Young Adult Sunday School Class
Brother Barry Fowler will be starting a new curriculum "Faith Cafe" in November for his Sunday School Class. If you are post high school up to age 35 this class is for you! It starts every Sunday morning @ 10:00 am.
For more details please see Bro Barry, or Bro Tim Vestal.
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The Greatest Influence -- Pastor Barry Fowler
Contrary to what some people may believe, teenagers really do need their parents. As a youth pastor I have seen the effects of too much freedom being handed over to teens that are not yet ready for the responsibility. My wife has called this lazy parenting. Whatever the label, there are a lot of reasons for parents to give their teen too much freedom. I want to give some insights into this growing epidemic.
Let me first say that teenagers are not little adults. They do not possess the maturity to make adult decisions concerning their own lives or the lives of anyone else. Yet, over and over again, I personally have witnessed teenagers being given freedom that was reserved for adulthood less than a generation age. Teenagers are intelligent, and they may excel in certain areas, even in regard to leadership skills, but that does not mean they are ready to make life changing decisions. Teenagers generally base their decisions on emotion, assumption, or very small amounts of information. you can begin to understand why it is difficult for them to make good choices all the time. Even when presented with facts, teenagers do not process those facts as an adult would. Previously, this was called cause and effect. I know of less than a handful of teens who think through the effects their actions will cause. The thinking of most teenagers incolves this question, "Will it be fun?" and anything that keeps this question from being answered in the affirmative will make you look like the enemy in their perception. The next question always follows, "But why?" accompanied by whining and sulking. While I know this is an overgeneralization, it is often the parent who has heard this conversation over and over until they are worn out with it. Don't worry! You are not alone. Often times, parents already worn down by the responsibilities of life, give in.
Parents, you have the most difficult job in the world. To teach, and train, and counsel, and feed, and provide, and protect, and, and, and, etc. It is touch sometimes. Let me remind all of us that God has ordained us as parents. Each of our children are a gift bestowed upon us by God himself. While this may be difficult to hear at times, we have been entrusted with their care until they become adults themselves, and I know it may seem as if that will never happen, but it will.
Why do some parents give too much freedom? This is a question I have wanted to know the answer to for years. I knew of one young lady who was a terrible driver, but i norder for her siblings to have a ride to school and to the mall and so on, she was given the "taxi cab" and it was careless. Another mom was allowing her daughter to her boyfriend over each day after school unattended. Do I really have to tell you what happened? These events took place in the homes of Christian parents and teens. I ask that each of us as parents would examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom concerning our method of parenting. What works for some may not work for all, but we have the wisdom that comes for God. Ask God for direction and insight. Ask God to help you to raise your kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Lastly, I want you to know that you, the parent, are still the most influential person in your teenager's life. Studies and statistics bear out this fact; you are #1 in the eyes of your teenager when it comes to making decisions such as ethics, faith, morality, and social behavior. This isn't to say that teenagers wont make their own choices in these areas. However, the majority of teens will be watching you to take their cues. I want to say specifically, if church and serving God are not high on your priority list, your teen knows it. Dropping them off at the door is not the same as taking responsibility to lead them in their faith. If we desire to be parents who honor God, we must take the time pray and read the Bible together. As it is, my kids are too young to understand the Bible, so we have bought kid's Bible stories to read to them. As a result, we see incredible interest in reading and book time with our boys. The teen years are tough for you and your teenager, but God is in control. Do your part and God will hand the rest.
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