Welcome Parents!
Hi, my name is Mike Smith and I'm the youth pastor at Bethel Assembly. I would like to a few minutes of your time and talk to you about your teenager. I know a lot of people get scared when they hear the word "teenager," but these years don't have to be ones that frighten you. It is a time of great physical growth, hence the food bill being so high, not to mention a time of great independence. Teenagers are trying to find out who they are and why they exist. It is a time of transition from childhood to
adulthood.
I'm 38 years old and I grew up in a society that had absolute truths. If I got in trouble at school then I got in trouble when I got home. I grew up with a sense of right and wrong. Our children today are not being raised in the same kind of society. The culture today says whatever you believe is right is right, if you believe it's wrong then it is wrong. Thus, our teenagers have no solid basis on which to build their values. This is the reason why many teenagers feel a sense of being lost and why it is so important for parents to truly parent their teenager.
A lot of people feel that a teenager wants to be left alone, but that is far from the truth. They need as much love, direction and encouragement as they had as a child. A lot of parents still give direction. They stop or back off giving hugs and kisses because they believe their teen doesn't need it. They could not be farther from the truth. Having worked with teenagers for over 20 years, I have found them needing their parents affirmation more as a teenager than when they where children. Even when they roll their eyes and act like they don't care, they really do. Remember how you were as a teenager? You never wanted your parents to think they were right. Some
things just never change!
It does take time and effort, but the results will last a lifetime. Don't let your teenager become another statistic - let them become all that God has destined them to be!
In His Service for Youth at Bethel Assembly of God,
Pastor Mike
If I can help you in any way, please call me at (717) 359-4675 or send me an email:
pastormike@impactmyworld.com
angela@impactmyworld.com
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A CHALLENGE FROM PASTOR MIKE AND ANGELA
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If you are the parent or grandparent of a teenager we encourage you to take time to read this life changing message:
I have a houseful of children and a youth ministry full of students. What I have noticed over the years of ministry is that each child and teenager is one of a kind. They have their own personalities, thoughts and ideas - which is awesome!
We want them to discover who they are and their purpose in life. I want my children and the students that I pastor to grow up and be effective leaders in our world. I know that this is the cry of every parent and grandparent. The only way this can happen is if we purpose in our hearts to be the best parents as possible.
The “Center for Parent/Youth Understanding” states that “Tonight, 40% of the kids in America will go to bed in a home without a father.” Josh McDowell says, “The average dad in America spends about 30 seconds in meaningful conversation with his child.” We live in a society that has put down the role of fathers in the home. They are seen in movies and television as bumbling idiots. The truth is, a child needs their dad. They don’t need more stuff - your children want you!
Many dads are guilty of saying, “They know I love them!” Your children don’t know unless you tell them and they spell love, t-i-m-e. I had a student tell me one time, “I can’t remember the last time my dad hugged me.” What a tragedy if we raise our kids with a lot of gadgets, but they never learn what real love is all about
There was a survey done by Amway that asked 5,000 kids, “What is the American dream?” The answer was astounding! Ninety-five percent said that they wanted a happy home life.
The cry of this generation is “Please love me - don’t just tell me, but show me!” Their desire is to grow up with parents that love them for who they are, not what we want them to be. Maybe your children don’t live under your roof because of circumstances. That is why you need to work hard at letting them know you care.
The Barna Group did a survey on parenting earlier this year on the subject of, “What makes a parent successful?” They found that having patience and demonstrating love are at the top of the list. The second thing was enforcing discipline and being understanding. This generation is crying out for strong moms and dads that will love them unconditionally. Parent your children with a strong love! Let us resolve that we will show them the love that they so desperately desire and need! Let’s work together!
In His Service for Youth at Bethel Assembly of God,
Pastor Mike |
