Youth & Young Adult Ministry:

Session FiveYoung Adulthood & Service

YOUNG ADULT DEVELOPMENT

30 to 40

Post-AdolescentStages of Development

• Emerging Adult 20s• Transition 28-32• Young Adult 30s• Middle Adult 40-64• Maturity 65+

"Emerging Adulthood,"  Jeffrey Arnett 

• Interviewed 300,  18-29 year olds• Ongoing work to establish emerging

adulthood as a new stage of life development

Emerging Adulthood

How can Unitarian Universalism “speak” to these young adults, who share a feeling of “being in-between,” and who are very focused on their personal identities?

Emerging Adulthood

UU's can connect with young adults by:• recognizing them as a group• appreciating the diversity of this

stage of life• supporting their social, intellectual,

and spiritual needs

Develpmental Questions

• “Who am I?” (identity)• “Do I matter?” (autonomy)• “How do I relate to others?”

(Belonging/reconnection)

Adult Responses

• I know and am fairly comfortable with who I am.• I am willing to take responsibility for

myself.

Young Adult Characteristics

• Considered the healthiest time of life• Biological function and physical performance

reach their peak and begin to plateau• Major life investments–Work– Family– Friends– Community activities– Values

“Faith Formation for Young Adults,” John Roberto

• offer community and spirituality in the context of a clearly defined faith tradition

• offer worship and faith formation that is visual and experiential 

• respond to their needs for empowerment: leadership opportunities, responsibility, and accountability as well as authenticity and accessibility. 

Tribal Church

• Gather around a common cause• A ministry shift to basic care• The practice of spiritual traditions• A network of intergenerational encouragement

Common Cause

• Principles and Purposes• Congregational Mission

Basic Care

• Life course considerations• Living well– Caring for the body– Eating well–Managing household

• Resources for– Singles– Couples– Parents

Spiritual Traditions

• Excursions in nature• Contemplation• Reading• Journal writing• Conversations• Simple living• Social reform

Intergenerational Encouragement

• Social Events• Mentoring• Storytelling• Service• Learning

Strategies

• Focus on Community Life• Infuse Intergenerational Relationship-Building

and Programming into Existing Programs and Activities

• Incorporate All Generations into Ministries and Leadership Roles

• Create New Models of Intergenerational Programming

SERVICEYouth & Young Adult

Circles of Spirituality

• Personal Sphere• Communal Sphere• Environmental Sphere• Organizational Sphere

Engaged Spirituality

Engaged spirituality is an aspect of faith development, particularly in the lives of young adults.

Engaged Spirituality

Engaged spirituality involves living a dual engagement• engaging with those resources that

provide spiritual nurture• engaging with the world through acts of

compassion and justice.

Engaged Spirituality

“Engaged spirituality is not an either/or prospect it is a conscious and intentional commitment to engage both the nurturing and the active aspects of religious faith.”

— Janet W. Parachin

Young Adult Service Journal

Before Your Trip

GOAL: to help you:

1. reflect on who you are presently;

2. prepare for your trip mentally;

3. clarify your purpose.

Young Adult Service Journal

During Your Trip

GOAL:• to capture your experience.

Young Adult Service Journal

After Your Trip

GOAL:• to help you process your experience and

incorporate what you’ve learned into your life.