Preparing Youth for College

The New Apostolic Church Catechism affirms that faith and reason belong together and that God invites us to seek truth with sincerity, using our intellect and our hearts. Below are gentle, practical ways to prepare youth for college, each paired with a real-life example and an example of a suggested parent / youth leader response that reflects New Apostolic faith, love for all humankind, and respect for learning.

Ground Them in Relationship, Not Just Answers

College will bring questions. That’s normal and healthy. Encourage youth to see faith not as a set of fragile conclusions or a lack thinking, but as a living relationship with God, one nurtured through prayer, the word, and the sacraments.

Example: A student calls home after a philosophy class and says, “My professor says truth is relative. Now
I’m confused.”

Parent / Youth Leader Response:

“Thank you for sharing that with me. Our faith teaches that truth comes from God and that Jesus is the Truth, but it also teaches us to seek sincerely and thoughtfully. It’s okay to sit with questions. Let’s pray together and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you continue learning.”

Teach Them How to Think Faithfully

Youth benefit when they learn how Christians discern truth. As members of the New Apostolic Church we discern truth through Scripture, the teaching of the Apostle ministry, prayer, guidance of the Holy Spirit, and thoughtful engagement with the world. This helps us weigh ideas wisely rather than feeling pressured to accept or reject everything at once.

Example: A student says, “In my class, we’re studying beliefs that contradict what I learned in church.”

Parent / Youth Leader Response:

“That can feel unsettling. Remember, our Church encourages us to listen carefully, test what we hear, and hold on to what draws us closer to God. Learning about other perspectives doesn’t weaken your faith, it can help you understand it more deeply and speak about it with love and respect.”

Strengthen Their Understanding of Human Dignity

College culture often emphasizes self-definition. The Christian message adds a deeper truth: every person has God given dignity and is created for relationship with God and with others. This foundation helps youth engage compassionately with people who believe or live differently.

Example: A student shares, “I have friends on campus whose views and lifestyles are very different from mine.”

Parent / Youth Leader Response:

“I’m glad you’re building friendships. Our faith teaches us to love all people because every person is created and loved by God. You don’t have to agree with every belief to show kindness, respect, and sincerity. Your love and integrity can be a quiet testimony of Christ.”

Normalize Tension and Stay Connected

Remind youth that feeling stretched or experiencing doubt, does not mean they are losing faith. Growth often includes tension. What matters most is that they know they are not alone, God walks with them, and so does their faith community.

Example: A student admits, “I’m not sure what I believe right now.”

Parent / Youth Leader Response:

“I appreciate your honesty. Faith can have seasons, and questioning doesn’t mean you’ve stepped away from God. Stay connected to prayer, the sacraments, and your church community. God remains faithful, even when our understanding is still forming.”

A Final Encouragement

Preparing youth for college is less about control and more about formation. When young people learn to trust God, value thoughtful learning, and love all humankind, they carry a faith that can engage the world with confidence and compassion.

Trust the seeds already planted and trust God to continue His work.

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Resources: Root, A. (2017). Faith Formation in a Secular Age. Baker Academic.