I recently read an instagram post where the parent of a 17 year old ventured to say that "no one, when they embark on parenthood, thinks about having teenagers." And yet, everything we know about parents is that one of their top concerns for their children is their spiritual development, particularly during adolescence. In fact, according to the Barna Group, "Seven in 10 U.S. parents (70%) say they are at least somewhat concerned about their children staying true to their spiritual faith." And how could they not be, in a world where Gen Z is known as the lonely and anxious generation and faith declining into early adulthood has become the norm?
This session is an invitation into the messy and intimidating conversation about who our students are, who they are becoming, the influences that will continue to shape them, and what our roles are as parents and community members in their lives.