RealLife Youth Ministries

PARENTS

Check out our VIDEO FEED links below for more information and seminar!

Dear Parents,

Let me just say how great it is to be able to share in the life of your child. Each youth in RealLife brings a different aspect to the group, and that's what makes us who we are.

Teenagers are a great mystery. Unknowingly to some, they are the 8th wonder of the world. And yet if you are parents of these "wonders", you know this already all too well. But alas, we can't help but love this age in kids. It's an age of mystery and definition. An age of discovery and impressions. A age of defining look and style, plotting against zits and voice changes, striving to survive peer pressure and the dating game, and a time of questioning the unknown and doubting the known. It's a well-balanced good ride and bad ride through these "coming of age" moments.

In RealLife, we strive to tackle these moments. We can't answer all their questions, but we can offer our attention and concern. At RealLife, we accept and encourage doubts and fears in students. In these times, we are the most honest with each other, GOD, and ourselves. These are the moments that grow us in our faith. RealLife is about merging real faith into real life. We aren't about superficial worship, hypercritical living, or cafeteria style Christianity. We are about being authentic - whatever that looks like for us in a given day, good or bad.

Today's youth need to see authentic faith and beliefs lived out, not just someone "preaching" it to them. And in this mindset, we greatly encourage parents to walk along with us on this journey with their child. My job as a youth pastor is not to take the place of parents. My job is to help equip youth and parents to further their walk with JESUS, together and individually - plain and simple. We are called to make disciples, and I believe that takes place in the church and in the home too. In a way, the mission of RealLife is not just for youth or young adults, it's for families too.

When youth are asked who their greatest influences are, studies have shown that the number one answer, all the time, is their family. Believe it or not, you are the greatest influence in your child's life - whether they show it or not. They mimic you, they watch you, they listen to you, and they are looking for you to help them find their way in life. Being a parent is one of the best jobs you could ever have. And it's one of the scariest. My wife, Mindi, and I are here to not only help your child, but to help you as well. Let us know what we need to do to support you, be it training support or prayer support.

Welcome to REALLIFE. I am looking forward to working with you in helping your child fully embrace authentic Christianity.

Pastor Steve Hommerding

Check out our STAFF that work with your students each week

VIDEO FEEDS

Author Anastasia Goodstein talks on CNN about the social habits of young people online and offers advice to parents.

A seminar for parents on teen Internet hangouts presented by Tim Schmoyer. http:timschmoyer.com

Make the difference

A U.S. study concluded that among all of the influences of modern life, parents still have the greatest influence. Seventy-eight percent of youth said the single greatest influence over their attitudes and actions is their parents. That study only scratched the surface.

The youth-parent connection is vital to spiritual maturation of a youth. It shapes a child’s eternal destiny. And the spiritually healthy child has the potential of shaping countless other lives for God. As a parent, you will influence your children to live for God or to live for Satan. Many of the behavior patterns you portray are being picked up by your children. That can be frightening or reassuring. What would you do if you only had your children for three or four years?

Let’s examine the parental influence from the perspective of Moses and his parents in Hebrews 11:23-27 (NIV). As background, according to Exodus 2:1-10, Moses’ mother only had him for a few years. Throughout his childhood and into his young adulthood Moses was “educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Moses had a chance to be a great leader in Egypt, a powerful but ungodly culture, yet he chose to identify himself with the people of God. What made the difference in Moses’ life?

Confidence in God
“By faith Moses’ parents … ” Hebrews 11:23 begins. Moses’ parents believed God had given them this child and would take care of their child. They instilled that same faith in Moses. Take a look at Hebrews 11:24 and you see the phrase “by faith Moses.” Moses’ actions of faith as an adult were tied to the faith his parents had shown.

When it became impossible for Moses’ parents to hide him in the house, their faith was severely tested. But their faith in God sustained them. They knew God was in control. Parents must instill faith in God into their children.

Commitment to God’s purpose
Notice the next phrase in Hebrews 11:23 — Moses’ parents “saw he was no ordinary child.” Moses’ parents believed God intended to do great things through their child. Consequently, they had their priorities right. They were more concerned that Moses should succeed in the kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of Egypt.

Sometimes our children do not become spiritual giants because we do not expect them to become spiritual giants. Moses’ parents believed God would use their son. They saw God’s mission as Moses’ destiny. We need to instill a sense of destiny into this generation. God is going to use them in the last great outpouring that will take place on earth. “Your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28).

Are you expecting God to use your child?

Courage to do what is right
Hebrews 11:23 says Moses’ parents were “not afraid of the king’s edict.” As a result, Moses had courage to stand up for God. As an adult “he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger” (v. 27). It has been said, “We teach what we know, and we reproduce what we are.”

Courageous parents produce courageous children. Give us godly moms with a holy boldness and courage to stand up against those forces seeking to destroy today’s generation. Moms who choose to do the right thing although it is not the popular thing. Give us godly fathers who will boldly but lovingly say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Parents, live an authentic Christian life before your children. Model a love for God and a life of forgiveness. Put God first. Home is usually the most transparent place in life. If you can live a genuine life of faith at home, you can live it anywhere. Parents, we make the difference.