Ministry Moment: The Value of Supportive Adults

The research: 2017 – 3 part research project – confirmands, young adults (2000+), focus groups YA Relationships Count available for free - https://www.cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx   Other research available: Fuller Youth Institute Sticky Faith Research https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/stickyfaith/research   Barna Trends in Youth Ministry: https://www.barna.com/research/the-priorities-challenges-and-trends-in-youth-ministry/   Goal: Youth can name five people who walked with them. know their name know several things about them check in with them outside of programs     What elements make up a supportive relationship? Retaining the relationship over time Caring in joys and sorrows Christ-centered example of living out faith in life Openness to letting them walk with you through life preparing for transitions and responding to crisis Cloud of witness, varied perspectives     What is missing for youth and young adults if they don't have supportive relationships in their lives outside their family members? Being seen and heard, listened to – being a mirror to the value God has for them People to identify their gifts, skills, and passions sacrificial love and knowledge of the truth Bringing law and gospel to them in the most accurate way     What are some ways adults can nurture relationships with teens? How do those relationships change and grow as those teens enter young adulthood? Champion for youth – church workers and invested lay people Find the young people Foster connection – find ways to maintain relationships into adulthood   Ways to keep the relationship going - More than one touchpoint, keep coming back Makes things special around transitions still Re-opening mindfully with value-added   Who was there for you?