I think one thing we all can agree on is the
fact life is difficult. For myriad of reasons, life has its challenges. Though
most adults would agree today’s teenagers have many advantages we did not grow
up with, I would suggest in many ways, today’s teenagers have it more difficult
than past generations. Studies have shown, this generation is facing more
pressures and anxieties with less support to help them through the difficult
times.
There are difficult issues such as
drugs/alcohol, depression, sexuality, body image/eating disorders, and bullying
that our adolescents face at a greater intensity than generations past. Though
there is a wealth of information that can be gathered by our adolescents
concerning these topics through external avenues such as the Internet, the
traditional support systems such as family, teachers/coaches and the church
have often hesitated to provide proper support. As TBC Student Ministry, we are
determined to change this trajectory.
On Wednesday nights (Jan. 29-Feb. 26), we will
tackle these difficult topics through the perspective of Christ’s love, mercy
and grace with our high school students. Our goal is to open conversations
between students, parents and loving adult leaders. We desire to create a safe
environment where students can learn more about tough issues without judgment,
condemnation or ridicule. Drugs/alcohol, depression, sexuality, body
image/eating disorders and bullying all deal with a person’s perception of
their own identity. Our hope is for our students to develop their identity
centered on their relationship with Jesus.
As a Student Ministry, our role is to support
parents and families in helping to bring light to some of these issues and to
equip them with Christ-centered tools to help deal with the issues when they
arise. All parents of high school students will receive a letter in the mail
with more information about this study series. In addition, the curriculum and
parent/student discussion guide will be available online at www.lifehonestly.com to help facilitate
discussions at home. Also, a Parent Forum led by Dr. Tyler Townsend will be
held at the same time as the students meet (Wednesdays at 6:00-7:30) in room
B233. All of these ways are being put in place to help our families of high
school students to be equipped to develop in their faith journey. May God be
with us as we journey together.
- Andy
