Is 12 the new 15??
I was directed to an interesting article in the National Post (it's here) and a bunch of us YFC leaders discussed the implications. Here is one quote: "What we're seeing is that everything's been pushed back two or three years, so that 10-year-olds are more like 12-year-olds, and 12 is more like 14 or 15, and so on," says Sara Dimerman, a child and family therapist from Thornhill."
So we discussed the importance of youth ministry to younger kids, perhaps starting at age 8 or 10. It seems to be true that kids today are 'growing up' much earlier than before. But, here's the interesting part - it seems young people are staying young longer. Anyone know a young 20 year old who is still living at home, and perhaps consumed with playing video games?? So perhaps we need to expand the age range for youth ministry; instead of 13-18 - how about 10-24?? Not that they are all lumped into one group together, but perhpas we need to recognize the importance of starting younger and ministering to them longer.
Is this true in your area, and if so, what are the implications for Saskatchewan youth ministries??
posted by Gil Klassen at 3:39 PM
5 Comments:
I am beginning to see this coming to life. Especially with the older age. Having them graduate out of youth once they're done highschool seems too early. I see this for two reasons. 1) I'm not always getting teens to start in the youth group at aged 12. They come in when they're either invited or ready and i'd like more time to pour into their lives into the transition time of college and work (espeically do to the fact that there are more "progressive salvations" happening in our ministry than ever before). 2) Long gone are the days when we inherit Sunday School kids and kids from kids' club (unless you're in a "larger than average size church") 'cause there are less kids in church and less Sunday School in ministry lately.
On the young side I see 10 is 12 a lot in the clothing and choice of music. That's why our church has a drop-in centre for grades 4-6 because (although it's rare) 9/10 year olds are becoming an age group that is adopting many (if not most) of the attitudes and actions of their older pre-teen/tween aged peers.
1:04 PM
No shadow of a lie, this is sooo true!
We do a monthly worship time that was designed for 13-18 yr olds & we are
finding that MANY in their early mid & even late 20's are coming. So we've
just continued doing what we're doing but yes this a truth in our society
today.
I believe it may be a result from the survey & stat which was founded on our
Christian youth leaving the family after high school & going on to college
etc. & choosing not to be involved in the organized church, per say. Maybe
we have NOT fully lost them. Maybe they are needing their own style of
church? A different era in Christianity?
Again, we know spirituality is still being sifted through with youth but
they are not finding the real 'TRUTH' & I believe they are wanting it. It is
causing them to not even mature at the same rate. I find the youth who do
find Christ, & are deliberately & intentionally discipled, are more stable,
less all over the board & adapting to their age groupings healthier.
I don't know all the answers but this is something we all need to be looking
at.
Kim Hartel - Ex. Dir. YFC Lloyd
3:15 PM
It definitely seems to be true in our area, particularly the 15-17 year olds
who feel it is an absolute necessity to work part time jobs and miss out on
youth ministry, as well as the chance to sharpen their ministry skills as
our senior high leaders. Some are saving admirably for a bible college
education, while others are not saving at all, except to buy the latest cell
phones, clothing fashions, CD's and DVD's. In a sense, I was not much
different as a teenager, but I wasn't saved until my graduating year
either...
It is not quite as noticeable in the 12-13 year olds, but it certainly is
moving in that direction...
Scott Whitford
3:18 PM
Kim here. I definitely see that in my area. I think the kids I work with are like that because they have to be. I also feel like I'm working with younger kids in hopes that I can be with them longer.
5:45 PM
I don't think I'll be holding a youth ministry night for 10-24 year olds, but I do have to agree that "everything's been pushed back 2 or 3 years." On the flipside, we need to actively disciple our youth so they're not the ones who are 20+, sitting on Mom & Dad's couch, playing vids and letting life pass them by.
4:50 PM
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