Treat them with dignity. Just as God does with us, accept them where they are. In some congregations this translates into allowing acolytes to wear tennis shoes. In others, it may mean opening the church building after school so young people have a safe, wholesome place to go. Provide a safe place to belong.
Families come in so many sizes and shapes.
Congregations have a wonderful opportunity to become a community that offers welcome and hospitality in an alienating and consumer-crazy world. Open doors are found in those congregations which take time to listen before speaking to young people. Help youth explore their gifts in the safety of community. Give youth spiritual roots to make sense out of life and respond to its circumstances. Everyone has been given a gift or talent for the community's good.