I read a interesting survey this week by "The Barna Group". It was a survey that explored teenagers expectations related to church. Here are some of the findings. The most common elements sought by teenagers are as follows:
1. 45% of teenagers say they want to "worship or make a connection with God."
2. 42% say they want to "spend time with close friends."
3. 34% say they want to "get encouraged and inspired."
4. 30% said they want to "volunteer to help others."
I thought these findings were interesting. Another statistic that I thought was interesting was that 26% of all teens surveyed said they long for relevant religious teaching. This statistic flies in the face, I think, of what I see many parents demonstrating when it comes to encouraging their youth to actively be a part of what their particular youth group is doing. I guess the assumption is that kids don't care or that it doesn't matter. It does! It has been my experience that kids aren't so much looking for all the "bells and whistles" as much as they are for something and someone that will help them just "do life."
Here is a question that I have for all the parents/adults that read this blog. If you could go back.. "What would you go back and tell yourself as a teenager?" I am interested in your responses.
See you Sunday. Bring somebody with you.
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