Real Relationships, Authentic Christian Faith

In Christian media we have found there is an empty niche when it comes to good programing for teens and young adults, or families in general for that matter. Sure, companies have created loads of content for preschool and elementary kids, so many cartoons I can't keep them straight, but when it comes to adolescents and wholesome media to help teens form their identity as followers of Christ, the airwaves aren't delivering. If you are a parent of adolescents you probably know what I mean, and it is tough to identify solutions.

The shows for little kids tend to be easily produced in comparison and have a better profit margin, so they are now a dime a dozen. Yet when our young people need positive role models and wholesome educational entertainment it is difficult to deliver, and people searching for identity and purpose in life often emerge feeling empty, depressed and isolated.

Of course social media isn't helping much either and secular culture has been so quick to step up and offer solutions to the identity crisis youth face. (2 Peter 3:3-4, Ephesians 4:14) Who can blame youth for looking frantically for identity in a fallen world rocked by uncertainty. There is no solid foundation without scripture and Christ, anything stable is increasingly fleeting.

"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator..." Romans 1:25

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11

Though their adolescent minds bathed in hormones and feelings can't often identify it, teens are looking for real life adventure, not something hollow, animated, or fake. Youth fill their days with shallow, meaningless activities, video games, social media, texting, snap chat and friendships which are often shallow and uncertain at the core. Parents then seem surprised when their children rebel, push away from God, and drive hard toward unhealthy lifestyle choices.

It makes sense though. young people are drowning, searching for something to quench a feeling, a thirst for something bigger than themselves. Something authentic. Real people, real relationships, real Christians and a REAL GOD.

Why is it so hard to find anything REAL anymore? Because authentic experiences are increasingly difficult to come by, they take time and work, and making a video series following real life is surprisingly expensive. (And no, reality TV doesn't count, that's not authentic living.)

Sometimes relationships and living out authentic Christian faith can get messy, and putting yourself out there and caring for others is risky. REAL MINISTRY takes REAL WORK and REAL RISK. Discipleship is a step beyond what many Christians and churches are actually willing to do. Because it is a real BIG commitment.

...and it comes with REAL REWARD. Storing up treasures in heaven, introducing others to Christ. That's worth it. Worth the risk, the mess, the investment and the time.

This new show "Wonders in the Deep" is one way we can contribute a part of the solution, an answer for families with teens who are seeking adventure, meaning and purpose, but we can't do it without you. We need prayer and financial support to bring this to reality.

We hope your family will join us here online when Episode 1: "When Life's a Wreck" is released on March 5, 2025.

Joel & Roxy Thomas