How do we talk to teens and young adults about Jesus when they may feel abandoned, anxious, or distrustful of institutions—including the church?

In this episode of the Courageous Retirement Christian podcast, Vona Johnson talks with longtime youth pastor and current pastor Brenda Seefeldt about why older adults may have more influence with young people than they realize. After decades of working with teens, Brenda believes they need safe, trusting relationships far more than another program.

Brenda shares practical ways parents, grandparents, and “substitute grandparents” can build trust and create opportunities for honest conversations about faith. They talk about listening without panic, using simple questions as a “pebble in the shoe” that gets young people thinking, remembering that God is not fragile, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations. Brenda also explains how a sincere apology can lower defenses and actually increase our credibility.

You’ll hear practical ideas for starting conversations with teens, connecting with them as mentors, and helping them become part of the larger church community—not simply creating programs for them. Most of all, Brenda offers encouragement to see young people differently and make brave moves when the opportunity to point them toward Jesus comes.

Brenda also shares resources and coaching for churches and families at Bravester.com.

In this episode:
00:00 Concern for Young Hearts
00:50 Meet Brenda Seefeldt
01:55 Decades of Youth Ministry
04:02 You Still Have Cred
04:43 Gen Z Complaints List
05:42 Abandoned by Screens
06:48 Perspective Calms Anxiety
09:41 Trust People, Not Church
11:24 Start With Safety
12:13 God Is Not Fragile
15:06 Apology Builds Credibility
17:56 Time Is Running Out
18:47 Authentic Faith Talks
19:22 Religion vs. Relationship
20:04 God Meets Us
20:52 Icebreakers With Teens
22:49 One Kid Matters
24:32 Mentors Beyond Church
25:30 Teachers on Mission
29:05 See Teens Differently
31:08 Coaching Churches
32:48 Bravester Resources
34:34 Make Brave Moves
36:16 Final Encouragement

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