Module 1 - Moving from Childhood to Adulthood

Module 1 - Moving from Childhood to Adulthood

Reflection Question:From your own specific context, generally, what are the some of the things that characterize leaving behind childhood and moving into adolescence? Additionally, what are some of the characteristics of moving from adolescence to adulthood? Around what age are these stages generally observed? Try to give examples from your own context and what you generally observe in the church and society.

Reflection Question: Are there any religious or secular "rites of passage" customs in your culture? These can be either formal or informal. If yes, describe them. How does the Christian church or community relate to these rituals?

Reflection Question: In the box below write down some of your personal reflections or observations of the unique characteristics, situations of life and developmental struggles that youth go through in this "post 18" or "emerging adulthood" stage of life that Jeffrey Arnett refers to in his article. Do you observe this in your particular ministry and cultural setting?

Reflection Question:

Sometimes it can be helpful for us to remember our own experiences of our youth (happy times as well as the painful times) as this will enable you to understand and support the young people you now serve! Think back to when you were about 13, 15, 18, or 23 years old.
What was it like being young then? What were some of the challenges you faced? What were the things you enjoyed about these ages?

Write your answers in the box below and reflect with your mentor on these memories.

To Think About:

Think about individual young people you minister with. If you were to use the spectrum below where would you place individual young people? Would you consider them to be more child or more adult?

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Why do you think this is?

Do you think how you view each young person [more as child or more as adult] affects the way you treat them and plan youth ministry?

Is this a positive or negative?

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