Should Churches Help Teenagers Prevent At-Risk Behavior?

Churches have a list of things they really do not speak about and it is because they are uncomfortable topics. Elkin, and Roehlkepartain (2004) found out that the congregations should work together to help teenagers prevent at-risk behaviors. This cannot be done without the help of the Christian beliefs and church. The church gives the rules and regulations of how one should live a holy and righteous life and how to walk down a good path. People in our everyday lives can help lead us with the help of the church. Step parents, teachers, and Christian leaders can impact a child’s life and prevent at-risk behavior with the principles of the church. Whenever a child is involved in a divorce and a new step parent comes into their lives, it is very difficult for the …show more content…
They also need to be there from the children who have taken part into at-risk behaviors without judgement. When a child comes to a leader, they are asking for help and judgement will only push them away and farther into their mistakes. At church, leaders should arrange a youth night where they can talk about the at-risk behaviors like smoking, drinking, pornography, sex, etc. They need be able to give advice and not be afraid to be asked questions on these topics. Like Elkin, and Roehlkepartain (2004) said, there are many congregations that do not take advantage of influence and potential when it comes to addressing a young person’s critical needs. Step parents, teachers, and Christian leaders can impact a child’s life and prevent at-risk behavior with the principles of the church. Parents and step parents, teachers, and Christian leaders together can impact a child’s life and help them go down the right path. The church itself cannot do this alone, but with the help of the people who surround the youth today, their impact can help lead these children on a path that is good for them physically, mentally, and