Subscribe to BlogLost in Transition
In one of my recent doctoral seminars at Southwestern Seminary we were charged with the task of helping to rewrite the curriculum for the Masters-level ‘Student Development’ course. My writing contribution was to be on the topic of adolescent transitions with priority given to adolescents (teenagers) transitioning into adulthood. I have included the full text of my paper. Your feedback and interaction is requested. I hope that the research in the paper helps the church to better minister to adolescents and emerging adults as they navigate the winding path to adulthood.
Lost in Transition: The Adolescent’s Journey to Adulthood (PDF)
Imagine the possibilities if churches and families better prepared teenagers for the experiences of young adulthood. Imagine the possibilities if our congregations integrated young people into every facet of the church from decision-making committees to service teams. Emerging adults would likely feel more a part of the greater Body of Christ rather than experiencing forced separation from age-segregated ministries with no other church ministry to transition into. Imagine the possibilities if students truly constructed their own Biblical belief system rather than merely tagging to (faith tagging) their friends’, parents’, or church’s. Imagine the possibilities if today’s church would better engage the use of rites of passage in helping today’s adolescent transition into adulthood rather than extending childhood or adolescence.