You raised your kids to know and love God. You prayed with them, took them to church, and taught them the Bible. But now your teen is questioning their faith, challenging what you’ve taught them, or telling you they don’t believe in God anymore.

And you’re scared. Not just because they’re pulling away from church, but because you’re afraid they’re walking away from Jesus. You want to say something that will bring them back. You want them to see what you know is true. But the more you try to convince them, the further away they seem to pull.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Abigail Stonestreet, Hillsdale College senior, and co-author of Summit Ministries’ State of the Rising Generation Report, we’re talking about why young people are leaving the church, what’s drawing them back, and the powerful role relationships play in both. But our conversation goes much deeper than church attendance or finding the right words to answer your teen’s questions.

Abigail shares what their research revealed about this generation’s search for meaning, belonging, truth, and beauty—and how understanding what draws our kids toward certain ideas, experiences, and beliefs can open doors to conversations we might otherwise miss.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why young people are walking away from church—and what may be drawing them back to faith in ways parents don’t always recognize.
• What your teen’s attraction to beauty, stories, and experiences might reveal about the deeper questions they’re asking about life and faith.
• The power of curious questions and honest conversations to help you build trust and stay connected when your teen challenges what you believe.
• How to hold on to hope when your child is questioning their faith and you can’t see what God is doing in their life.

If you’re navigating difficult conversations about faith with your teen, I want to help you stay connected, keep the conversations open, and build trust even when you don’t see eye to eye.

💌 Become a Connect With Your Teens Insider! Each week, I share personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical communication tips to help you navigate the challenges of parenting teens and young adults with confidence.

👉 Become an Insider:

I pray this episode blesses you and your family.

~Terri

MORE RESOURCES

✨Ever wonder what’s really behind the anxiety, loneliness, identity struggles, and changing beliefs we’re seeing in today’s teens? This eye-opening report from Summit Ministries helps you better understand the world your teen is growing up in and the challenges shaping their generation.

👉Get your copy of the State of the Rising Generation Report

✨Summit Ministries Parent Resources

Explore helpful videos, articles, and other faith-based resources designed to equip you to navigate today’s parenting challenges and guide your teen with biblical wisdom and confidence.

👉Get the Resources here.

✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen.

👉https://connectwithyourteens.com

✨ Work 1:1 With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation.

👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching

RELATED EPISODES

40 - 3 Questions That Build Connection When Faith Divides Your Family (Part 1)

97 - Worried About Your Teen? How to Trust God With What You Can’t Control

99 - How to Rebuild Trust With Your Teen When Your Relationship Feels Broken (Part 2) | Ed Lee