logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
11m 51s

Navigating the "I Don't Want to Go to Ch...

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

Teenagers expressing disinterest in going to church can cause loads of inner turmoil for parents — but these are conversations that can help you better understand your teen's heart. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the importance of approaching the situation with understanding and openness, asking thoughtful questions to uncover the root of the reluctance. They also emphasize the need for parents to foster an environment where their teens can question and grow in their own faith and spiritual journeys. This is a great topic, so listen in!

To browse all of our parenting resources, check out our online store! Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/shop

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Nov 21
I Mustache Mark a Question: Busy Teens, Broken Homes and Boy Band Fandoms
<p>In today’s episode, Mark dives into some of the toughest and most relatable dilemmas families face: transitioning your parenting style as teens leave for college, navigating disagreements with your spouse over parenting strategies and the complexities around busy teen schedule ... Show More
28m 1s
Nov 20
What to Expect When Adopted Children Become Teens
<p>Adopted kids often enter adolescence with deep questions about identity, belonging and why they were given up — even if they cannot consciously remember the trauma. As they shift from concrete to abstract thinking in their teen years, feelings of loss, abandonment and being “d ... Show More
29m 39s
Nov 19
Choose Grace Over Perfectionism
<p>Today, Mark shares how perfectionism in ministry once nearly burned him out — and how many parents unknowingly pass that same pressure onto their teens. What parents intend as encouragement is often interpreted by teens as never being “good enough.” Instead, he urges parents t ... Show More
23m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2022
061: The Secret Lives Of Children And Why They Keep To Themselves
Have you been wondering why your child is not sharing as many things as they used to? Do they give you one-word responses or would rather talk about things with their friends? Do they seem less interested in discussing different things with you? And does all of that make it seem ... Show More
36m 58s
Apr 2025
Ep. 220 | Discipling Preteens with Leslie Nunnery
<p>Would you like to discover effective strategies for connecting with your preteen on a deeper level while fostering open communication and nurturing their faith? Are you looking for practical ways to guide them well on their spiritual journey as they navigate changing emotions ... Show More
29m 1s
Apr 2025
Ep. 224 | Wise Words for Moms 2025
<p>Do you want to calmly and effectively address your child’s bad behaviors, but often struggle to find the right words? Or does your child tune out your training and instruction because you wind up using too many words…and not a single one of them is helpful? Would you like guid ... Show More
25m 57s
Oct 7
240: Talk to Your Boys: Raising Confident, Caring Young Men
Many boys are struggling, and parents are often left wondering how to reach them. If your tween or teen son seems distant, gives one-word answers, or is spending too much time online, you’re not alone. In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psych ... Show More
41m 27s
Feb 2025
How to Successfully Connect With Your Teenager
When parents learn what their children need from them at different developmental stages, it reduces conflict and increases connection. For example, the teen years require a very different set of strategies than others which most parents don’t know.  In this episode Dr. Shefali di ... Show More
38m 36s
Aug 5
Emotionally Immature Parents -Lindsay Gibson
Are you the adult child of an emotionally immature parent? Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with psychologist Dr. Lindsay Gibson about how parents' unresolved pain can lead to emotional immaturity—and the lasting impact it has on their children. They explore four common types of diffic ... Show More
57m 29s
Dec 2023
Importance of Church Community
<p>The New Testament repeatedly calls the church community the body of Christ. That sounds simple enough, but it takes hard work to develop loving, Christlike relationships in our church community. </p> <p>Listen to this episode as Janet and Jocelyn discuss the importance of bein ... Show More
52m 37s
Oct 22
How To Navigate Family Drama
RELATIONSHIP ACADEMY IS NOW ACCEPTING MEMBERS Totally free until the end of the year! Access to courses and coaching with the hosts themselves. ⁠CLICK HERE TO JOIN⁠ In this episode, Colter, Lauren, and Cayla unpack the messy reality of family differences—why gatherings can tri ... Show More
49m 10s