Want to make a difference in the life of a teenager?
“Every day, on average, 11,318 American youth (12 to 20 years of age) try alcohol for the first time, compared with 6,488 for marijuana; 2,786 for cocaine; and 386 for heroin.”26
What better way to make a difference than to help curb the growing alcohol/drug use problem in our world? Partner with the preteens and teens in your family, and offer to host a youth group party at your house. Consider some of the following:
• Ask your computer-savvy teen to type up an invitation for the party. Be sure to specify that there will be no alcohol involved.
• There are many “cool” Christian rock bands—ask your children which groups they enjoy, and plan to play that music (or Christian videos) in the background.
• Decorate your home and/or patio area with colorful streamers.
• Go shopping with your children for party foods, such as, chips and salsa, mini-cupcakes, veggie plates, slices of watermelon, mini-ham and cheese sandwiches, potato salad, and soda. Be sure to purchase napkins, plates, cups, and plastic silverware as well. Attendees may even want to design their own sandwiches. In that case, provide ketchup, mustard, pickles, and lunch meats.
• Find a fun game or two for teens to play, such as Apples to Apples: Bible Edition.
• Own a ping-pong table, pool table, or foosball table? Put it to good use!
• Find a few inexpensive items to give as door prizes.
• Invite a few other parents to join you in chaperoning the party.
• Be available, but don’t hover.
A few years ago my sister and her husband, then a high school teacher, threw a youth party. It was a huge success and was followed by another such party. Some of the teenagers were able to ask my brother-in-law tough questions about faith—ones that he was able to answer and help them on their path toward Jesus.
Your family can impact the lives of teens as well by inviting them to your home and being role models they can truly look up to.
Up for Discussion
What was the reaction to the party your family hosted? Do you plan to have more of these parties in the future? How was the party an excellent opportunity to live out your faith and to answer any questions your peers may have about God? Who can you direct your friends to if you don’t know the answers? Did you invite only Christian friends? What would be a benefit of inviting someone who’s not a Christian?
Discuss the importance of having alternatives to alcohol parties. Have you ever been to or been tempted to attend such a party? How can you resist the temptation to use alcohol and drugs?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Discuss this verse and how critical it is that we view our bodies as the temples they are and take care of them in a manner pleasing to God.
Read James 1:13-15. How can a temptation that seems small and insignificant turn out to be bigger than expected? How can this temptation cause more trouble than first anticipated?
Discuss 1 Cor. 10:12-13. How is this verse comforting in light of the fact that in today’s world there are so many temptations? What prayer can you pray asking God to protect you from temptation?
Ecclesiastes 12:1 states, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” Why is it important to attend youth events that teach and reinforce our Creator while you’re young? How can this build a foundation for you as you grow older?
If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!… And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
—1 Cor. 10:12-13