3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections - Hardcover

by Kara Powell (Author), Brad M. Griffin (Author)

Today's teenagers are the most anxious, creative, and diverse generation in history--which can make it hard for us to relate. And while every teenager is a walking bundle of questions, three rise above the rest:

- Who am I?
- Where do I fit?
- What difference can I make?

Young people struggle to find satisfying and life-giving answers to these questions on their own. They need caring adults willing to lean in with empathy, practice listening, and gently point them in the direction of better answers: they are enough because of Jesus, they belong with God's people, and they are invited into God's greater story.

In this book, which is based on new landmark research from the Fuller Youth Institute and combines in-depth interviews with data from 1,200 diverse teenagers, Kara Powell and Brad M. Griffin offer pastors, youth leaders, mentors, and parents practical and proven conversations and connections that help teenagers answer their three biggest questions and reach their full potential.

Front Jacket

Kara Powell, PhD, is the Chief of Leadership Formation and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange and speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences. Kara has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Faith in an Anxious World, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, the entire Sticky Faith series, and Can I Ask That? Kara and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by the learning and laughter that comes from their three teenage and young adult children.

Brad M. Griffin is the Senior Director of Content for the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based training for youth workers and parents. A speaker, writer, and volunteer youth pastor, Brad is the coauthor of over a dozen books, including Faith in an Anxious World, Growing Young, several Sticky Faith books, Every Parent's Guide to Navigating Our Digital World, and the series Can I Ask That? 8 Hard Questions about God and Faith. Brad and his wife, Missy, live in Southern California and share life with their three teenage and young adult children. He also serves as Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries at Mountainside Communion.

Back Jacket

Help teenagers unlock their potential and discover essential faith

"Kara Powell and Brad Griffin cut through so much of the guesswork and misguided conversations that have made it so much harder to connect with today's teens. This powerful combination of research, practicality, and intellectual integrity is exactly what church leaders need right now."--Carey Nieuwhof, author, speaker, and podcaster

"Kara and Brad help us understand the unique challenges teenagers are confronting today, identify their greatest longings, and give us practical ways to proactively initiate conversations and connections that will ultimately lead them closer to Jesus. If you love and care about teenagers, read this book."--Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel Women

"This work by Kara Powell and Brad Griffin offers a valuable resource that engages the full story of the gospel message to speak to the specific context of the teenager. I am grateful for this resource that will effectively serve the church."--Soong-Chan Rah, Robert Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of The Next Evangelicalism and Prophetic Lament

"Kara Powell and Brad Griffin deftly unpack the unique dilemmas young people are facing in a time and culture of rapid change and upheaval. They also help us avoid the common, well-intentioned mistakes we often make when trying to guide them. Given Kara's and Brad's track record, none of that surprised me. Here's what did: any adult who reads this book will have their faith strengthened as well. While incredibly relevant for teenagers in this moment, there is eternal truth here that transcends all ages."--Skye Jethani, award-winning author of WithGodDaily.com and cohost of the Holy Post podcast

"3 Big Questions will help you reengage a generation with a bolder, brighter, and braver version of faith."--Reggie Joiner, founder and CEO of Orange

Author Biography

Kara Powell, PhD, is the Chief of Leadership Formation and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange and speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences. Kara has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Faith in an Anxious World, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family and the entire Sticky Faith series, and Can I Ask That? Kara and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by the learning and laughter that comes from their three teenage and young adult children.

Brad M. Griffin is the Senior Director of Content for the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based training for youth workers and parents. A speaker, writer, and volunteer youth pastor, Brad is the coauthor of over a dozen books, including Faith in an Anxious World, Growing Young, several Sticky Faith books, Every Parent's Guide to Navigating Our Digital World, and the series Can I Ask That? 8 Hard Questions about God and Faith. Brad and his wife, Missy, live in Southern California and share life with their three teenage and young adult children. He also serves as Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries at Mountainside Communion.