Ministry News

Smells Like Teen Spirit

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Monday, 23 February 2009 15:46

If the teens in your church don't seem to care what you have to say, here's a possible reason why: A survey from Junior Achievement and pollster Deloitte found that a mere 3 percent see pastors and members of the clergy as role models. A slight majority of the under-18 crowd (54 percent) looks up to parents as role models, yet pastors were ranked lower than friends, teachers, coaches and siblings as those deemed worthy of emulating.

The survey, which provides a fascinating look at the current teen generation's moral compass, also found that although 80 percent feel equipped to make moral decisions in the business world, 40 percent believe they'll have to "break the rules" to succeed in life. Another 46 percent think lying to a parent is sometimes acceptable. In addition, a staggering 86 percent feel more accountable to themselves than to parents or guardians (52 percent), friends (41 percent) or society (33 percent).