There is No Such Things As "The Terrible Teens"
Thank you for becoming a Proclaim Partner! This is video number three in our series welcoming you into this role. Today, I want to talk about the often-discussed "terrible twos." While people frequently mention the challenges of raising two-year-olds, they don’t often talk about the struggles of teenagers. We tend to treat the teenage years as if they are a time of chaos, implying that being a teenager is simply a toxic experience with no guidance available. I strongly disagree with that notion.
I believe our teens are being influenced—discipled—by someone. The real question is: are we willing to step in and be those mentors for them? That’s why I enjoy working with kids and teens; they are at a crucial point in their lives where they begin to seek their own identities. If we haven't provided a solid foundation for them, they can easily become lost.
The world is actively trying to shape our teens into something they may not want to be. As someone who frequently engages with teenagers in schools, I express my apologies on behalf of adults for giving them cell phones and access to social media too early. It is undoubtedly more challenging to be a teenager today than when I was growing up. While my grandparents might have shared stories of walking to school uphill both ways—stories that are hard to believe—I'll be honest with the kids: we faced different, yet simpler, struggles. The advent of technology has transformed the landscape. I can't imagine how I would have coped with the instant access to information that kids have today; it would have been overwhelming for me.
I believe our teens are being influenced—discipled—by someone. The real question is: are we willing to step in and be those mentors for them? That’s why I enjoy working with kids and teens; they are at a crucial point in their lives where they begin to seek their own identities. If we haven't provided a solid foundation for them, they can easily become lost.
The world is actively trying to shape our teens into something they may not want to be. As someone who frequently engages with teenagers in schools, I express my apologies on behalf of adults for giving them cell phones and access to social media too early. It is undoubtedly more challenging to be a teenager today than when I was growing up. While my grandparents might have shared stories of walking to school uphill both ways—stories that are hard to believe—I'll be honest with the kids: we faced different, yet simpler, struggles. The advent of technology has transformed the landscape. I can't imagine how I would have coped with the instant access to information that kids have today; it would have been overwhelming for me.
I Don't Envy Their Current Situation
But I am committed to helping guide them. Someone is influencing them already, and as believers, it's our responsibility to disciple these young people. With your support as a Proclaimed Partner, we can make a difference.
We have a growing library of resources for both kids' and student ministries. Additionally, we’ve launched a new YouTube channel, and I’m considering rejoining some social media platforms like TikTok. While I’m hesitant about social media, it's important to reach kids where they are.
Thank you for being part of our team and for your commitment to helping reach more teens in need. It's crucial that we shift the narrative away from negativity about teens. Remember, they are products of their environment, which can sometimes be unkind. We want to create a community that positively shapes and disciples them.
Next time you hear someone complain about teenagers, remind them to consider their role: "Are you helping them? What are you doing to support these kids?" We were all teenagers once, navigating our way through life. Today's teenagers face even greater challenges, often stemming from the technology that we provided to them. It's essential that we give them resources that help them live for God by connecting faith and life.
Before we end, I want to share one of my favorite verses related to student ministry: 1 Timothy 4:12, which states, "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." I truly believe that our kids can be examples for others, and no one should look down on them because of their age—not even they themselves. Sometimes, we unintentionally create an environment where teens feel inferior.
Let’s work to help them grow in their faith right now rather than waiting for them to come back to it in the future. Together, with your support as a Proclaim Partner, we can guide them to connect their faith with their everyday lives. Thank you once again for your commitment!
But I am committed to helping guide them. Someone is influencing them already, and as believers, it's our responsibility to disciple these young people. With your support as a Proclaimed Partner, we can make a difference.
We have a growing library of resources for both kids' and student ministries. Additionally, we’ve launched a new YouTube channel, and I’m considering rejoining some social media platforms like TikTok. While I’m hesitant about social media, it's important to reach kids where they are.
Thank you for being part of our team and for your commitment to helping reach more teens in need. It's crucial that we shift the narrative away from negativity about teens. Remember, they are products of their environment, which can sometimes be unkind. We want to create a community that positively shapes and disciples them.
Next time you hear someone complain about teenagers, remind them to consider their role: "Are you helping them? What are you doing to support these kids?" We were all teenagers once, navigating our way through life. Today's teenagers face even greater challenges, often stemming from the technology that we provided to them. It's essential that we give them resources that help them live for God by connecting faith and life.
Before we end, I want to share one of my favorite verses related to student ministry: 1 Timothy 4:12, which states, "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." I truly believe that our kids can be examples for others, and no one should look down on them because of their age—not even they themselves. Sometimes, we unintentionally create an environment where teens feel inferior.
Let’s work to help them grow in their faith right now rather than waiting for them to come back to it in the future. Together, with your support as a Proclaim Partner, we can guide them to connect their faith with their everyday lives. Thank you once again for your commitment!
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