New research on adolescent development and the impact of social and cultural trends challenges the church to re-examine the types of programs offered for young adolescents. To guide the work of program developers in young adolescent ministries, the following principles are offered. They form the basis of a well-grounded, comprehensive approach to programming with young adolescents.
1. Young adolescent ministries are multifaceted ministries that include community building, Christian education and catechesis, prayer and worship, justice and service, and guidance.
2. Young adolescent ministries integrate young adolescents into the congregation through involvement of young adolescents in community worship and celebrations.
3. Young adolescent ministries acknowledge young adolescents as valuable members of the church and reaches out to them through personal contact (like home visits) and personal communication (like newsletters and birthday cards), as tangible signs of the church in their lives.
4. Young adolescent ministries respond to the needs of parents and families of young adolescents. Parents should have input into program planning, and there should be programs where parents and family members can attend with each other. Special efforts must be made to assist parents in the role of parenting young adolescents.
5. Young adolescent ministries are a year round effort and should not be based on a school-year calendar.
6. Young adolescent ministries provide opportunities for young adolescents to gain a sense of confidence and competence by performing meaningful tasks in their church and in their community.
7. Young adolescent ministries promote positive relationships: youth to youth, adult to youth, parent to child, and church to member.
8. Young adolescent ministries are concerned with the total personal growth of the young person: spiritually, intellectually, physically, morally and emotionally.
9. Young adolescent ministries programs are planned with and not for young adolescents in order to develop a sense of ownership and insure greater support.
10. Young adolescent ministries programs occur in a variety of settings, employ a variety of formats, and allow young adolescents the freedom to choose their own level of involvement.
11. Young adolescent ministries programs reflect each of the seven developmental needs of young adolescents: physical activity; competence and achievement; self-definition; creative expression; positive social interaction with peers and adults; structure and clear limits; meaningful participation.
12. Young adolescent ministries programs are organized by a team of leaders (adults and younger adolescents) responsible for planning, implementation and ongoing evaluation.
13. Young adolescent ministries programs are guided by mature adults who are comfortable with young adolescents and are willing to share their lives with them.
14. Young adolescent ministries programs promote a sense of security for young adolescents through clearly articulated rules that participants appreciate and accept.
15. Young adolescent ministries programs balance time for laughter, high spirits and physical activity with time for reflection and individual work.
16. Young adolescent ministries programs encourage collaboration over competition, promoting equality and fairness among youth.
Adapted from: John Roberto, Early Adolescent 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.
