• THE “BE BRAVE” CONVERSATION:  I am sick and tired of young men or should I say punks, treating young ladies like a piece of meat!   I am sick and tired of girl on girl gossip and bullying!  I am disgusted by the peer pressure girls place on one another to bump and grind at the school dances!!  Shall I go on!!?!   Mom’s, it’s time to teach your daughters the lost art of BRAVERY!!  You must teach your daughters to be brave and say NO!  You must teach your daughters to be brave and walk away from their so-called “friends”!  You must teach your daughters to be brave and stand up for the girl being bullied!  Change your daughter’s life and give them the permission to take a stand and say NO!

• THE “I’M NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND – I’M YOUR MOM” CONVERSATION:    I see more and more young girls talking disrespectfully to their moms.  I am seeing them scream, demean, dis-honor, lie to and guilt their moms.  I was in a barber shop several months ago (yeah, not for me…it has been years since I have seen a barber shop) and I saw this young lady light her mom up like a firecracker!  I couldn’t believe I was seeing this go down in front of so many people!  I had finally had my limit with this, so I grabbed this young lady up, put her over my knee and spanked her…  Yeah, not so much, but I sure wanted to.  Moms, it is time for you to look your daughter square in the eyes and remind her you are her mom, and NOT her girlfriend!!

• THE “YOUR GONNA WANNA KISS” CONVERSATION:  As your daughter ages, she is going to want to kiss!  My daughter never will, just your daughters!!  Not mine!!  If I keep telling myself this, just maybe it will come true.  As soon as your daughter starts growing hair in strange places, getting zits on her face, starts her (well you know) you will see this young lady emerge that you never knew existed!!  She will cry, get angry and go boy crazy!  Mom’s, your job is NOT to encourage your daughters to explore and feel her way through this boy thing!  She needs a Godly mother that will recognize her desires!  A Godly mother that understands why she is all hot and bothered!  A Godly mother that will validate her desires!  A Godly mother that will teach her that just because she wants to date, kiss, snuggle and round first base that this is not God’s best!  For more information on this subject, check out some of the posts below…

• THE “COVER YOUR CRACKER” CONVERSATION: I am sick of seeing underage bra straps, thongs and exposed crackers!  Moms, teach your daughters the lost form of modesty, self respect and honor.  But I guess if she sees you dressing this way…

• THE “HE JUST WANTS IN YOUR PANTS” CONVERSATION:  I hate to even have to say this one, but this is a conversation that every mom needs to have with her daughter.  So growing up, I was a pretty good kid.  I loved Jesus, was always at youth group and tried my best to live out my faith.  But…  But I really liked girls, A LOT!!  I remember dreaming up who I was going to invite over just so I could cop a feel and grind!  And remember, I was a good kid.  Mom’s, you have to take the time to teach your daughters, that just because he is a good kid, that just because he seems to love Jesus…there is still a good chance that he just wants in your pants.

What is 1 conversation that you need to have with your daughter?

If you liked this post, you will also enjoy…

• Does your kids dress like a hoochie momma
• What age will you let your kids date
• Be your kids friend NOT their parent
• Selena Gomez, Victoria Secret and parenting
• Tips from an 11 year old on handling Jr. High drama

• THE “TREAT A GIRL LIKE A LADY” CONVERSATION:  I believe that every mom should teach their boys that young ladies are God’s creation, God’s daughters and deserve to be treated like royalty.  Mom’s should teach their sons to open doors, say “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”, allow ladies to choose first, say what can I do for you today, how can I pray for you today, and the list goes on…  Typically dads are encouraged to have this conversation, I just think it carries so much more weight when a mom takes the time to teach her son how to treat her and other ladies.

• THE “HARNESS YOUR POWER” CONVERSATION:  I have overheard Jodie talking to our older son and encouraging him to harness his power.  Cole can become too rough when it comes to playing with his brother and sister, so it is important that he is taught to honor and respect his brother and sister by harnessing his power when playing with them.

• THE “BE A BOY – NOT A MAN” CONVERSATION:  Our youngest son, Tifton Jackhammer, is only 10 years old and he is growing up way too fast!!  Tifton is starting to play grown up video games, watch grown up movies, listen to grown up music and he is starting to think grown up thoughts.  However, one day last week I loved watching him sit in his room and play with legos for several hours.  After watching him play like a little kid, I was convinced that moms need to teach their boys to be little boys…for a long, long time.  Your sons will eventually have to deal with rejection, not getting picked for the sports team, not having a girl friend and seeing pornographic images at a friends house, but for now…let’s keep the little boy in your little boy!!

• THE “GODLY MEN ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY” CONVERSATION:  If you look around the world we live in, you will see men making a mass exodus from church, Godliness and holiness.  I hate it, but Godly and spiritual men are becoming a rarity!  Today you see more and more women leading family devotions, volunteering at church and fighting for the purity in their son’s lives.  Due to this alarming exodus, I think that moms must teach their sons to start laying a foundation of spiritual leadership in their lives today!

• THE “LET’S PRAY FOR YOUR MATE” CONVERSATION:  Yeah, yeah, yeah…I don’t want my kiddos to start thinking about this either!!  The truth is that it will be here before you know it, and there is no better person than mom to start having this conversation.  I believe all moms should teach their sons what kind of mate they should be looking for.  I also believe that if mom’s start praying this prayer with their sons at a young age…they will earn the right to speak into this in the future.

Which 1 of theses conversations do you need to have with your son?

If you liked this post, you would also enjoy…

• 5 things every son needs from his mom
• Are you a workaholic stay at home mom
• 6 tips for mom’s running on empty
• 5 choices that destroy mother child relationships
• A mom’s work is never complete

• THE “YOU ARE NOT WHAT THEY SAY YOU ARE” CONVERSATION:  Our kids are growing up in a brutal world of bullies, meanies and stupid butt heads!  Last week my daughter had a couple of bullies gang up on her and tell her that she was ugly!  What did dad do?  I grabbed my bat and headed up to the school to take care of business.  Not really, but I definitely wanted to open up a can!  Instead, mom and I sat down with her and repeatedly told her that she IS NOT what people say about her, but SHE IS what Jesus says about her.

• THE “BEAUTY OF A WOMAN IS NOT IN THE CLOTHES SHE WEARS OR THE CURVES OF HER FIGURE” CONVERSATION:  Take a stroll through the grocery check out counter and you will see how our world measures beauty.  The girls with the largest boobies, hour glass figures and air brushed faces are considered to be the real “10′s” of the world.  Men, your daughters need you to teach them that  true beauty should not be measured by WHO WE ARE but by WHOSE WE ARE.  That’s right, our daughters must be taught to accept the fact that they are beautiful NOT  because of what they see in the mirror (or don’t see in the mirror) but because they have been created in the image of true beauty.  Psalm 139:14-18

• THE “GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD NOT A HAIRY LEGGED BOY” CONVERSATION:  The rate at which girls are loosing their innocence is growing at an alarming rate.  Girls are rounding second base and heading towards third as early as elementary school and young ladies are “sexting” and sending top shots of themselves thinking this will land them the boyfriend they have been dreaming of.  Dads, we must teach our daughters that there is only 1 person that deserves our entire being and that is the Heavenly Father himself.

• THE “DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO ME” CONVERSATION:  If your home is anything like mine, there are just some things that my daughter does not want to discuss with dad.  And honestly, there are just some things that I don’t want her discussing with dad…like wings and strings conversations, I just don’t bring much to the table on that kind of stuff.  However, I think it is important that every father take the time to ensure his daughter that he is always available and ready to listen to anything and everything that she has to say.  Again, I don’t think it’s a good idea that dad tries to step into the mom role, but it is important that she know that he is always ready to listen without judgement.

• THE “I LOVE YOU” CONVERSATION:  Dads, your daughter just needs to hear you say “I LOVE YOU” and you had better say it over, and over, and over, and over again!!  If you don’t, she’ll find another man to tell her.

What is 1 conversation you need to have with your daughter?

If you liked this post, you should also check out…

• Dancing with the stars, here comes Team Sprad
• 15 things to tell your teenage daughter before she closes her eyes
• 5 things every parent MUST DO
• 5 things every daughter needs from her dad
• 5 choices that destroy father child relationships

• THE “ABSOLUTE TRUTH” CONVERSATION:  53% of evangelicals deny the fact that there is an absolute truth.  Why?  Because of all the mixed and politically correct messages that are bombarding the air waves.  If more than half of adult evangelicals are confused on absolute truth, their kids don’t have a fighting chance.  Therefore, I think it is important that parents take the time to deposit absolute truth into their kids and set them straight.  “If the family is to survive in America, society must begin to recognize that a Biblically defined family, as laid out in God’s Word, works best. And, for good reason: This is an absolute truth. A father, a mother and their children form the best family structure for building the future. While some have no choice but to face widowhood, divorce or out-of-wedlock pregnancy, the Biblical model of two parents re-mains the unchallenged best approach to successful families and child rearing. (And who knows this better than the single parent with the tough job of raising children alone?)”  source…Concerned Women of America.  Parents, don’t think for a second that your kids will automatically believe this because you do.  In the world we live in today, you must take the time to teach this to them.

• THE “HOW TO HAVE SEX” CONVERSATION:  Notice that I didn’t say every dad needs to have the “sex talk”!  I think that dads should have that talk, but I also believe every dad should talk their boys through how to actually have sex…in detail.  I have a buddy that was the king when it came to having the “sex talk”, but I guess he never really talked through the “how” of having sex.  One day he found porn videos in their internet history, he confronted his son and his son’s response was “I just wanted to see how you actually have sex.”  So I encourage all dad’s to step into the pain and when they are ready (not 6 years old), talk them through the details of “how” to have sex.  The urges, hard on’s, foreplay, orgasm and cum.  I know some of you are second guessing this point, but do you really want their friend at school, a porn video and some girl teaching them this stuff?

• THE “MOM MATTERS” CONVERSATION:  Last year I overheard my son griping, complaining, arguing and raising his voice at his mother.  I immediately stopped what I was doing and my sermon went a little something like this…  “Do you know that this lady right here is my wife!  Do you know that I married her 17 years ago and I will never let any person on the face of this earth treat her like this or talk to her like this!!  Young man, if you have a problem with her, you got a problem with me.  If I ever hear you talk to her like this again, you WILL feel the wrath of her husband!!”  I believe that every dad needs to teach his son that MOM MATTERS!

• THE “I GOT YOUR BACK” CONVERSATION:  Every son needs to know that dad is there for them.  Your boys need to know that when they screw it up, fail, struggle in school, go through a nasty break up, or their friends desert them…that you’ve got their back!  Your son needs to know that there is absolutely nothing in this world that will separate you from them and that there is nothing they can do that will make you love them any less!  I believe this is something that dad’s need to remind their sons of daily.

• THE “I SCREWED IT UP” CONVERSATION:  My boys love to hear about all the mistakes I made when I was their age.  I understand this can be a “tight rope” conversation and you must use wisdom and discretion.  My approach, which many of you may disagree with, is I would rather tell them too much instead of too little.  I have told my kids about when I first kissed a girl and that I was too young!  I have told my kids about the first time I drank and how destructive it was for me.  I have told my kids about times that I lied to my parents and how dishonoring it was.  I have told my kids about the first time I unzipped a girls pants and…just kidding!  The key word is discretion!  I just think it’s important that were honest to a point so that our kids can learn from some of our mistakes.

What is 1 conversation that you need to have with your kids?

If you liked this post, you should also check out…

• 5 lessons every dad should teach his son about lust
• The boys and mom’s lingerie 
• How to have the sex talk with High School kids
• How to have the sex talk with Jr. High kids
• How to have the sex talk with older Elementary kids
• How to have the sex talk with kids in Pre-K to early Elementary

 Would you like to receive Epicparent’s newest posts by email?  If so, click HERE or to add it to your reader click HERE.

Today’s post is from my good friend Allyson Evans.  Allyson is the NextGen leader at LifeChurch.tv and is a wealth of wisdom when it comes to effective parenting and ministry to the up and coming generation.  I had the awesome opportunity of working with Allyson over the past few years and she is the real deal.  I think what I love most about Ally is her honest, raw, tell it like it is approach.

If you would like to connect with Ally, you can run her down on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks so much for posting today Ally, it’s a true honor!

So here she is…

I was an awesome teenager! I mean, I had a ton of fun, great friends, made some mistakes and had a lot of victories. I was the friend that everyone turned to and I could make you laugh if you were down. I rocked at that. So surely, my daughters will still want to hang out with me when they hit their teenaged years because, let’s be honest, I’m still cool!  I’d heard of these other parents who weren’t cool and didn’t know what was up. I felt kind of sorry for them. Poor things. Because for me, my kids were always going to love spending time with me and will tell me everything because that’s how it’s always been. I’m the fun mom! Right?

Surprisingly, no! Something happened. Somewhere along the way, I stopped getting all the information. The question, “So how was your day?” that used to elicit all sorts of amazing stories of crazy substitute teachers, middle school relationship drama and even the search for advice or direction, now suddenly got the dreaded, “Fine” response.

Communication is where relationships grow. How in the world am I going to be a good parent, effective listener and “friend”, when needed, if they aren’t talking? Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t an issue of them hiding things from me or disrespect. They are good girls. I’m just not the go-to person anymore. Wah wah waaaahhhh.

I definitely don’t have this thing figured out but I have learned a couple of things and I’d love to hear what you’ve experienced.

Thing that didn’t work for me

• Ask LOTS of questions. This tactic backfired. The more I asked, the less they talked. Ugh!
• When they DO finally speak up, constantly correct their thinking or behaviors.  Not good. Talk about immediate shut down.
• Try to be relevant by becoming informed about popular bands, text language and dance moves etc. Okay, this one is just embarrassing. It was kind of pitiful actually and I’d prefer to not talk about it.

Frustration set in. I missed my girls. We weren’t connecting and now I’ve aliented them.  After a lot of prayer, I was able to do what only I could do. Only I can be mom. Although the bullets above are needed in small doses, what I had to do is trust the foundation that God has laid in them over the last 17 years. I’m available, I listen and I know what’s going on but I am slowly releasing them to make their own choices, celebrating their victories and helping them accept consequences. They are growing because of that and guess what? Our relationships are much more rich. The depth is evolving and we love it.

What is 1 tactic you have tried when your kids stopped talking?

The other day I was having lunch in a local’s joint here in Steamboat called Azteca.  If your ever on vaca here in the boat…you have to check this place out!

As I was eating HE walked in.

I couldn’t believe it was HIM.  I have read all his books, he has been a mentor to me and he has significantly impacted the direction of my life.

So who is this HE  that I am talking about??

Mr. John Eldredge.  The wild man himself!!

In case you have never heard of John, I am sorry that you have been locked away for the past few years.

My friend that I was having lunch with is actually friends with John…so John and his wife Staci sat down and chatted for a while.

This was such a great moment for me, as I was able to thank him for the way that God had used him to impact me and Team Sprad.

So John has written a book called “Wild At Heart”, and in this book he uses the term “Father Wound.”

This is a wound that so many fathers inflict upon their kids.  This wound can come from neglect, absence, abuse, control, lack of blessing and lack of affirmation.

As your reading this, some of you are standing up on the chair screaming…yeah, that’s me!  My dad was never around, he loved worked more than me, he never told me he loved me and my dad abused me!!

We all have our father wounds because of what our dad’s did to us or said, but I also believe that we have father wounds because of what our dad’s never said.

10 Things Our Dad’s Never Said…

• “I really blew it!  Will you forgive me for beating/disciplining you out of anger”
• “I want you to know that you are a gift from God and I am so blessed to be your father”
• “Here’s how you budget your money, balance a checkbook and save for retirement”
• “That girl your about to take out on a date…remember that she is God’s daughter”
• “Here is what God’s word says about how to be a man of character and integrity”
• “God has a plan for your life and he has given you gifts that He will use to change the world”
• “While you are at school today I want you to know that I will be praying for you”
  
• “When your fighting with your mom…just remember that I am on her side”
• ” I give you permission to let me know when I am scaring you”
• “I trust you to make the right decision”

PARENTS…Will you reverse the curse?  Will you change history?

Don’t inflict the same father wound that was inflicted upon you!

Do you have a father wound?

What is 1 thing that you wish your father had told you?

If you liked this post, you should also check out…

• 5 things every son needs from his father
• 5 things every daughter needs from her father

Would you like to receive Epicparent’s newest posts by email?  If so, click HERE or to add it to your reader click HERE.

• Because It’s All About ME: As I reflect back on my parenting journey, I must confess that many of my decisions are based on what is convenient for ME.  I will play lego’s, when it is convenient for ME.  I will go snowboarding, when it’s convenient for ME.  I will have devotionals, when it is convenient for ME.  I say “NO” more than “YES”, because “NO” is more convenient for ME.  And where in Scripture does is say that life is all about ME!!?!

• Your Bossy And Your Kids Can’t Stand You: And yes, I’m talking to you!!  The bossy parent’s word is law.  After all, he’s the parent and his word stands!  Kids that have bossy parents can rarely make decisions for themselves, how can they?  Kids that have bossy parents typically grow up immature, insecure and irresponsible.  I have a friend that is one of these bossy parents and as soon as her oldest daughter was mature enough to recognize the mistreatment…she walked away from her mom, emotionally shut down and all lines of communication were severed.

• She’s Freakin 11 Not 2: When my daughter was 2 years old I changed her diapers, wiped the poop from her crevices, fed her those nasty pureed sweat peas, I taught her how to take her boots off, how to hang her coat up and we danced to The Wiggles “Fruit Salad…Yummy, Yummy”.  But guess what!!?!  She’s not 2 anymore.  If parents continue to make their kids lunch, make their bed, do their chores, drive them to school, be a “cash cow”, do their homework and wipe the poop from their crevices…you kids will never grow up into a non deodorant wearin, head gear sportin, hormone ragin young adult!!

• Your A Whimp: The wimpy parent shies away from asserting her values, opinions, rules and let’s the child run the household.  Wimpy parents typically believe that punishing, scolding or setting boundaries harms their kids self esteem.  They also believe they are called to “work deals” and compromise and the more “gifts” a parent gives…the better the parent.  Wimpy parents are also the people that have come up with the “let’s not keep score” and “everyone deserves a trophy” mentality.  Can I just say that mentality makes me sick!!!  Parents, it’s time to grow a set, set firm boundaries, discipline your children and teach them that second place is the first looser!  (just kidding about the last one…stole that one from Ricky Bobby)

Which one of these 4 parenting strategies do you struggle with?

If you liked this post, you should also check out…

Acceptable Child Abuse (from my 13 year old son)

Just Say Yes

Be Your Kids Friend, Not Their Parent

Would you like to receive Epicparent’s newest posts by email?  If so, click HERE or to add it to your reader click HERE.

This last Saturday evening I drove in a full blown blizzard, white out, can only see 5 feet in front of my car type of a storm!!  When I arrived in Denver, I was completely worn out!  I checked into the Hyatt Hotel, turned on the tube and chilled out for several house.  And this is when I heard the news about Whitney Houston. 

I gotta say that I am not a huge Whitney Houston fan, but the girl had some serious lungs and could belt out a tune.

As I was watching the breaking news flash across the screen, I just kept asking myself, “where did it all go wrong for Whitney?”

I’m not a Houston history buff, but it seems that in the very beginning of her career she had it all together but somewhere along the way she fell off the wagon.

Again, I’m no historian, but it seems it all started to go south for Whitney when she hooked up with bad boy Bobby Brown.

Bobby was the face of The New Edition who later launched into a solo career with his song “Every Little Step I Take.”  I remember hitting the dance floor with my M.C. Hammer pants trying to crank out some tunes to this jam.

Anyway…

I think it all went wrong for Whitney when she made the decision to marry Bobby Brown. I remember seeing video footage of Bobby and Whitney fighting, drunk and screaming as their kids watched.

So what is the 1 parenting lesson that I have learned from Whitney Houston?

GUARD YOUR KIDS’ DATING LIFE!!

Don’t by a passive on looker when it comes to who your kids date (or hang out with for that matter.)  I believe that parents should teach their kids to date Christians, be picky, raise the bar and don’t settle.  I also think that parents should seriously consider NOT letting their kids date until they are much older!

So I am very sorry for the death of Whitney Houston, but I am thankful that it has reminded me how important it is that our kids date like minded, focused, Jesus world changers!

Do you think that Jr. High and High School kids should wait to date?  Would love to hear your thoughts?

 Would you like to receive Epicparent’s newest posts by email?  If so, click HERE or to add it to your reader click HERE.

Can I just rant for a second!!!

I am disgusted by the latest issue of Cosmo showing off Selena Gomez’s boobs in a push up bra!!

I hate that Nikki Minaj dances around half naked on prime time television’s music award shows!

I can’t stand the fact that kids ages 12 t0 17 years of age consume more porn than any other demographic!!

I get sick to my stomach when I see mom’s flaunting T & A at the local pool!

It saddens me that dad’s preach “NO” porn to their kids as they struggle with the addiction!

It makes me sad that Miley Cyrus… (I’m not even going there)!

It disgusts me that not only do parents allow, but they encourage their kids to date at a young age!

I can’t believe how many parents let their kids watch questionable garbage on TV!!

I am blown away that parent’s themselves watch garbage and justify it because they are the parent!

It’s sickening that parent’s allow their kids to watch Jersey Shore!  Really!!  Have you seen what your allowing your kids to watch!!?!

I can’t believe how many parents don’t take the time to put internet filters on their computers or kids’ phones!

I get sick when mom’s continue to get the Victoria’s Secret catalog shipped to their home.  Soft porn for the whole family to enjoy!

Shall I go on….

As you can tell, I am a little hot about this topic today.

Parents, there is an enemy that is seeking to kill, steal and destroy your kids.

It is our job to fight for their heart, purity, virginity, innocence and future!

Here are a few tips parents should listen to…or pay the price later…

• Cancel the Victoria Secret catalog
• Stop justifying the garbage YOU watch on TV
• Check your kids’ iphone history
• Get Safe Eyes on your computer today
• Say “NO” to unacceptable friends
• Set an example and dress modestly
• Stop letting your kids lay on the couch/under the covers with their boyfriend/girlfriend (you know what boys are thinking)
• Talk to your kids about sex and masturbation…don’t let them figure it out on their own

So what’s driving my vomit session?  I am just sick and tired of seeing kids fall into lust, addiction, sexuality and sin!  And I am sick of seeing parent’s sit on the sidelines as their kids are swallowed by the monster of darkness!

What 1 action step do you need to take to protect your kids heart?

Like this post?  If so, you should check out these…

• 5 lessons every dad should teach his son about lust
• Should young ladies wear bikinis
• My confession:  scarred by sex
• The attack of clips, clicks and channels
• Several posts on sex

Today’s post comes from my good friend Toni Quinton!  Can I just say that Toni is a stud!?!

Toni leads the Kids Ministry at the OKC Campus of LifeChurch.tv.  Toni is a great leader, wife, mom and friend.  She has been in ministry for many years and is what I would consider an expert when it comes to Kids Ministry and parenting.  As I read Toni’s post this week, I walked away personally challenged.

I have much work to do when it comes to discovering my kids gifts and helping them employ them for the Kingdom!

You going to love today’s post and I also encourage you to friend Toni on Facebook.

So here’s Toni…

OK…I’m not gonna lie, people like George Barna scare me. I don’t think it’s because after the first set of statistics that my eyes glaze over and I start to drool out one side of my mouth. It’s much more than that. It’s because every one of those numbers – a young adult who walks away from their faith – represents someone’s child. One is MY child.

I’ve been in full time ministry for ten years. My two daughters have grown up knowing what the words serving, giving, worship and such actually mean, but I’ve been increasingly afraid that it was my church, my faith and my ministry, instead of theirs.

Over the last several years as they approached teenaged status, (and it’s a whole new world people) I’ve tried to give them wings. Here are some ways we’ve changed the culture for our kids that have grown up through a children’s ministry in hopes of sending them out as young adults who have their own faith and a clear picture of who God made them to be:

Don’t put them in a box: We’ve tried to look at the gifting of our kids and see how they’re wired. Are they great at tech stuff? Maybe they’re your next leader in lighting and sound. Are they the life of the party? Perhaps they are meant to be a great communicator or teacher.

Develop them: Walk them through a spiritual gifts test.  We’ve led our kids through the book “Chazown” written by Craig Groeschel. Ask them, “if you could have any role in the church, what would it be?” Give them room to fail and grow. Include them in decisions as you brainstorm about your ministry. Partner them with mentors already serving in your ministry.

Hold them accountable: If they have a role to do, help lead them to do it with consistency and excellence. Appreciate them by speaking their love language. Develop them. When you set the bar high, you’d be surprised how many rise to the challenge.

How do you pour into the emerging generation? How are you helping lead them to develop their own faith? I believe no matter what the statistics say, we serve a mighty God who has given gifts and purpose to the next generation of leaders for His Kingdom.