My response to the results from our youth questionnaires!

Okay…if you haven’t yet read over the responses from the youth questionnaires…please do. I found the results confirming and insightful! I think you may too! And I would love to hear from you.


First, my desire was to get an inside look into the minds of high school youth that attended a church youth group. I was pleasantly surprised when 84 turned in their completed questionnaires. I hoped to gain a better understanding of their values, support systems, meaning, views of God, influences, fears, hopes, and lastly, how technology played a perceived role in their lives. I feel as though I now have direct input that can be applied to my reading, learning and ministry.


In terms of values, supports, influencers, and where they felt they belonged, responses varied. But as expected, ‘friends’ rated very high. I found it very interesting, given popular opinion, that ‘family’ was rated high as well. ‘Church’ and ‘youth group’ also was listed often as a place of support and belonging. I sense from the responses that what adolescents’ desire is community, a place to feel accepted and loved.


Hopes and fears brought the largest variety of responses, I sense the majorities of fears encompass being alone, not accepted, loss, and hope was once again about community, family, sense of belonging. Succeeding and failing also seem to dominate many of their thoughts. I find the responses to where they feel a sense of belonging filled with questioning and wonder. They are media saturated, experience and feeling-driven, overwhelmed with options, materialistic, despairing and hopeless. The church, the workers, and God.......calling to our youth to be redeemed, and have a sense of belonging….so we must continue pursuing, loving, listening!

I was certainly blessed reading their responses to all the questions, but none more than their views of God. I could see an undercurrent throughout the responses of a God who plays a central role in many of their lives. I wish, in hindsight, that I had questioned more their views of God, Christianity, and the Church. Perhaps I am being optimistic, but I do sense a generation that is seeking truth and authenticity in their relationship with God (and those associated with Christianity!)


Now…regarding technology…I agree it is pervasive in the world and our lives today. I was surprised in that these youth, although extremely tied to their cell phones, their responses to the technology questions were less than I had expected. Their responses were geared towards being able to communicate with their friends and family rather than being tied to computers, games, movies, and so on. Although a few seem extremely influenced by their ‘gadgets’, most simply utilize them for communication.


I smiled as I read through their responses to the technology helpful/distraction question. Helpful and distraction were basically split, but there was an overwhelming response to technology being BOTH helpful and distraction. I feel this was an honest evaluation on their parts! Perhaps, as spiritual guides for youth, our question may be how God/church/relationships can become the focus of their attention…how we can help them to hear the Good News…given all the distractions!


I would value hearing from you and your perceptions of these responses. Blessings!

Questionnaires: Non-Church Youth Staff Responses

As a part of my Special Study at George Fox Seminary, I desired to hear from non-church youth staff to obtain their input on spiritual formation. Here are results from interviews/questionnaires of church youth staff (completed spring 2009):

1. What trends are you seeing in youth today? "Addicted to technology, cell phones, Internet, text messaging - information is instant, and kids get bored quickly if something isn't "instant." "Youth today are "know-it-all's," wherein they have it altogether. Youth are confused, depressed, disenchanted, angry, neglected, rebellious, and begging for attention." "Youth want to be heard, but do not feel they have what it takes or are discouraged to speak up because adults have filled them with negativity. Youth are crying out for help, but those around them do not seem to be listening." "Why would a student physically harm himself or herself except to cry out because he or she is emotionally, physically, sexually, mentally abused, hurt, or neglected. The trends seen in the youth of today are not occurring just because, they are happening for a reason." "Distraction from electronics! They seem compelled to continually handle them." "Less likelihood to join organizations or participate in enrichment opportunities." "I see kids being easily frustrated and give up when a task requires time and effort." "Youth are creative in style, so when it is important to 'dress up' for a job or event they don't care what the 'older' generation thinks about how they look."
2. What belief systems do you see in youth today? "I have noticed youth seem to have mixed belief systems. He or she may hear something they like and pair it with other information they find useful to their life." "Belief systems are generally based with selfish desires - what the individual is going to benefit from the particular belief. There is much in the way of Christianity, but even this sect of religion is completely divided. Eastern religions are making their way into the lives of American youth as well." "Loyalty to their group of friends." "The belief that respect must be earned, no matter who you are to them." "Heaven, but not hell." "Environmentalism." "Religion." "They believe in very little because of the high rate of failure in our Gen X group-it's hard for our youth to believe in marriage, career, or family support."
3. Where do you see youth finding their sense of community? "From their friends." "Students find community wherever he or she feels accepted. This may be at school, in a club, or in a sport. Sometimes students find community in a local church youth group, regardless of belief system." "Students are drawn to where they 'fit in'. There is not one generalized location or environment where students find a sense of community. Community may be based with just a couple of friends or with a large group of similar individuals." "From their teams or youth group or club." "In whatever peer groups they belong to, for example-sports, gangs, youth groups, choir/band." "With their peers."
4. What role do you see technology having in youth's lives today? "Primary source of information, important communication tool, entertainment, and a less risky way to interact because it is less embarrassing than in person." "Technology plays an important role in the lives of today's youths. Youth communicate electronically for every reason, whether via texting, emailing, Myspace, or Facebook." "Face-to-face communicating nowadays only happens in school and during some extracurricular activities. Youth are disadvantaged by technology because it diminishes the opportunities to learn how to effectively communicate and develop friendships through in-person contact." "They are too reliant on technology." "Disastrous! Technology has erased the need for verbal communication, community, and the basic need of courting. Relationships are sought through technology and human contact is limited."
5. What is your perception of your role in youth's lives? "I am an advocate for traditional concepts but try to put a contemporary perspective to it. I don't want to see the family values lost." "I have spent time as a youth leader for quite a few years. My role has been that of a mentor and positive adult influence. This will always be my role in the lives of youth whether I directly work with them or not." "A helper on their journey." "A person who wants to encourage them and help them find their way." "I have a big role as a high school teacher. I think I can help with self-esteem and be a voice of reason in often bad home situations."
6. What measuring sticks do you use to measure a student's formation? "A student's awareness of their own weaknesses." "I look to the environment in which the student is raised in order to decide on how to measure them." "A student's formation comes from various sources - home life, school, peers, friends, etc." "Student's awareness and empathy towards others." "Honesty, integrity, a work-ethic are easy to identify when teaching." "I don't measure-respecting everyone as an individual and valuing them brings creative value to the community foundation."
7. How do you creatively make space for youth to explore community? "Honestly, I do not do this. However, if given the opportunity, I would provide experiential opportunities for students to be involved in local community activities." " I know of a youth center that was made for high school students only. This space gave them a chance to hang out with peers from all backgrounds, create different friendships, and a place they could get away from younger siblings who were not of age yet." "Invite them to my family events, make time for their family to engage in larger events with the same values." "Plan events for age groups." "Church youth groups are a wonderful way to explore different communities, as students are involved in fun adventures, mission trips, small groups, and larger groups doing various activities." "Involve them in helping others, leading or organizing." "Helping find opportunities to pursue interests." "Encourage participation in a group-sports, music, art, club, or youth group."
8. What do you believe to be youth's greatest need or hurdle today? "One of the biggest hurdles is finding a place of belonging. So often students are rejected by peers and adults because they do not fit certain expectations or qualifications of said group or community." "To feel they belong." "Breaking the cycle of poverty that many grow up with." "Need for family relationships, lower divorce rates, and increase family events." "I think it is harder for our kids to believe in adults because of our shortcomings. This creates a hurdle for them and they have to search history to find their way back to balance." "One hurdle is changing our misguidance and correcting the way we live."
9. What do you believe to be youth's greatest asset today? "They are accepting and have power in large numbers." "Kids use their voices and make things happen." "A student's greatest asset is his or her freshness and/or newness. Students have so much potential." "When young people are guided, they have so much positive influence on their peers and community." "They want to be authentic." "Access to information/knowledge, which is a strength and weakness!" "They are strong and creative and they are techno smart."

Questionnaires: Youth Church Staff Responses

As a part of my Special Study for my Master's of Ministry Leadership program at George Fox Seminary, I desired to hear from youth staff who are currently serving in a church. Here are results from interviews/questionnaires of church youth staff (completed spring 2009):

1. What trends are you seeing in youth today? "Teens are much more open about their personal life." "They are given the easy way out too often. People don't give them credit for what they can do." "They have more knowledge about sexual things at a younger age. They are insecure with poor body images. And younger kids are getting into drugs." "They exhibit selfishness - I want it now so give it to me. There is no denial." "They are more open to accepting Christ. They want to know more. But they also want the worldly stuff, like sex." "Communication is artificial, like texting. There is a boldness (sex-ting) and timidity in person (due to lack of authentic connectedness.)" "Single parent families, many lost youth that need to reached out to." "Dependence on electronics (texting, email, etc.)" "They are interested in what their friends do; sex, drugs, gangs."
2. What belief systems do you see in youth today? "Take care of 'me', we are okay if we are trying. There is not one true God." "It's okay to believe what you want, it really does not matter." "Beliefs in romantic relationships as a source of security and self worth. There is a lot of searching before believing, and they are asking alot of questions." "Kids believe in technology, even though they can't see it or understand it." "They believe in God and His rules, but they still desire the worldly stuff and act upon it." "Technology is god - they can't live without it." "Universalism." "I see more kids turning to Christ even though their parents may not believe but I also see where some of the peer pressure is to expect and even explore other religions." "Some feel like no one cares about them, some believe in God, some don't." "Christianity or atheisism for the most part." "Some of our youth today don't believe in God and their parents don't have a relationship with God. The youth don't attend church, and if they do, the youth sometimes disrespect authority figures."
3. Where do you see youth finding their sense of community? "Their peers." "Friends, church, sports, on-line." "Friends, school, sports, youth group." "In groups, much as it has always been, peers." "I believe they steer toward the group that accepts them." "In places where authentic, personal, and real human resources exist." "Friends, sports teams, youth group." "School." "Their friends." "In the church, but a lot of kids look to their school and friends." "Among their friends (no adult in their lives.)"
4. What role do you see technology having in youth's lives? "Large, they relate better to it." "Huge, they lead real lives and virtual lives." "I think they play a huge role in their lives today. It's probably the biggest part of communication for youth today." "It is their life. Technology plays a huge role. Communication, as I knew it is gone-it is all techno." "Technology plays a huge role in youth's lives today." "Erecting false and artificial relationships that are true only in their cyber world." "Huge-use all the time." "It can create more drama with the easy way of communicating with others." "Huge...technology is a major part of today's youth." "They depend on it and it has beccome their lifeline...not just for communication, but for almost every aspect of their lives. The even use it to bully other kids."
5. What is your perception of your role in youth's lives? "Friend, role model." "Find ways to help them build authentic personal relationships with caring, committed adults." "A mentor, a counselor, a confidant." "Mom, grandma, friend. So many of these kids are from broken homes - with no sense of "parents." "Mentor, example, confidant, friend, leader." "Leader, role model, confidant, friend." "An encourager." "To be a positive role model and to someday be able to lead a teen to Christ." "As a kind of a mentor." "I try to teach them what is right, what the Word of God says." "To be there to love them and help them through life." "To be there as a sounding board and a shoulder if they need one."
6. What measuring sticks do you use to measure a student's spiritual formation? "What they say and what they do." "I ask questions that prob beyond their 'Christian' answers to see what they truly understand." "Not sure if there is a specific way to measure because each student is very unique and individual. Can tell a lot by life changes, language, activities, etc." "Their heart and words, their actions." "True belief, sincerity, walk outside youth group, walk during youth group." "Connectedness to the local church, desire to serve others, acceptance of all teens who visit church." "Knowledge, commitment, level of leadership, reaction to stimulation." "How they treat each other." "Growth."
7. How do you creatively make space for youth to explore spirituality and discipleship? "I let them into my life, my doors are always open." "Have a youth ministry gathering that allows upon discussion without preaching." "I just make sure I am there for them and if I can't answer their question I direct them to someone who can. I stay involved in the process." "Open discussion, freedom to ask questions, and explore their faith through reading and technology." "I let them question and I help them process what they believe." "Schedule mission type events and also create quantity quiet times for reflection." "This is something I need to work on."
8. What do you believe to be youth's greatest need or hurdle today? "To be truly and unconditionally loved (need). Parents don't seem to have a lot of time for their children (hurdle)." "Love...for the person they are." "Security, trust, independence (need). Societies views on beauty, sex, and drugs (hurdle)." "People they can trust and discipline." "The family (hurdle). To feel they have spiritual guidance they can trust and someone who relates to them (need)." "Personal relationships (need). Overcoming temptations and counterfeit relationships through technology (hurdles)." "A solid role model outside the family and strong friends (need). Lack of seeking holiness (hurdle)." "Doubt, pressure, and too many choices, all leading to a distracted mind." "The need for more people to be willing to reach out to them." "Positive attention. I think a lot of times they are labeled as 'trouble-makers' because they are teens. And when people view kids that way, they are going to start acting that way." "To show them the love that comes from Christ."
9. What do you believe to be youth's greatest asset today? "Solid group of friends/role models." "There seems to be a desire for meaning through service-more than ever." "Their desire and ability to witness once they find Christ." "Openness, honesty." "Intelligence, independent spirit, calling to be leaders, want to see a change in our world and individuals." "Their look on life to see past common problems and answers." "Their willingness to communicate." "To have a great church who understands these kids and loves them" "Youth groups." "People that are willing to reach out to them." "The capacity to learn and love."

Questionnaires: Youth Responses

As a part of my Special Study at George Fox Seminary, I desired to hear from actual high school (age 14-19) students who attend a church youth group to obtain their input on spiritual formation. Here are results from the questionnaires of these (82) teens (completed spring 2009) Although this is long...you will be blessed by reading their responses:

1. What do you value most in life? "My faith and relationships in general." "I value my support of my church, friends, my family, being healthy, and being acknowledged by my dad." "I can honestly say now, I value my family, God, and the world." "Friends, family, love, faith." "Friends." "Family and friends. I'm becoming closer to God each day but I do take my family for granted sometimes." "My dad all the way and Jesus!" "Faith! My relationship with my savior." "Friends." "Family." "Friends, family, being safe, love." "Friends, God, and life." "Faith hands down. Without my faith I would have nothing." "Family." "Friends." "My family and friends." "Family, faith, friends, love." "Friends." "Faith-God is all that is important." "My faith, friends and family." "Faith, family, friends." "Everyone!" "Friends, faith, family." "My family, friends and faith." "My faith, family, friends." "Faith, family, friends, boyfriend." "Family and faith!" "Friends, family, love, companionship, faith, hope." "My son, my friends, family, and God." "Family, faith, and God." "Friends and faith." "I think that believing in myself and having the ability to do no matter what is what I value." "Friends." "I value everything in my life because if I didn't have them, I couldn't have a life." "I value my family and friends." "What I do in church, worship, and working with middle schoolers." "God." "Friends and family." "Faith." "Family." "Friends." "Family and friends." "God." "Family, big sister, friends." "Friends and faith." "Faith, family, relationships." "Friends, family." "Family." "My faith, family, friends." "Family." "Family, friends, faith." "God and friends." "Family, faith, friends." "Family." "Friends, family, faith." "God, friends, family, sports, church, girls." "I value my family and friends most in life." "Family and faith." "Family." "Faith and friends." "Friends, family." "God and relationships with him :-)" "Friend." "My faith and everyone in my life." "Friends and family." "I guess first it would have to be my family and faith, then friends and pets." "Family." "God, friends, school." "God, family, friends." "Friends." "Family." "My friends and my family." "God, friends and school." "Older sister, friends." "Friends and family." "My family, faith, friends, people I care for, and the one I love." "Eternal joy." "My family and faith." "Jesus, good fiends, the one's who have faith in you and themselves, and music." "At this point faith, a couple weeks ago friends.

2. What brings meaning to your life? "God." "Faith, happy moments, emotions." "The Lord, and finding out new ways to get by." "Faith, joy." "Friends." "The people around me, God." "When things impact me good and bad, it changes my views." "Love, the love I get to give and receive." "Faith and people/things I love." "Happiness, joy, love." "Friends, God." "My abundant love for God." "Sports." "Everyone I'm surrounded by in my life." "My friends and family." "Learning more about the Lord." "The love I get from my family and friends."
"Believing that there is a reason for me." "A lot of things. Right now, my faith, my writing." "Support and encouragement." "Family has a huge influence and also sports I play." "Everyone and everything." "Family and friends." "Being with friends and family." "Happiness." "Friendship, happiness, love, hope, faith, trust." "My son, Owen, and God's purpose for my life." "My family." "People." "Knowing that no matter how bad I screw up I can always make it better in God's eyes." "Living for God." "I don't really think life has much meaning." "My friends and family because they are there." "I think God brings meaning to my life." "Playing bass in worship band and seeing people worship, not just singing." "Music." "Faith." "Music." "I don't have enough life experience." "God, family, friends." "God." "Leaders like Ben, friends, family who support every decision, and God being there to listen." "God, family, and Jim (pastor)." "I don't know." "My girlfriend and family." "Having a purpose and fulfilling it." "Music." "Family and friends." "Friends." "Being happy." "Faith and religion." "God's plan." "Church, sports, friends." "The chance to have a better life." "Friends and family." "To have a good life." "Seeing those around me happy." "Watching God's work and love take place before my eyes." "Mom and dad." "Other people." "Being important to others." "Having a good time." "Don't get what this means." "Sports." "Teaching the kindergarten class and being part of design team." "I don't know anymore." "Friends and family." "My friends and family." "Girlfriend and school." "People." "Happiness and friends." "When people truly care about other people's feelings." "Several things, seeing new Christians smiling faces, knowing how big God's plan is for me." "Being around the people I love and doing things that please God and others." "Without friends and family I would be me today. Jesus Christ is on reason that makes me stride to do better." "Knowing that if I live a godly servant life I have a place to look forward to...heaven!"

3. Who influences your decisions? "My future, and I try to let God influence my, but that doesn't always happen." "Myself, my dad." "My faith and family definitely." "Family, friends." "Especially friends." "My friends and myself." "Faith, mentors, family, dreams." "My future and faith to trust my decisions." "Friends, family, God." "Myself and friends." "Friends." "Family and future. But overall faith." "Friends, family." "My best friends and my sister." "My friends and family." "Friends." "People I love." "Future." "Myself and sometimes my family and friends." "Friends-not aways in good ways though." "My mom, my faith." "Family." "Future, family, and my friends." "Myself and family." "Everyone." "Family." "Everyone." "No one-I influence myself, no one has any influence over my life or decisions." "God, my son, sometimes family and friends." "God and myself." "My dad is a big part of everything and my grandma. People close to me." "God." "I'm influenced equally by friends, family, and faith, depending on the circumstances. My morals guide me the most." "My youth group leader, and my deceased grandpa." "Family and friends." "Youth leaders." "My mom." "Leaders and faith." "Friends." "My best friend and my grandma." "God, family, responsibilities, friends, and faith." "Family, friends, church." "Friends." "God, family, and Jim (pastor)." "Me." "My mom and my girlfriend." "Me mostly, but I try to let God show me what to do." "Family and God." "Parents and friends." "My father and close friends." "Myself." "My father." "Bible." "Friends, family, teammates, church." "Mostly myself and my faith." "Friends." "Faith." "Future, friends." "God, family, friends, co-workers." "My family usually influences my decisions, and what I want to do in the future." "Family and friends." "Friends, my faith, and me." "I guess my friends because I just go along with what they do sometimes." "Me." "Friends, and Kathy (youth leader)." "Family and faith." "Future, I suppose." "Faith." "My sister who is dead." "No one usually." "Friends mostly, and myself." "Me." "My family." "God, family, friends." "Friends and faith." "My family and definitely my friends when it comes to school. My future is what influences my decision. I would like to think I, myself, influences my decisions." "Friends, family, faith."

4. What is your greatest fear in life? "To lose another family member or become an addict or cut again." "Needles, doctors." "Growing up, moving on, and losing people." "God, and big, mean, vicious dogs." "Failure, growing old and alone." "Being alone or spiders!" "Not being good enough." "Failure." "Not being accepted by God." "Being alone." "Disappointing my mom." "Losing people." "The greatest fear in my life is not being good enough." "Planes, spiders and being sent to hell." "Being forgotten, losing friends." "Live a life full of Jesus." "Failure." "Losing everyone close to me." "Storms, thunder." "Not finding a life companion." "That my life will be meaningless." "God!!" "Try not to get hurt." "Failing at major things in life such as school." "Rejection." "Being alone all my life." "Being alone." "Snakes." "Life itself because you never know what's going to happen next." "Losing everything (not materialistic)." "Losing anyone in my life right now." "Becoming an old, lonely, cat-lady." "Not overcoming my greatest fears." "Letting God down." "Torture, pain." "My greatest fear is death but death is just another path we must take." "My fear is failure." "Not succeeding in worship." "My guitar breaking." "Being buried alive." "Being alone and death." "Missing something." "Losing God." "Well, the end when God comes back." "Losing the love of my life." "Failure." "Things won't change." "Dying because where I stand right now I'm going to hell." "Not living right in God's eyes and going to hell." "That people would know they truth about me." "Letting my brother down." "Not being accepted." "Not being happy." "Big spiders." "Losing faith." "Having unsaved friends dying." "Not doing what I'm meant to do and to die and no one cares." "I don't know." "Not knowing what is to come." "Spiders." "Drowning." "Being alone." "Not being accepted." "Losing a loved one." "Saying goodbye." "Being alone." "Losing people I have." "Being alone." "Losing the ones I love." "To die unhappy." "Unknown at this time." "Silence." "Growing up." "Not being able to see my future." "Not fulfilling God's purpose for my life." "Being alone and disappointing others." "Failure and also disappointment." "Letting others including God down (disappointment), not living up to my potential."

5. What is your greatest hope in life? "My greatest hope is to be able to be myself." ":-(" "Hope to move people in the right direction." "To go to heaven, and college." "Going to college, getting a degree, have a happy family." "To feel complete." "Becoming the women of God I was created to be and fulfill the purpose I was created for." "To be able to help people and do something I enjoy in life." "To be successful in life." "Getting out of Oregon." "That I will do God's will." "I really want to have kids." "My greatest hope is that my brothers succeeds." "That I go to heaven and me being able to be happy." "That I have a long and happy life." "To be with Jesus." "To succeed." "To live a life my own way." "I will survive." "To spread the Word of God through missionaries." "That I become a published author." "To get to heaven." "To be successful in life." "Happiness." "Have someone love me for who I am." "To be happy." "To finally be happy." "Happiness! I want to be happy!" "To be a successful, role model, of God and witness to others. Give my kids a great Christian home, and marry an amazing Christian guy." "Having a great future." "I'll get into heaven." "To do what God wants me to do at my best." "Living a life of God, marriage and kids." "To have a relaxing normal life and study how the brain works." "To be able to be a good father and husband." "My greatest hope is successfulness." "To lead a worship group up and down the west coast, then become a youth or worship pastor." "To be successful." "Doing God's will for my life." "To be a theater major." "That I live life to the fullest." "To do what God wants me to." "That I go to heaven, that I don't regret anything I do." "Being able to stay together with the one I love. To learn more about God and stay faithful through the hard times." "Heaven, successful life, awesome wife." "Things will change for the better." "To become the person people will miss when I am gone." "To be the man God made me to be." "Jesus, Christianity." "To make people happy." "To be successful as my father in work and faith." "To be happy and be able to make someone else happy." "To have a child." "To go to heaven." "Finding my ministries, help many nonbelievers." "Everything." "To live long." "To have a long life." "That the ones around me are always happy." "That my whole family gives their lives to Christ." "To make it to heaven." "To find someone who makes me happy." "To get a good job and get married." "To live a good life." "Becoming an astronaut." "Be my best." "As of now I look forward to being a mom." "I don't know." "Pass school." "To see my sister." "Unknown." "To fall in love and be happy." "Being able to live longer than 150." "To influence others in a positive way towards God during my time on earth." "To be a mom, wife, and a positive godly role model." "To achieve my goals I have set for the future. To live the life God planned for me." "To make a difference in the lives of children. They are my passion. I want to protect them and their rights."

6. What is your view of God? "He's amazing and has helped me through a lot." "The most uplifting person." "Love, faith, and hope...the change, amazement." "Wonderful :-)" "He is amazing, He makes everything possible." "He is not even a view, He is more than anything I could ever imagine." "Savior, Redeemer, Father." "He is awesome and almighty!" "He is amazing, and makes me feel safe!" "Chill guy who is my friend." "That He is the way, the truth, and the light." "He is my everything." "Fantastic, wonderful, powerful." "He is awesome and can help you through everything." "He rocks! He is someone I can trust." "He is real." "He's just there." "I don't know." "He has helped me so much since I joined the church. I have fully given my life to him and there has never been a better feeling in the whole world." "That He is amazing and rocks my world." "He is the most amazing thing in life. He is the one person that will never lie to you." "He is there but I do not think of him nearly as much as I should." "He is great." "I believe He is always there." "My only one who can save me." "He is almighty." "I can't word my views for this question." "Our Father, Savior, Forgiver, Caregiver." "He's my whole world." "God is everything to me." "He will always be my biggest fan!" "Creator of earth and people. He is huge." "A perfect being." "A faithful person." "I can have faith in him." "He is THE MAN." "Trustworthy." "He rocks." "I'm not really sure." "I don't know." "I do my best to keep my God the God that is in the Bible." "Beastly." "He is always there for me when I need him the most. He made me with a purpose." "All powerful, savior, protector, forgiving." "I don't know." "Amazing and wonderful." "He is my creator, my father." "Someone who cares about me, more than me." "He is the almighty." "Graceful." "God." "The creator." "Great." "All powerful, all knowing, all loving." "He is the Almighty, the maker of the heavens and the earth." "He is a friend." "That He has control over everything." "He is my Lord." "He is cool." "I view God as love in essence." "Love." "God sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins." "He loves you no matter what, and it doesn't matter what you've done or look like." "Powerful and holy." "That we are nothing without him." "He is awesome! He is always faithful, thank goodness!" "He is the omnipotent, almighty One." "A sign of hope." "The Father of all of us." "He is there but I haven't seen a blessing in five plus years." "God is the creator of us and nothing happens without him." "Saving lives." "He is my father, the holy one, my creator, my salvation, my love." "He is my father, the one I can always turn to. He will love me forever." "The King above all kings, the creator of life, the one who I look to for answers to life." "He is my real father. I can talk to him about anything. I could go on forever...He is protector, friend, etc."

7. What role does technology play in your life? "It's a really key thing. I use it all the time." "I don't have a cell phone anymore, computer definitely." "It plays too much of a role, I should slow down on texting." "The t.v. and my mom's cell phone." "A lot...if I don't watch t.v., I'm listening to music, and I always have my phone." "It helps a lot, with everything in life!" "So much. I use them for ministry and other life things." "It helps me a lot with communication, school, etc." "I use it a lot." "Cell phone mainly." "It's a source of communication." "Cell phone is my life line." "My phone is my way of communicating." "Cell phone, computer, t.v., ipod." "My ipod is awesome and been through a lot with me." "Computer, cell phone, t.v." "Communication with friends and family." "I love them." "I go to a tech based school so I use it every day for homework." "My cell is my lifeline to friends, mom. My Zune helps me cope with boredom/stupid people. Mostly I go to books." "It does help in a way." "Without technology in my life it would make things difficult." "Big!" "Not much except cell phone!" "A big part of my life." "Cell phone." "Can't live without my cell phone." "Not a big role but it plays a big enough role to talk to and keep in touch with people." "Cell phone-always on it!" "My cell phone never leaves my side." "It makes life easier." "I hardly ever use the computer or t.v. because I am always so busy and I have no cell service at my casa." "Email and cell phone." "I use tech all the time, but as far as faith it holds me back, and in general makes us all lazy." "Not a lot for instruments." "Entertainment." "Keeps me connected with my friends because none go to my school." "A large role." "Communication." "A big one because I love music." "My school is based off technology." "It lets me get in touch easier, and I get to listen to my Christian music." "Cell phone-I talk to friends, but not much t.v." "It impacts my life majority." "A lot. Communication/entertainment." "I don't know." "My cell phone is what keeps me in-line." "Takes up too much of it." "I'm pretty close with technology." "A big part in my life." "Not much, cell phone is about all I use." "Communication." "Cell phone is my life-line." "It plays a gigantic role in my life. I don't leave my house without my phone." "It helps and hinders." "A small one." "So I can talk to my girlfriend." "Not a big role." "A big part, daily involved." "I look to cell as my friend." "I never go anywhere without my cell phone." "Probably too big of a role. I rely on it to talk to my friends." "Communication." "It plays a pretty big part because we don't have a home phone so I use a cell phone." "Everything is on demand." "Huge!" "I use my phone a lot! Computer and t.v. when I have time." "A lot." "A lot, without tech life could be boring." "I am a computer freak." "Video games/cell phone play very minor rolls." "Help!" "I use technology for communication (computer) and I watch some t.v./movies." "I am on the computer a lot. It is a distraction to me and my faith." "Unfortunately it plays a huge part in my daily routine." "I check email/facebook, watch t.v. on weekends sometimes. I don't have a cell at the moment. Not too badly but I'm too busy to focus on it!"

8. Do you find technology helpful or a distraction? "Both." "It's a helpful distraction." "Both helpful because you can call people, ask for rides to church, etc., and not because it causes drama." "Both." "Distraction." "Both, it's keeping kids from getting close to their family and they are always playing video games." "Helpful and distracting." "Both!" "I don't like t.v. but technology is helpful mostly." "Both." "Distraction at times." "Both." "Helpful." "Both, sometimes I have to call someone, and the computer distracts me from family time." "Both." "I find it both...it helps with research but distracts from everyday life." "Cell phone helpful, others not really." "Both." "Music helps me concentrate but phone/texting is distracting." "Distraction." "A bit of both." "Helpful." "Both." "I think it has become a distraction for people." "Both." "Distraction-always has been because I have bad grades." "Helpful." "Both because people are helped out by cell phones, computers, etc." "Distraction." "Huge distraction." "Helpful." "Well, I don't want to say it but it can be a big distraction." "Helpful and distracting sometimes." "Both." "I enjoy technology products, but find it very annoying to deal with the technical difficulties." "Helpful...it helps concentration." "Usually it's a distraction." Both at times." "Both." "Helpful." "Both." "Helpful." "It can be a bit of both." "Both." "It can be helpful at times." "Both-I don't know how it would be without it." "Both." "Depends." "Mostly a distraction." "Helpful." "It can be helpful but can also be a big distraction." "Helpful." "Depends on the situation." "Both." "Helpful." "Helps me communicate and learn." "Both." "Some of both." "Both." "Helpful and a distraction, but mostly helpful." "Both." "It depends on what you use if for." "Both." "Both at times." "Both." "I think of it as both because I use it to talk but texting can get pretty addicting." "Both." "Helpful." "Both." "Both, small quantity." "Both." "Distraction and helpful." "Both." "Somewhat helpful, sometimes a distraction." "Both." "It is a distraction to my faith." "Both." "Both, doesn't matter just for entertainment but also is a faster way to research stuff." "Both."

9. What was the last video you downloaded to your computer? Multiple teens said "None" or "I don't know." "IDEK-Valentine's Love." "California-Spring Break (funny stuff)." "One of me singing at a competition." "Nothing." "One of me and Bri being stupid...that's all." "Susan Boyle." "Step Up 2." "Me and my friends." "Guitar cover." "If the world was a golf ball video." "Hume Lake promo video." "Never done one." "Jackass." "Hawk Nelson - Bring em out." "Country music." "My dance video." "House Bunny-didn't like it. :(" "A worship video by Hillsong." "None." "Video of me jumping my quad." "I don't upload videos." "A dog walking on hind legs." "High School Musical 3." "Mindless Self Indulgence." "Never done this." "You Can Get it All by Bow Wow." "Death Race." "Chainsaw Alarm Clock." ""No P.C.-too poor." "U-tube." "I-Robot." "Never have time-honestly." "Never." "Too long ago to remember." "I don't download videos." "Snowboarding trip." "Party Guys." "On a Boat-music video." "Trunk-monkey commercials." "A music video." "2D video midgets." "SNL skit." "2D video midgets." "Me and my friend wrestling." "My baby sister." "Crossler football game." "Jesus Retreat." "U-tube." "Video I made to "Boom, Boom, Boom." "My photo slideshow in computer tech class." "Fast and the Furious." "Some sort of music video." "Hume Lake-Bringing Modesty Back and Ben and Kass' engagement."

10. What was the last music you downloaded to your computer/phone/device? Multiple teens said "I don't know, never, or I don't remember." "All Time Low." "Some love song." "Mighty to Save, Sugar." "Brad Paisley." "T-Pain." "The Adele CD." "I'm not allowed to, so last thing I listened to was the Maine." "Stand By You." "Eighteen Days-Saving Abel" "Country music." "Country and rock music." ""The Spill Camas." "Black Eyed Peas." "Mostly country." "Luke Bryan C.D." "Taylor Swift." "Sublime, Beyonce." "I killed the prom queen!" "Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Lacre, Colbie Colliat, Natasha Bendingfield." "Please Don't Leave Me by Pink." "I don't put music on my phone becuase it's complicated." "Savage. Swing." "Everything by Michael Buble." "Some rock songs probably." "Nickelback." "New York Voices." "Kelly Clarkson's new c.d." "Country." "I am on a boat." "Hip-hop." "Meet in the Middle by Diamond Rio." "The Storm by Lifehouse." "Demon Hunter, Flyleaf, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet." "I think it was Underneath." "Linkin Park." "Robotic Zombies from Outer Space." "You are Everything by IDK." "Nickelback." "GNK/Ozzy." "Jeremy Camp, Third Day." "Nickelback." "Ooh-ahh by the Grits." "Rock." "Storm by Lifehouse." "A mix." "Storm by Lifehouse." "Sweep Me Away-After You." "Slipknot." "The Decemberists." "Techno." "Killswitch Engage." "Country." "Tyrone Wells."

11. Where do you get your support? "God, and basically my closest friends." "Youth group." "Friends, sometimes family, church family, and Dana, my small group leader." "A really good friend, family, God, and Dana." "Not sure." "Being here it feels like I will never be judged and I am always smiling here." "Dana, my friends, my family, the church." "Family and best friend." "Youth group, friends, family." "Youth group sisters." "My Bible, my mommy, my family." "Friends." "Family, friends, church." "My ex-boyfriend, he is my best friend ever!" "Just from friends." "People's kind words." "Family and friends." "My best friend." "Friends." "From the people in church and youth leaders." "My mom, my best friend." "Family and friends." "Family." "Friends and family." "Parents." "Friends." "My mom-she is always there." "Friends, family-kinda." "Friends." "My two best guy friends, and my many close girl friends." "My best friend." "From close loved ones and God through prayer." "God, friends, family." "My mentor." "Very little from friends and family." "Family, friends, youth group." "Family, friends." "Youth group workers, friends." "Mom." "Friends." "Church family." "Friends/family." "Family, friends, God, prayer." "Family, friends." "The girl I want to spend the rest of my life with and very close friends." "Family, friends." "My girlfriend and mom." "Family, friends, and most importantly, the Scripture." "Family, grandparents, God." "Mostly from my best friends." "Family and friends." "Family and church." "Home." "Friends, family, church." "Friends and family." "Friends." "People." "Church, family, men's small group." "My family." "Family, friends." "Girlfriend, family, friends." "Mom and dad." "Mom." "Best friends." "My family and friends." "My mom." "Family." "Friends, church, family." "Sisters." "Parents and girlfriend." "Friends, some family." "My older cousin." "From God, close friends, my mom." "My family." "My friends, church family." "My friends and family." "Family, friends, teachers, some peers, youth staff, colleges." "Friends and family."

12. Where do you feel a sense of belonging? "I don't know. I have been changed a lot this year, so I don't know where I stand." "Right here in this room." "At church, at Afterlife." "Church, home." "Church, school, cheerleading." "This church!" "Church." "Here!" "Youth group and with friends." "My church! My middle school small group and my family." "With my best friends only." "When I am with all my friends." "Youth group." "Julie's house." "I don't know." "With the people I love and the people who love me." "I don't know." "I haven't found one yet." "With friends and at church." "School and home." "On the baseball field." "At home with family." "No where." "Home-I feel safe there!" "In my room alone, and with certain people." "Anywhere as long as I feel as though I am with friends." "With my son, my guy, and by girl best friends." "Whenever I am with my friends." "When I'm with my friends." "In my sports, family, friends." "Right where I am." "At school." "Youth group, gaming groups, online." "Marines and home." "Home." "Here." "Youth group, workers, friends." "Worship team." "In choir and my musical rehearsals." "Church!" "Everywhere!" "Church, home, friends." "Home, church." "My group of friends and youth group." "Home." "Friends and family." "With my girlfriend and her family." "Basketball court, youth group, church." "At church that I know practically everyone." "at my youth group and with my closest friends." "With friends and family." "When I gow up and find myself." "Where I am needed." "Church." "Church, sports, friends." "Everywhere." "With friends." "I don't know." "Church, friends, family." "With friends, and with God." "With friends and family." "Still looking for that...." "Where my friends are." "With my friends and family." "With family." "With friends and family." "Friends." "Youth group, amongst friends." "Church." "Part school, part grandparents." "When I'm by myself." "In the company of my close Christian friends." "Here and at home." "At my church, with my family." "On the cheerleading squad and with my family." "Here at church and when around kids or when serving." "Church, around horses."