Real Talk Information

This past Sunday Night at SM, we started a new series called, "Real Talk." In this series, we are going to be talking about some of the biggest issues/disagreements in today's world, including:

• Abortion
• Homosexuality & the LGBTQ+ movement
• Political issues such as rights, immigration, the wall, socialism, etc.
• The refugee crisis
• Legalized Drugs
• Racism, sexism, feminism, etc.

*CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO READ AN ARTICLE FROM NBC ABOUT HOW DIVIDED OUR NATION REALLY IS.

READ NBC ARTICLE

These issues are not limited to the religious sectors as these conversations are taking over the nation, as well as the world. As Christians, we need to be ready to give a defense for what we believe, but we also need to learn to how to state what we believe with gracefulness, respect, and love (1 Peter 3:15–16).
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Here's how we are teaching the teens to learn how to handle any of the above subjects:

1. Ask lots of questions (because Jesus asked lots of questions).
2. Seek to find common ground (like Paul did in Athens with the altar to the Unknown God).
3. Be hopeful and ready to share what you believe about the topic, but don't expect people to listen, accept your answer, and believe as you do.
4. The goal of the conversation isn't to win, but to share the Gospel and share Jesus.

I encourage you to talk with your teen after every Sunday Night to see what topics we covered, what they believe about those topics (and making sure that they can articulate what they believe), and how they can show grace while still speaking the truth. Be willing to reason with them and talk with them about the topic—not preaching at your teen, talking with them.

Kara Powell, author of Sticky Faith, said this: "How you express and live out your faith may have a greater impact on your son or daughter than anything else.” 

It's my hope and prayer that we can have these conversations together at SM but that ultimately, these conversations will continue at home.