Faith Formation for Families with Teenagers

In the book, "Almost Christian" Kenda Creasy Dean discusses the national study of youth and religion, suggesting that many U.S. teenagers are developing a theology of "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism."  Basically youth are developing a concept of a God who helps them make good choices and helps them fell better when they are down.  This watered down version of the Gospel often leads to teens who leave the church in college and never turn back.  A recent article in the Huffington Post pointed to the newest portion of the National Study of Youth and Religion and suggests that less than 1 percent of teenagers whose parents are not connected to church end up as young adults who are still engaged in the church.  This statistic alone should serve as a wake up call to parents who want their teens to grow up as adults who still have a relationship with Jesus!

How do I faithfully parent my teenager?
What have you done to enhance the faith life of your teenager recently?  Are you modeling faith at home?  Are you attending church as a family?  Are you encouraging your youth to be involved in the programs at Hope?  
All of the current research on the spirituality of teenagers suggests that the place where faith is nurtured and grows is at home.  While parents can model faithful behavior by attending church with their family, if that's where it ends you are doing your family a disservice!  
When was the last time you prayed together as a family?
When was the last time you opened the Bible together?
let's face it...when was the last time you checked in as to what your kids are facing and dealing with?

Hopefully you've been doing all of these things...if you haven't our hope is that this site can point you in the right direction to get back on track.  In this space you will find three categories:  In Person Opportunities will list information about upcoming events and programs that your teenager can participate in.  At Home Activities will give you resources to practice faith at home with your family.  Additional Resources is a curated (We didn't create them) page of books, articles and other resources that will give you more opportunities to learn about the spirituality of Teenagers.

In Person Opportunities
These are those activities that you have to attend to get anything out of!  On this page you will find information about programs that we offer in person for youth who are in High School.  Click to learn about the upcoming summer trip to Detroit, to find information about our youth music group and our youth drama team, and more!  Any additional upcoming events will be referenced on this page as well!

At Home Activities
These are activities that you can do at home with your family.  Click to find tested ideas for continuing to fulfill your baptismal promises even after confirmation!  These include family routines, one time activities, and ongoing opportunities for you to play a meaningful role in your child's faith formation at home!  This site also includes any follow up material that we've referenced at our in person opportunities!

Additional Resources
You don't have to take our word for it!   These resources include books, articles, and more that will help you to model faith at home.