What would u do????

Question

I have a 16 yr old son that doesn't want to attend church, I don't want to push too much, for it will send him in the other direction. My feeling is if I walk my walk and let him see it, then he will learn from me in that manner. What would you do in this situation?

Answer 1

I'm 21, my father's a priest, and I just started reattending church. I haven't gone to church since I was 13. My parents of course didn't agree with that at first, but my father realized that I had to find God in my own time. He knew I would come around, and he was good enough to be patient. Sadly he had to wait 8 years, but at least I got there. And my belief is that eventually your son will too. But he's 16 and right now everyone around him is very influencial, friends, family, television, video games. I think the only thing you can do is just pray for him every day and have the faith in God that God will bring him back to church. Plus you do know that just because he doesn't attend church, doesn't mean that he rejects God. Because even though I didn't go to church all those years, I knew he was still there for me, and I still believed in him and always will. Hope this long response helps. God Bless.

Answer 2

You can not push a teenager into anything, you know that. Last year, my 15 yr old refused to go to church with my wife also.(i by the way, am wiccan) This year he is still not hot on the idea, but instead, wants to teach sunday school. See if you can get your son interested in your church in other ways, he might surprise you, like ours did. Good luck and Blessed be

Answer 3

At 16 he's old enough to decide this for himself. I was similar at that age.

In my early 20's I attended various churches in my search for spirituality and eventually returned to my original (Catholic) church, because it was comfortable. In my mid 30's I found myself again on a deeper spiritual quest and have (and am) studying the works of such teachers as Neale Donald Walsch, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Sonia Choquette, Sylvia Browne, Esther and Jerry Hicks and the Teachings of Abraham, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, William Thomas Tucker and many others. I have learned NOT to take what I hear, see or read at face value, to take what serves me and rings true in my heart and to leave the rest.

We all have to go on our own spiritual journey's alone. That's the only way you have a personal relationship with the God that is within you.

Answer 4

At 16 there isn't really forcing one to go to church. You sound like you are doing right by living what you believe and leading by example. Continue to pray for your son to work out his own salvation (as the bible tells us we do anyway) and prayerfully it won't be long til he's back in the house of God again. Also, maybe he wants to go to a different denomination and afraid to tell you so I say let him know it is okay if he did. In the end it is ourselves and God on Judgement Day. God bless you and your son.

Answer 5

I would picture him sitting in the palm of my hands and just say a prayer and lift him up to Jesus and turn him over. This may be a passing thing, maybe not but as you said, just go on and set the example and keep him in your prayers that Jesus will give him the needed direction. At 16, he is under a lot of peer pressure and may choose not to go in your (Jesus ) direction at the present time but never give up hope and leave him in God's capable hands. I'd volunteer at a soup kitchen or something to benefit the needy and poor of the comunity and invite him to join you also.

Answer 6

One of the most fundamental of Gods purposes for us on this earth is to have our free agency to choose who we will follow. You have stated exactly what your only Godly choice is. Be the best possible example you can be. Also, it is very important to keep the lines of communication open between you. Talk to him about whatever he feels to talk about, even if you feel uncomfortable talking about it. Even more importantly, listen to what he has to say, don't put him down for what he thinks, be willing to compromise with what he does and always make that he knows how much you love him.

Answer 7

Where is his father? Unless he has passed on, he should be influencing the family to worship the Father. If its not possible, you should try your best- and it seems you are trying -God bless your heart! :)

BUT, regardless, it is pointless for you to force it on him. Faith is something we choose on our own. It is our God-given freedom to make choices, we can only hope everyone chooses correctly.

I think you should just express your happiness with your church, and let him see it. Witness to him whenever you can about the Lord, and let him decide. Pray for him to accept Jesus and leave it in God's hands.

It isnt the building thats important. Church is fellowship- it dont have to be behind walls or under a roof. If you witness faithfully and live by example, your son will eventually choose correctly- its about good influence, and testimony.

Praise God in his presence at all times- but do it because its in YOUR heart, dont try to put it in his- God will take care of that. Believing is what is important, not going to church.

If you love to fellowship in church, so be it. Try talking to him about Jesus, not church. Tell him he dont have to go to church, but ask him if he believes in God, if he loves the Lord- share your love for God with him, but tell him he can love God without going to church-- as long as he believes and talks to someone about God.

I dont go to church, but I fellowship everyday- which is more than can be said for millions that go to church once a week.

Answer 8

Actions speak louder than words. He is 16, let him figure things out. Set the example and have faith in your early parenting skills.

Blessed be

Answer 9

Don't push him. That will just make him pull away. Let him see by your examples. Inspire him through your actions... and if he still doesn't want to go to church, let him be.

Answer 10

If he doesn't want to go then he doesn't want to go. He's a big boy i think he knows what he wants. He might not believe in the whole church thing