FOR TEENS
You’re not alone. You’re not too young. You belong to God.
Maybe nobody at home shares your faith, or there’s no one at home to ask. This page is your place to start, to grow, and to find safe people who will walk with you.
If you need help right now
God cares about your safety. Asking for help is not weakness. It’s wisdom. These lines are free, confidential and open 24/7.
You’re in danger
Call 911
You feel hopeless or want to hurt yourself
Call or text 988
Someone is hurting you
Child help National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453
You need a safe place to stay
National Runaway Safeline
(call or text)
1-800-786-2929
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” PSALM 34:18
START HERE
Five first steps to grow your faith
1 Know the good news
We have all sinned and can’t fix it on our own (Romans 3:23). Jesus died in our place and rose again, and anyone who trusts Him is forgiven and made God’s child, not by being good enough, but by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 1:12).
2 Get a Bible you can read
A free Bible app works great. In English, try the ESV. In Spanish, try the NBLA or Reina-Valera 1960. If you need a paper Bible, ask us and we’ll help you get one.
3 Read a little every day
Start with one chapter of John a day for 21 days. Then read a Psalm and a chapter of Proverbs each day. Ask: What does this show me about God? What does it ask me to do?
4 Talk to God honestly
Prayer is simply talking to your Father. Thank Him, tell Him what’s hard, confess what’s wrong, and ask for help. You can use your own words, even a journal.
5 Find a church family
You weren’t made to follow Jesus alone. Research shows teens who have caring adults at church who invest in them are much more likely to keep their faith as adults. Look for a Bible-teaching church and one older woman who can walk with you.
When home is hard
Maybe your mom or dad isn’t there. Maybe they’re there but don’t understand your faith. God sees you, and He doesn’t leave.
God is your Father
Honor them where you can
You can love and respect your family without hiding your faith. Kindness, honesty and a good attitude at home speak louder than arguments.
Pray for them
God loves your family too. Pray for them by name, and leave the changing of hearts to Him.
You are not your past
Your family’s choices don’t decide who you are. In Christ you are chosen, loved and given a new name (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God gives a new family
“God settles the solitary in a home” (Psalm 68:6). The church is meant to be that home for you.
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.”
PSALM 27:10
You need a spiritual mom, not just a website
Find your people
Titus 2 calls older women to teach and encourage younger women. Here’s how to find one, and how to know she’s safe.
How to ask
Visit a Bible-teaching church and go to the youth or women’s group.
Notice a woman who loves Jesus, is kind and is faithful.
Ask: “Would you be willing to read the Bible with me sometimes?”
Meet regularly, even 30 minutes every other week helps.
A safe mentor will…
Meet in public or at church, never in secret.
Point you to Jesus and the Bible, not to herself.
Never ask you to keep secrets, send photos or money.
Respect you, and get help if you are in danger.
Live in Chowchilla? You’re welcome to visit us and the women’s ministry. Send us a message and we’ll help you take the first step.
Real questions
Things you might be wondering
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Salvation rests on what Jesus did, not on how strong your feelings are. If you trust Him and turn from sin, God promises you have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Growing love for God and His Word is a sign of new life.
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Every Christian still struggles with sin. Run to God, not away from Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Then ask a mentor to help you fight it.
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You’re not broken for feeling this way. Bring it to God (1 Peter 5:7) and tell a trusted adult. If the feelings are heavy or won’t go away, it’s wise to see a counselor or doctor, and call or text 988 any time you feel hopeless.
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Dating is a step toward marriage, so there’s no rush. Guard your heart, choose friends who love Jesus, and never let anyone pressure you. Read our full article on dating.
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Your worth isn’t measured in likes. Keep your accounts private, never share photos or personal details with people you don’t know in real life, and tell a trusted adult if anyone online makes you uncomfortable.
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You were made by God, in His image, on purpose (Psalm 139:13–14). In Christ, your identity isn’t what others say about you. You are His beloved daughter.
Read next
Books for you
New Morning Mercies for Teens
Paul David Tripp
A short daily devotional that points you to the gospel every morning.
Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
Ligonier Ministries
A study Bible written for students, with notes on every book.
Transformed by Truth
Katherine Foster
Teaches you how to study the Bible on your own.
Growing in Godliness
Lindsey Carlson
Ten practical lessons for teen girls on applying God’s Word to everyday life.
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask
Rebecca McLaughlin
Honest answers to the hardest questions friends ask about Christianity.
NO QUESTION IS SILLY
Ask a question or ask for prayer
You can send a question about God, the Bible or life. You don’t have to use your real name.
If you’re in danger, please don’t wait for a reply. Call 911 or text 988.
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
1 TIMOTHY 4:12