We believe that parents are the most important spiritual influence in the life of their teen. We hope these resources will guide you as you guide your teenager.
Books
Understanding Youth Culture
Youth Culture 101, Walt Mueller Walt Mueller is the president of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. With 20+ years of youth culture research, Mueller has composed an overview on today’s youth culture. He writes from the perspective of a Christian parent. This book is thorough, yet easy to read.
Hurt, Chap Clark After doing a year of on-site observation at a high school (ethnography), Clark shares his observations that students are being “systemically abandoned” by parents, friends, and school. What can we do to combat this?
A Primer on Postmodernism, Stanley Grenz Teenagers live in a tolerant, postmodern culture. What is postmodernism and how is it impacting our teens?
Millennials Rising, Howe & Strauss Neil and Howe (secular generational observers ) offer their insights on the Millennial generation (people born 1981-1994).
Spiritual Formation
Soul Searching, Christian Smith Soul Searching is a result of the most comprehensive study of American youth and spirituality. It is very interesting (but a little academic). This book was highly formational in developing Bloomingdale Church’s youth ministry approach. It will help you understand the spirituality of today’s teenagers. It will also remind you of the importance of the parent’s role in the spiritual growth of their children.
Almost Christian, Dean What we can do to help American teens become true Christ-followers (based on Soul Searching research)
Do Hard Things, Harris ”A teen rebellion against low expectations”
Shaping the Spiritual Lives of Students, Richard Dunn The main concept of this book is a term called “pacing,” which means to create open spaces to listen to and empathize with a teenager. This is a great book for those who work with teenagers.
Discipleship: Spiritual Formation of Today’s High School Millennials, Daniel Riemenschneider (Youth Director, Bloomingdale Church) This 75 page thesis is the result of Daniel Riemenschneider’s college and graduate studies. It is the guidebook for the youth ministry at Bloomingdale Church.
Guys
To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing Up Without a Father, Miller Donald Miller’s humorous reflection about growing up with a father. (Miller is the founder of TMP.
Father & Son, Wangerin A narrative about being a dad
Wisdom Chaser: Finding My Father at 14,000 Feet, Foster
Being a Parent
Loving Launching and Letting Go, Virelle Kidder Highly recommended for parents by a parent.
Web
Mark Gregston of Heartlight Ministries offers a daily one minute audio on parenting and other downloadable resources.
Center For Youth + Family Ministry
Fuller Seminary’s youth ministry research and resource institute. Free downloads. Valuable information.
www.christiananswers.net/spotlight Video games, music, and movie reviews
www.movieguide.org Ted Baehr is a noted movie critic who shares his reviews from a Christian perspective.
www.Barna.org You can discover the latest research on teenagers and Christianity by selecting “teenagers” under “Barna by Topic.”
College
Christian College Chart Thinking about going to a Christian college? This is a list of Christian colleges in the United States.
www.christiancolleges.net Listing of all Christian colleges and web links
College Transition Initiative CPYU’s research-based initiative to help high school students transition to college.
www.fastweb.com Want to find scholarships? Click on this link, fill out an online form, and receive suggestions for possible scholarships.
Preparing for College: Scholarship & College Application Tips Planning tips & guide to finding local scholarships and paying for college. Prepared by Daniel Riemenschneider (Youth Director, Bloomingdale Church)
Bibles
We want to help our teenagers grow in their relationship with God by reading His Word. But what if they learn better by listening or experiencing the Word rather than reading it? Here are some new resources to help:
One Year Bible Daily Audio Save this link to listen to the entire Bible in one year. Free.
The Bible Experience: TNIV Audio Bible Well known actors such as Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Basset, Cuba Gooding Jr. have come together to create an auditory experience of the Bible. It’s like hearing a movie. Incredible!
The Word of Promise: NIV Bible Well known actors such as Jim Caviezel, Louis Gosset Jr, and Richard Dreyfuss have come together to recreate the New Testament audio experience.
www.BibleGateway.com A great website that helps enables you to look up a verse or a topic in many different versions of the Bible.
Video story retelling of New Testament parables. Free download for your iPod.
God says that I am valuable
God not only loves me, but He also likes me>>God made me the way He wanted me>>When I get lost and forget about God, He will do anything to make sure I am found 
I can be connected to a Savior who gives me hope
I can have an everyday relationship with Jesus>>His influence can guide my life 
God’s Word & Holy Spirit can guide my way
I can use the Bible to understand life's experiences>>I can Ask The Lord (ATL) for guidance 
I can have an impact in my local and global community
My heart is for my community>>People matter to God 
I can take faith-filled risks to live Jesus’ mission for my life Everything I do is being onMISSION>>I will always be in pursuit of God’s plan [for my life]