After more than a decade in student ministry, seven years in college, and two years working in the admissions office at Auburn University, I’ve seen how much pressure teens are under when it comes to the “next step” and how that pressure has grown. As a minister and a father of pre-teens, I want to share a word of encouragement rooted in experience and concern: Our teens are overwhelmed—and they need more than a better résumé. They need a stronger foundation.
Today’s teens feel the pressure to achieve everything:
- Make the grade or the score.
- Stay active in sports and clubs.
- Volunteer often.
- Work part-time jobs.
- Be well-rounded for college applications.
- Nurture friendships.
- Make time for self.
- Pursue personal growth.
- and so on.
And it is taking a toll. According to the American Psychological Association, 83% of teens say school is a significant source of stress. The CDC reports that more than 40% of teens experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Much of this stems from the narrative that their future depends on checking every box when, in reality, college admissions (outside of elite schools) aren’t that demanding.
What actually matters for college? A solid GPA, consistency performance over time, a genuine relationship with an admissions rep, a campus visit and a well-prepared application. Honors and activities only become critical if a student is borderline – and they’re never worth sacrificing mental health and wellness.
Faith is A Lifeline for Today’s Teens
What’s missing in many students’ lives isn’t effort — it’s margin. And more importantly, its meaning.
This is where faith steps in — not as one more obligation but as a lifeline. A growing body of research shows that regular church involvement and spiritual practices significantly improve mental and emotional health in teens and adolescents. For example:
- Teens who attend religious services weekly are 12% less likely to report depressive symptoms and 33% more likely to report higher life satisfaction (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
- Regular prayer and scripture reading are associated with lower levels of anxiety and stronger resilience under pressure (Springtide Research Institute, 2021).
- A faith-based identity provides purpose and community — critical buffers against the isolation many teens feel.
But it’s not just about teens personally practicing their faith. Parental involvement makes a huge difference.
Here are some tangible, research-supported ways you can help:
1. Model Faith at Home.
Talk about your faith openly. Let your teens see you pray, read Scripture and attend church — not out of obligation, but as a source of life and direction.
2. Prioritize Rest and Sabbath.
Build regular downtime into your family schedule. Make space for unstructured time and Sabbath rhythms. Overcommitment fuels anxiety. Your teen needs permission to slow down.
3. Encourage Community Over Comparison.
Involvement in a healthy church youth group gives teens a safe place to process, belong and grow. Springtide’s data shows that teens with trusted adult mentors in faith settings report higher emotional well-being.
4. Ask Guiding Questions.
Don’t just ask “What did you do today?” Try, “What felt heavy today?” or “Where did you notice God’s presence?” These open the door for meaningful conversations.
5. Celebrate Who They Are — Not Just What They Do.
Praise character, not just accomplishments. Remind them they are valued by God for who they are, not just what they produce.
As parents, our greatest job isn’t pushing our teens to perform — it’s anchoring them in truth. In a world demanding constant output, we must remind them that their worth isn’t earned. It’s received.
Let’s raise teens who are healthy, grounded and secure — not just impressive on paper. They were never meant to carry this world alone.
Trent Nolen serves as student minister for First Baptist Church, Hartselle.
Citations
- American Psychological Association (2014). Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults’ Stress Habits? https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/02/teen-stress
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2018). Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/religious-upbringing-adult-health/
- Springtide Research Institute (2021). The State of Religion & Young People 2021: Navigating Uncertainty. https://springtideresearch.org/product/the-state-of-religion-and-young-people-2021-navigating-uncertainty
