Who is responsible for the spiritual growth of children? Far too often, Wright suggests, parents have assumed that churches or Christian schools are the primary spiritual care-givers, when the reality is that parents have the primary responsibility. He points out that, despite common belief, most teenagers cite their parents as the greatest active influence in their lives and he challenges parents (along with the church) to reclaim their God-given roles in the lives of their children.

Biblical parenting is more than keeping our kids from having sex, using drugs, or going to jail. It is about fostering an awe of God in our children. It is about showing our children their need for a Savior and introducing them to Jesus who alone can rescue their lives from sin and give life that lasts forever. [62]

When I’m angry there is no time to stop, read a few chapters of the Bible, and find a verse to change my perspective. Those moments call for parents who have been prepared by reading His Word daily, saturating their minds and being ready to be used when He invites them to join in His work. [86]

I believe that God gives us the specific children we have to work on our hearts, just as much as theirs. Through parenting we are growing and changing right alongside our toddlers and teens. That is part of God’s plan. [95]

What if our ministries had no lights, no shows, no gimmicks, no Christian celebrities, no budget, but had prayerful and humble leaders? What if prayer was primary, Scripture was central, and sharing one’s faith was the norm? What if moms and dads were teaching the Word at home, living daily as attractive models to follow? What if these parents understood that, biblically, it’s not the job of a professional pastor to disciple their children for them? [115]

So many families are tempted to give their lives for things that are fleeting. I am saddened to see the families who give countless hours toward Little League, Tae Kwon Do, soccer, band, ballet, plays, Scouts, and more, who say later that they have no time to serve the Lord in the church. These aren’t bad things in and of themselves, but wouldn’t it make sense that we would serve the Bride of Christ at least with equal time and equal zeal? [123]

TOP

Does youth ministry work? While many students are greatly helped during these years, the overwhelming majority walk away from church as they end high school. Wright argues that traditional models of student ministry are flawed and suggests several key ways of rethinking the process. Wright honestly admits that any transition of existing ministries will be a long and challenging (though ultimately beneficial) task. Nevertheless, this is a much-needed book for student ministers, church leaders, and parents.

A majority of the teens in our ministries are turning from the living God after graduation. The goal isn’t successful programs, events, or models, but that everyone remains in Christ and becomes complete in Him. Today’s model is failing in those tasks a majority of the time. [37]

A biblical framework of student ministry must value serving, supporting, and championing the church. We must teach teens to value the church as a whole, and not just the student ministry. [68]

God assigns the primary responsibility for discipleship to parents, therefore our ministries should reflect that principle. Most do not. God’s Word champions the family, therefore our ministries must do the same. [86]

The goal for many of our ministries has become how to get students to attend, when the Scriptures clearly show Christ’s goal is to create disciples who reach others with the Good News of the gospel. If our ministries adopt a healthier goal, then we must also adopt different criteria for evaluating success. [110]

The one mistake the church can never make it to try to adjust the biblical role that parents have been clearly given. Even if parents are abdicating their role, we should never be content to take it. [143] 

TOP