Growing up as a Christian teenager

Hey Breathe lady,

It’s work experience season at C3 so we asked Michelle Mfuni, age 15, who was on work experience some questions about growing up as a Christian teenager.

What are you looking forward to over the summer?

This summer I am attending DTI with the C3 youth group, and I have made plans to go to France. I am spending most days with my friends or revising for the next academic year.

When did you decide to follow Jesus?

I decided to follow Jesus on a Friday night at youth during worship. I was sitting at the back of the auditorium on my own, worshipping. I had an incredible encounter with the holy spirit and I felt Jesus’ touch. On that night I prayed to God and I surrendered my life to him. I felt his peace and love which was something I wanted to experience everyday not just in those moments and I felt that God was calling me into a closer relationship with him. It was the best decision of my life, and I knew I wanted to live for him and put my all into God.

What has God been speaking to you about?

I recently had 2 weeks of exams at school; I became very stressed and overwhelmed with life. As I sat my exam, there was a Bible verse on the table from Philippians. “I can do all things in him which strengthen me.” This encouraged me that God was with me and he was my strength. A simple verse cleared all anxiety and reminded me I don’t have to carry struggles on my own and I can lean on God.

What would you love older women to understand about your generation?

I would love women who are older than me to know that our generation has a lot of societal pressures, especially when it comes to religion. There are many pressures from social media, comparison and school life. It doesn’t mean life is harder for teenagers but there are different factors that affect our faith.

What’s the best part of being a teenager?

The best part of being a teenager in Church for me is the connections and friendships with people who share beliefs and struggles while growing closer to God together. Church provides a space for teenagers to have a supportive community, serve others and feel encouraged. Being a teenager in Church is also the best way to have good role models and those who are older in Church greatly influence my life and have a large impact on me.

What’s the hardest part of being a teenager?

The hardest part of being a teenager in Church is a lack of confidence in getting involved and participating. Sometimes there’s a pressure to be the ‘perfect’ Christian before getting involved. It can feel intimidating to be around many Christians who seem to have it figured out.

What’s your dream for the church in the future?

My dream for the Church in the future is to continue having a welcoming atmosphere and a space where young people are encouraged to grow in their faith. I would also like to see more opportunities for young people to get connected and involved in serving at church for example, more encouragement and ways to help.