Feb 23, 2021
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?