THE

PARENTLINK
FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

February 2014

MAKING CHURCH IRRESISTIBLE

Getting teenagers to church can be a Herculean task. At some point, its tempting to stop fighting with kids and just let them make their own decisions about faith and worship. But God entrusts Christian parents to provide instruction about him and his laws (see Deuteronomy 6:5-9). So what are parents to doespecially when church seems boring or irrelevant even to you? Thom and Joani Schultz tackle that topic in their new book Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore (Group Publishing). People today often complain that churches arent making Jesus real to them, yet the message of Jesus unconditional love is needed now more than ever. One solution, the Schultzes say, is to understand how people actually discover and learn for themselvesthrough conversation, experience, and story-based approaches. Just look at how Jesus interacted in his ministry, Joani told GROUP magazine. He was very relational and asked lots of great questions that forced people to grapple and discover for themselves. We need to really trust that process because Jesus did; we forget that we can trust the Holy Spirit. We create an environment that is rich with love and acceptance and the Gospel, and then we let God go to town. Churches and parents can embrace this advice as they work together to engage young people with worship and, ultimately, with God.

THE VIEW
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Contrary to perceptions, most young people dont lose their faith after high school. Only one out of nine young people who grow up in a Christian home lose their faith and become prodigals. But about four in 10 become nomads who wander away from participation in an institutional church.
Barna Group

When 23,000 Christian teenagers were surveyed about their commitment levels, the highest-ranking statement was Im absolutely sure that Ill stay connected to a church after I graduate from high school.
GROUP magazine

TIPS >>>
In Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore, Thom and Joani Schultz recommend four acts of love that are based on how Jesus lived. Use these acts to help bring kids closer to God: Radical Hospitality. Kids feel welcome when theyre known by name, accepted, appreciated, missed when they arent around, and loved unconditionally. Express the joy you find in simply being with your kids. Fearless Conversation. Interact with kids verbally about what theyre learning in church or youth group, beyond fact-based questions. Dont be afraid to discuss tough topics that teenagers wonder about and would benefit from discussing. Kids are already wondering about the tough stuff and need to know that God is with them throughout it. Be real. Be authentic. Let Gods Holy Spirit guide you. Genuine Humility. Focus more on the relationship that you and your kids are developing with God than on appearances and various accomplishments. Theres freedom and relief in that. Divine Anticipation. As you talk to kids about God and the Bible, its easy to get stuck in the past tense. Yet teenagers need to know that God is very much herenow. Invite them to watch for God in everyday details and to share these God sightings with you. That habit will help them develop a personal, blessed expectation of God.

PONDER THIS
What positive and negative connotations do you have about church, and how do they compare to your kids views? What things or people get you most excited about worship, and why? What are some ways you can ignite your own faithand your teenagers?

HEARTFELT ADVICE
Insights for Parents of Teenagers
A Christian school asked 14-yearolds to share advice with a new believer. Here are excerpts from one of the letters: Dearest Warrior, I know youve recently made the most important decision of your life. Youre now secure in the Saviors arms. Can you feel his love flowing in your veins? Its so amazing that he died for you! Youre at the beginning of the best but most arduous journey of your life. To grow closer to God, you must study his Word. You also can talk to the Saviorhe absolutely loves to listen to you. You must quiet your heart to hear him, though. The Savior is quiet, and you cant hear him if youre surrounded by noise. Another great way to grow is to fellowship with other Christians. This isnt necessarily always in a church buildingit could mean attending a small group or praying with Christian friends. The Word says that when two or more Christians come before God, something amazing happens. Rememberthough youre saved, youre still a sinner and nowhere near perfect. The Destroyer will still try to tempt you, even though youre a child of God. A great example of how to react is in Matthew 4:1-11. When Satan tempted Jesus, he simply replied by quoting Scripture. Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the armor of God, which protects you from evil. The step after growing in your faith is sharing Gods Word with others. At first this may be terrifying, but as your passion for the Savior grows, so will your passion to share him with others. Some people will openly accept Jesus, but others will reject him. Dont get discouraged when people reject him. It isnt your job to work in their hearts; thats what God does. I hope youll take my advice and grow in your love and admiration for the Savior. GROUP magazine

RESOURCE
Church As It Should Be, a six-week downloadable sermon series based on the book of Acts, offers young people a broader understanding of what this church thing is all about and what role they can play in Gods kingdom. Available at simplyyouthministry.com.

BIBLE FOCUS
You are!fellow citizens with Gods people and members of Gods household!with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-20

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
MAINSTREAM MUSIC CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Movie: Ride Along Genre: Action, Comedy Rating: PG-13 Synopsis: In this buddy comedy, a security guard (Kevin Hart) joins a cop (Ice Cube) for patrol duty to prove hes worthy of marrying the cops sister.

JENNIFER NETTLES
Background: Nettles, 39, is best known as lead vocalist of the award-winning country group Sugarland. Now shes releasing her long-anticipated debut solo album, which explores her roots in both country and gospel music. (Nettles began singing in her Southern Baptist church while growing up in Georgia.) In 2008, Nettles launched Common Thread, which encourages musicians to raise money for their favorite charities. Albums: That Girl (2014) What Nettles Says: Of venturing into a solo album, she says, I think its way more intimate to me and way more personal in the sense that when you collaborateyoure affecting each other, and playing with and inspiring each other, and yet there are things that one may not get to do or want to do when collaborating. Explore: In That Girl, Nettles sings about not wanting to break up a marriage. The video is available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh4n9tdS5yo

JAMIE GRACE
Background: Toby Mac discovered this singer-songwriter via YouTube in 2010. Two years later, she won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. Her single Hold Me hit it big on Christian radio. Grace, now 22, was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 11. Albums: Ready to Fly (2014), One Song at a Time (2011) What Grace Says: When discussing her song God Girl, she says, I dont know if the first guy I date will end up being my husband, but I do know Im not going to date anyone who isnt husband material. If a guy isnt working with me spiritually, doesnt respect my parents, and doesnt respect his parents, then hes not dating material because hes not husband material. Explore: Watch the video for Graces new single Beautiful Day here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPy0ctqM wE0

You Should Know: The movie received a PG-13 rating for sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language. Movie: Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy Rating: Not yet rated Synopsis: In this movie, based on the best-selling Vampire Academy books, two best friends with vampire roots face a threat from undead vampires. You Should Know: This film, which releases on Valentines Day, hopes to fill the vampire void left by the completed Twilight series.

VIDEO GAMES

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIIn this game, players have 13 days to accomplish specific tasks before a doomsday clock runs out. They choose which souls to save and take to a new world. (Rated T; PS3, Xbox 360) Plants vs. Zombies: Garden WarfareThis series combines traditional shooter games with humor. Players can compete in four-player co-op mode or 24-player online battles. (Rating pending; Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows)

FEBRUARY 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat 1 IMPACT (middle school) 6PM

2 IMPACT (middle school) 11:15AM

4 (MNM) Mommies Evening In w/ Melinda Hampton 7PM

5 REVERB (high school) 7PM

8 IMPACT (middle school) 6PM

9 IMPACT (middle school) 11:15AM Baby Dedication Orientation 1PM 16 Baby Dedication Celebration Weekend IMPACT (middle school) 11:15AM 23 IMPACT (middle school) 11:15AM

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12 REVERB (high school) 7PM

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Valentines Day

15 Baby Dedication Celebration Weekend IMPACT (middle school) 6PM

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19 REVERB (high school) 7PM

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22 IMPACT (middle school) 6PM

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26 REVERB (high school) 7PM

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