Introduction to Ministries with Young Adolescents

Approaches to Ministries with Young Adolescents

Copyrights

Part I - Understanding Young Adolescence

Focus of this section:
A "developmental approach"* is based on a holistic understanding of the adolescent. It involves the growth o f body, mind and spirit both individually and within a system of relationships. The physical, social and intellectual changes are the starting point for our efforts in ministries with young adolescents.

Why Look at Adolescent Development?

Normal Young Adolescent Development: Truth or Fiction (Questions)

Normal Young Adolescent Development: Truth or Fiction (Answers)

Dispelling the Myths

Physical Development

Social/Emotional Development

Intellectual Development

Moral Development

Faith Development

"I Don't Wanna Go!"

Part II - Responding to the Needs of Young Adolescents

Focus of this section:
Because of their developmental diversity young adolescents require a variety o f types and levels of activities designed to meet their needs.

Seven Developmental Needs of Young Adolescents

Implications of Developmental Research for Ministries with Young Adolescents

Young Adolescents ... Therefore They ...

What's Missing? Motivation

Disturbing Behavior

Preventing Sexual Abuse

Part III - Programming

Focus of this section:
The contact point model develops six components of youth ministries: Christian education and catechesis; community life; prayer and worship; justice and peace; service and guidance and counsel into three formats - gathering, non-gathering and family intergenerational.

Program Development: An Overview

Components of Youth Ministries

The Contact Point Model

Contact Point Model: Sample

Using the Contact Point Model

Contact Point Model Worksheet

Part IV - Family Ministries

Focus of this section:
A family perspective in ministry views the adolescent through the prism of household life and includes a sensitivity to the realities of family living. Family ministry seeks to help adolescent families and congregations become better partners.

Ministry in the Family Context

Communicating Faith in Families

Part V - Resources

Focus of this section:
To provide access to further materials for people working with young adolescents in the Episcopal Church.

Facts about 10- to 15-year-olds

Sample Information Card

Styles of Learning

SAMPLE: A Time to Wonder?! A Weekend Event for Young Adolescents

Dear Diary

Programming Principles for Young Adolescent Ministries

Principles for Recruiting Leaders

When Programs Don't Match the Facts

Games

Responsive Religious Youth Programs

Retreats

Action for justice

Additional Resources

SAMPLE: Congregation Survey

SAMPLE: Youth Ministries Interview

SAMPLE: Leader's Job Description

Youth Ministries and the Episcopal Church Center