FRIENDSHIP

Question 1

WHY FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT: Theological Reasons;

Answer 1

• friendship has sustained people since the beginning of time (trinity original friend cluster)
• we find meaning in community
• God created us for community
• Friends have always been and will always be of prime influence

Question 2

WHY FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT: Psychological Reasons;

Answer 2

• psychologically teens are in a transition period
• moving from childhood to adulthood
• moving from family influence to outside influence (world is opening up to them)
• they need to find where they belong

Question 3

WHY FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT: Sociological reasons;

Answer 3

• teens are segregated from rest of society
• society subtly encourages teen segregation
• mass energies poured into defining a youth culture distinct from others
• parents and other adults are kept away from teens by their jobs

Question 4

IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH WORK

Answer 4

CONNECT TEENS WITH ADULTS

• ministry of presence is more valuable than the execution of tasks by adults
• the better relationship with your students the better….
  a. model themselves after you
  b. learn from the lessons you give them
  c. come to you for help
  d. take your advice
  e. be comfortable being vulnerable in front of you
• remember the importance of relationships with people who are 30 years old and older as well