Dr. John Piper posted an article at his blog recently that mentioned a new book, Forbidden Fruit. The book focuses on the radical indifference between the lives of non-believing teens and the lives of so called believing teens.

Dr. Piper notes along with the author that the fruit of theology-lite youth ministries has borne forth thoroughly worldly teens. It can only be with real meat, that is deep and meaningful truth, that our teens will journey through this culture with endurance.

I wholeheartedly agree that the content taught to teenagers is absolutely critical. The church has had quite enough lowest common denominator thinking in its content. And yet, at the same time, I believe that the content is not the only gaping hole in the modern strategy for reaching teens. No, I believe that the communicator is equally  crucial to the development of the teenage heart.

If all churches do is get better curriculum, that is but one step. It is laudable, to be sure. However, the issue of who communicates that truth is equally vital. The Bible says that fathers are to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. It is painfully clear that absent this vital connection to a father, the truth frequently falls on deaf ears, even when it isn’t watered down.

The call must continue for fathers to speak truth to their children as they sit, stand, lie down, and rise.

Read Dr. Piper’s post here.