Parent Resource Hub

help and hope for parents of teenagers

Parents (still) Have Influence!

Parenting teens can be tough, and can be especially tough when it comes to faith. Many parents find that dinner table devotionals that used to bring the family together in Jesus are now met with awkward silence from their teenager. Parent, you’re not alone! Nationally, 1 in 2 students walk away from their faith after graduating high school. Parents and churches alike want to know…How can i help my student own their faith for life?

Fuller Youth Institute launched a study that sought to answer that very question, and found encouraging results…there ARE things that parents can do to help their teenagers choose Jesus for life! Here are the “big four”:

1. Parents are (Still) a teen's Primary Influence
Though it may feel otherwise during the teenage years, parents remain the #1 influencers in a teens’ life. Teens are looking to their parents to model what following Jesus looks like through serving, worship, prayer, community, and more. Faith is more “caught” than “taught”.
Question: How are you pursuing Jesus in your own life?
……..
Consider making your own faith a priority as you push to make it a priority for your teenager.

Student ministry comes alongside you:

Parent Classes to help equip you to be a model of faith.

Parent “Connects” to connect you to a Jesus-Centered community of fellow parents.

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2. Involvement in the Broader Church
Because parents remain the primary faith influencers to their teen, involvement in all-church Sunday Services WITH their parents is more consistently linked with mature faith than any other form of church (youth group, etc). Main service is a place where parents can teach & model faith!
Question: How often do you attend main service with your student?
 ……..
Consider making it a point to attending with them this month, then debrief on the ride home.
Student ministry comes alongside you by providing age-appropriate classes, but also giving you a chance to attend Main Service with your student:

Junior High weekly classes at 11:15a on Sundays. Sunday classes do not meet the 1st Sunday of each month so that JHi students can worship with their families.

High School Sunday classes (intermittent) are designed to compliment, not replace, Sunday morning worship.
3. Serving the Broader Church and World
Students crave purpose. They don’t just want to be spiritual consumers, but Kingdom contributors! Students serving within the broader church body is linked to more mature faith and a greater ownership over the Kingdom. The more students serve in the broader church body, the more likely their faith will stick.
Question: How much of your family’s church involvement is sitting in a seat vs serving?
 ……..
Consider getting involved by volunteering to serve! The more students see themselves making an impact, the more Jesus makes an impact on them!
Student ministry comes alongside you:

Both JHi & HS students are encouraged to join the Sunday service teams! Kids ministry, Special Needs, Coffeeshop, Tech, Safety team. There are TONS of opportunities – just ask a ministry leader to get started!

4. Relationships With Trusted Adults
The more trusted Christian adults involved in the life of a teenager, the more likely their faith will stick. More trusted adults = more role models to follow!
Question: Who else besides you is investing in your students’ faith?
 ……..
Consider building a network of trusted adults around your student!
Student ministry comes alongside you:
Wednesday Youth Group (6:30p) features grade/gender-divided small groups – each group has two consistent (and awesome!) small group leaders! Not to mention worship, games, teaching, and so much more! More info on the events & classes page.

It Takes A Village

Navigating the waters of raising teenagers is a joy and challenge, all at the same time! Parents, we see you and would love the privilege of being part of your village as you parent your teen. Here are some ways to start getting connected to the village that’s here for you at FCC’s Student Ministry.

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Media for Parents

Parenting ReDefined Podcast

Parenting is difficult, and you want to get it right! Join a group of pastors and parents as we unpack parenting from a Biblical yet practical standpoint. 15 minutes a week to better your parenting!

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Right Now Media

It's been called the "Netflix for Bible Study". Over 20,000 video and audio bible studies now streaming on-demand on your phone, smart TV, tablet, or other device! FCC has covered the cost and all you need to do is setup an account.

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Ways to stay in the loop of everything happening for students and parents at FCC.

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Event information & more sent right to the palm of your hand! Not to mention mobile prayer, counseling, and more! Text fccstudents to 94000

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Recommended Reads

Everyday ideas for eternal impact! These books have been carefully selected by our Student Ministry team, and we believe that they will benefit you as you parent!

Sticky Faith

Everyday Ideas to build lasting faith in your kids. Research indicates that almost half of high school seniors drift from their faith after graduation. Struck by this staggering statistic, and recognizing its ramifications, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) conducted the "College Transition Project" in an effort to identify the relationships and best practices that can set young people on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service.

Buy Sticky Faith
Family Discipleship

Discipling your family can feel like an intimidating task, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming or complicated. With a simple plan in place, discipleship is something every parent can do. Pastors Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have made it their mission to help you develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship. Filled with suggestions, sample plans, and Scripture references, this book begins with the end in mind―equipping you to create a unique plan for your family as you raise your children in the love and fear of the Lord.

Buy Family Discipleship
Spiritual Parenting

It's hard enough to train kids to behave, but good behavior isn't what Jesus calls for in the Bible. He wants hearts and souls that are shaped in vibrant faith and love toward God and others. How can parents cultivate this in their children? In this book Dr. Michelle Anthony shares practical examples and biblical insight on the spiritual role of parenting. Spiritual Parenting introduces the simple but revolutionary concept that parents are, by the power of God's Spirit, to obey and depend on God in order to create an environment God can use to beckon their children to Him.

Buy Spiritual Parenting