This is early and mid-adolescents (click here to read more about developmental stages). They have very unique needs, and they also have the same needs as all others - to be loved and cared for.
Church is one of the few places where middle and high school students can meet, connect with, and hang out with people of different generations. Take advantage of that! Having a "youth group" is not the be all and end all to having young people in your church. The studies have shown that having them connected to the wider congregations in meaningful ways not only helps them now, but will help them continue become life-long church goers. Click here to read more about youth ministry in your parish. Questions for your parish to consider Where are you now, in terms of youthministry?
Youth Formation - Sunday School, youth group, and all the different ways you can support their faith formation Curricula - specific curricula recommendations, suggestions, and also help to create your own Worship - worshiping with young people, and also including them in the entire church Resources - additional stuff that isn't in any other topic Youth Education and Formation encompasses everything that happens with middle and high school students in your Diocese, because with everything they do, they are being formed and educated. So whenever you plan for your parish, consider what the young people are taking from it.
We believe that young people are full and total members in a church, and that they therefore should be treated as such. Like it says for the ministry of all the laity in the Catechism (BCP 855), they need to "take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church." It is the job of the clergy and adult leaders to help the young people find their gifts and find their ministry, are mentored and have a place to use them. Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation - by Andrew Root Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church - by Kenda Creasy Dean Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers - by Christian Smith with Melinda Lundquist Denton The Spirit and Culture of Youth Ministry: Leading Congregations toward Exemplary Youth Ministry - by John Roberto et. al. Exemplary Youth Ministry's corresponding website |
Education and Formation Resources for Episcopalians
The Episcopal Church has welcomed me.
I hope it will welcome you too!