The adolescent years are some of the most important developmental years for young people. It’s a time of physical, emotional, and spiritual development that can be incredibly influential on the rest of their life. In this course Dr. Sean McGever draws from his years of experience working with youth to lay a solid foundation for others to work with these important age groups. McGever begins by exploring the spectrum of youth in our culture today—from those just entering adolescence in junior high school through college-age young adults. That span covers several development stages, and the course explores the issues they face in each stage, the challenges in communicating to that group, and effective ways to meet those communication challenges.
Upon successful completion you should be able to:
State the implications of recognizing that youth are created in the image of God
Describe the biological, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during adolescence
Describe the ideal of cooperation between parents or guardians and youth ministers or workers in helping youth through the difficult developmental phase of adolescence
State and understand the importance of the “rules of thumb” for ministering to youth
Identify the elements that should be included in a talk for youth
Compare and contrast how different age ranges respond to sermons
Describe tips for effectively communicating with each age group
Introduction
Introducing the Speaker and Course
Unit 1: Learning about Youth
All Humans (of All Ages) Are Made in the Image of God
Youth Equals Adolescence
Parents and Guardians
Educate Yourself on Trauma and Safety
Summary as It Relates to Communicating to Youth
Unit 2: Listening to Youth
Listening to Youth Requires Dialogue
How to Dialogue
Listening to Youth Requires Spending Time Together
Observation and Asking Questions
Listening and Following Up
Offer Advice and Encouragement and Engage Creatively
Unit 3: Speaking to Youth
Essential Attitudes and Ingredients to Speak to Youth
Best Practices: Young People Are Distracted, Have a Plan for Their Smartphones
Best Practices: Consider the Age of Your Audience
Best Practices: Use Tools to Engage Young People
Conclusion
Conclusion to the Course
Title: Communicating to Youth
Instructor: Sean McGever
Publisher: Lexham Press
Publication Date: 2021
Product Type: Logos Mobile Education
Resource Type: Courseware, including transcripts, audio, and video resources
Courses: 1
Video Hours: 2.5
Sean McGever (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is area director for Paradise Valley Arizona Young Life and adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University. He trains Young Life staff and volunteers internationally.