Arvil Teens
By Steve Hinkle
Friday, August 15, 2003
Avril Teens![[Image]](Genx2.jpg)
by Steve Hinkle
I’m not much of a writer and very seldom do I feel compelled to write my thoughts on paper, but today is one of those times I feel like putting my feelings down in ink.
One of today’s most popular teens did a guest interview with Jane Pauley on Dateline last night. What Avril had to say on screen and what she writes in the lyrics of her songs is quite intriguing and I think very reflective of today’s student culture.
What does today’s Avril or Average Teen look like? What are they wanting out of life? What do they feel about themselves and their life in general? What is the best way to reach today’s teenagers?
“One fan says, ‘We can relate to what she’s singing about, and her lyrics.’”
What do her lyrics say and why are so many teens intrigued by Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, and even Eminem? The answer is simple and yet quite profound.
Today’s teens are “real”. They want real answers. They believe in honesty. They want to talk about how they feel. They’re tired of the facades they have to put up and the masks they feel compelled to wear. Authenticity is where it’s at and that’s what they need to get. Isn’t that what Jesus is all about!
Avril, during last night’s interview, said, “Being normal is what’s hot today (my emphasis) and the simple beat, the simple melody, the catchy hook line. Everything is simple. Less is more.” Students love quality but what they’re craving for is reality. Can they relate to your ministry? Does it offer normalcy and authenticity? Are we spending too much time on the glamour side and not reaching our teens where they’re at?
It seems quite clear that today’s students aren’t looking for hype but they want realism. You can see it when they are part of a small group and open up about anything and everything. Even the unchurched teens want to talk about faith and what they believe.
George Barna in his recent book “Real Teens” concluded, “. . . teenagers are very open with their peers regarding their personal faith beliefs and practices.” “Relationships bring the kids to the place, but they will not return unless the church delivers the goods. What are they looking for? Substance. Learning practical and credible insights about God was listed twice as often as anything else as the most important reason for returning. Why doesn’t music alone attract them? Because they can usually see better music elsewhere. Why don’t games serve as a sufficient allure? Because they can play games in many places. They are not coming for the reasons we might desire -- and we have little chance of them coming in the future unless we consistently satisfy their deepest spiritual and personal needs.”
Avril comments on her song “I’m With You”
Avril Lavigne: “. . . it was me having a depressing day and you know, feeling those feelings.” Jane Pauley: “That’s where the good stuff comes from musically?”
Avril: “Yeah.”
Jane: “They don’t tend to come from good feelings do they?”
Avril: “No. Every relationship I’ve been in has always you know, ended up on not a great note. So maybe one day I’ll be like extremely in love and be able
to write sappy love songs.”
That’s it! Students want to honestly say “Life sucks right now, but I think there is
hope!” And there is. And it’s our job as youth workers to point them to their Hope!
Today’s teens, like that shared with us in the book of Ecclesiastes, are willing to
look beyond the “Britney-BoyBand-Glamour” and say,
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “utterly meaningless!” “So now
I hate life because everything done here under the sun is so irrational. Everything
is meaningless, like chasing the wind.” Ecclesisates 1:2; 2:17
Singer, songwriter John Mayer puts it into perspective with his lyrics,
I am driving up 85 in the
Kind of morning that lasts all afternoon
just stuck inside the gloom
4 more exits to my apartment but
I am tempted to keep the car in drive
And leave it all behind
Cause I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?
I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home
But all I feel’s alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul
So what, so I’ve got a smile on
But it’s hiding the quiet superstitions in my head
Don’t believe me
When I say I’ve got it down
Everybody is just a stranger but
That’s the danger in going my own way
I guess it’s the price I have to pay
Still “everything happens for a reason”
Is no reason not to ask myself
If I am living it right
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?
Today’s Avril (average) teen will return to your church, your outreach event, your group if (and only if) You’re real. you’re relevant, and you’re relational. You're honest about your hurts and pains. You're accepting and will listen about theirs. Most of all, you give them hope -- a hope for a brighter future. A hope that only comes alive when relationship is experienced with Jesus Christ, the only One who can give them the unconditional love they so desparately crave.
So, how about spending a little less time this week on the music, the Power Point presentation, the games, and the monthly calendar and spend a little more time listening, being available, being honest, giving hope to today’s Avril teen.
More Links:
Avril Lavigne is definitely not your typical teen-pop princess. In fact, she prides herself on being the exact opposite of Britney Spears, celebrating her tomboy skater-punk... more... >
Avril Lavigne's Career Started In Hometown Church
Avril Lavigne A 'Tightwad,' Parents Say
