Today I want to talk about the importance of your role in the life of your teenager. I know there are times that the only roles you feel you have are that of an ATM, chauffeur, and referee! But please know that it is a proven fact that you as a parent have more influence in your teen's life than any other factor. It doesn't always seem that way but it is true. Parenting a teenager can often be discouraging and overwhelming.

It's during these times that you have to remember that you play a huge part in guiding and teaching your teen. To do that well, you must have confidence! But not any old kind of confidence. It has to be God sized. I like to call it God confidence! It's the kind of confidence you have, when you are questioning everything and feel absolutely lost, but know that you work inside of truth!

Your teen is lucky to have you. Someday they may even tell you that!
Click here to watch an encouraging video that speaks to that.

Today I want to share an encouraging Scripture with you. 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." Paul wrote those words to a the church in Corinth. He wasn't speaking about parenting specifically, but he was giving a beautiful picture of spiritual leadership.

You see, the way you as a parent will be able to shepherd the heart of your teenager is for you to simply follow after Christ. I know it can be intimidating to lead spiritually. That's why I love this Scripture. It simplifies the whole process.

1) Follow Christ, and don't be afraid to let your teenager see you do it.

2) Have the courage to invite your teenager to follow with you. None of us are perfect, but Christ is. Just tell your teenager, "I'm following Christ every day, so if you want to know how to follow him, you can follow me."

That sounds spiritually arrogant doesn't it? It sounds like you are the expert in following Jesus. Paul wasn't expressing spiritual arrogance when he made the statement. Paul was saying, "I love you so much, that I am willing to walk in front of you and lead the way to Jesus."

Have you ever been completely lost? Have you ever had the experience of stopping to ask for directions, and the person doesn't just tell you where to go but they lead you there?

Walking this journey with you,

 Hope to see all our praise band members at 4 p.m. If you are interested in joining the Youth Praise Team, contact Dave!

Middle and High School Merge, Sunday, 5:15-8 p.m.

Session Three: An Unlikely Response
If someone hits you, you hit him back. Or if someone says something mean about you, you say something mean back. Be cool with people who are cool to you and dislike people who are not. Now, some of us wouldn't come right out and say we agree with those statements. But behind closed doors or in our heads, most of us would agree with it. This week, we're going to take a look at some of Jesus' words, words that called for some very unlikely responses to those around us. Please join us at Merge this Sunday. When you bring a friend, they get a really cool blue Merge Tumbler. Join us for dinner ($5) in the Harnish Activities Center at 5:15 p.m. each week. Dinner is only served for 30 minutes so don't be late!

9:30-10:45 a.m., High Commitment Class, Magnolia Building

9:30 and 11 a.m. Worship Services

Serving in Open Arms, Children's Ministries, Music, Tech,
Parking, Usher/Greeter for all five services on Sundays.

Hyde Park United Methodist
Youth Ministry
500 W. Platt St.
Tampa, FL 33606
813.253.5388