Welcome back to episode 7 of Different Pews, Same Promise! In this episode, host Michael Coop sits down with two incredible high school students: Sam, a senior, and Valarie, a freshman.

Sam and Valarie offer a fresh perspective on what it’s like to navigate high school while holding strong to the Christian faith. Sam shares his unique experience as a lifelong Lutheran attending St. Thomas, an all-boys Catholic high school, and how it has challenged and strengthened his theological views. Valarie opens up about her transition from public middle school to Concordia Lutheran High School, discovering new friends, and diving into deep topics like predestination. The group also tackles the pressures of fitting in, the impact of friend groups, and the reality of dealing with today’s social challenges.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Sam’s journey navigating Catholic theology classes and differences in communion and confession as a Lutheran.
  • Valarie’s experience transitioning to a private Lutheran high school and building a supportive friend group.
  • The challenges of fitting in and defending your faith as a teenager in the modern world.
  • Encouraging advice for high schoolers: remember that God has a plan, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with the young adults and families in your church community.