The really sucky thing is: you can't. There is no surefire way to convince anyone of anything. People are complex and often their emotions are more in control of their perspective their logical thought is.

In fairness, I've heard of a lot of good things happening at JR during the past year, but largely I'd be inclined to agree. James River has made it a bit too easy to criticize them over the past decade that I've been around.

Based on their response to you, here's my advice: They aren't hearing you say "let's try another church," they're hearing "I don't want to go to church." Thus they think your salvation is in jeopardy and they think they're saving you by making you go to James River.

SO INSTEAD - ask them if you can go to other events or services at other churches. Then perhaps when they see how much more you get out of those, they will let you go there instead.

I for one have found Praise Assembly to be the most refreshing change of pace I've experienced anywhere in years. And I say that as a pastor's kid. It's a place that's genuine and doesn't make a spectacle out of everything. They're some of the kindest people I've ever known. Frankly - this is the first time I've ever found myself actually excited to go to church. Up until now it's always been a bit of a chore

They have youth Sunday Nights and you can always tell them a local friend invited you