An effective approach to young adolescents (10 to 15 year olds) is rooted in an understanding of lifelong learning. This moves us away from finish line mentalities: a mistaken belief that we must get it all in before they reach a certain age.
A "banking model"4 of youth ministries has been the practice for many years (we "deposit" a lifetime's worth of instruction in the childhood years so the individual can "withdraw" it later in life.)
Within a lifelong perspective we approach people within the context of their developmental ages and stages. The developmental and social journey of the adolescent becomes the foundational base for efforts in youth ministries. A "developmental approach" is based on a holistic understanding of the person. It not only includes, but it involves, the growth of body, mind and spirit both individually and within a system of relationships. This means that the physical, social and intellectual changes of adolescence provide the starting point for our youth ministries efforts. It also includes an understanding of the social context that provides the fabric of the adolescent's everyday life.
Youth ministries is not about nurturing potential adult believers, but rather about enabling the growth of adolescent believers.
4. This metaphor was created by Paulo Freire, and used by Bruce Baumgarten in his article, "Catechesis with Early Adolescents: effective Teaching," Access Guide to Youth Ministry. Don Bosco, 1991.
© 1996 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society PECUSA
This article is from Handbook for Ministries with Young Adolescents,
a publication of the Ministries with Young People Cluster of the Episcopal Church Center, New York, NY. Permission is granted for congregational use and use by diocesan youth coordinators. You may order this resource from Episcopal Parish Services.
