Own It, our student led service at E3, features ministry BY students FOR students.  We have "Own It" nights in between series and students are put in charge of the service.  They welcome guests, take the offering, and answer questions from their friends LIVE!  The audience text in their questions and the panel of students answer. 

I'm always impressed and encouraged by their answers to some pretty tough questions.  Time after time I hear answers that are based upon the principles found in the Word of God.  Not only is it engaging, fresh and fun, the student audience responds so well because when a teen hears another teen's point of view, it is so powerful!

Our last "Own It" revolved around our House Party series where we talked about what we must do individually to make our house a happy home full of the joy and peace of God.  So ?s were posed with that in mind.

One particular question caught my attention:  "What do I do when I don't feel as though my mom will slow down long enough to talk to me about some things that I need to talk with her about?  How can I get her attention?"  This question touched my heart.  I followed that question with a question of my own for the audience.  I asked, "How many of you wish your parents would spend more time with you?"  The response was overwhelmingly "yes!"  Over 80% of the crowd in both services shot their hand up quickly.  I know parents, you're probably thinking that they (your teens) have a hard time showing that at home. I get that and I don't want any parent to feel "bad" in anyway.  I simply want to help bridge any gap that may be there and encourage you mom and dad to reach out because your young person is open to it.

Something powerful happens when the lines of communication between students and their parents are strong and open.

Malachi 4:6 (NIV) "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..."

God desires to do something amazing in every home and make it a true, "house party".  How can that happen?  Great communication.  Great communication between students and parents. 

I think we all agree that it takes time to accomplish this doesn't it?  Spending time with your teen communicates so many great things.  Here are just a couple:

1. You're valuable.  I want to spend time with you!
2. You're loved.  I don't want to just say I love you, I want to show you how much I love you.

So this week, why not set up a time to spend with your teen.  Cancel an appointment, block out some time and make it happen.  Don't come with an agenda other than just hanging out and enjoying one another.  Get ready because some cool things are about to transpire!