Resources on Adulthood

Topical Study on Adulthood "Adulthood" refers to a legal status, an emotional maturity or a collected set of responsibilities. While often understood as a developmental or psychological term, adulthood also is applied by metaphor to one's spiritual state.

Emerging Adulthood Article about Worship by Steve Argue https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/steve-argue-on-emerging-adulthood/ Article about Worship by Steve Argue Topics: Youth , Church , Relationship , Compassion Source: Fuller Studio In this podcast, Steven Argue reflects on intellectual dissonance and the fear of relational fallout, and encourages churches to respond to emerging adults with compassion before addressing their intellectual questions. (Length: 3:01)

The Law as Guardian Sermon Preparation or Illustration by David Peter https://concordiatheology.org/2013/06/proper-7-%e2%80%a2-galatians-323-47-%e2%80%a2-june-23-2013/ Sermon Preparation or Illustration by David Peter Topics: Baptism , Maturity , Law , Metaphor Source: Concordia Theology David Peter's sermon starter on Galatians 3:23-4:7 explores the metaphor of a child being under a guardian until they come into adulthood for the law's jurisdiction until a person comes to faith in Christ.

Horrific Rites of Passage Sermon Preparation or Illustration https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/from-chaos-to-community-series-overview/fourth-sunday-after-pentecost-2017-planning-notes Sermon Preparation or Illustration Topics: Transition , Violence , Family Source: Discipleship Ministries Interpreting the binding of Isaac as a "rite of passage" for transitioning into adulthood, this sermon starter on Genesis 22:1-14 explores how to discuss how abuse can tear families apart.

Rhythm of Life Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Martin Thielen https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3157/rhythm-of-life Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Martin Thielen Topics: Adulthood , Aging , David , Life Source: Ministry Matters A 4-week sermon series based on the life of David. This series focuses on the four stages of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior adulthood; by examining David at each stage.

An Event that Foreshadows Christ's Ministry Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Timothy Brooks http://www.aplainaccount.org/luke-241-52/ Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Timothy Brooks Topics: Jesus , Messiah , Judaism , Submission Source: A Plain Account Focusing on the Jewish elements described in Luke 2:41-52, this commentary by Timothy Brooks discusses how Jesus' appearance in the temple as a child foreshadowed his adulthood ministry as the Messiah.

Do not panic Article by Lisa Nichols Hickman https://www.faithandleadership.com/lisa-nichols-hickman-do-not-panic Article by Lisa Nichols Hickman Topics: Adulthood , Aging , Fear , Longing Source: Faith and Leadership Middle adulthood is a life stage not only for individuals, but also for institutions--a crisis that can be met by the 4D love prayed for in Ephesians 3:18-- a love that is longer, deeper, broader, and...

Christmas Sermon on Adolescence Scripture Meditation/Sermon by J Hugh Magers https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermon/adolescence-christmas-2-1998 Scripture Meditation/Sermon by J Hugh Magers Topics: Christmas , Jesus , Transition , Youth Source: Sermons That Work A Christmas sermon by J. Hugh Magers based on Luke 2:41-52, focused on adolescence and Jesus' transition to adulthood.

Emerging Adults, Emerging Worship Article about Worship by Todd Cioffi http://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/symposium-2012-emerging-adults-emerging-worship Article about Worship by Todd Cioffi Topics: Adulthood , Children/youth , Intergenerational issues , Worship Source: Calvin Institute of Christian Worship We are currently observing a new phenomenon within the development of young adults: emerging adulthood. This workshop provides a definition of emerging adulthood and why this matters for the church and its worship.

The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults Article about Worship by Jonathan B Hill http://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/the-religious-and-spiritual-lives-of-emerging-adults Article about Worship by Jonathan B Hill Topics: Spirituality , Youth , Religion Source: Calvin Institute of Christian Worship An audio recording of a workshop focused on understanding the latest social scientific research on the religious beliefs and practices of young people as they transition to adulthood.

Verdi Children's Sermon by Janell Cannon http://storypath.upsem.edu/verdi/ Children's Sermon by Janell Cannon Topics: Youth , Creation , Joy , Fear Source: Storypath In this picture book for young children, Janell Cannon relates the risky journey of a young snake’s life from hatchling to adulthood.

When God Leaves Us Alone Article by Thomas Lane Butts http://day1.org/2684-dr_thomas_lane_butts_when_god_leaves_us_alone Article by Thomas Lane Butts Topics: Maturity , God's Presence , Spiritual Growth Source: Day1 Are there times we experience God’s absence? In this article, Thomas Lane Butts explores why God seems to withdraw from us time to time.

Three Key Relationships for Youth Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Seraphim Danckaert http://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2014/may/4051914.html Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Seraphim Danckaert Topics: Faith , Family , Children/youth , Teaching Source: Preaching Today What is your role in the faith formation of youth? A sermon illustration that shows three key relationships that help our youth to maintain their faith in adulthood: Christian parents, Christian mentor or friend, and God.

Transitions of Older Adulthood Article by Missy Buchanan https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/1933/transitions-of-older-adulthood Article by Missy Buchanan Topics: Aging , Transition , Health , Community Source: Ministry Matters Describing the challenges of losing independence in old age, this article by Missy Buchanan discusses how church leaders can serve older adults by facilitating care, adapting worship, encouraging ministry participation, and retaining community connections.

Stories: Preparation for Life Sermon Preparation or Illustration by William J Bennett http://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1996/april/1694.html Sermon Preparation or Illustration by William J Bennett Topics: Preparation , Teaching , Children , Scripture Reading Source: Preaching Today Introducing themes of Scripture reading, teaching, and children, this sermon illustration argues that what we are read as children can have a lasting impact on our growth and faith into adulthood.

Being and Becoming Children of God Article by Chuck Queen http://day1.org/6308-chuck_queen_being_and_becoming_children_of_god Article by Chuck Queen Topics: Faith , Identity , CHILDREN OF GOD Source: Day1 In this article, Chuck Queen reflects on the differences between knowing that you are a child of God and living like a child of God in your daily life.

"rush creek with carp" and "adolescence" Poetry by Charles Rampp https://reformedjournal.com/blog/2007/01/16/by-charles-rampp/ Poetry by Charles Rampp Topics: Adulthood , Poetry , Children/youth , Spiritual Growth Source: Reformed Journal In this resource, Charles Rampp shares two poems: "rush creek with carp" explores themes of futility and growth while "adolescence" explores themes of innocence and adulthood.

Living as a Child of God Article by Charles Kestermeier https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/living-as-a-child-of-god/ Article by Charles Kestermeier Topics: Birth , Parenting , Choice , Trinity Source: Church Life Journal Charles Kestermeier uses the analogy of a child being born and developing into adulthood to explain one's spiritual life as a process of learning, trusting, and choosing, in relation to God our "true" Parent.

African Saints Who Were People of Color Article by Veronica Roltgen https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theshoelessbanshee/2020/08/31/african-saints-who-were-people-of-color/ Article by Veronica Roltgen Topics: Saints , Race , Courage Source: Patheos - Catholicism Reflecting on a quotation about refuge and courage, Veronica Roltgen shares stories of several Catholic saints from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

Young Adult Sunday Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Reginald Bell Jr http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupLectionaryReading.asp?LRID=211 Sermon Preparation or Illustration by Reginald Bell Jr Topics: Adulthood , Intergenerational issues , Sermon , God's Faithfulness Source: The African American Lectionary In this sermon starter, Reginald Bell introduces a collection of resources including songs, sermon outline on Exodus 13:17-14:4, and sermon illustrations for celebrating Young Adult Sunday.

A Walk Up the Aisle Article about Worship by Daniel Martins https://livingchurch.org/covenant/2017/05/29/a-walk-up-the-aisle/ Article about Worship by Daniel Martins Topics: Baptism , Grace , Prayer Source: The Living Church In this article, Daniel Martins shares how regular prayer walking through a cathedral from the baptismal font to the chancel helps him remember his life's journey and God's grace while also looking to the future.