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Generation Bridge
The Daniel & Justin Show, which airs on Sunday evenings 8-10 p.m. on The Word (99.3 FM) is off and running. Daniel & Justin are youth leaders at New Hope Community Church in Round Rock, and will be writing a monthly article directed towards parents. As youth leaders, they work with teenagers, observing their behavior and listening to their conversations with their peers. The monthly articles they write will be their insight on things they think parents might like to know, or consider, from their point of view. We hope our readers find their comments informative and helpful
AFF: What is one issue youd like to focus on this month?
Daniel: Using church as a tool of punishment.
AFF: What do you mean?
Daniel: Taking church from your kids, or pushing church on them, is not the way to go.
Justin: Not letting your child go to church when they are in trouble is not going to work.
AFF: Why do you feel this way?
Justin: Teens need to be connected to a positive group, and our goals as youth leaders are to break down barriers, build trust and true friendships, offer spiritual guidance, explain salvation, help kids grow spiritually and find their true identity in Him. We cant do this if the kids dont come.
Daniel: Kids who are made to come feel resentful, and kids who are not allowed to come because of being punished are missing great teaching on how to respect parents, how to deal with issues at school, spiritual warfare, prayer, etc. Its all a support system they need.
AFF: What can parents do?
Daniel: Find an alternative means of correcting your children other than using church. Dont take away what brings them joy and life when they are in trouble.
Justin: Dont use any faith-based activity to punish your child. A sulking child is not a positive one.
AFF: Any closing words?
Justin: Please truly evaluate your punishment tactics as well as you and your childs relationship. They know you love them; its just nice to see it sometimes.
Daniel: Their lives could change forever, for the good, by attending youth group and getting involved. After all, they (our teens) are the ones were handing the world to one day
