Expert: Carl Fuglein - 7/15/2006

Question
Hi Carl. I am going to be a senior in high school this year and with senior year comes my senior project. For my project I've chosen to write a research paper titled "Teens and Faith - Recent Trends and the Role of Christianity in the lives of our Youth." However, I'm having trouble finding research on the second half.

So, I guess my question for you would be:


What role do you think christianity plays in the lives of teens/youth?

Thank you so much!

Answer
Well, my answer is probably biased, as I'm a youth minister.  But for the youth I deal with, I believe that Christianity provides teens with 3 main things from my experience:

1) FRIENDS - A place where they can meet new people who like them, even love them, unconditionally, and accept them no matter who they are or what they look like.

2)  A SAFE PLACE - Related to # 1, youth group and church is a place where they can feel safe, not be questined, not be expected to be perfect.

3) A SENSE of MEANING - Christianity teaches that loving others and the mission field is very important - I believe youth group and church gives teens a place to focus their actions, go on mission trips, do good deeds and otherwise make the world a better place.

Obviously, in addition to all this, Christianity gives teens and all the rest of us, a savior to bridge the gap between us and God and get us to heaven.  But you already knew that.

I would strongly suggest you look in the library and/or on line for "Barna Research" an organization that does polling and research about Christian teenagers. That may be of assistance.

I'm proud of you for choosing such an important topic - obviously you must be a strong Christian.  Try the Barna Group, use Google and Ask.com.  If you can't find any more information, write me again, and I'll see if I can point you to some other research.

blessings,
carl