Article at Fuller Youth Institute..
December 2, 2008
Follow the link below to read the importance of developing a youth ministry that involves adults and families.
Findings from Soul Searching
As sociologists paying attention to adolescent issues, Dr. Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton noticed a gap in contemporary research on teenagers and their faith. As a result, Smith launched the National Study of Youth and Religion with the goal to “develop a better scholarly and public understanding of the religious and spiritual lives of American Adolescents”1 and provide “stimulus for soul-searching conversations.”2 While the study’s findings extend beyond the scope of intergenerational relationships, this article focuses on those findings that are most relevant to intergenerational youth ministry.
Finding #1: Parents and adults are the primary influencers of spiritual formation.
Finding #2: Youth ministry programming is important.
Finding #3: Teenage spirituality is a reflection of adult spirituality.
Finding #4: Teenager’s are being socialized into a different “Christian” faith.