How do you get teenagers to be genuinely interested in coming to church?

Teenagers will flock to church if they know people care about them, understand them, feed them on a spiritual level, and give them a place to belong. Great programmes may help but it’s relationships and personal journey of faith that will keep them there.

I believe you need to understand that they are not little children anymore so you cannot treat them like your children.

You need to build a relationship with each one, not just talk to them when you need them to change something or when they mess up.

Make sure to encourage them and answer all of their tough questions.

Teens need somewhere to belong.

Don’t take them to church on a Sunday, shut them in a room and expect them to want to stay. Get them involved in the teens ministry or something where they can help out. Paul told Timothy to “Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). Getting them involved in helping out within the church shows them they’re not just here to be helped. They feel like they’re part of the church family which I think is important, as they then have more reason to stay and help.

Now I am not saying that you shouldn’t try to make church more entertaining for them, because you should, games and a good youth group are always a big hit.

But sometimes, this can become a bigger focus than it needs to be. Teenagers need more than just fun stuff going on, they need the word of God and they need godly counsel. They have lots of questions, some very personal ones, which is why they need someone they trust to answer them truthfully. As well as getting to know them and building a relationship, answer their questions with the bible and teach them godly lessons.

Another thing to consider is the environment within the church that they are exposed to.

Are they being put down or compared to other teenagers or children? Do you embarrass them when they are having issues? They need to know that they’re being loved and cared for by trusted adults, not made fun of. They need to feel safe within their church environment and their community group. Adults need to act in a respectful and mature manner towards the teenagers and they should be treated like adults too, with respect. And although they are being treated like adults, they still need firm guidance and correction. They shouldn’t be spoiled, they still need boundaries.

Lastly you should get the parents involved and in prayer.

The church and home should work together not against each other to counsel these young people. Encourage the parents to do their part in raising godly children. And pray, lots and lots of prayer that these young people will grow in their faith and hunger for god.

Because ultimately it’s not about turning up to church, it’s about turning up to know god. Knowing god for themselves and finding a place within his house, not because they’re dragged along by their parents but because they want to be there.