Updated 2/27/12
So in a previous post entitled, Waiting to Grow UP, 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 of our students?- 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 ‘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 — we have to earn their trust and the right to speak into their lives.
- Titles may earn us even less… Most young people today aren’t looking for mentor-types (or guides) for this journey of life — they want to “find their way” all on their own.
- 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 students 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 — many struggle to say “no” to opportunities and tend to get themselves over-committed.
- Students like the idea of being well-connected — they’ve been taught to “network.”
- Students don’t like to be tied down to just one position — as much as they want leadership roles, some struggle with the consistent commitment that is required of leadership.
- Students like to know that their voice is heard and holds power — who doesn’t like that?!
- 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 — but the fact that it’s not completely wide-spread, and we see some students who seem to escape it and excel during their formative college years, leads me to believe that there has to be a way of navigating around it.
- I think we, as leaders and ministers, will have to change our approach/es to connect with today’s young people.
- I think we need to challenge students, whenever possible, to step-up and take ownership of different elements of life… 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?
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