Paul's to the Parents:

Change is the norm for youth ministry, and things are definitely changing for the better here with WBC Youth!  The best change we have noticed in recent months is the number of youth stepping up into leadership.  We have teenagers teaching our 5th and 6th graders in the M-56 ministry.  We have teenagers leading worship on Wednesday night.  We even have a teenager maintaining our youth website!  As your youth continue to step up into leadership, I encourage you to do the same.  Be an active part of this ministry. 

From the Desk of Matt…

I recently read an article on MSN’s website.  An editor of a teen magazine (who remained nameless) had written an interesting article titled “10 Things Your Teen Won’t Tell You...But She Did Tell Me”.  Granted, this article was written from the perspective of teenage girls, but I’m reprinting it for you for two reasons.  Number one, I think that much of what is said applies to both girls and boys.  Secondly, our youth group is over 60 percent girls, so I think it’s appropriate!  Here you go, just “for your information”.  This is what your “average teenager” has on her mind…

1. I think about sex -- a lot.
There's no question that sex is a topic of intense fascination for teens. But just because they're fascinated, doesn't mean they're doing it.  One of the stereotypes that still seems to be true, even in the 21st century, is that girls and women are more emotional than boys and men. So when teen girls think about sex, they often think about it in the context of their feelings. Sometimes this is problematic, because a girl can be persuaded to think that if she really loves a guy, it's okay to have sex with him, and even, on some level, required.  At the same time, girls' emphasis on feelings can make them cautious, because they aren't typically looking to go out and "get laid." In fact, in a survey one teen magazine did last year of 15,000 girls, a whopping 73 percent reported that they were virgins, and 49 percent of those said they were proud of it.  Given how powerful hormones are, and how much sexual imagery there is in the media, it's natural that your daughter is going to talk and read about sex. But think of it this way: She's being driven by a need to find out information -- about her body, his body, the repercussions of her decisions -- and studies have found that the more educated girls are about their sexual options, the less likely they are to get pregnant.  So let your daughter talk. It's a good way for her to explore her values and feelings about sex. And if she senses that you won't judge her harshly, preach ceaselessly or make light of her concerns, there's a good chance that she'll let you in on the conversation.
2. I want to be a star -- or at least be with a star!
Whether it was Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles or Michael Jackson, every generation has swooned over some idol. But the current generation of girls seems to have taken celebrity worship to new heights, or lows, depending on your point of view. Much of the mail I received was devoted to pleadings for a meeting, date or tour with the star of their dreams. There seemed to be little understanding -- even among this relatively savvy and streetwise generation -- that these working celebrities really can't arrange to hang out with fans. Second, despite what the stars say in interviews about the backbreaking work necessary to attain their status, more and more kids seem to think that becoming a celebrity is a genuine career option.  To parents I say: Make fun of this fantasy at your own risk. You'll only be further alienated from your daughter. Instead, I recommend exposing your teen to other career tracks -- starting with your own or your husband's. Show your teen the challenges, responsibilities and rewards of your work, and don't be afraid to expose the frustrations or stresses. Your daughter will appreciate being taken seriously.  (More to come…….)