So in my last post I talked about the emergence of a new phase of life known as 'emerging adulthood'. At the end of the post I asked:
- What kind of effects is this new phase of life having on the faith development process?
- Are the ways we've approached this age group in the past still effective? Efficient?
- What can we expect from college student in this phase - both as students and student leaders?
- Is there something we should be doing to slow down, stop, or even reverse this process? Is any kind of change even possible?
Here are some of my thoughts:
What kind of effects is this new phase of life having on the faith development process?
- As is the case in all phases of life, there is no 'one size fits (or describes) all'
- A phase of life that is characterized by increased levels of freedoms, without equal or proportionate expressions of responsibility, will undoubtedly impact an 'emerging adults' faith development.
- As responsibility is delayed in many areas of life, taking ownership of one's faith will likely be one of those areas that is also shelved until later.
- A growing and maturing faith would likely lead to an 'emerging adult' who was maturing in other areas of his/her life that would cause them to stand out in comparison to their peers.
Are the ways we've approached this age group in the past still effective? Efficient?
- Some yes, some no
- Degrees don't earn us anything.
- Titles may earn us even less...
- Young people love the idea of community
- Young people live online
- Personal relationships cannot be replaced
- Personal relationships have to be constantly pursued and invested in
What can we expect from college student in this phase - both as students and student leaders?
- Again, not all students will fit into one categorization.
- There have always been students who have been more responsible than others, same with student leaders
- Students like the idea of having a lot of opportunities
- Students like the idea of being well-connected
- Students don't like to be tied down
- Students like to know that their voice is heard and holds power
- Many students don't like to be challenged or denied
- Students expect results quickly
Is there something we should be doing to slow down, stop, or even reverse this process? Is any kind of change even possible?
- I don't know what kind of change is possible in this 'emerging adulthood' phase of life
- I think leaders and minister will have to change our approach/es to connect
- I think we need to challenge students whenever possible to step-up, take ownership and be responsible!
These thoughts aren't complete... but that's what I have right now.
What do you think? What have you seen from where you sit?
