A new look at today’s teenagers

Grace Wesleyan Church thought they had everything together. They prided themselves on being an intergenerational church where all felt welcomed and loved. But recently, they noted a concerning trend—more and more young people were leaving their church. At first, the leadership team wasn’t too concerned. There are always people coming and going. But eventually, the trend became more noticeable.

Taking that first foray into the realm of science and faith can be difficult. But it is increasingly necessary if we are to facilitate lifelong faith in our youth.

I don’t like Lent. Maybe it’s my personality: “7” on the Enneagram. I run from pain—seeking happy, fun experiences. Advent’s more my speed: lights, presents, parties, and Jesus arriving.

As a Mexican American who studies young people, culture, and decolonization, it’s hard for me to think and write about “Hispanic Heritage” and youth ministry without wanting to explain so much history and complexities. The herencia of Spanish-speaking peoples and their descendants in the U.S. is as diverse, complicated, and painful as it is beautiful and rich.