Teens are the future of church.  Many churches fail to recognize this or to plan for their future as church members and leaders.  Teens will accept entertainment and enjoy every opprotunity that we give them to have fun.   Unfortunatly that is as far as some youth groups and leaders thinking takes them.  Teens want more than fun and laughs.  In the past several years we have "graduated"  over a dozen teens.  Of those that are no longer in the teen department over 90% are still in our church every Sunday.  Two have moved away and are still in church and only one is out of church.  Too many good Baptist churches lose 90% when they are no longer in the youth department.  A host of reasons.  Appealing to their carnal nature to keep them coming insteed of their spiritual nature.  Failing to get them off "baby food" and develope an adult diet for them.  Making the teens the center of attention instead of forcing them to make Christ the center of attention.  Segregating them from the rich and varied athmosphere of the church.  Placating them instead of encouraging and providing service opprotunities.  If you have seen our church website you are seeing our teens work, the only thing they don't do is this blog, P.S. they have their own.  Church needs to be a lifelong committment from ALL it's members.