Why do you do what you do? - Being Christ's Presence in the Midst of Transition Matters
Posted by tom | Aug 15, 2011Amy E. Jacober's The Adolescent Journey: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Practical Youth Ministry (InterVaristy Press. 2011). Wow! The affirmation in ministry approach and tools to build an even stronger framework is a great encouragement as we enter a new academic year.
Part of the description:
Drawing on the insights of sociology and psychology, Jacober reveals youth ministry to be an act of practical theology, and helps youth pastors find their footing as they guide young people through adolescence.
From the book:
Why is it important to know adolescent development? Andrea Solarz offers one of the most compelling reasons I have read.
Today's adolescent needs one thing that adults seem to have the least surplus of -- time. It takes time to listen to an adolescent. . . . A crosscutting theme, regardless of one's professional role, is the need to communicate effectively with youth. Adolescents will not simply "open up" to adults on demand. Effective communication requires that an emotional bond form, however briefly, between the professional and the adolescent. For this bond to form professionals must be knowledgeable about normal adolescent development.1 (p.50)
Brief comment: The above quote largely speaks for itself, if you're listening ;) Although I will mention that as a servant of Christ and a friends of those with whom I journey/walk, I find it difficult to call myself a professional. In addition, I've encountered numerous adolescents/students/young adults who do not fit the 'normal adolescent development' model. Maybe they're particularly attracted to me or vice versa (or some of both).
Lastly, if you know me, you've heard me share that I consider time, listening, being the presence of Christ, and discipling/mentoring vitally important to parents/households during youth maturation (middle school through young adulthood).
Coming: More quotes from the book, with comments :)
A special thank-you to those who through their generous support enable me to give time to be actively present with my family (including 2 girls entering middle school in the fall!), many adolescents/young adults, and followers of Christ who serve youth in higher education (who in turn serve the Kingdom across creation to the glory of God!).
1Andrea Solarz, Healthy Adolescents Project: Adolescent Development Project (Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 2002), p.4.
