Teenage Pregnancy epidemic in my church!

[levette]

Hello,

I'm not sure if this is happening in your church, however, in my church we have a teenage pregnancy epidemic. In the past year, about 5 of our young ladies under the age of 20 have become pregnant. 2 of them are sisters.- the oldest one just had hers- she is around 20, the other one is around 18th. 2 of the other girls are still in highschool, around 15-16. Now, this doesn't count the other young single women who have gotten pregnant within the past year or two. In the majority of all of the incidents, they still live home with their parents.

Why is this happening in the church nowadays. All of these girls are raised in church.

 

[Koffie]

Hello,

I'm not sure if this is happening in your church, however, in my church we have a teenage pregnancy epidemic. In the past year, about 5 of our young ladies under the age of 20 have become pregnant. 2 of them are sisters.- the oldest one just had hers- she is around 20, the other one is around 18th. 2 of the other girls are still in highschool, around 15-16. Now, this doesn't count the other young single women who have gotten pregnant within the past year or two. In the majority of all of the incidents, they still live home with their parents.

Why is this happening in the church nowadays. All of these girls are raised in church.

I am sorry, but Satan don't care where ANYBODY was raised. And I wanna add that he is in the church too.

I believe we need to teach our children to practice their Christian walk in Spirit and in Truth. Honestly, I'm about to be a hypocrite, but I don't believe girls in high-school should date ANYBODY. Now I see why my mother never let me go on dates with boys that I liked in highschool. I resented her at the time, but now I understand. (I would never tell her this to her face )

So whenever these young girls parents are not around, they need to have a STRONGER foundation laid upon them. I know, "THEY WERE RAISED IN THE CHURCH" But I believe that ALOT of teenagers have so much peer pressure, that they need to be constantly in fellowship with other believers their age who are WALKING, instead of the 'In-Crowd' at school.

just my .02

 

[JuJuBoo]

I am sorry, but Satan don't care where ANYBODY was raised. And I wanna add that he is in the church too.

I believe we need to teach our children to practice their Christian walk in Spirit and in Truth. Honestly, I'm about to be a hypocrite, but I don't believe girls in high-school should date ANYBODY. Now I see why my mother never let me go on dates with boys that I liked in highschool. I resented her at the time, but now I understand. (I would never tell her this to her face )

So whenever these young girls parents are not around, they need to have a STRONGER foundation laid upon them. I know, "THEY WERE RAISED IN THE CHURCH" But I believe that ALOT of teenagers have so much peer pressure, that they need to be constantly in fellowship with other believers their age who are WALKING, instead of the 'In-Crowd' at school.

just my .02

DITTO DITTO and DITTO

 

[Blossssom]

I am sorry, but Satan don't care where ANYBODY was raised. And I wanna add that he is in the church too.

I believe we need to teach our children to practice their Christian walk in Spirit and in Truth. Honestly, I'm about to be a hypocrite, but I don't believe girls in high-school should date ANYBODY. Now I see why my mother never let me go on dates with boys that I liked in highschool. I resented her at the time, but now I understand. (I would never tell her this to her face )

So whenever these young girls parents are not around, they need to have a STRONGER foundation laid upon them. I know, "THEY WERE RAISED IN THE CHURCH" But I believe that ALOT of teenagers have so much peer pressure, that they need to be constantly in fellowship with other believers their age who are WALKING, instead of the 'In-Crowd' at school.

just my .02

Your mom was right and so are you, and it doesn't make you a hypocrite for saying so now.

You just know better now and you can teach a young girl right from wrong and why, even though you did the same thing, doesn't make you a hypocrite.

You're trying to save a life or two.

 

[levette]

I'm worried that this has become the "in thing to do". It shows that they are having unprotected sex which is dangerous.

 

[Blossssom]

I'm worried that this has become the "in thing to do". It shows that they are having unprotected sex which is dangerous.

This "epidemic" is far from new. Parents, especially mothers, need to stay on top of their daughters.

Re-inforcement from a Christian standpoint, as well as why we as women should abstain from sex until marriage from a general standpoint, would be most helpful.

It's not enough to tell a young girl not to have sex, but not explain why she shouldn't.

Similar lessons should be taught to the young males in the church (and in general).

 

[PretteePlease]

girls dont get preggers alone someboy needs to be teaching abstainance to boys too

being raised in the church is different than walking in the spirit and having parents that walked in the spirit

i know preachers kids and they were doing everything that everyone else in highschool was doing and more the only difference is that they were in the church almost everytime the door opened

my church had a teenage pregnancy prevention breakfast for girls and their parents but nobody followed up with a breakfast lunch or dinner for the boys so what is the message boys cant prevent pregnancy?

 

[InsertCleverNameHere]

girls dont get preggers alone someboy needs to be teaching abstainance to boys too

being raised in the church is different than walking in the spirit and having parents that walked in the spirit

i know preachers kids and they were doing everything that everyone else in highschool was doing and more the only difference is that they were in the church almost everytime the door opened

my church had a teenage pregnancy prevention breakfast for girls and their parents but nobody followed up with a breakfast lunch or dinner for the boys so what is the message boys cant prevent pregnancy?

You are so right about that. Many times when girls are giving up the goods they are getting pressure from guys to do so.

Shoot how many female adults are fine and dandy not having sex and then a guy comes and puts the pressure on and its all downhill from there.

It is the responsibility of both parties. Not teaching boys about preventing teenage pregnancy is apart of the problem.

 

[AngelicRose07]

[size=+2]i think alot of people are misinformed about this being a recent epidemic. current teen pregnancy rates are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY down compared to the 80's. [/size]

 

[Enchantmt]

I grew up in a Christian family too but that didnt stop me from having sex as a teen. Its not enough to send a child to church and expect them absorb the message, you have to talk to your children. Teach a child what they have is precious. If one person had ever even set me down once and told me the spiritual significance of being a virgin, I would still be one today. Teach them what real love is and how a man if he loves you will value you and cherish you and do right by you. Some folx are seeking to get a legitmate need met "illegally". Make sure all their spiritual needs are met. Let them know they are loved. Tell them. That way when they hear it from someone else they wont be so easily impressed and will know you need to follow those words with actions proven over time. And make sure they are confident enough in their own self and decisions so that they dont give into peer pressure. Let them know its ok to be an individual.

 

[JuJuBoo]

[size=+2]i think alot of people are misinformed about this being a recent epidemic. current teen pregnancy rates are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY down compared to the 80's. [/size]

VERY interesting. However, I wonder how much abortion plays a role in those statistics.

 

[Blossssom]

You are so right about that. Many times when girls are giving up the goods they are getting pressure from guys to do so.

Shoot how many female adults are fine and dandy not having sex and then a guy comes and puts the pressure on and its all downhill from there.

It is the responsibility of both parties. Not teaching boys about preventing teenage pregnancy is apart of the problem.

Church should be the one place where girls and women should not feel pressure to have sex before marriage.

Even if school. If you truly value the teachings of your faith/religion, just kindly tell those who would encourage you to have sex that you will not until marriage.

That's why it helps to have Christian young men in the church. They understand because they feel the same way, opposed to these whoremongering men running the streets who don't know Christ.

 

[Blossssom]

VERY interesting. However, I wonder how much abortion plays a role in those statistics.

I did hear recently on the news that teenage pregnancies were down, but I also heard about a week ago, on the Dr. Laura program, that they are back up again.

I don't know if they are or not.

 

[TrustMeLove]

I think in some of todays churchs tradition takes over actually following the doctrines. Its like as long as you look like your doing everything right then no one wants to really call you out on anything or speak about what they know is going on. So as long as your in the church everyday of the week, dress appropriately, don't curse, know your books of the bible..etc...


When I first came to college alot of my friends were raised in the Church and followed you know the doctrines, but then they started to realize they didn't know WHY. They just did it because thats what they were taught, and some of them fell into some traps (I myself called a couple of them out and they began to get back on track).

Most of them felt that if they were going to continue on this walk they were going to have to find out for themselves..why did they not go to parties, or why they abstained from sex..etcc...because it was no longer good enough to not do it because momma and daddy said not to.

I think that this is the reason why so many fall young in like h.s., because they don't know WHY they are not suppose to do something. When its all in the scriptures, but no one has really sat them down to read them or point it out to them. Because as long as it looks like your not doing something everything is all good.

My mom bugged me all the time..so thats why I have abstained from sex and just my real fear of God. Having sex was just the one sing that there was no turning back for me. You can ask for forgiveness, but you still did and you couldn't get it back. I may have lied, but I can ask for forgiveness..will still be a liar but didn't seem like I lost something.

-Faye

 

[sithembile]

Being raised in the church is not the same as being a Christian. Everyone has to make a personal decision to live for and to follow Christ. That is very difficult at that age as they are impressionable and curious to try everything. Parents should not only teach them Godly principles, but also live them, so that their own holiness and faithfulness serves as an example to their children. Another issue is that many teens raised in the church become rebellious because many feel stifled and "uncool".

 

[levette]

I grew up in a Christian family too but that didnt stop me from having sex as a teen. Its not enough to send a child to church and expect them absorb the message, you have to talk to your children. Teach a child what they have is precious. If one person had ever even set me down once and told me the spiritual significance of being a virgin, I would still be one today. Teach them what real love is and how a man if he loves you will value you and cherish you and do right by you. Some folx are seeking to get a legitmate need met "illegally". Make sure all their spiritual needs are met. Let them know they are loved. Tell them. That way when they hear it from someone else they wont be so easily impressed and will know you need to follow those words with actions proven over time. And make sure they are confident enough in their own self and decisions so that they dont give into peer pressure. Let them know its ok to be an individual.

I understand that teenage pregnancy is down in general. However, in my church congregation (SDA Church) this is a serious moral problem when approximately 80% of the young girls under the age of 20 have already had 1 baby or is pregant- that is a serious problem. It tells me that they don't have protected sex and are at risk of getting STD's. Christian people are not supposed to be like the world. We are set apart to be witnesses to the world.. What if some of the girls became pregnant and got HIV/AIDS on top of that. It is not something to take likely. I also agree that boys need to be taught abstinence as well. The family is the backbone of the church and when you have a breakdown in the 2 parent family structure that God has instructed us to abide by- it weakens the church and society as a whole.

 

[Blossssom]

Being raised in the church is not the same as being a Christian. Everyone has to make a personal decision to live for and to follow Christ. That is very difficult at that age as they are impressionable and curious to try everything. Parents should not only teach them Godly principles, but also live them, so that their own holiness and faithfulness serves as an example to their children. Another issue is that many teens raised in the church become rebellious because many feel stifled and "uncool".

I'm glad you pointed this out. Everyone who goes to church, adults or children, are not Christians.

Often time, people are on "Christians" on Sunday and that's only until church lets out.

Want to know who's a real Christian and who isn't? Examine their lifestyle. That will tell you.

 

[missyT]

I am sorry, but Satan don't care where ANYBODY was raised. And I wanna add that he is in the church too.

I believe we need to teach our children to practice their Christian walk in Spirit and in Truth. Honestly, I'm about to be a hypocrite, but I don't believe girls in high-school should date ANYBODY. Now I see why my mother never let me go on dates with boys that I liked in highschool. I resented her at the time, but now I understand. (I would never tell her this to her face )

So whenever these young girls parents are not around, they need to have a STRONGER foundation laid upon them. I know, "THEY WERE RAISED IN THE CHURCH" But I believe that ALOT of teenagers have so much peer pressure, that they need to be constantly in fellowship with other believers their age who are WALKING, instead of the 'In-Crowd' at school.

just my .02

Well said, I especially agree that we need to be taught how to practice our Christian walk in spirit and truth. Also, a lot of teens, especially in my church get so caught up in the material not realising that there is a spiritual dimension to absolutely everything including extra-marital sex.

 

[Blossssom]

Well said, I especially agree that we need to be taught how to practice our Christian walk in spirit and truth. Also, a lot of teens, especially in my church get so caught up in the material not realising that there is a spiritual dimension to absolutely everything including extra-marital sex.

That's something else that needs to be seriously curbed in the church... the obsession with material possessions.

 

[Honeyhips]

I agree with those that said that it is a huge difference in going to church, and sitting down and teaching your children how to walk with God. The preacher and the youth group can only do so much. If mom and dad go to church and act a fool all week, the kids will too. Plus friendships, and mentors need to be established in the church. The kids should be surrounded by other Christian kids, and they don't have to be in the same church. Parents should be seeking out Christian centered youth activity.

 

[lexi08]

That's something else that needs to be seriously curbed in the church... the obsession with material possessions.

I agree with you 100%. In addition to teen pregnancy, materialism in the black community is at an all time high. If the parents place so much value on obtaining material things, the children often follow the same path.

 

[Poohbear]

I am sorry, but Satan don't care where ANYBODY was raised. And I wanna add that he is in the church too.

I agree. He'll get cha anywhere. It's also hit the churches I've been to as well...better yet, the whole state of Kentucky! (I think we're #2 in teenage pregnancy).

I believe we need to teach our children to practice their Christian walk in Spirit and in Truth. Honestly, I'm about to be a hypocrite, but I don't believe girls in high-school should date ANYBODY. Now I see why my mother never let me go on dates with boys that I liked in highschool. I resented her at the time, but now I understand. (I would never tell her this to her face )

I agree again! From my experience, I see why my parents really wouldn't allow my siblings and I to date. I had a little boyfriend when I was 16 but I didn't start actually dating (going out places with a guy) until I was 17. I could really see myself not dating during that whole time; I would have been fine! You're not being a hypocrite at all.

So whenever these young girls parents are not around, they need to have a STRONGER foundation laid upon them. I know, "THEY WERE RAISED IN THE CHURCH" But I believe that ALOT of teenagers have so much peer pressure, that they need to be constantly in fellowship with other believers their age who are WALKING, instead of the 'In-Crowd' at school.

just my .02

I agree once again! A stronger foundation that will help them combat the peer pressures they face daily!

GREAT POST!!!

 

[Poohbear]

Being raised in the church is not the same as being a Christian. Everyone has to make a personal decision to live for and to follow Christ. That is very difficult at that age as they are impressionable and curious to try everything. Parents should not only teach them Godly principles, but also live them, so that their own holiness and faithfulness serves as an example to their children. Another issue is that many teens raised in the church become rebellious because many feel stifled and "uncool".

YOU TELL IT!!! SO TRUE!!!

 

[Poohbear]

I understand that teenage pregnancy is down in general. However, in my church congregation (SDA Church) this is a serious moral problem when approximately 80% of the young girls under the age of 20 have already had 1 baby or is pregant- that is a serious problem. It tells me that they don't have protected sex and are at risk of getting STD's. Christian people are not supposed to be like the world. We are set apart to be witnesses to the world.. What if some of the girls became pregnant and got HIV/AIDS on top of that. It is not something to take likely. I also agree that boys need to be taught abstinence as well. The family is the backbone of the church and when you have a breakdown in the 2 parent family structure that God has instructed us to abide by- it weakens the church and society as a whole.

With this being said, we must also keep in mind that these teenagers getting pregant and/or contracting an STD is the consequence of their sin. Once they learn from their mistake and repent, we as Christians must accept them and not look at them as "bad" people. Just because they have a child out of wedlock and/or have an STD does not make them nasty, bad, etc.

 

[vevster]

They must be doing yoga.

 

[Poohbear]

They must be doing yoga.

Not funny!

 

[BLESSED1]

They must be doing yoga.

now vev, remember what you said about apples and oranges....

anyways, I agree w/ support from other Christian youth, also support from the elders. Too many times I see older church members rolling their eyes when 16 yr. old Suzy Q. shows up for sunday service, toddler in hand and pregnant w/ baby #2. That alone can make a teen not even try to do right, like "well they already treat me like an outcast so I'll just keep doing me" you know? Although, I think that 1 should focus more on getting right w/ God then w/ their congregation, I don't know it's a touchy subject