Global Youth Ministry Network - Asia

All these areas of development we have discussed have a direct effect on how an adolescent experiences spiritual transformation—a period when he/she places a “God-filter” in his or her life.  Physical development, for instance, influences the way youth relate to God. G. Stanley Hall once wrote that it is no accident that the age of personal religious awareness and that of sexual maturity and love coincide. He compares the awakening of love in adolescents to their love for God.

Youth ministry must be a venue where adolescents can positively develop holistically–as Jesus manifested during his teenage years. He grew in “wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical) and in favor with God (spiritual) and man (social/emotional)”.  As we desire to witness genuine spiritual growth among adolescents, we must also reflect on the effects and implications of growth in other areas of their lives. Overall, balance is the goal!

These series of posts have been written by Ptr. Ronald Molmisa who blogs over at Ako si Big Brother.

See previous posts on Adolescent Development:

Physical Development of Teens

Intellectual Development of Teens

Social Development of Teens

Emotional Development of Teens

Spiritual Development of Teens