Teenagers face numerous challenges as they make the transition from high school into adulthood, including the challenge of maintaining a vibrant faith. The spiritual topics of childhood and adolescence morph into new questions that often require deeper belief and understanding.
Ben Hardman, lead pastor of The Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, offers insights and inspiration in the 30-day devotional book
Thrive: Do More Than Survive Your Faith. As a veteran of both youth ministry and young adult/college ministry, Hardman has worked alongside teenagers as they make this transition to adulthood and grapple with big issues and a new awareness of what it means to follow Christ.
Thrive will help teenagers explore some essential big-picture themes:
- Decisions made now affect their future
- What idolatry is and how it still exists in our world
- Developing spiritual disciplines
- Journeying with God
- Understanding and living out the gospel
Students will be challenged to embark on the adventure of exploring Scripture with fresh eyes, wrestling with the impact of their choices and their tremendous need for wisdom, and putting their faith into action. They'll learn more about the origins of Scripture, how mature Christians incorporate biblical truth into every area of their lives, and how students can maintain a fresh faith even as they assume greater responsibilities as young adults.
Help the teenagers in your life discover the excitement and joy of a deeper relationship with Jesus. They don't have to just surviveÑthey can thrive!
Ben has over 15 years ministry experience and is a graduate of Anderson University in Indiana. He started as the youth minister at Madison Park Church of God in Anderson, Indiana where he served for 7 years before moving to Louisville, Kentucky and Southeast Christian Church. Ben spent 4 years leading Southeast's student ministry department before taking over their college and young adult ministry, The Post. Ben just recently became the lead pastor at a new church plant adjacent to the University of Louisville called The Avenue (avechurch.com) Ben is married to his best friend Sarah and they have two boys, Cole and Caden, and a little girl, Claire!
