Why Community Is the Key to Your Teen’s Confidence
God never designed us to do life alone. From the very beginning, He created us for connection—to learn from each other, support one another, and work together in ways that reflect His love. It’s in community that we discover not only who we are but who we can become.
As I’ve been working on my new book, one truth has become clear: Community is essential. It’s how your daughter grows stronger, learns resilience, and discovers her unique purpose. A group helps her see that she’s part of something bigger than herself—something good, meaningful, and even holy.
Every girl deserves that. A place where she feels known, valued, and loved.
Why Groups Matter
They teach her how to work with others.
Picture her part of a team planning a community mural. When the design hits a snag, she helps the group rethink their approach, listening and sharing ideas. Or maybe she’s in a youth group raising money for disaster relief, baking cookies and washing cars alongside others to meet their goal. In these moments, she learns collaboration, patience, and perseverance—all lessons God can use in her future.
They reveal her God-given gifts.
Imagine her leading a creative workshop for younger kids, teaching them to paint or sculpt while their eyes light up with excitement. Or working with a conservation team to plant trees, realizing how much she loves protecting God’s creation. Each experience reminds her that she has something unique to offer, something God placed in her heart.
They create belonging.
Teenagers can feel isolated, even with constant notifications and group texts. But when she’s sitting in a small circle at a youth retreat, sharing her story and listening to others, she feels seen. She belongs. These connections reflect the truth that God never leaves us alone.
They connect her with mentors who inspire her.
A coach who takes the time to help her refine her skills. A teacher who shows her how to bring an idea to life. A youth leader who shares scripture and wisdom when she feels unsure of herself. These mentors help her see herself through God’s eyes: capable, strong, and deeply loved.
What Happens When She Finds Her People
Imagine her walking into a room of strangers, nervous and unsure. By the end of the day, she’s brainstorming ideas for their next service project and laughing with new friends. Or picture her joining a student group that volunteers at a shelter, packing meals and praying over the families they’ll serve.
These aren’t just activities. They’re moments that shape her heart and soul. They remind her she’s part of something greater—God’s bigger story.
How to Help Her Get Started
- Begin with her passions. What makes her light up? If she loves photography, look for a workshop or club. If she cares about animals, help her find volunteer opportunities at a rescue. God has already placed interests in her heart; start there.
- Make the first step easier. Suggest she bring a friend to the first meeting. Offer to drive her or even attend an open house together. A small nudge might be all she needs to begin.
- Encourage her to create something new. If no group feels quite right, help her start one. Maybe it’s a hiking club where friends pray over creation at the top of each trail. Or a kindness initiative at school that spreads hope with small, thoughtful actions. Let her see she can lead and create, reflecting God’s love in her unique way.
- Share your story. Tell her about the groups that shaped your life—the connections that carried you through tough seasons and the people who inspired your faith. Let her hear how God used community to strengthen and encourage you.
Why This Matters
When she finds her people, her world changes. She learns to rely on others and lets them lean on her. She discovers that her voice, her actions, and her heart can make a difference in ways she never imagined.
Years from now, she’ll remember these moments. The laughter and late-night talks after youth group. The mural that brightened a neighborhood. The meals packed for families in need. The mentors who saw her potential when she couldn’t.
And she’ll know it started because someone loved her enough to encourage her to step forward.
When she steps into community, she steps into her God-given purpose. And when her life connects with others for His glory, the impact reaches further than we can see.
