“Sorry to break it to you, but you are now in your late 30’s”. My teammate told me this on my most recent birthday. I of course refuted the claim since I was far from anything I would consider old. However, it only took 2 more months to realize I was indeed older than I once was. Our oldest child just finished elementary school this May. He will be a middle schooler this fall – entering 6th grade, turning 12, and not far from his teen years.

The teen years seem to have a bad rap from some parents. These are the years when kids go through so much transition and change, internally and externally. In that much change over such a short period, it is understandable why relational tensions rise between parents and their teenagers. So while my wife and I have clear expectations for this upcoming stage, we are nonetheless excited. We see so many appealing aspects of the teen years.

As a dad, I’m thrilled about entering the teen years with my son, but I’m also enthusiastic about what it means as a pastor. Students are one of the most untapped and powerful groups within the church. They have energy, passion, excitement, and joy in how they see and experience life. Imagine if churches not just tapped into, but unleashed that kind of reality within and without their own walls? With this reality in mind, Steve Burchett writes about “How Teens Can Contribute Right Way“. In the article, Burchett gives 7 valuable ways teens can serve in the church…right now!

READ THE ARTICLE

So while I am under no pretense that the teen year won’t bring its own challenges, I look forward with great anticipation for these years, not just as a dad but as a pastor. Too often I have heard the sentiment, “Students are the church of tomorrow” and every time I want to reply…”No, no they are not…they are as much the church of today as anyone”. I hope this article encourages you to not just view teens differently, but also encourage them as contributors in your family, church, and community.