Parents.
I cannot express enough how important you are in your kids' lives. Too often I have parents approach me and ask me to talk to their kid about an issue because they think I can do a better job. The thing about teenagers is that it is all about relationships. If I can do a better job talking to your kids about an issue then the chances are I have a better relationship with them than you do and that should never be the case. I am NOT here to raise your kids, I am here to help you supplement their upbringing and to help you raise them in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.
Sometimes I catch some criticism about having Phoenix on a Saturday nights. If your kids are asking you to take them to church for their Saturday night then you should be jumping for joy and praising God. Its all about priorities. We as parents are always willing to drive them to soccer practice (or any other sport), after school clubs, or to the movies but do we complain about driving them to church? We spend money on things like video games, taking them to the movies, or spending $300 on a prom dress that they'll wear once, but do we complain about the $300 price for Summer Camp where they will spend an entire weak training how to live closer to the LORD?
I want to reach teens that no one else is reaching. If that means giving them a place to be on Saturday night where they can meet Jesus then that is what I am going to do. I want to see teenagers develop such a personal faith in Christ that it is their own and they long to see others attain it. That is why our praise band is led by students, our growth groups are usually led by students, and when I preach to the students I want to go deep into what the LORD has for us. Please pray for Phoenix, its leaders, and our church. Having the support of parents in Phoenix will lead to greater commitment from teens and growth in our group and our church.
Studies have shown that when kids spend more time with other responsible adults they are far less likely to spend their time getting into troublesome activities. Phoenix is a safe, fun place where your kids can come for up to three and a half hours ever Saturday night where they will hear about Jesus and witness His love in action. It's all about Jesus.
