YOUTH GROUP

There will be an important meeting for parents of 6th-12th graders on Sunday, Sept. 13, after the 11:00 a.m. service. Parents, please do your very best to have at least one parent from your household attend! We will be discussing several important things, including our biggest event: the Follow Youth Conference in Cincinnati in December. We are hoping for 100% participation from all of our teens, because it is THAT great of an opportunity! We'll also cover several other key things for the fall that we don't want you to miss!

If you'd like more information about City Life Youth, upcoming events, FOLLOW 2026, or serving on our leadership team, we'd love to connect with you. Come be part of what God is doing in the lives of our students! Contact Pastor Phil at phil@citylifegr.com or 616.421.5988.

We're excited to begin preparing for FOLLOW 2026, our annual youth conference experience. Students can start signing up now, and this summer will include several fun fundraising opportunities to help make the trip possible. Keep an eye out for upcoming details and ways to get involved.

1. Remember: “Boring” means “awesome.”
   If they say it’s boring, it usually means they actually liked it but don’t want to admit it. Translation: they had fun.
2. Just Get Them There.
   The hardest part is the car ride. Once they walk through the door, they’re usually glad they came (even if they never say so).
3. Consistency Wins.
   Don’t ask, “Do you feel like going?” Ask, “What shoes are you wearing to youth tonight?”
4. Food = Motivation.
   Remind them that snacks, pizza, and random junk food appear at youth group like manna in the desert.
5. Talk the Calendar.
   Use upcoming themes (like “Who Am I Really?” or “Real Love”) as conversation starters at home. (Sneaky parent move: it shows you care AND reinforces what they’re learning.)
6. Celebrate the Wins.
   Even if they only remember the game they played or a random funny story, celebrate that they connected. Small wins grow into big faith moments.
7. Be Their Uber With a Smile.
   A positive drop-off and pick-up vibe goes a long way. (Pro tip: don’t grill them in the car. Wait until later to ask how it went.)
8. Invite Their Friends.
   Teens are 3x more likely to love youth group if a friend comes along. Be the parent who helps make it happen.
9. Model It.
   If you value church and spiritual growth, they’ll notice. They may roll their eyes, but your example speaks louder than their sarcasm.
10. Pray Behind the Scenes.
    The most powerful support you can give isn’t nagging, bribing, or pushing — it’s praying. Pray for their heart, their friendships, and their walk with Jesus.