Jason Brakefield encourages listeners in their faith journey.

Key Takeaways

- Jason emphasizes the importance of transparency, humility, and living out faith authentically as both a parent and youth minister

- He advises focusing on making disciples as the primary calling, rather than getting caught up in specific career paths

- Jason highlights the value of building genuine relationships with students to better guide and mentor them

- He stresses the need for parents to demonstrate real, vulnerable faith to their children, including moments of struggle and repentance

Topics

Jason's Faith Journey

- Came under conviction at age 5 but didn't commit to Christ until 15 due to fear

- Called to ministry at 18, preached first sermon shortly after

- Worked summer camps at 26, met his wife Jordan

- Now has two children: Andrew (7) and a daughter (born when Jason was 37)

Advice for Parenting Teenagers

- Allow teens to make mistakes while still being available for guidance

- Teach wisdom by explaining reasons behind decisions, not just saying "because I said so"

- Be patient and extend grace, remembering how you would want to be treated

- View the home as a safe training ground for failure and growth

Practical Habits for Spiritual Growth

- Focus on building genuine community in youth ministry

- Simplify programming to keep the main things (worship, prayer, Bible study) central

- Live out what you preach with authenticity and transparency

- Be willing to apologize and model humility when you make mistakes

Discerning God's Call

- Primary calling for all believers is to make disciples (Great Commission)

- Be patient in determining specific career/life direction

- Consider personal strengths, interests, and personality when exploring options

- Don't put pressure on figuring everything out immediately

Overcoming Fear in Sharing Faith

- Start by surrendering fear to God, even if it doesn't fully disappear

- Look to examples in Acts of bold proclamation despite lack of education

- Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through your words

- Focus on simply sharing what you know about Jesus, not having all the answers

Passing Faith to the Next Generation

- Live out authentic faith for your children to witness, including struggles

- Let kids see you crying out to God in difficult moments, not just surface-level prayers

- Apologize when you fail and own your mistakes

- Point children to the perfect Heavenly Father, not trying to be perfect yourself

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