Breaking the Teen Stereotype - and the Surprising Truth at Oak Hill

It’s a typical stereotype that teenagers are moody gremlins, grumpy with the world around them and hating talking to those out-of-style adults. "What do they know, anyway?" We have not only seen that stereotype be true at times, but we probably remember being that way ourselves when we were teenagers.  Why is it then that I do not get that vibe from our students here at Oak Hill? I would hardly describe our students as moody gremlins… gremlins maybe for when they raid the snacks, but I digress. Indeed, our students at Oak Hill do not shy away from conversations with fellow church members, regardless of the demographic or age group. 

One of the churches I went to when I was growing up was very segregated by age. All the 80-plus-year-olds would sit in the back left. The college and youth ages all sat together in the front right and had their own “Pre-service” prayer time as youth. I can not imagine that happening at Oak Hill, but we should ask the question, "Why?" so that we do not lose this beautiful part of our church culture.

I think part of the reason is the initiative of the adults of our church. It is very rare for me to spot a “post-service chat” made exclusively of students. I have seen so many examples of adults after the service speaking with our teenagers - genuinely speaking with them! Real conversations that show real interest and treat the students as fellow members of our church family, fellow human beings, and fellow friends. One of many examples I saw recently took place after the prayer walk in Oxford. We had gathered for post-prayer coffee, and I overheard a conversation between one of our students and a few adults where fellowship flowed freely, and conversation was welcome. 

I encourage you all to continue and strengthen this culture at Oak Hill. Speak to the students as your fellow members and friends of the local church. They know, question, and are interested in speaking far more than we would normally like to guess. They even enjoy being the ones to talk as well (far more than they would like to admit), knowing they are heard and discipled by adults. Do this all to the glory of God and the strengthening of His Church. 

God bless my friends, Nick.