Sermon Illustrations
ADOLESCENTS - JUNIOR HIGHS
​
A LOOK AT THE YOUNG ADOLESCENT
​
We give them a group label: Jr. Highs — but realize that they need most often to be
taken one by one. It is a state of being as much as it is an age. For some it is a
time of natural, scarcely noticed flowering from childhood to adolescence; for others
it is a time of agony/ecstasy, of "coming to oneself" ...usually hung up on body, mind
or emotions or all three. It is a process of leaving childhood and entering a less stable
period of life. Both the transition process and the goal lack specificity. A "shaky
ego" results in mercurial emotions, exaggerations (despair/idealism, joy in childishness/
anguish in acting or being treated like a child).
Difficulties in knowing who/where JHs are suggests getting broader feedback, a wider
perspective from parents, teachers, coaches, other leaders. Listening and watching will
provide a more complete picture of a frequently indescribable person whose behavior is
not immediately descriptive of who he/she seems to be. Adults have the tendency often
to follow listening and watching with pouncing and using....these are not the only
responses.
Programming can be a nightmare if the "program" is seen as an end in itself or as
something for everyone. The program...a roller skating party, a simulation game, a
film, a project of making a film, a trip to see "our town," a worship service, a Bible
study...may only be the context in which affirmation, rejection, confrontation, challenge,
satisfaction, betrayal,- appreciation, hope, etc. are experienced and supported by patient,
consistent, hopeful, affirming, alive adults. Content is often more felt than heard by
JHs (theological, Biblical, ecclesiastical, psychological)...a Scripture verse used to
describe a moment or a conviction, a poster phrase referred to, a "hanging in" with the
hard to like or love, a pursuit of justice. And a sense of joy in life... an enfleshment
that the pain, questions, anxieties, fears, ambivalences, doom, etc. of the moment are
worth it. A leader may not be charismatic.. .but you and others have some of these things
in hand. JHs have lots to do...grow, find out, commit, withdraw, live up to real and »
fantasized expectations, test, try oh new/alternative life styles, find out what does and
what doesn’t, live with erratic and sometimes*' frightening/feelings... not much energy for
program, planning, lots of energy to complain, to scoff, to belittle (usually in defense).
Too few adults are able to be enthusiastic or passionate about life, God, church, love...
anywhere or anywhere but in the most private circumstances.
Some ideas to consider in programming for JHs:
. Some freedom to choose: programs, methods of learning, modes of involvement, leaders, etc.
. New names for old things
. Adults who leave them alone but are there
. "Free" times and spaces but with some options for things to do
. Chances to gain skills
. Short-term responsibilities; adults who can and will articulate for them without
forcing them to adopt the adult viewpoint; adults who acknowledge a range of
feelings and thoughts; adults who accept them but don’t close the door on the
possibility that they will change;* adults who are not compulsive and who can live
with noise, quiet, secrecy, giggles, celebrations, understatement, exaggeration
without getting that way themselves.
. Adults who get their major support for their leader roles from each other.
. Adults who sense that the JHs need recognition but who are sensitive to JHs’ fears
of looking special or unusual to their peers
. Opportunities to receive verbal recognition
. Variations on learning experiences: individualized instruction, weekday programs,
field trip series, work projects with adults and alone, in-training groups.
​
-Source unknown