4. Problems. Teens are good at sharing their victories, but poor at sharing their problems. They play cover-up Christianity in an effort to appear all together. When problems become overwhelming and they feel they can’t live up to expectations, bailing out seems easier than fessing up.

Foster openness in your group by providing classes, devotionals, etc. expressly for problem sharing. Share some of your own struggles as well. You won’t appear weak, rather teens will be able to relate to you and the group better when they know everyone has problems.

5. Hurt by the church. We could all make a list as long as our leg of people who left the church because they got “offended.” Teens are no different. Offend or hurt their feelings and they leave. Hopefully they will go to another church, most likely they won’t go at all, and their parents won’t blame them.

When you feel justified in smarting off or pinching the feelings of a teen to “teach them a lesson,” remember Romans 15:1. “We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

6. Peer pressure. Part, if not most, of the reason a teenager becomes part of a certain church is friendship. Teens go where the crowd goes. Teens do what their friends do. And if a majority of their friends don’t go to church, they’ll probably dodge it every chance they get if they are not committed to Jesus.

Protect your group by promoting positive peer pressure. Encourage friendships among Christians, while evangelizing their non-Christian friends.

Your Partners in Youth Ministry,

Paul and Al

Want Free Youth Ministry resources and training? Just enter your name and email below…