How to Address Teenagers About Church
Children and teens take an interest in spiritual matters from their youngest days. According to a 2005 study from the Barna Group, a religious-based organization which follows spiritual behavior, the main reason a teenager attends worship services is to connect with God and improve his understanding of his beliefs. You can talk to teens about church and spiritual matters using several techniques to improve communication.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Model the priority of church. You will provide more impact on a teen if you attend church yourself and place a high value on attendance and involvement in spiritual activities.
-
2
Make suggestions instead of specific directives. Use phrases like "Have you thought about trying a different service?" instead of "Find a different church."
-
-
3
Discuss different options with the teens. When you invite a dialogue, you will learn the teens' perspective and offer better counsel. For example, if you assume that your teen wants to go to the 9 a.m. service because that's when the youth meet, you may find out that the 11 a.m. service works better simply so your child can get some extra sleep.
-
4
Know your own limits. Accept that you may have a different perspective than your teen. Give him some freedom to make his own decisions or compromise. For instance, if he wants to try another church, suggest he go on Sunday or Wednesday evening, when it will not interfere with your family time. Or let him attend once a month to start and go from there.
-
5
Take advantage of technology. Use social media yourself whenever possible so that teens know you are relevant.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Discussion starters about spiritual matters and church can help break the ice. Ask questions such as "What do you like best about church?" "What do you like least?" "How does church help you feel close to God?"
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
