Researchers say that although many teenagers call themselves Christians, they More than 75% of U.S. kids often just go through the motions of religion. Professor Kenda Creasy Dean, between the ages of 13 and 17 call author of Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers Is Telling the themselves Christians. About half American Church, says commitment is lacking. Her book, based on results of of these teenagers say religion is the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR), describes how young important in their lives. Christians often wear a façade of faith but aren’t “all in” for Christ. Although most U.S. teenagers Although most teenagers think faith is a “very nice thing,” Dean says, it view religion in a “benignly doesn’t concern them much and isn’t durable enough to survive beyond high positive light,” it isn’t a big deal school. Parents, churches, and youth ministers all must work together to turn to them. It’s an accepted part of lackluster faith into “holy desire,” she says. “At issue is our ability, and our their lives that stays in the willingness, to remember our identity as the body of Christ, and to heed background and doesn’t merit Christ’s call to love him and love others as his representatives in the world.” much thought. After analyzing NSYR data, sociologist Patricia Snell found that youth group Churches that invest in their participants experience greater levels of adult support, have more connections young people find that kids are to church, and show a stronger moral backbone. But, she adds, more is need- more likely to invest in them. ed. “The congregation as a whole has a crucial role to play in helping [teenagers] navigate…into the adult ‘promised land.’” —National Study of Youth and Religion A perk for adults, Dean notes, is that “Tending the faith of young people may just be the ticket to reclaiming our own.” PONDER THIS TIPS >>> NSYR lead researcher Dr. Christian Teenagers’ parents need to be How would you describe your Smith says parents, in conjunction brought back into the youth minis- own faith and your relationship with a strong youth group, can make a try picture. For better or worse, par- with Jesus? huge difference in kids’ faith: ents are the most important Christian What might increase your com- pastors teenagers will ever have. Par- Organized programs are im- mitment to live out your beliefs ents shouldn’t just check in their kids portant, but strong relationships daily? at youth group and assume all is well. between young people and ma- How might you and your teenag- ture, loving adults matter more. Quality matters as much as quanti- ers be able to help strengthen one Most kids long to relate to adults ty when it comes to relationships. another’s faith? whom they respect and who really Research shows that kids turn out love them. Simply being with kids best when parents combine three dis- through day-to-day life is key. tinct approaches into an “authoritative” parenting style. 1.) A youth group’s influence is tied Express lots of warmth and affection. to the importance of the rela- 2.) Lay down clear expectations, tionships teenagers have with boundaries, demands, and accounta- others in the group. Life-change bility. 3.) Grant an appropriate occurs when you can follow the amount of “mental space” so kids can “thread” of kids’ friendships back develop their own take on important to the engine that drives their issues. lives. ANSWER THE CALL Expert Insights for Parents of Teenagers By Lane Palmer The desire to be part of something big Jesus started (see Matthew 16:18). Lit- I know that many people see the church and meaningful is in our nature. The erally, the word church means “called as “the sitting down ones” instead of the band Flobots has captured this in their out ones.” “called out ones.” But our cause is not to song “Rise.” The lyrics include this call: complain or bail out. Our cause is to join “If you believe in redemption, I’m call- Called out for what? Simple, Called out the cause that Jesus Christ died to bring ing to you from another dimension.” to completely change the world. Called about. Our job is to not only go to out to share the good news about eter- church but to be the church. There actually is Someone calling to us nal life by trusting in Jesus for salva- I know that many folks are discouraged from another dimension. He’s the One tion. Called out to help people in need. about the church, but that’s exactly what who started the original “cause” of all Satan likes to see. We’ll never find the time. In fact, if people would rise up and The bottom line is that the church is a perfect church, especially because the join this cause, most (if not all) of the group of sinners saved by grace gather- moment we join it, we add our own im- other causes out there would be taken ing together so we can go out and be perfections. The point is that if we take care of. Jesus Christ in the world around us. our eyes off the petty problems and fix Our job description—and really part of our eyes on Jesus, the church he’s build- The original movement I’m talking the motivation calling to us from anoth- ing can crash through the gates of hell about is the church. No, not a building er dimension—is found in Matthew and make an eternal difference in the or a label but the cause 25:31-46. world. Are you ready to rise? —SimplyYouthMinistry.com RESOURCE Sticky Faith (Zondervan) by Dr. Kara BIBLE FOCUS Powell and Dr. Chap Clark is filled with everyday ideas for parents to Live a life worthy of the Lord and…please him in help their kids build lasting faith. The every way: bearing fruit in every good work, easy-to-read guide offers strategies growing in the knowledge of God, being for actively encouraging young peo- strengthened with all power according to his ple’s spiritual growth so it lasts, or glorious might so that you may have great en- sticks, for a lifetime. durance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:10-12) MEDIA SPOTLIGHT MAINSTREAM MUSIC CHRISTIAN MUSIC MOVIES Movie: Brave Genre: Action, Adventure Rating: Not yet rated Synopsis: A young Scottish girl wants to go against what tradition says she “ought” to be and forge her own path and identity. Unfortu- nately, her actions might lead to TENACIOUS D THOUSAND FOOT war. KRUTCH Our Take: This is the first time Background: Comedian/actor Jack Pixar has featured a female lead Black and Kyle Gass formed this Background: These Canadian character—it’s about time! No stu- rock band in 1994. They’re a real rockers, together since 1995, dio is better at telling a powerful band, although their songs are bom- have been nominated for numer- story, so we can’t wait to see this bastic and rock opera-ish, dealing ous awards. The band recently one. with absurd topics such as their sexu- split with longtime label Tooth & al abilities and pot use. They’re like Nail to release albums on their an incredibly vulgar Spinal Tap that’s own via Kickstarter, a crowd- Movie: G.I. Joe: Retaliation toured with big-name acts (Beck, the funding site. Genre: Action, Adventure Foo Fighters, etc.) and has appeared on shows such as Saturday Night Albums: The End Is Where We Rating: Not yet rated (probably PG Live. Begin (2012), Welcome to the -13) Masquerade (2009) Albums: Rize of the Fenix (2012), Synopsis: A Cobra agent now sit- The Pick of Destiny (2006), Tena- ting in the White House has given What TFK Says: Singer Trevor cious D (2001) Cobra control of the nation’s secu- McNevan says, “Writing a rec- rity—and labeled the G.I. Joe team What Tenacious D Says: The band ord is a spiritual experience as enemies of the State. The team favors legalizing marijuana. In a doc- for me. I always ask, ‘What do has to track down the original Joe, umentary, Black said, “They’re popu- you want to say God, and how played by Bruce Willis. lating our prisons with people, you do you want to say it?’ We’ve know, first-time drug offenders— never tried to preach through Our Take: Only one character single mothers that have a little bit of our music but want it to mean from the not-very-good first film is coke end up going to prison for something and reflect who we returning. That might actually be a 20 years or something. It’s just cruel are.” very good thing…. and unusual punishment.” Explore: Tenacious D’s albums are Explore: TFK’s albums are on Spotify—including “clean” ver- available on Spotify. You can For more media discussions and sions of some songs. We don’t advise watch the video of their new sin- ideas, go to watching the band’s YouTube videos, gle here: www.youtube.com/ www.MinistryandMedia.com. however. watch?v=DprXHr1xAdE. VIDEO GAMES LEGO Batman 2: DC Heroes—The very clever LEGO games are good, clean fun, while still being a challenge. The whole family can play this game together.