Summer '05 - Longings of today's students

This training is aimed at us becoming more aware as youth workers - to the underlying needs of adolescents. As we gain wisdom into their needs - we'll be able to better minister and meet those needs with the love of Christ.

Proverbs 1: 5 says, " 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance-

The Holy Bible: New International Version .

 We can all use some insights and wisdom into the world of the typical teen that we work with. At a recent Youth Specialties training, there was some data that gives us a peek into longings that are within the students we lead and walk alongside.

 I would encourage us all - through the many activities and relationship connections we'll have this summer - to be on the lookout for how the Holy Spirit might nudge us to minister to these longings in His kids!

  6 longings of today's kids (Youth Specialties _ the core training 2005)

  Students say:

I long to BELONG

I want people who know me and care about me

I long to be TAKEN SERIOUSLY

Does someone want to listen to me?

I long to MATTER

Students desire to have responsibility, to be a participator, not just a spectator

I long for a SAFE PLACE

A place/group to be themselves, safe place/group to make mistakes as they seek to continue discovery of who they are - why they're here. Acceptance is HUGE

I long to be UNIQUELY ME

Help me become fully 'me'. Students need people who believe in them! Help them become more than they are right now.

I long to be WANTED

"I want to be like - to be glad that I'm around". As a youth worker: does your face light up when you see that student? They're hoping and looking for it too!

We all have these longings in some capacity - it's our human journey. These needs might be heightened in the teen years - so join me in making it a point to look for ways to minister and meet some of these needs in students as we're together this summer!

By the way, if you haven't heard it in a while - Y OU MATTER!...and we are thrilled that you're on our team, loving students with the love that builds the Kingdom! You're making a difference that only time will tell and eternity can measure!

-Jack