Adolescence can be defined as a developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. It can be considered, roughly, as the “second decade of the lifespan.” Recent studies show that the term, which used to be identified with teenagers (13 to 18), has been lengthened considerably in the past century, because young people mature earlier physically and because so many individuals remain economically dependent on their parents well after they turn 20.
When American psychologist Granville Stanley Hall, coined in 1904 the phrase "storm and stress" with reference to adolescence, he was well-aware of the changes young people experience and, perhaps, the changing variables youth ministers have to contend with—the teens themselves, the cultures which influence them, their families and friends, among others. To say the least, youth ministers are hitting a “moving target.” As a result, one program may be effective in one group but can prove to be inoperative in another. Understanding adolescent development is crucial in formulating excellent, effective and empathetic programs. This essay presents the essential information on this concern and some recommendations on youth ministry strategies.
PHYSICAL/INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENTMore physical changes take place during adolescence than during any other time in life except for the first 18 months. Adolescence starts with the onset of puberty or the stage when somebody becomes capable of sexual reproduction. The Bible declares that the glory of every youth is his strength (Proverbs 20:29). Since teens find physical activities irresistible, youth ministry leaders must capitalize on their “energetic years” by involving them in worthwhile bodily activities (i.e. camps and outdoors, missions and outreaches). Similarly, they must also be taught of appropriate personal hygiene to address the inevitable consequences of biological progress (i.e. body odor and menstrual period).
Body image issues and self-esteem can also become areas of concern. Many youth see themselves being described and evaluated according to their physical appearance. Adults can help them develop a healthy self-esteem by providing venues where they can excel and affirm their strengths. One good intervention is the constant admonition to the youth to love themselves as God values them (Matthew 22:37-39). The Lord primarily looks at the heart and not on our outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). We are wonderfully made by God despite of our perceived physical weaknesses (Psalm 139:14).
Adolescents develop the ability to reason more logically, to conceptualize and to think in abstract terms. These observations were first presented by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in his theory of cognitive development. Youth ministry leaders must be well-informed of this well-established fact because it can greatly help in preparing Bible studies and applying teaching strategies. We must understand the recurring awkwardness in philosophy of many teenagers because they are just starting to get accustomed to their new thinking skills. They have different learning styles hence the need for variegated and responsive teaching schemes. We can also coach creativity among our youth members given the diversity of their thinking patterns. Repetition of activities and lessons should not be considered as a boring method. Teens sometimes need more time to process abstract ideas and thoughts. It is helpful to be reiterate lessons (with variegated approaches of course) to inculcate Biblical truths in their minds significantly.
EMOTIONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTTeenagers can be emotional people. They can laugh uncontrollably during the first part of the youth meeting and then become depressed and resentful in the second half. Mood swings can be caused by the erratic surge of hormones in their body. Their feelings can be tense as well as unpredictable. Since they are just beginning to experience adultlike emotions, they are having difficulties dealing with them. On a negative side, they can be susceptible to emotional appeals they receive from music videos, movies and even occult groups (i.e. emotional (Emo) culture). Knowing their emotional roller-coaster experience can help youth ministers identify with them, not to be hypercritical and be more sympathetic and patient about their emotional conduct.
Emotional changes among teens can also be understood by viewing it through the lense of identity development. They tend to detach themselves from their parents and start to attain their separate sense of identity. According to German-American psychologist Erik Erikson, one of the main tasks of adolescents is to resolve the question, “Who Am I?” Erikson saw adolescence as a period of “moratorium” or a “time out” period during which a person experiment with a variety of identities (i.e. tough student, class clown, spoiled brat). If an adolescent receives positive feedbacks about the identity he is embracing, he/she would surely continue the behavior. Else, he/she would experiment with other identities.
In his landmark article, American child psychologist David Elkind used Piaget’s study to explain why adolescents act and feel the way they do. One of their attitudes is pseudo-stupidity or the tendency to respond to situations in a much more complex manner and conceive many different alternatives. The problem, however, is that they fail to assign priorities in decision-making. For instance, an adolescent may over-intellectualize a simple concept hence not understanding its simple meaning.
They can also yield to imaginary-audience behavior. They think that people surrounding them are always monitoring their behavior. Simply put, they feel that they are the “center of people’s attention”. This is the reason they are always conscious of their appearance and mannerisms when they go to place where they can meet many people. Complementing this attitude is what Elkind dubbed as “personal fable” which reinforces the self-centeredness of many adolescents. They would consider themselves not only “unique and special” but also “invincible”. The fable is the untrue story that young people tell themselves. This is the reason they are not receptive to the warnings given by adults because they just do not believe those things will actually happen to them.
It is not unusual for teenagers to shift their interest from parental to peer relations. Sometimes, they go to school not because they enjoy studying but rather they want to be with their friends. Furthermore, they could social acceptance as one of the prime indicators of their self-esteem, more important than their cognitive/academic competence. Youth ministers must understand that although peer influence increases during adolescence, studies confirm that it can never outweigh the influence of parents. Hence, youth ministry programs must always include forging stronger relationships with parents as partners in discipling the young people. Educating teens about righteous relationships with the opposite should also be emphasized. Peer pressure may lead to early dating which can influence young people’s attitudes toward premarital sex.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENTWayne Rice’s description of adolescent faith is instructive. First, it includes doubt and disbelief. With their newly acquired ability to think, it should be expected that adolescents will challenge the faith of their childhood. They are also bombarded with different information that complicates their faith-formation.
Second, it is personal. Young people experience the transition from “received faith” (from parents, church) to “existential commitment” (personal decision to embrace a moral standard). Hence, the church and family should always create an atmosphere of acceptance and friendship and opportunities for teenagers to discover Christ. Sometimes, forcing them to attend church will provide them more reasons to resist the faith we want them to embrace.
Third, adolescents always have difficulty living their faith. Rice writes, “One of the most frustrating aspects of youth ministry is seeing adolescents not good at connecting what they believe with what they do.” Elkind calls this phenomenon “apparent hypocrisy”—young people do not walk the talk by living two lives. They may show “appearance” of religiosity/spirituality by attending youth worship services and Bible studies, but may not truly “received Christ” as their Lord and Savior. Given this scenario, it is essential that youth ministry leaders possess a “sower mentality”—not to get frustrated by superficial confessions of faith. As Kurt Johnston puts it, “Youth ministry is a process and that we won’t always see immediate results. The world is full of Christians who were exposed to the gospel in junior high, but did not become believers until later.”
Fourth, adolescent faith includes failures. As toddlers in faith, they are expected to stumble and fall in some areas of their Christian walk. Adults must help them learn from their moral lapses rather than be overpowered by them.
Fifth, it involves feelings and emotions. Young people must validate their faith through tangible and spiritual activities. Positive emotional experiences can reinforce their spiritual convictions. When a youth shed tears, they represent their real feelings which will have significant impact on their lives. Nonetheless, adults should be always cognizant of the dangers of using teenage emotions to achieve ministry ends.
Lastly, adolescent faith is idealistic and requires models of faith. The church should affirm their idealism through positive activities that will enhance their spiritual beliefs. Teens can be easily misled by people who can capture their admiration and allegiance. Hence, their “hero-worshipping” attitude should be complemented by adults and church leaders who demonstrate integrity, righteousness and Christ-like character. They must be instructed to imitate “heroes of faith” rather than mimic secular music/movie “idols” who can lead them astray.
HOLISTIC YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMSThe major areas of development previously discussed have a direct effect on how an adolescent experience spiritual transformation—a period when he/she places a “God-filter” in his or her life. Physical development, for instance, influences the way youth relate to God. G. Stanley Hall once wrote that it is no accident that the age of personal religious awareness and that of sexual maturity and love coincide. He compares the awakening of love in adolescents to their love for God.
Youth ministry must be a venue where adolescents can positively develop holistically--as Jesus manifested during his teenage years. He grew in “wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical) and in favor with God (spiritual) and man (social/emotional)" (Luke 2:52). As we desire to witness genuine spiritual growth among adolescents, we must also reflect on the effects and implications of growth in other areas of their lives. Overall, balance is the goal!
REFERENCESElkind, David. 1978. “Understanding the Young Adolescent”, Adolescence, vol. 13 (9).
Rice, Wayne. 1987. Junior High Ministry. Youth Specialties Inc. Pp. 127-140
Steinberg, Laurence. 2002. Adolescence. McGraw Hill: New York.
Jackson, Allen and Dwayne Ulmer. 2000. Introducing the 21st Century Teenager. Lifeway Press: Nashville.
Johnston, Kurt. 2001. Controlled Chaos (Making Sense of Junior High Ministry). Standard Publishing: Ohio.
