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“Should you force your kids to go to church?” We take that hot-button question head-on and trade force for formation. Drawing on Proverbs 22:6 and years of parenting and pastoring, we unpack how consistent, low-pressure rhythms help kids meet God for themselves—without turning Sundays into a performance. Phoebe shares candid stories of church at its best and worst, how her parents handled hurt without denial, and the simple “find three good things” practice that transformed knee-jerk cancellation into healthy discernment.

From the youth pastor seat, you’ll hear why the most resistant students often become the most powerful testimonies. We get practical about making church a family value: protecting Saturday nights so Sunday isn’t a fight, choosing leagues and schedules that don’t push worship to the margins, and keeping the home conversation honest. No glossing over cringe moments, no pretending leaders are flawless—just real accountability paired with a stubborn love for the local church. Because when kids learn to process pain, honor what’s good, and contribute to change, they grow into builders, not critics.

If your teen is anxious, skeptical, or introverted, there’s space for that too. The aim isn’t instant belief—it’s proximity to people and practices that make room for the Holy Spirit. We talk about mentors who model conviction without shame, community that sticks through rough seasons, and the steady presence that anchors identity for the long haul. Whether you’re starting fresh with a newborn or trying to reset with a teenager, you’ll leave with language, rhythms, and hope to make God’s house a life-giving non-negotiable.

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