Most teenagers acknowledge that the world needs to be changed.

Teenagers truly want to make a difference in the world.

Teenagers typically believe that one person can make a difference.

"Nearly half of all teenagers, 45%, are described by the Influencing style (I). (DiSC test) These are ‘people people.’

They tend to be animated and lively individuals, and they live for interaction with others. These are compassionate people and like to help others whenever possible.

…Their emotions sometimes color their decision making, producing bad judgment and unfortunate choices."

"Teens are optimist about their future family despite feeling unfulfilled in the present."

"Teenagers freely want to help friends when they are hurting."

"Three out of four teenagers concur that they are still trying to figure out the purpose or meaning of their life.

This journey is hindered by the fact that most of them -63%- admit that they do not have any comprehensive and clear ‘philosophy about life that consistently influences their lifestyle and decisions.’"

"One of the disturbing findings, though, is that a majority (53%) contends that they have decided that the main purpose of life is enjoyment and personal fulfillment."

"Three-quarters of the teen population rate the development of a clear purpose of living as a very desirable condition to pursue."

"Single-father households, which increased by 62% in the past decade, are the fastest-growing family configuration in the country."

Dallas Morning News, June 17, 2001

"Children from fatherless homes account for 85% of all youths in prisons, 71% of high school dropouts, 63% of youth suicides, 71% of pregnant teenagers, 90% of runaways, 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders and 75% of adolescents in chemical abuse centers."

Dallas Morning News, June 17, 2001

"An estimated 25 million children (36%) live without their biological fathers."

USA Today, June 25, 2001, p. 8

"Millions of teenagers have been deeply wounded by their family yet most of them have a deep commitment to achieving family health in the future."

"They have been hurt, but they are not giving up."

"They believe that family is one of the mechanisms that will enable them to maximize their life."

"Teenagers, anticipate having a strong family experience in the years to come: a good marriage, loving kids, a comfortable home, and meaningful intra-family relationships."

"The data shows clearly that the prime evangelistic years are those before a person becomes a teenager.

"This does not mean that teens cannot be reached with the good news about Christ!"

"A pool of more than 7 million unsaved kids journey to church on a regular basis."

So, as a church, how do we attract even more teens to go to church, and how do we get them to stay?